Recording device, method for controlling the recording device, and program

Abstract

To provide a recording device capable of suppressing a decrease in throughput. [Solution] The recording device includes a recording head 10 that discharges liquid onto a recording medium to record an image, a temperature detector provided on the recording head 10 to detect temperature, and a controller 600 that performs standby control to cause the recording head 10 to wait for a standby time if the temperature detected by the temperature detector is higher than the standby temperature. The controller 600 determines whether or not to perform standby control based on at least one of recording information for recording an image onto the recording medium by the recording head 10 and ambient temperature information relating to the ambient temperature.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a recording device, a method for controlling a recording device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An inkjet-type recording device, an example of a recording device, records an image on a recording medium by ejecting a liquid such as ink using a recording head. Known recording heads include thermal recording heads and piezo-type recording heads. Thermal recording heads eject ink droplets from an ejection port by boiling the ink and generating bubbles. When manufacturing a thermal recording head, an electrothermal conversion element and electrodes are formed on a substrate using a semiconductor manufacturing process, and then the ejection port, liquid channel walls that form the liquid channels, a top plate, etc. are formed. In a thermal recording head, multiple liquid channels for supplying ink to the ejection port and recording elements, which are electrothermal conversion elements that cause film boiling in the ink within the liquid channels, are arranged at a high density.

[0003] In a recording head where multiple recording elements are arranged at a high density, the recording elements, which are electrothermal conversion elements, rapidly generate heat to produce energy for ink ejection. As a result, heat accumulates in the recording head with each ink ejection. When heat accumulates in the recording head, the temperature of the ink in the liquid channel communicating with the ejection port rises, causing small bubbles to form from the ink, which contains dissolved gas. These small bubbles in the liquid channel gradually grow as heat accumulates in the recording head. The bubbles that grow in the liquid channel obstruct the supply of ink from the ink tank to the ejection port, preventing sufficient ink droplets from being ejected from the recording head's ejection port. In addition, some inks contain resin particles that melt and then solidify when heated. If the ink containing resin particles adheres to the inside or outside of the recording head due to heat accumulation, sufficient ink droplets will not be ejected from the recording head's ejection port.

[0004] Hereinafter, when an electrical signal corresponding to the image data is applied to the recording element (electric thermal conversion element), the failure to eject sufficient ink droplets from the ejection port of the recording head will be referred to as "non-ejection." The state in which the temperature of the recording head rises to the extent that non-ejection occurs will be referred to as "overheating." When the recording head becomes overheated, it may affect the image quality due to non-ejection or cause damage to the recording head. To suppress the recording head from becoming overheated, a method is known in which the recording operation of the recording head is controlled by detecting the temperature of the recording head during recording and comparing the detected temperature with a predetermined threshold.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for distributing a waiting time for the recording head to start recording operations before it begins recording if the temperature of the recording head rises during recording. Hereinafter, the control method disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be referred to as temperature rise suppression control. Temperature rise suppression control is performed within a temperature range lower than the temperature at which the recording head is determined to be overheated. This prevents the recording head from starting the next recording operation while it is still overheated due to insufficient temperature reduction during the waiting time. However, if the recording head waits until its temperature falls below a predetermined threshold, the density and hue of the areas of the image recorded after the waiting time may differ from the density and hue of the areas of the image recorded before the waiting time, which may be visible as density and hue unevenness in the image. With temperature rise suppression control, by distributing the waiting time of the recording head, it is possible to suppress density and hue unevenness in the image while avoiding the recording head becoming overheated. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-12462 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, even if the recording head is not designed to overheat during recording, temperature rise suppression control may still be performed. For example, if the amount of ink injected during recording is extremely small, the total amount of energy required to eject the ink is small, so even if heat accumulates in the recording head, it will not overheat during recording. In this case, if the temperature threshold used for comparison in temperature rise suppression control is low, the recording head may wait for a specified waiting time before starting the recording operation, even if there is no need to wait. This can result in wasted waiting time, reducing the throughput of the recording device.

[0008] This disclosure aims to provide a recording device capable of suppressing a decrease in throughput. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A recording device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a recording head that discharges liquid onto a recording medium to record an image, a temperature detector provided on the recording head for detecting temperature, and a controller that performs standby control to cause the recording head to wait for a standby time when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is higher than the standby temperature, wherein the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control based on at least one of recording information for recording an image on the recording medium by the recording head and ambient temperature information relating to the ambient temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the decrease in throughput of the recording device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the general configuration of the recording device. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view of the recording head. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the recording head. [Figure 4]It is a schematic diagram showing the electrical wiring of the ejection module. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram of the circulation path. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the circulation pump. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the circulation pump. [Figure 8] It is an exploded perspective view of the circulation pump. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the piezoelectric ceramic inside the circulation pump. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing the blower unit and the fixing unit. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram showing the control system of the recording device. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram showing the recording method of multi-pass recording. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the control method of the recording device. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the recording process. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing a modified example of the recording process. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the third embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the recording device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the sixth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not limiting to the scope of this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are essential to the solutions of this disclosure. Identical components will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0013] First, the configuration of the recording device common to each embodiment will be described. The recording device may be, for example, a single-function printer having only a recording function. The recording device may be a multi-function printer having multiple functions such as a recording function, a fax function, and a scanner function. The recording device may be a manufacturing device for manufacturing color filters, electronic devices, optical devices, microstructures, etc., using a predetermined recording method.

[0014] In the following explanation, "record" refers not only to the formation of meaningful information such as text and figures, but also to any form of recording that is meaningful or meaningless. "Record" also refers to the formation of images, patterns, structures, etc., on a recording medium, or the processing of a medium, regardless of whether or not it is manifested in a way that humans can perceive visually.

[0015] The term "recording medium" refers not only to paper, which is commonly used in recording devices, but also to materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plates, glass, ceramics, resin, wood, and leather. In particular, "impermeable recording medium / low permeability recording medium" refers to non-absorbent recording medium / low-absorbent recording medium. Examples of impermeable recording mediums include glass, plastic, film, and Yupo, which are not manufactured as recording media for water-based inkjet inks. Examples also include materials that have not been surface-treated for inkjet printing (i.e., do not form an ink-absorbing layer), such as plastic film or paper coated with plastic. Examples of plastics include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Specific examples of low permeability recording mediums include art paper, coated paper, and other printing papers used in offset printing.

[0016] As an example of a low-permeability recording medium, we will describe printing paper (a low-absorption recording medium) which has significantly lower permeability to water-based inks compared to inkjet-specific paper. Printing paper refers to the official (real) printing paper used in offset printing to create the final product. There are two types of paper: uncoated paper and coated paper. Uncoated paper is made from pulp and used in its natural state. Coated paper has its surface smoothly coated with white pigment or the like. Of uncoated and coated papers, coated paper exhibits more pronounced image defects due to ink overflow and drying defects in inkjet recording. The coating layer is made of a mixed coating containing paper strength enhancers (e.g., starch), sizing agents, fillers, etc., at a density of several g / m². 2 ~40g / m 2This is a coated layer. Sizing agents (e.g., synthetic resins) limit the liquid absorption in the gaps between pulp fibers, preventing bleeding of water-based pens. Fillers (e.g., kaolin) improve opacity, whiteness, and smoothness. The average radius of capillary pores in coated paper is normally distributed around 0.06 μm. Moisture penetrates the coated paper through its numerous capillary pores (capillary action). However, the volume of capillary pores in coated paper is very small compared to that of inkjet-specific paper. As a result, coated paper has low permeability to water-based inks, and ink overflows on the surface of the coated paper, resulting in significant image degradation and drying degradation.

[0017] As an example of an impermeable recording medium, we will describe a PVC sheet, which has absolutely no permeability to water-based inks compared to inkjet-specific paper. A PVC sheet is a soft sheet manufactured using polyvinyl chloride resin as the main raw material with added plasticizers. PVC sheets have excellent printability in gravure printing and screen printing, as well as embossing (creating raised and lowered patterns by pressing). Because the combination of excellent printability and embossing allows for a wide range of expressions, PVC sheets are used in many products such as tarpaulin, canvas, and wallpaper. The main raw material of a PVC sheet is polyvinyl chloride resin. For this reason, PVC sheets have absolutely no permeability to water-based inks, and ink overflows on the surface of the PVC sheet, resulting in significant image degradation and drying degradation.

[0018] The definition of "ink," like the definition of "record" above, should be interpreted broadly. "Ink" refers to a liquid that, when applied to a recording medium, can be used to form images, patterns, etc., process the recording medium, or treat the ink. Examples of ink treatment include the solidification or insolubilization of the colorants in the ink applied to the recording medium.

[0019] <<First Embodiment>> <Recording device configuration> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of an inkjet type recording device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "recording device 1") according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the recording device 1 according to this embodiment comprises a recording head 10, a carriage 20, a blower unit 300 (see Figure 10 below), and a fuser unit 350 (see Figure 10 below). The recording device 1 according to this embodiment is a serial type recording device that records an image on a recording medium P by ejecting a liquid such as ink while scanning the recording head 10.

[0020] The recording head 10 is mounted on the carriage 20. The carriage 20 reciprocates along the guide axis 21 in the main scanning direction (X direction). The recording medium P is transported in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction), which intersects (in this example, is orthogonal) with the main scanning direction by the transport devices, namely the upstream transport rollers 25, 26 and the downstream transport rollers 27, 28. In the figures referenced below, the Z direction represents the vertical direction and intersects (in this embodiment, is orthogonal) with the XY plane defined by the X and Y directions.

[0021] The recording device 1 forms a predetermined image on the recording medium P by repeatedly performing a recording scan, in which a recording head 10 mounted on a carriage 20 moves in the main scanning direction and ejects ink to perform recording, and a transport operation, in which the recording medium P is transported in the sub-scanning direction. In this embodiment, the recording head 10 is capable of ejecting four types of ink: black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), and it is possible to record a full-color image using these inks. However, the inks that can be ejected from the recording head 10 are not limited to the above four types of ink. This disclosure is also applicable to recording heads that eject other types of ink. That is, the types and number of inks ejected from the recording head are not limited. For example, the types of inks ejected from the recording head may be one type, two types, three types, or five or more types. Also, if the recording medium is transparent, the recording head may be capable of ejecting an opacifying ink such as white (W) in addition to the four types of color inks: black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y).

[0022] Furthermore, the recording head 10 is equipped with a circulation unit 54. The recording device 1 is equipped with an ink tank (not shown), which is an ink supply source. The ink stored in the ink tank is supplied to the recording head 10 via a supply tube 29. The recording head 10 uses the circulation unit 54 to circulate the ink supplied from the ink tank within the recording head 10. Details of the circulation unit 54 will be described later.

[0023] The blower unit 300 and the fuser unit 350 (see Figure 10 below) heat and dry the water-based ink applied to the recording medium P after recording. Details of the blower unit 300 and the fuser unit 350 will be described later. The blower unit 300 and the fuser unit 350 also have the function of heating and forming a film of water-soluble resin fine particles, which will be described later. The water-soluble resin fine particles form a film when heated after being applied to the recording medium, improving the scratch resistance of the image.

[0024] <Recording head configuration> Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the recording head 10 of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the recording head 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the recording head 10 comprises a head housing 53, a circulation unit 54, and an ejection unit 30 for ejecting ink supplied from the circulation unit 54 onto the recording medium P. The recording head 10 is fixedly supported on the carriage 20 of the recording device 1 by positioning means (not shown) and electrical contacts provided on the carriage 20. The recording head 10 ejects ink while moving together with the carriage 20 in the main scanning direction (X direction) and performs recording on the recording medium P.

[0025] As mentioned above, the recording head 10 is capable of dispensing four types of ink. In this embodiment, since four types of ink are used, four sets of ink tanks, supply tubes 29, and liquid connector insertion ports (not shown) of the recording head 10 are provided, corresponding to each ink, and four independent supply paths are formed for each ink.

[0026] The circulation units 54 include a black ink circulation unit 54K, a cyan ink circulation unit 54C, a magenta ink circulation unit 54M, and a yellow ink circulation unit 54Y. The four circulation units 54K, 54C, 54M, and 54Y are arranged in the X direction and housed inside the head housing 53. Each circulation unit has substantially the same configuration, and in this embodiment, unless otherwise distinguished, they are all referred to as circulation unit 54. Although the recording head 10 shown in Figure 2 is an example in which four circulation units 54 corresponding to four types of ink are provided on the recording head 10, it is sufficient to provide circulation units 54 corresponding to the type of liquid to be discharged. Furthermore, multiple circulation units 54 may be provided for the same type of liquid. That is, the recording head 10 can be configured to have one or more circulation units. It is also possible to have a configuration in which only at least one ink is circulated, rather than circulating all four types of ink.

[0027] The ejection unit 30 comprises two ejection modules 40, a first support member 31, a second support member 34, an electrical wiring member (electrical wiring tape) 35, and an electrical contact substrate 36. Each ejection module 40 comprises a silicon substrate (not shown) made of silicon, and a plurality of recording elements and heating elements provided on one side of the silicon substrate. The recording elements are composed of heat-generating resistance elements (heaters) that generate thermal energy as energy for ejecting ink. Power is supplied to each recording element via electrical wiring formed on the silicon substrate by film deposition technology. The heating elements are composed of heat-generating resistance elements, similar to the recording elements, and heat the recording head 10 to regulate the temperature. Power is supplied to each heating element via electrical wiring formed on the silicon substrate by film deposition technology. The heat-generating resistance elements have electrical resistance, and for example, by passing an electric current through the recording elements, the recording elements generate heat, causing the ink to boil over.

[0028] On the front side of the ejection module 40 (silicon substrate), multiple pressure chambers 12 corresponding to multiple recording elements and multiple ejection ports 13 for ejecting ink are formed by photolithography technology. A common supply channel 18 and a common recovery channel 19 are formed in the silicon substrate so that the ink supplied to the pressure chambers 12 circulates. In addition, a supply connection channel (not shown) that connects the common supply channel 18 to each pressure chamber 12 and a recovery connection channel (not shown) that connects the common recovery channel 19 to each pressure chamber 12 are formed in the silicon substrate. On the back side of the silicon substrate, an ink supply port (not shown) that connects the common supply channel 18 to the ink supply channel 38 of the first support member 31 and an ink recovery port (not shown) that connects the common recovery channel 19 to the ink recovery channel 39 of the first support member 31 are formed.

[0029] In this embodiment, one ejection module 40 is configured to eject two types of ink. Specifically, of the two ejection modules 40 shown in Figure 3, the ejection module 40 located on the left side of the figure ejects black ink and cyan ink, while the ejection module 40 located on the right side of the figure ejects magenta ink and yellow ink. Alternatively, the ejection unit 30 may be configured to include one ejection module configured to eject four types of ink.

[0030] The back surface of the ejection module 40 (silicon substrate) is adhesively fixed to one surface (the bottom surface in Figure 3) of the first support member 31. The first support member 31 has an ink supply channel 38 and an ink recovery channel 39 that penetrate from one surface to the other. One opening of the ink supply channel 38 communicates with the ink supply port of the silicon substrate, and one opening of the ink recovery channel 39 communicates with the ink recovery port of the silicon substrate. The ink supply channel 38 and the ink recovery channel 39 are provided independently for each type of ink.

[0031] Furthermore, a second support member 34, which has an opening through which the ejection module 40 is inserted, is adhesively fixed to one side of the first support member 31. An electrical wiring member 35, which is electrically connected to the ejection module 40, is held in the second support member 34. The electrical wiring member 35 transmits an electrical signal to the ejection module 40 for ejecting ink.

[0032] A joint member 61 is provided between the first support member 31 and the circulation unit 54. The joint member 61 has supply ports 68 and recovery ports 69 formed for each type of ink. The supply ports 68 and recovery ports 69 connect the ink supply channel 38 and ink recovery channel 39 of the first support member 31 with the channels formed in the circulation unit 54. In Figure 3, supply ports 68K and recovery ports 69K correspond to black ink, and supply ports 68C and recovery ports 69C correspond to cyan ink. In addition, supply ports 68M and recovery ports 69M correspond to magenta ink, and supply ports 68Y and recovery ports 69Y correspond to yellow ink.

[0033] Furthermore, one of the openings of the ink supply channel 38 and ink recovery channel 39 in the first support member 31 has a small opening area that matches the ink supply port and ink recovery port of the discharge module 40 (silicon substrate). In contrast, the other opening of the ink supply channel 38 and ink recovery channel 39 in the first support member 31 has a large opening area that matches the supply port 68 and recovery port 69 of the joint member 61 that communicates with the flow path of the circulation unit 54.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical wiring of the ejection module 40. Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram showing the layer on which the electrical wiring 43 for supplying power to the recording element is formed. Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing the layer on which the electrical wiring for supplying power to the heating element is formed. By making the silicon substrate of the ejection module 40 a multilayer structure, the electrical wiring 43 for the recording element and the electrical wiring for the heating element can be formed at the same position in the XY plane.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4(a), the ejection module 40 is provided with a recording element array 41 in which multiple recording elements are arranged in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction). For example, multiple recording element arrays 41 corresponding to four types of ink—black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y)—are arranged in the main scanning direction (X direction). The ejection module 40 is also provided with an electrical pad 42 that is electrically connected to the recording element array 41 via electrical wiring 43. Four electrical wirings 43, each corresponding to one of the four types of ink, are electrically connected to the multiple recording element arrays 41 and the electrical pad 42. This means that one electrical wiring is connected to each recording element array 41 corresponding to one type of ink. The electrical signals for driving the recording elements contain a lot of information. By connecting one electrical wiring 43 to each recording element array 41 corresponding to one type of ink, the structure of the electrical wiring 43 can be simplified, thereby suppressing increases in the manufacturing cost and size of the ejection module 40. The electrical wiring member 35 transmits electrical signals to each recording element of the recording element array 41 via the electrical pad 42 and electrical wiring 43 to drive the recording elements.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4(b), the ejection module 40 is provided with a plurality of heating elements 45 arranged in the direction of the recording element array. The heating elements 45 are arranged so as to sandwich the recording element row 41. The heating elements 45 are made of a material that generates heat when an electric current flows through it, such as aluminum. The ejection module 40 is also provided with a plurality of temperature sensors 46 arranged in the direction of the recording element array. The temperature sensors 46, which are temperature detectors, are constructed using diodes and detect the temperature of the recording head 10 (ejection module 40). The heating elements 45 and temperature sensors 46 are electrically connected to an electric pad 42 via electrical wiring (not shown). The electrical wiring member 35 transmits an electrical signal to the heating elements 45 to drive them via the electric pad 42 and the electrical wiring. The temperature sensors 46 output a temperature detection signal via the electrical wiring and the electric pad 42.

[0037] In the examples shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), for ease of understanding, the ejection module 40 is shown to have multiple recording element arrays 41 corresponding to four types of ink, but it is not limited to this. For example, in the ejection module 40 that ejects black ink and cyan ink, one of the two ejection modules 40 shown in Figure 3 may have multiple recording element arrays 41 corresponding to these two types of ink arranged in the main scanning direction. In the ejection module 40 that ejects magenta ink and yellow ink, one of the two ejection modules 40 shown in Figure 3 may have multiple recording element arrays 41 corresponding to these two types of ink arranged in the main scanning direction.

[0038] <Circulation path within the recording head> Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the circulation path of one type of ink (one color ink) configured within the recording head 10. As shown in Figure 5, the circulation unit 54 comprises a filter 110, a first pressure adjustment mechanism 120, a second pressure adjustment mechanism 150, and a circulation pump 500. The first pressure adjustment mechanism 120, the second pressure adjustment mechanism 150, and the circulation pump 500 are connected by the respective flow paths shown in Figure 5, forming a circulation path within the recording head 10 for supplying and recovering ink to and from the ejection module 40.

[0039] The first pressure adjustment mechanism 120 includes a first valve chamber 121 and a first pressure control chamber 122. The second pressure adjustment mechanism 150 includes a second valve chamber 151 and a second pressure control chamber 152. The first pressure adjustment mechanism 120 is configured to have a relatively higher control pressure than the second pressure adjustment mechanism 150. In this embodiment, by using these two pressure control mechanisms 120 and 150, circulation within a constant pressure range is achieved within the circulation path. Furthermore, the ink is configured to flow through the pressure chamber 12 at a flow rate corresponding to the pressure difference between the first pressure adjustment mechanism 120 and the second pressure adjustment mechanism 150. The flow of ink within the circulation path will be described below with reference to Figure 5. Note that the arrows in Figure 5 indicate the direction of ink flow.

[0040] The ink stored in the ink tank (not shown) is pressurized by a pressure pump (not shown) provided in the recording device 1, and supplied to the circulation unit 54 of the recording head 10 as a positive pressure ink flow. The ink supplied to the circulation unit 54 passes through a filter 110 to remove foreign matter such as dust and air bubbles, and then flows into the first valve chamber 121 provided in the first pressure adjustment mechanism 120. The pressure of the ink decreases due to pressure loss when passing through the filter 110, but the ink pressure at this stage is positive. Subsequently, the ink that has flowed into the first valve chamber 121 flows into the first pressure control chamber 122 when the valve 190 is open. The ink that has flowed into the first pressure control chamber 122 switches from positive pressure to negative pressure due to pressure loss when passing through a communication port that connects the first valve chamber 121 and the first pressure control chamber 122.

[0041] The circulation pump 500 operates to send ink drawn from the second pressure control chamber 152 to the first pressure control chamber 122. When the circulation pump 500 is driven, the ink that flows from the first valve chamber 121 into the first pressure control chamber 122 flows into the supply channel 130 and the bypass channel 160 together with the ink sent from the second pressure control chamber 152. The supply channel 130 is connected to the common supply channel 18 via an ink supply port (not shown) provided in the discharge module 40. The supply channel 130 is formed by a channel formed in the circulation unit 54, a supply port 68 of the joint member 61, and an ink supply channel 38 of the first support member 31.

[0042] Ink flowing into the supply channel 130 flows from the ink supply port of the ejection module 40 through the common supply channel 18 into the pressure chamber 12, and some of the ink is ejected from the ejection port 13 by the drive (heat generation) of the recording element. The remaining ink that is not used for ejection flows through the pressure chamber 12, passes through the common recovery channel 19, and then flows into the recovery channel 140 connected to the ejection module 40. The ink that flows into the recovery channel 140 flows into the second pressure control chamber 152 of the second pressure adjustment mechanism 150. The recovery channel 140 is connected to the common recovery channel 19 via an ink recovery port (not shown) provided in the ejection module 40. The recovery channel 140 is formed by a channel formed in the circulation unit 54, a recovery port 69 of the joint member 61, and an ink recovery channel 39 of the first support member 31.

[0043] Meanwhile, ink flowing from the first pressure control chamber 122 into the bypass channel 160 flows into the second valve chamber 151 and then into the second pressure control chamber 152. The ink that has flowed into the second pressure control chamber 152 via the bypass channel 160 and the ink recovered from the recovery channel 140 are sent to the first pressure control chamber 122 by the circulation pump 500. Subsequently, the ink that has flowed from the first pressure control chamber 122 through the supply channel 130 and the discharge module 40 to the second pressure control chamber 152, and the ink that has flowed into the second pressure control chamber 152 via the bypass channel 160, both flow into the circulation pump 500. Then, they are sent from the circulation pump 500 to the first pressure control chamber 122. In this way, ink is circulated within the circulation path.

[0044] <Configuration of the circulation pump> Next, the circulation pump 500 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the circulation pump 500. Figure 6(a) is a perspective view showing the rear side of the circulation pump 500. Figure 6(b) is a perspective view showing the front side of the circulation pump 500. The outer shell of the circulation pump 500 consists of a pump housing 505 and a cover 507 fixed to the pump housing 505. The pump housing 505 has a pump supply hole 501 and a pump discharge hole 502. The pump supply hole 501 is connected to the second pressure control chamber 152, and the pump discharge hole 502 is connected to the first pressure control chamber 122. Ink that flows into the inside of the circulation pump 500 from the pump supply hole 501 passes through the pump chamber 503 (see Figure 7) provided inside the circulation pump 500 and is discharged from the pump discharge hole 502.

[0045] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the circulation pump 500, showing the cross-section at VII-VII in Figure 6(b). A diaphragm 506 is joined to the inner surface of the pump housing 505, and a pump chamber 503 is formed between the diaphragm 506 and a recess formed on the inner surface of the pump housing 505. The pump chamber 503 communicates with a pump supply hole 501 and a pump discharge hole 502 formed in the pump housing 505. A check valve 504a is provided in the middle of the pump supply hole 501, and a check valve 504b is provided in the middle of the pump discharge hole 502.

[0046] When the diaphragm 506 is displaced and the volume of the pump chamber 503 increases, causing the pump chamber 503 to be depressurized, the check valve 504a moves away from the opening of the pump supply hole 501 in the space 512. This separation of the check valve 504a from the opening of the pump supply hole 501 in the space 512 creates an open state that allows ink to flow through the pump supply hole 501. Conversely, when the diaphragm 506 is displaced and the volume of the pump chamber 503 decreases, causing the pump chamber 503 to be pressurized, the check valve 504a comes into close contact with the wall surface surrounding the opening of the pump supply hole 501. As a result, it enters a closed state that blocks the flow of ink through the pump supply hole 501.

[0047] On the other hand, when the pump chamber 503 is depressurized, the check valve 504b closes to the surrounding wall surface of the opening formed in the pump housing 505, blocking the flow of ink through the pump discharge hole 502. Conversely, when the pump chamber 503 is pressurized, the check valve 504b moves away from the opening in the pump housing 505, opening to allow the flow of ink through the pump discharge hole 502.

[0048] Furthermore, the material of each check valve 504a and 504b is acceptable as long as it is deformable according to the pressure in the pump chamber 503. For example, each check valve 504a and 504b may be formed from an elastic material such as EPDM or elastomer, or from a film or thin sheet of polypropylene, but is not limited to these.

[0049] As mentioned above, the pump chamber 503 is formed by the joint between the pump housing 505 and the diaphragm 506. Therefore, the pressure in the pump chamber 503 changes as the diaphragm 506 deforms. For example, if the diaphragm 506 is displaced toward the pump housing 505 and the volume of the pump chamber 503 decreases, the pressure inside the pump chamber 503 increases. This causes the check valve 504b, which is positioned opposite the pump discharge hole 502, to open, and the ink in the pump chamber 503 is discharged. At this time, the check valve 504a, which is positioned opposite the pump supply hole 501, is in close contact with the wall surface surrounding the pump supply hole 501, so the backflow of ink from the pump chamber 503 to the pump supply hole 501 is suppressed.

[0050] Conversely, if the diaphragm 506 is displaced in a direction that expands the pump chamber 503, the pressure in the pump chamber 503 decreases. As a result, the check valve 504a, which is positioned opposite the pump supply hole 501, opens, and ink is supplied to the pump chamber 503. At this time, the check valve 504b, which is positioned opposite the pump discharge hole 502, comes into close contact with the surrounding wall surface of the opening formed in the pump housing 505, closing the opening. Therefore, backflow of ink from the pump discharge hole 502 to the pump chamber 503 is suppressed.

[0051] In this way, the circulation pump 500 controls the circulation of ink in the circulation path by changing the pressure in the pump chamber 503 by deforming the diaphragm 506, thereby sucking in and discharging ink. At this time, it is possible to change the circulation flow rate of the ink circulating in the circulation path by changing the number of times the diaphragm 506 is deformed per unit time. Hereinafter, the number of times the diaphragm 506 is deformed per unit time will be referred to as the number of times the circulation pump is driven.

[0052] <Diaphragm drive mechanism> Next, the drive unit of the diaphragm 506 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the circulation pump 500. Figure 8(a) is an exploded perspective view of the circulation pump 500 seen from the rear. Figure 8(b) is an exploded perspective view of the circulation pump 500 seen from the front. The circulation pump 500 is a piezoelectric pump that is driven by applying voltage to a piezoelectric ceramic. As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the circulation pump 500 is equipped with a diaphragm 506, a vibrating plate 509, a piezoelectric ceramic 510, and a drive circuit board 513.

[0053] The diaphragm 506 is formed in a thin sheet shape using an injection-molded resin material such as modified polyphenylene ether (PPE) resin mixed with polystyrene (PS), or polypropylene. The diaphragm 506 may also be formed by punching out a film or resin sheet, but is not limited to this. The diaphragm 506 is bonded to one side of the diaphragm 509 with adhesive 508. The diaphragm 509 is formed in a thin sheet shape using brass, stainless steel, iron-nickel alloy, or the like, but is not limited to this. The piezoelectric ceramic 510 is bonded and fixed to the side of the diaphragm 509 opposite to the diaphragm 506. The drive circuit board 513 is fixed inside the cover 507, facing the piezoelectric ceramic 510. The drive circuit board 513 drives the piezoelectric ceramic 510 and the diaphragm 509 by applying voltage using power supplied from the recording device 1. The drive circuit board 513 has a board hole 515 that engages with a fixing pin 516 formed on the inside of the cover 507.

[0054] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the piezoelectric ceramic 510 inside the circulation pump 500. Figure 9 shows the electrical connection of the piezoelectric ceramic 510 as viewed from the side of the drive circuit board 513. The diaphragm 509 is electrically connected to the GND (ground) wiring of the drive circuit board 513 via the first electrical connection cable 518a. The piezoelectric ceramic 510 is electrically connected to the AC voltage output section of the drive circuit board 513 via the second electrical connection cable 518b. One end of the first electrical connection cable 518a is fixed to the diaphragm 509 by solder 520a and electrically connected. The other end of the first electrical connection cable 518a is fixed to the drive circuit board 513 (GND wiring) by solder 521a and electrically connected. One end of the second electrical connection cable 518b is fixed to the piezoelectric ceramic 510 by solder 520b and electrically connected. The other end of the second electrical connection cable 518b is fixed to the drive circuit board 513 (AC voltage output section) by solder 521b and electrically connected. By connecting the diaphragm 509 to GND (ground) and applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric ceramic 510, the piezoelectric ceramic 510 expands and contracts, deforming the diaphragm 506. As a result, the circulation pump 500 can change the pressure in the pump chamber 503 by deforming the diaphragm 506, thereby enabling the suction and discharge of ink.

[0055] Furthermore, the drive circuit board 513 is electrically connected via a cable (not shown) to a connection terminal for pump drive provided on the electrical contact board 36 (see Figure 2). When the recording head 10 is mounted on the carriage 20, an electrical signal from the electrical contact section on the carriage 20 is input to the drive circuit board 513 via the cable from the connection terminal for pump drive on the electrical contact board 36. Because the electrical contact board 36 is provided with a connection terminal for pump drive, the circulation pump 500 can be driven by applying a predetermined voltage to the connection terminal even when the recording head 10 is removed from the carriage 20.

[0056] <Configuration of the air blower unit and fixing unit> Next, the blower unit 300 and the fuser unit 350 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the blower unit 300 and the fuser unit 350. The blower unit 300 and the fuser unit 350 fix the ink that forms the image on the recording medium P to the recording medium P by heating and drying the ink. The blower unit 300 is positioned near the upstream side (in the transport direction of the recording medium P) of the recording head 10, which is located above the platen 23. The blower unit 300 is a blower-type drying device that heats gas and sends it to the portion of the recording medium P facing the recording head 10. The blower unit 300 comprises a first heating element 310 for heating the gas and a first blower unit 320. The first heating element 310 is positioned inside the first blower duct 322 in the first blower unit 320. The first heating element 310 can be any device whose heating temperature for heating the gas can be controlled. Furthermore, the first heating element 310 is preferably one that has high heat transfer efficiency to the air.

[0057] The first air blower unit 320 comprises a first blower fan 321, a first air duct 322, and a first air discharge unit 323. The first blower fan 321 blows gas (for example, air) to the first heat-generating element 310. The gas blown from the first blower fan 321 is heated by the first heat-generating element 310. The first air duct 322 guides the gas heated by the first heat-generating element 310 to the first air discharge unit 323. The first air discharge unit 323 discharges the gas heated by the first heat-generating element 310 and passed through the first air duct 322 toward the gap between the recording head 10 and the recording medium P (platen 23). In this way, the first air blower unit 320 sends the gas heated by the first heat-generating element 310 to the portion of the recording medium P facing the recording head 10. Furthermore, a heating temperature sensor 325 (see Figure 11 below) is installed inside the first air duct 322, and the heating temperature for heating the gas with the first heating element 310 can be controlled based on the temperature detected by the heating temperature sensor 325. The heating temperature sensor 325 is configured using, for example, an infrared sensor.

[0058] Furthermore, the blower unit 300 may be provided with a vapor discharge mechanism to recover vapor generated from the ink and discharge it to the outside. Depending on the amount of ink adhering to the recording medium P, a large amount of vapor may be generated when the ink dries. By providing the blower unit 300 with a vapor discharge mechanism, it is possible to suppress the decrease in drying efficiency caused by the inside of the blower unit 300 being filled with vapor. In addition, the blower unit 300 and the recording head 10 are covered by an access cover 390. Multiple openings (not shown) are formed on the +Y direction side (downstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium P) of the access cover 390 to release the gas discharged from the first blower discharge section 323 of the blower unit 300.

[0059] The fixing unit 350 is positioned above the recording medium P and downstream of the recording head 10 (in the direction of transport of the recording medium P). Although the downstream transport rollers 27 and 28 are positioned upstream of the fixing unit 350 (in the direction of transport of the recording medium P) in Figure 10, they may also be positioned downstream of the fixing unit 350. The fixing unit 350 is a forced-air drying device that fixes the ink by drying the ink ejected onto the recording medium P by the recording head 10. The fixing unit 350 includes a second heating element 360 for heating gas and a second blower unit 370. The second heating element 360 is positioned inside the second blower duct 372 of the second blower unit 370. The second heating element 360 should be capable of controlling the fixing temperature for ink fixing. Furthermore, the second heating element 360 should preferably have high heat transfer efficiency to the air.

[0060] The second air blower unit 370 comprises a second blower fan 371, a second air blower duct 372, and a second air blower / discharge unit 373. The second blower fan 371 blows gas (for example, air) to the second heat-generating element 360. The gas blown from the second blower fan 371 is heated by the second heat-generating element 360. The second air blower duct 372 guides the gas heated by the second heat-generating element 360 to the second air blower / discharge unit 373. The second air blower / discharge unit 373 is formed in a mesh shape facing the recording medium P. The second air blower / discharge unit 373 discharges the gas that has been heated by the second heat-generating element 360 and passed through the second air blower duct 372 toward the recording medium P. As a result, the second air blower 370 blows gas heated by the second heating element 360 onto the recording medium P, thereby drying the ink ejected onto the recording medium P by the recording head 10. In addition, a fixing temperature sensor 375 (see Figure 11 described later) is installed inside the second air blower duct 372, and based on the temperature detected by the fixing temperature sensor 375, the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 can be controlled. The fixing temperature sensor 375 is configured using, for example, an infrared sensor.

[0061] Furthermore, the fixing unit 350 may be provided with a vapor discharge mechanism that recovers vapor generated from the ink and discharges it to the outside, similar to the blower unit 300. Also, the second blower unit 370 is configured to take in outside air, but is not limited to this. For example, the second blower unit may be equipped with an adjustment mechanism to adjust the amount of outside air taken in. Alternatively, the second blower unit may be configured to circulate the gas heated by the second heating element between the second blower duct and the recording medium. This reduces the amount of heat required to heat the gas compared to when outside air is taken in, and thus reduces the power consumption of the second heating element.

[0062] Furthermore, when fixing the ink with the fixing unit 350, it is necessary to evaporate most of the liquid components, such as water-soluble organic solvents, contained in the ink. Therefore, the temperature distribution in the transport direction of the recording medium P in the second air discharge unit 373 is such that it is possible to secure a heating time to supply the energy necessary to evaporate most of the liquid components.

[0063] In this embodiment, the ink forming the image on the recording medium P is fixed to the recording medium P through a first drying step by the blower unit 300 and a second drying step by the fixer unit 350. In the first drying step, the blower unit 300 dries the ink on the recording medium P by sending heated gas to the portion of the recording medium P facing the recording head 10. As a result, the liquid component contained in the ink evaporates and the viscosity of the ink increases, which reduces the likelihood of the surface shape of the ink film on the recording medium P or the image being disturbed in the second drying step by the fixer unit 350. In the first drying step, since the viscosity of the ink has not increased sufficiently, the gas being blown from the side of the recording medium P where the recording head 10 is located may affect the surface shape of the ink film on the recording medium P. Therefore, it is preferable that the blower unit 300 blows air in a direction along the recording medium P so as not to affect the surface shape of the ink film on the recording medium P.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first drying step, it is preferable to control the temperature of the first heating element 310 so that the temperature of the gas supplied from the blower unit 300 is higher than that of the area where the image is recorded by the recording head 10. This prevents defects from occurring in the image recorded on the recording medium P when a large amount of ink is used to record the image, as it takes time for the ink on the recording medium P to dry and for the viscosity of the ink to increase. For example, it is preferable that the temperature of the gas supplied from the blower unit 300 be between 35°C and 60°C. This improves the drying efficiency of the ink on the recording medium P. If the temperature of the gas supplied from the blower unit 300 is not sufficiently high, it becomes necessary to lengthen the area for the first drying step in high-speed recording modes.

[0065] In the second drying step, the fixing unit 350 further dries the ink on the recording medium P that has undergone the first drying step, thereby fixing the ink. At this time, the fixing unit 350 dries the ink on the recording medium P by rapidly heating it to the point where it does not flow, thereby fixing the ink to the recording medium P.

[0066] Furthermore, when the water-soluble resin microparticle ink described later is used, the resin microparticles contained in the ink are heated by the blower unit 300 and the fixing unit 350 to form a film. The temperature for heating the water-soluble resin microparticle ink (fixing temperature) is preferably higher than the minimum film-forming temperature of the resin microparticles. The minimum film-forming temperature refers to the lowest temperature required for the resin microparticles to form a film by heating. When a dispersion of resin microparticles is spread on a heat-conductive plate with a temperature gradient to form a dried film, the lowest temperature at which the film does not whiten can be measured as the minimum film-forming temperature. Also, even in high-speed recording modes, it is necessary to dry the ink in a limited area. To improve the drying efficiency of the ink, a higher temperature is preferable for heating the water-soluble resin microparticle ink (fixing temperature). For example, the temperature for heating the water-soluble resin microparticle ink may be 60°C or higher, or 80°C or higher. Also, to prevent deformation of the recording medium, the temperature for heating the water-soluble resin microparticle ink may be 120°C or lower, or 100°C or lower.

[0067] <Ink composition> Next, the composition of the colored ink and water-soluble resin fine particle ink used in this embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, "parts" and "%" refer to mass unless otherwise specified.

[0068] Both the colored ink containing pigment and the water-soluble resin microparticle ink containing no or only trace amounts of pigment used in this embodiment contain a water-soluble organic solvent. For reasons of wetting and moisturizing the face surface of the recording head, the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably one with a boiling point of 150°C to 300°C. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of its function as a film-forming aid for the resin microparticles and its swelling solubility in the recording medium on which the resin layer is formed, the following water-soluble organic solvents are preferred: Ketone compounds such as acetone and cyclohexanone; Propylene glycol derivatives such as tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether; Heterocyclic compounds having a lactam structure, such as N-methyl-pyrrolidone and 2-pyrrolidone. From the viewpoint of discharge performance, the content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably 3 wt% to 30 wt%. Specific examples of water-soluble organic solvents include: C1 to C4 alkyl alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, sec-butyl alcohol, and tert-butyl alcohol. Amides such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide. Ketones or keto alcohols such as acetone and diacetone alcohol. Ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane. Polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. Ethylene glycol. Or alkylene glycols containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms in an alkylene group, such as propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol, and diethylene glycol. Lower alkyl ether acetates such as polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate. Glycerin. Lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether, diethylene glycol methyl (or ethyl) ether, and triethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether. Polyhydric alcohols such as trimethylolpropane and trimethylolethane. N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, etc.The above-mentioned water-soluble organic solvents can be used individually or as a mixture. Furthermore, it is preferable to use deionized water. In addition to the above-mentioned components, surfactants, defoamers, preservatives, and fungicides may be added as needed to the colored ink and water-soluble resin fine particle ink used in this embodiment to achieve desired physical properties.

[0069] <Preparation of resin microparticle dispersion> The colored ink of this embodiment contains water-soluble resin microparticles to improve the scratch resistance (fixability) of the recorded image by ensuring close adhesion between the recording medium and the colorant. The resin microparticles are melted by heat, and a heater is used to form a film of the resin microparticles and dry the solvent contained in the ink. In this embodiment, "resin microparticles" refers to polymer microparticles that exist in a dispersed state in water. Specific examples of resin microparticles include: acrylic resin microparticles synthesized by emulsion polymerization of monomers such as alkyl (meth)acrylate and alkyl (meth)acrylate amide; styrene-acrylic resin microparticles synthesized by emulsion polymerization of alkyl (meth)acrylate and alkyl (meth)acrylate amide with styrene monomer; polyethylene resin microparticles, polypropylene resin microparticles, polyurethane resin microparticles, styrene-butadiene resin microparticles, etc. Furthermore, the resin microparticles may also be core-shell type resin microparticles in which the polymer composition differs between the core and shell parts, or resin microparticles obtained by using pre-synthesized acrylic microparticles as seed particles to control particle size and emulsion polymerization around them. The resin microparticles may also be hybrid resin microparticles, such as those obtained by chemically bonding different resin microparticles, like acrylic resin microparticles and urethane resin microparticles.

[0070] Furthermore, the "polymer nanoparticles existing in a dispersed state in water" may also be in the form of resin nanoparticles obtained by homopolymerizing or copolymerizing multiple monomers having dissociable groups, so-called self-dispersing resin nanoparticle dispersions. Examples of dissociable groups include carboxyl groups, sulfonic acid groups, and phosphate groups, and examples of monomers having these dissociable groups include acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. The "polymer nanoparticles existing in a dispersed state in water" may also be in the form of emulsified dispersions of resin nanoparticles, where resin nanoparticles are dispersed with an emulsifier. As an emulsifier, materials having an anionic charge can be used regardless of whether they have a low molecular weight or a high molecular weight.

[0071] <Processing solution> Furthermore, in this embodiment, a processing solution (RCT) is used for image formation on low-absorption recording media (poorly absorbing recording media) and non-absorbent recording media. The processing solution used in this embodiment contains a reactive component that reacts with the pigment contained in the ink, causing the pigment to aggregate or gel. Specifically, the reactive component in the processing solution is a component that can disrupt the dispersion stability of the ink when the processing solution and the ink, which has a pigment stably dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium by the action of ionic groups, are mixed on a recording medium or the like. In this embodiment, since anionic colorants are used, the reactants constituting the reactive component in the processing solution can be broadly classified into acid-based reactants, polyvalent metal-based reactants, and cationic polymer-based reactants.

[0072] Acid-based reactants are roughly classified into inorganic acids and organic acids. In this embodiment, organic acids will be described, but it is not limited to organic acids. Specific examples of water-soluble organic acids include oxalic acid, polyacrylic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, ascorbic acid, levulinic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, glutamic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, tartaric acid. Also, specific examples of water-soluble organic acids include lactic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, pyrone carboxylic acid, pyrrole carboxylic acid, furan carboxylic acid, pyridine carboxylic acid, coumaric acid, thiophene carboxylic acid, nicotinic acid, oxysuccinic acid, dioxysuccinic acid. The content of the organic acid is preferably 3.0% by mass or more and 90.0% by mass or less, more preferably 5.0% by mass or more and 70.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition contained in the treatment liquid.

[0073] Examples of polyvalent metal-based reactants include divalent metal ions such as Ca 2+ , Cu 2+ , Ni 2+ , Mg 2+ , Zn 2+ , Sr 2+ , Ba 2+ . Trivalent metal ions such as Al 3+ , Fe 3+ , Cr 3+ , Y 3+ are also included as polyvalent metal-based reactants, but it is not limited thereto. To incorporate these polyvalent metal ions into the treatment liquid, salts of polyvalent metals may be used. A salt is a metal salt composed of the polyvalent metal ions listed above and anions that bind to these ions, and it is required to be soluble in water. Preferred anions for forming salts include, for example, Cl - , NO3 - , I - , Br - , ClO3 - , SO4 2- , CO3 2- , CH3COO - , HCOO -These are some examples, but are not limited to them.

[0074] From the perspective of reactivity, colorability, and ease of handling, Ca is a suitable polyvalent metal ion. 2+ Mg 2+ Sr 2+ , Al 3+ , and Y 3+ Preferably, among these, Ca 2+ This is particularly preferable. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of safety and other factors, methanesulfonic acid is particularly preferred as the anion for forming a salt with polyvalent metal ions.

[0075] Cationic polymer-based reactants are preferably water-soluble. Specific examples of cationic polymers include polyallylamine hydrochloride, polyamine sulfonate, polyvinylamine hydrochloride, and chitosan acetate. Other specific examples of cationic polymers include copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone (a nonionic polymer substance partially cationized) and aminoalkyl alkylate quaternary salts, and copolymers of acrylamide and aminomethylacrylamide quaternary salts. The processing solution containing the cationic polymer as a reactive component is preferably colorless, but does not necessarily have to be non-absorbent in the visible range. The processing solution containing the cationic polymer as a reactive component may be light-colored and absorbent in the visible range, as long as it does not substantially affect the image formed on the recording medium. The processing solution is not necessarily required in all recording modes; only the necessary amount is applied, taking into account the amount of ink applied when forming the image.

[0076] <Control system for recording device> Next, the control system of the recording device 1 will be described. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the control system of the recording device 1. As shown in Figure 11, the recording device 1 further comprises a controller 600. The controller 600 comprises a PPI 601, an MPU 602, a RAM 603, a font generation ROM 604, a control ROM 605, and a print buffer 606. The controller 600 also comprises a head driver 611, a first unit driver 612, a second unit driver 613, a first motor driver 614, a second motor driver 615, and a third motor driver 616. The PPI 601, MPU 602, RAM 603, font generation ROM 604, control ROM 605, print buffer 606, head driver 611, first unit driver 612, and second unit driver 613 are connected via a system bus 608.

[0077] The PPI (Programmable Peripheral Interface) 601 is connected to the host computer 650, the console 651, and the sensors 652. The PPI 601 receives command signals and recording information signals containing recording data from the host computer 650 and transfers them to the MPU 602. The PPI 601 also transmits status information of the recording device 1 to the host computer 650 as needed. The console 651 has a setting input unit for the user to make various settings for the recording device 1, and a display unit to display messages to the user. The PPI 601 inputs and outputs data to and from the console 651. The sensors 652 include a home position sensor and a capping sensor. The home position sensor detects when the carriage 20 or recording head 10 is in the home position. The PPI 601 receives input signals sent from the sensors 652.

[0078] The MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 602 controls each part of the recording device 1 according to the control program stored in the control ROM 605. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 603 stores the received data. The RAM 603 is used as the work area of ​​the MPU 602 and is also used to temporarily store various data. In addition to the control program described above, the control ROM 605 can store data used for standby control described later (for example, data related to the standby temperature of the recording head, standby start temperature, standby end temperature, etc.). The print buffer 606 stores the recording data expanded in the RAM 603, etc. The print buffer 606 has enough storage capacity to record multiple lines of the recording data. The RAM 603, font generation ROM 604, control ROM 605, and print buffer 606 are controlled by the MPU 602 via the system bus 608.

[0079] Furthermore, the MPU 602 is electrically connected to a sheet sensor 621, a temperature and humidity sensor 622, and a power supply unit 623. The sheet sensor 621 detects the presence or absence of a recording medium, that is, whether or not the recording medium has been supplied to a position where it can be recorded by the recording head 10. The temperature and humidity sensor 622 detects the ambient temperature and humidity in the environment in which the recording device 1 is installed. The power supply unit 623 supplies power to each part of the recording device 1. The power supply unit 623 has an AC adapter and a battery as a drive power supply device.

[0080] The head driver 611 is connected to the MPU 602 via the system bus 608 and is also electrically connected to the recording head 10. The head driver 611 drives the recording element, heating element, circulation pump 500, etc. of the recording head 10 in accordance with the control of the MPU 602. In addition, the temperature sensor 46 of the recording head 10 outputs a temperature detection signal to the MPU 602 via the system bus 608. The MPU 602 can perform standby control as described later based on the temperature detection signal input from the temperature sensor 46.

[0081] The first unit driver 612 is connected to the MPU 602 via the system bus 608 and is also electrically connected to the blower unit 300. The first unit driver 612 drives the first heating element 310, the first blower fan 321, etc. of the blower unit 300 in accordance with the control of the MPU 602. The heating temperature sensor 325 of the blower unit 300 outputs a temperature detection signal to the MPU 602 via the system bus 608. Based on the temperature detection signal input from the heating temperature sensor 325, the MPU 602 controls the heating temperature for heating the gas with the first heating element 310 to a constant heating temperature. The heating temperature or blower speed in the blower unit 300 is set according to the type and thickness of the recording medium to be added to the recorded data, the ambient temperature and humidity in the surrounding environment where the recording device 1 is installed, etc. The user can change the heating temperature or airflow speed in the blower unit 300 using, for example, the console 651, the control panel (not shown) of the recording device 1, etc.

[0082] The second unit driver 613 is connected to the MPU 602 via the system bus 608 and is also electrically connected to the fuser unit 350. The second unit driver 613 drives the second heating element 360, the second blower fan 371, etc. of the fuser unit 350 in accordance with the control of the MPU 602. The fuser temperature sensor 375 of the fuser unit 350 outputs a temperature detection signal to the MPU 602 via the system bus 608. Based on the temperature detection signal input from the fuser temperature sensor 375, the MPU 602 controls the fuser temperature for fixing the ink by the fuser unit 350 to a constant fuser temperature. The fuser temperature or blower speed in the fuser unit 350 is set according to the type and thickness of the recording medium to be added to the recorded data, the ambient temperature and humidity in the surrounding environment where the recording device 1 is installed, etc. The user can change the fuser temperature or blower speed in the fuser unit 350 using, for example, the console 651, the operation panel (not shown) of the recording device 1, etc.

[0083] The first motor driver 614 is electrically connected to the MPU 602 and also to the capping motor 631. The first motor driver 614 drives the capping motor 631 in accordance with the control of the MPU 602. The second motor driver 615 is electrically connected to the MPU 602 and also to the carriage motor 632. The second motor driver 615 drives the carriage motor 632 in accordance with the control of the MPU 602. The third motor driver 616 is electrically connected to the MPU 602 and also to the transport motor 633, which is a transport device. The third motor driver 616 drives the transport motor 633 in accordance with the control of the MPU 602. The transport motor 633 rotates the upstream transport rollers 25, 26 and the downstream transport rollers 27, 28 (see Figure 1) mentioned above.

[0084] When the host computer 650 transmits a recording information signal containing recording data via a parallel port, infrared port, network, etc., a predetermined command is added to the beginning of the recording data. Examples of predetermined commands include the type of recording medium to be recorded, the size of the recording medium, the recording quality, and whether or not automatic object detection is performed. In addition, if a processing solution is applied to improve the ink fixation on the recording medium, information determining whether or not the processing solution is applied may also be added as a predetermined command. The types of recording media include not only plain paper, OHP sheets, and glossy paper, but also special types of recording media such as transfer film, cardboard, and banner paper. The sizes of recording media include A0, A1, A2, B0, B1, and B2 sizes. The recording quality includes draft, high quality, medium quality, emphasis on specific colors, and monochrome or color. Recording data to which a predetermined command has been added is also called a recording job.

[0085] In accordance with the command added to the beginning of the recorded data, the recording device 1 (PPI601) reads the control data necessary for recording from the control ROM 605 and performs recording based on the read control data. Examples of control data include the number of multipasses when performing multipass recording, the type of mask used for data decimation when performing multipass recording, the amount of ink to be printed onto the recording medium, and data for determining the recording direction. Other examples of control data necessary for recording include the drive conditions based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 46 in the recording head 10, the size of the ink dots, the transport conditions of the recording medium, the number of ink colors to be used, and the scanning speed of the recording head 10 (carriage 20). Examples of the aforementioned drive conditions include the shape of the drive pulse applied to the recording element and the application time of the drive pulse.

[0086] The recording device 1 is capable of performing so-called multi-pass recording, which records an image on a unit area (1 / n band) on the recording medium by multiple (n) recording scans of the recording head 10. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the recording method of multi-pass recording. The recording device 1 records an image using a multi-pass recording method, which records on a unit area (predetermined area) on the recording medium by multiple recording scans of the recording head 10. In Figure 12, a 4-pass multi-pass recording, which records in 4 recording scans, is explained as an example. Also, for the sake of simplicity, the ejection port row 701 is shown as having 16 ejection ports 13 that eject the same type of ink arranged in a row.

[0087] When performing 4-pass multi-pass recording, the 16 ejector ports 13 are divided into 1st to 4th ejector port areas 702 to 705, each containing 4 ejector ports 13. The 1st ejector port area 702 is associated with the 1st mask pattern 706, the 2nd ejector port area 703 with the 2nd mask pattern 707, the 3rd ejector port area 704 with the 3rd mask pattern 708, and the 4th ejector port area 705 with the 4th mask pattern 709. Each mask pattern has a 4x4 area, with areas shown in black indicating areas where dot recording is permitted and areas shown in white indicating areas where dot printing is not permitted. Furthermore, the 1st to 4th mask patterns 706 to 709 are complementary to each other.

[0088] Patterns 710-713, shown in correspondence to each recording scan from the first to the fourth recording scan, illustrate how an image is completed on the recording medium when 4-pass multi-pass recording is performed according to the first to fourth mask patterns 706-709. After each recording scan is completed, the recording medium is transported by 4 pixels in the Y direction, and the image is completed in a unit area (4x4 pixel area) of the recording medium by 4 recording scans according to the first to fourth mask patterns 706-709, which have a complementary relationship with each other.

[0089] <Control method for recording device> Next, the control method for the recording device in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 13. In this embodiment, a configuration that can suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device will be described. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the control method for the recording device. The MPU 602 executes the control program stored in the control ROM 605 of the controller 600, which acts as a computer, thereby executing each step of the flowchart shown in Figure 13.

[0090] When the recording information signal containing the recording data is transferred from the PPI 601 to the MPU 602, in step S10, the MPU 602 performs an activation determination process. After the activation determination process is performed, in step S20, the MPU 602 performs a recording process. The activation determination process and the recording process will be described later.

[0091] <Activation Determination Process> Next, the activation determination process in this embodiment will be described. The activation determination process is performed between the time the recording information signal containing the recording data is transferred from the PPI 601 to the MPU 602 and the start of the recording process. In the activation determination process, the MPU 602 determines whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process based on the number of multipasses when performing multipass recording, the amount of ink to be printed onto the recording medium, and the scanning speed of the recording head 10 (carriage 20). The number of multipasses when performing multipass recording, the amount of ink to be printed onto the recording medium, and the scanning speed of the recording head 10 (carriage 20) are set based on a predetermined command added to the beginning of the recording data transferred to the MPU 602. The number of multipasses when performing multipass recording indicates the number of recording scans of the recording head 10 when performing multipass recording.

[0092] Figure 14 is a flowchart of the activation determination process in the first embodiment. In step S101, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 calculates the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10. At this time, the MPU 602 calculates the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 based on the number of multipasses when performing multipass recording, the maximum amount of ink to be impregnated into the recording medium, and the scanning speed of the recording head 10 (carriage 20).

[0093] Here, SC is the number of multipasses when performing multipass recording, PT is the maximum amount of ink impregnated onto the recording medium, and VC is the scanning speed of the recording head 10 (carriage 20). CM is the number of ejection port rows in the recording head 10, and FR is the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10. Note that the amount of ink impregnated onto the recording medium refers to the ratio of the number of ink dots recorded on the recording medium. The amount of ink impregnated onto the recording medium is also called the recording density per unit area. In this embodiment, the recording device 1 has a recording resolution of 1200 dpi × 1200 dpi (dots per inch). The state in which one dot is recorded per unit area of ​​1200 dpi × 1200 dpi is considered to be the state in which the amount of ink impregnated onto the recording medium is 100%. In this case, the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is expressed by the following equation (1). FR=VC×1200×(PT / CM) / SC (1)

[0094] For example, let's assume that the recording head 10 has two rows of ejection ports per color in the main scanning direction (X direction) (i.e., CM=2). Let's assume that the number of multipasses when performing multipass recording is 6 (i.e., SC=6). Let's assume that the maximum amount of ink impregnated onto the recording medium is 175% (i.e., PT=1.75). Let's assume that the scanning speed of the recording head 10 (carriage 20) is 60 ips (inches per second) (i.e., VC=60). In this case, the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is 60 (ips) × 1200 (dpi) × (1.75 / 2) / 6 = 10.5 (kHz).

[0095] In step S102, the MPU 602 determines whether the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is higher than a predetermined reference frequency. When attempting to achieve high-speed image recording or high-resolution image recording, the recording head 10, in which multiple ejection ports (recording elements) are arranged at a high density, is driven at a high frequency, making it easier for the recording head 10 to reach a temperature that is judged to be overheated during recording. The predetermined reference frequency is a frequency used as a criterion for determining whether or not to perform standby control, and is set to, for example, 10.5 kHz. If the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is higher than the predetermined reference frequency, i.e., the determination in step S102 is YES, the process proceeds to step S103. If the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is less than or equal to the predetermined reference frequency, i.e., the determination in step S102 is NO, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0096] In step S103, the MPU 602 enables standby control in the recording process described later and terminates the process. As a result, the MPU 602 decides to perform standby control if the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is higher than a predetermined reference frequency.

[0097] In step S104, the MPU 602 disables the standby control in the recording process described later and terminates the process. As a result, the MPU 602 decides not to perform standby control if the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is below a predetermined reference frequency.

[0098] <Recording process> Next, the recording process in this embodiment will be described. In the recording process, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 performs standby control, causing the recording head 10 to wait for a specified standby time if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 46 is higher than the standby temperature. This allows recording to be performed within a temperature range where no ejection or other problems occur. The standby control is similar to the temperature rise suppression control described above, and it is possible to suppress unevenness in image density and hue while preventing the recording head from overheating.

[0099] Figure 15 is a flowchart of the recording process. After the activation determination process is performed, in step S201, the MPU 602 determines whether or not standby control is enabled. If standby control is enabled, i.e., the determination in step S201 is YES, the process proceeds to step S202. If standby control is disabled, i.e., the determination in step S201 is NO, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0100] In step S202, the MPU 602 acquires the temperature of the recording head 10 based on the temperature detection signal input from the temperature sensor 46. Hereinafter, the temperature of the recording head 10 detected by the temperature sensor 46 will be referred to as the head temperature TH.

[0101] In step S203, the MPU 602 determines whether the head temperature TH is higher than the standby temperature TW1. At this time, the MPU 602 compares the acquired head temperature TH with the standby temperature TW1 stored in the control ROM 605. If the head temperature TH is higher than the standby temperature TW1, i.e., the determination in step S203 is YES, the process proceeds to step S204. If the head temperature TH is less than or equal to the standby temperature TW1, i.e., the determination in step S203 is NO, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0102] Furthermore, the standby temperature TW1 is set to a temperature at which it is determined that the recording scan of the recording head 10 should be temporarily suspended in advance to prevent the head temperature TH from rising to a temperature that would cause non-discharge or other problems. In this embodiment, for example, the standby temperature TW1 is set to 51°C.

[0103] In step S204, the MPU 602 causes the recording head 10 to wait for a set waiting time before it performs a recording scan. At this time, the MPU 602 sets a waiting time that is sufficient to prevent density unevenness and hue unevenness from occurring in the recording head 10 (and carriage 20), and causes the recording head 10 to wait for the set waiting time. The waiting time that is sufficient to prevent density unevenness and hue unevenness is set to, for example, 0.3 seconds.

[0104] Furthermore, in step S204, the MPU 602 may set the number of recording scans to keep the recording head 10 waiting, in addition to the waiting time. The MPU 602 may also set the number of recording scans to keep the recording head 10 waiting to differ depending on the head temperature TH. The MPU 602 may also set the waiting time to differ depending on the head temperature TH.

[0105] In step S205, the MPU 602 causes the recording head 10 (and carriage 20) to perform one recording scan. At this time, the recording scan, in which the recording head 10 moves in the main scanning direction and records at least a portion of the image, and the transport operation, in which the upstream transport rollers 25, 26 and the downstream transport rollers 27, 28 (transport motor 633) transport the recording medium P, are performed alternately once each.

[0106] In step S206, the MPU 602 determines whether image recording is complete. If the recording data transferred to the MPU 602 is recording data for images spanning multiple pages, the MPU 602 determines whether image recording for all pages is complete. If image recording is not complete, i.e., the determination in step S206 is NO, the process returns to step S201. If image recording is complete, i.e., the determination in step S206 is YES, the process ends.

[0107] In the aforementioned activation determination process, if the MPU 602 enables standby control, all steps S201 to S206 in the recording process are executed. On the other hand, if the MPU 602 disables standby control in the aforementioned activation determination process, steps S202 to S204 in the recording process are skipped. When the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is below a predetermined reference frequency, the amount of heat accumulated in the recording head 10 is relatively small, so the recording head 10 does not become overheated during recording. When recording is performed based on recording data that does not cause the recording head 10 to become overheated by design, standby control is not performed, which reduces the occurrence of unnecessary waiting time. Therefore, a decrease in the throughput of the recording device can be suppressed.

[0108] <Triplication of recording processing> Next, a modified version of the recording process will be described. In this modified version of the recording process, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 performs a cooling control that causes the recording head 10 to remain in standby mode until the head temperature falls below the standby end temperature, if the head temperature is higher than the standby start temperature. The standby start temperature is the temperature at which the recording head 10 is judged to be in an overheated state. The standby end temperature is the temperature at which the possibility of failure to discharge or other problems occurring is low.

[0109] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the recording process. After the activation determination process is performed, in step S301, the MPU 602 acquires the head temperature TH based on the temperature detection signal input from the temperature sensor 46.

[0110] In step S302, the MPU 602 determines whether the head temperature TH is higher than the standby start temperature TW2. At this time, the MPU 602 compares the acquired head temperature TH with the standby start temperature TW2 stored in the control ROM 605. If the head temperature TH is higher than the standby start temperature TW2, that is, if the determination in step S302 is YES, the process proceeds to step S303. If the head temperature TH is less than or equal to the standby start temperature TW2, that is, if the determination in step S302 is NO, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0111] Furthermore, the standby start temperature TW2 is set to a temperature at which the recording head 10 is judged to be in an overheated state, in other words, a temperature at which there is a high probability of causing non-discharge or other problems. In this modified example, for example, the standby start temperature TW2 is set to 60°C. The aforementioned standby temperature TW1 is set to a temperature lower than the standby start temperature TW2.

[0112] In step S303, the MPU 602 puts the recording head 10 into standby mode before it performs a recording scan. At this time, the MPU 602 also obtains the head temperature TH based on the temperature detection signal input from the temperature sensor 46. As the recording head 10 is in standby mode, the head temperature TH decreases.

[0113] In the next step S304, the MPU 602 determines whether the head temperature TH is lower than the standby termination temperature TS. At this time, the MPU 602 compares the acquired head temperature TH with the standby termination temperature TS stored in the control ROM 605. If the head temperature TH is lower than the standby termination temperature TS, that is, if the determination in step S304 is YES, the MPU 602 terminates the temperature reduction control that puts the recording head 10 into standby mode and proceeds to step S308. If the head temperature TH is equal to or greater than the standby termination temperature TS, that is, if the determination in step S304 is NO, the process returns to step S303.

[0114] Furthermore, the standby termination temperature TS is set to a temperature lower than the standby start temperature TW2, and to a temperature at which the possibility of non-discharge or other issues is low. In this modified example, for example, the standby termination temperature TS is set to 51°C. The standby termination temperature TS may also be set to a temperature lower than the aforementioned standby temperature TW1.

[0115] In step S305, the MPU 602 determines whether standby control is enabled or not. If standby control is enabled, i.e., the determination in step S305 is YES, the process proceeds to step S306. If standby control is disabled, i.e., the determination in step S305 is NO, the process proceeds to step S308.

[0116] In step S306, the MPU 602 determines whether the head temperature TH is greater than the standby temperature TW1. At this time, the MPU 602 compares the acquired head temperature TH with the standby temperature TW1 stored in the control ROM 605. If the head temperature TH is greater than the standby temperature TW1, i.e., the determination in step S306 is YES, the process proceeds to step S307. If the head temperature TH is less than or equal to the standby temperature TW1, i.e., the determination in step S306 is NO, the process proceeds to step S308.

[0117] In step S307, the MPU 602 causes the recording head 10 to wait for a specified waiting time before performing a recording scan, and then proceeds to step S308. The waiting temperature TW1 and the waiting time are set in the same way as in the recording process described above. In most cases, the waiting time for the recording head 10 in the standby control is shorter than the time it takes for the head temperature TH, which has exceeded the standby start temperature TW2, to decrease to the standby end temperature TS.

[0118] Furthermore, in step S307, the MPU 602 may set the number of recording scans to keep the recording head 10 in standby mode, in addition to the standby time. The MPU 602 may also set the number of recording scans to keep the recording head 10 in standby mode to vary depending on the head temperature TH. The MPU 602 may also set the standby time to vary depending on the head temperature TH.

[0119] In step S308, the MPU 602 causes the recording head 10 (and carriage 20) to perform one recording scan. At this time, the recording scan, in which the recording head 10 moves in the main scanning direction and records at least a portion of the image, and the transport operation, in which the upstream transport rollers 25, 26 and the downstream transport rollers 27, 28 (transport motor 633) transport the recording medium P, are performed alternately once each.

[0120] In step S309, the MPU 602 determines whether image recording is complete. If the recording data transferred to the MPU 602 is recording data for images spanning multiple pages, the MPU 602 determines whether image recording for all pages is complete. If image recording is not complete, i.e., the determination in step S309 is NO, the process returns to step S301. If image recording is complete, i.e., the determination in step S309 is YES, the process ends.

[0121] In the aforementioned activation determination process, if the MPU 602 enables standby control, all steps S301 to S309 in the modified recording process are executed. On the other hand, if the MPU 602 disables standby control in the aforementioned activation determination process, steps S306 to S307 in the modified recording process are skipped. When recording is performed based on recording data that does not cause the recording head 10 to overheat as designed, standby control is not performed, as in the case of the aforementioned recording process, thereby reducing unnecessary waiting time. Therefore, a decrease in the throughput of the recording device can be suppressed.

[0122] In a modified version of the recording process, step S305 may be placed before step S301, i.e., at the beginning of the recording process. In this case, if standby control is enabled, the process proceeds to step S301, and if standby control is disabled, the process proceeds to step S308. As a result, if standby control is disabled, the processes of steps S301 to S304 are skipped in addition to steps S306 to S307. Therefore, in the activation determination process described above, the MPU 602 can decide whether or not to perform standby control and cooling control based on the recorded data (or the ambient temperature data described later).

[0123] As described above, according to the first embodiment, a decrease in the throughput of the recording device can be suppressed. That is, in this embodiment, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 decides whether or not to perform standby control based on the recording data (recording information) for recording an image on the recording medium by the recording head 10. For example, the MPU 602 decides to perform standby control if the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is higher than a predetermined reference frequency. On the other hand, the MPU 602 decides not to perform standby control if the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is below the predetermined reference frequency. When the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is below the predetermined reference frequency, the amount of heat accumulated in the recording head 10 is relatively small, so the recording head 10 does not become overheated during recording. When recording is performed based on recording data that does not cause the recording head 10 to become overheated by design, standby control is not performed, which reduces the occurrence of unnecessary waiting time. In this way, a decrease in the throughput of the recording device can be suppressed.

[0124] <<Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the second embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the first embodiment. The recording device according to the second embodiment is configured in the same way as the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0125] <Activation Determination Process> The activation determination process in the second embodiment will now be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the activation determination process is performed between the time the recording information signal containing the recording data is transferred from the PPI 601 to the MPU 602 and the start of the recording process. In the first embodiment, the MPU 602 determined whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process based on the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10. In the second embodiment, the MPU 602 determines whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process based on the heating temperature for heating the gas with the blower unit 300.

[0126] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the second embodiment. In step S401, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 determines whether the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature. The heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is set based on a predetermined command added to the beginning of the recording data transferred to the MPU 602. If the temperature of the gas sent from the blower unit 300 is high, the inside of the recording device 1 and the recording head 10 will be heated, making it easier for the recording head 10 to reach a temperature at which it is determined to be overheated during recording. The predetermined reference heating temperature is a heating temperature that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not to perform standby control, and is set to, for example, 35°C. If the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is higher than the predetermined reference heating temperature, that is, if the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S402. If the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is below a predetermined reference heating temperature, that is, if the determination in step S401 is NO, the process proceeds to step S403.

[0127] In step S402, the MPU 602 enables standby control in the recording process and terminates the process. As a result, the MPU 602 decides to perform standby control if the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature.

[0128] In step S403, the MPU 602 disables the standby control in the recording process and terminates the process. As a result, the MPU 602 decides not to perform standby control if the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is below a predetermined reference heating temperature.

[0129] In the activation determination process in the second embodiment, if the MPU 602 enables standby control, all steps S201 to S206 in the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are executed, similar to the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the MPU 602 disables standby control in the activation determination process in the second embodiment, steps S202 to S204 in the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are skipped, similar to the first embodiment. When the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is below a predetermined reference heating temperature, the amount of heat accumulated in the recording head 10 is relatively small, so the recording head 10 does not become overheated during recording. When recording is performed based on recording data that does not cause the recording head 10 to become overheated by design, standby control is not performed, which reduces the occurrence of unnecessary waiting time. Therefore, a decrease in the throughput of the recording device can be suppressed.

[0130] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 16 may be performed instead of the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15. Similar to the modified version of the recording process in the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce unnecessary waiting time and suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device.

[0131] As described above, the second embodiment makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device. In other words, in this embodiment, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 decides whether or not to perform standby control based on the recording data (recording information) for recording an image on the recording medium by the recording head 10. For example, the MPU 602 decides to perform standby control if the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature. On the other hand, the MPU 602 decides not to perform standby control if the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is below the predetermined reference heating temperature. When the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is below the predetermined reference heating temperature, the amount of heat accumulated in the recording head 10 is relatively small, so the recording head 10 does not become overheated during recording. When recording is performed based on recording data that does not cause the recording head 10 to become overheated by design, standby control is not performed, which reduces the occurrence of unnecessary waiting time. In this way, a decrease in the throughput of the recording device can be suppressed.

[0132] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the third embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the first embodiment. The recording device according to the third embodiment is configured in the same way as the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0133] <Activation Determination Process> The activation determination process in the third embodiment will now be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the activation determination process is performed between the time the recording information signal, which includes the recording data, is transferred from the PPI 601 to the MPU 602 and the start of the recording process. In the third embodiment, the MPU 602 determines whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process based on the heating temperature for heating the gas with the blower unit 300.

[0134] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the third embodiment. In step S501, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 determines whether the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature. The fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is set based on a predetermined command added to the beginning of the recording data transferred to the MPU 602. If the temperature of the gas sprayed by the fixing unit 350 is high, the inside of the recording device 1 and the recording head 10 will be heated, making it easier for the recording head 10 to reach a temperature that is judged to be overheated during recording. The predetermined reference fixing temperature is a fixing temperature that serves as a criterion for determining whether or not to perform standby control, and is set to, for example, 80°C. If the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is higher than the predetermined reference fixing temperature, that is, if the determination in step S501 is YES, the process proceeds to step S502. If the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is below a predetermined reference fixing temperature, that is, if the determination in step S501 is NO, the process proceeds to step S503.

[0135] In step S502, the MPU 602 enables standby control in the recording process and terminates the process. As a result, the MPU 602 decides to perform standby control if the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature.

[0136] In step S503, the MPU 602 disables the standby control in the recording process and terminates the process. As a result, the MPU 602 decides not to perform standby control if the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is below a predetermined reference fixing temperature.

[0137] In the activation determination process in the third embodiment, if the MPU 602 enables standby control, all steps S201 to S206 in the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are executed, similar to the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the MPU 602 disables standby control in the activation determination process in the third embodiment, steps S202 to S204 in the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are skipped, similar to the first embodiment. When the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is below a predetermined reference fixing temperature, the amount of heat accumulated in the recording head 10 is relatively small, so the recording head 10 does not become overheated during recording. When recording is performed based on recording data that does not cause the recording head 10 to become overheated by design, standby control is not performed, which reduces the occurrence of unnecessary waiting time. Therefore, a decrease in the throughput of the recording device can be suppressed.

[0138] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 16 may be performed instead of the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15. Similar to the modified version of the recording process in the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce unnecessary waiting time and suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device.

[0139] As described above, the third embodiment makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device. In other words, in this embodiment, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 decides whether or not to perform standby control based on the recording data (recording information) for recording an image on the recording medium by the recording head 10. For example, the MPU 602 decides to perform standby control if the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature. On the other hand, the MPU 602 decides not to perform standby control if the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is below the predetermined reference fixing temperature. When the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is below the predetermined reference fixing temperature, the amount of heat accumulated in the recording head 10 is relatively small, so the recording head 10 does not become overheated during recording. When recording is performed based on recording data that does not cause the recording head 10 to become overheated by design, standby control is not performed, which reduces the occurrence of unnecessary waiting time. In this way, a decrease in the throughput of the recording device can be suppressed.

[0140] <<Fourth Embodiment>> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the fourth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the first embodiment. The recording device according to the fourth embodiment is configured in the same way as the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0141] <Activation Determination Process> The activation determination process in the fourth embodiment will now be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the activation determination process is performed between the time the recording information signal, which includes the recording data, is transferred from the PPI 601 to the MPU 602 and the start of the recording process. In the fourth embodiment, the MPU 602 determines whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process based on the temperature detection signal, i.e., ambient temperature data, input from the temperature and humidity sensor 622.

[0142] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the fourth embodiment. In step S601, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 determines whether the ambient temperature acquired using the temperature and humidity sensor 622 is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature. The higher the ambient temperature, the higher the temperature of the recording head 10 when recording is not performed, making it easier for the recording head 10 to reach a temperature at which it is determined to be overheated during recording. The predetermined reference ambient temperature is the ambient temperature used as a criterion for determining whether or not to perform standby control, and is set to, for example, 30°C. If the ambient temperature is higher than the predetermined reference ambient temperature, i.e., the determination in step S601 is YES, the process proceeds to step S602. If the ambient temperature is below the predetermined reference ambient temperature, i.e., the determination in step S601 is NO, the process proceeds to step S603.

[0143] In step S602, the MPU602 enables standby control in the recording process and terminates the process. As a result, the MPU602 decides to perform standby control if the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature.

[0144] In step S603, the MPU 602 disables the standby control in the recording process and terminates the process. As a result, the MPU 602 decides not to perform standby control when the ambient temperature is below a predetermined reference ambient temperature.

[0145] In the activation determination process in the fourth embodiment, if the MPU 602 enables standby control, all steps S201 to S206 in the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are executed, similar to the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the MPU 602 disables standby control in the activation determination process in the fourth embodiment, steps S202 to S204 in the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are skipped, similar to the first embodiment. When the ambient temperature is below a predetermined reference ambient temperature, the amount of heat accumulated in the recording head 10 is relatively small, so the recording head 10 does not become overheated during recording. When recording is performed at an ambient temperature where the recording head 10 does not become overheated by design, standby control is not performed, which reduces the occurrence of unnecessary waiting time. Therefore, a decrease in the throughput of the recording device can be suppressed.

[0146] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 16 may be performed instead of the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15. Similar to the modified version of the recording process in the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce unnecessary waiting time and suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device.

[0147] As explained above, the fourth embodiment makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device. In other words, in this embodiment, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 decides whether or not to perform standby control based on ambient temperature data (ambient temperature information). For example, the MPU 602 decides to perform standby control if the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature. On the other hand, the MPU 602 decides not to perform standby control if the ambient temperature is below the predetermined reference ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is below the predetermined reference ambient temperature, the amount of heat accumulated in the recording head 10 is relatively small, so the recording head 10 does not become overheated during recording. When recording is performed at an ambient temperature in which the recording head 10 does not become overheated by design, standby control is not performed, which reduces the occurrence of unnecessary waiting time. In this way, a decrease in the throughput of the recording device can be suppressed.

[0148] <<Fifth Embodiment>> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the fifth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the first embodiment. The recording device according to the fifth embodiment is configured in the same way as the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0149] <Activation Determination Process> The activation determination process in the fifth embodiment will now be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the activation determination process is performed between the time the recording information signal containing the recording data is transferred from the PPI 601 to the MPU 602 and the start of the recording process. In the fifth embodiment, the MPU 602 determines whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process by combining the activation determination processes in the first to fourth embodiments. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process.

[0150] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the fifth embodiment. In step S701, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 calculates the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10, similar to the first embodiment.

[0151] In step S702, the MPU 602 determines, similar to the first embodiment, whether the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is higher than a predetermined reference frequency. If the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is less than or equal to the predetermined reference frequency, i.e., the determination in step S702 is NO, the process proceeds to step S703. If the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head 10 is higher than the predetermined reference frequency, i.e., the determination in step S702 is YES, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0152] In step S703, the MPU 602 determines, similar to the second embodiment, whether the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature. If the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is less than or equal to the predetermined reference heating temperature, i.e., if the determination in step S703 is NO, the process proceeds to step S704. If the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is higher than the predetermined reference heating temperature, i.e., if the determination in step S703 is YES, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0153] In step S704, the MPU602 determines, similar to the third embodiment, whether the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature. If the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is less than or equal to the predetermined reference fixing temperature, i.e., if the determination in step S704 is NO, the process proceeds to step S705. If the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is higher than the predetermined reference fixing temperature, i.e., if the determination in step S704 is YES, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0154] In step S705, the MPU 602, similar to the fourth embodiment, determines whether the ambient temperature obtained using the temperature and humidity sensor 622 is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is below the predetermined reference ambient temperature, i.e., the determination in step S705 is NO, the process proceeds to step S706. If the ambient temperature is higher than the predetermined reference ambient temperature, i.e., the determination in step S705 is YES, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0155] In step S706, the MPU 602 disables the standby control in the recording process and terminates the process. The MPU 602 decides not to perform standby control if the average discharge frequency is below a predetermined reference frequency, the heating temperature is below a predetermined reference heating temperature, the fixing temperature is below a predetermined reference fixing temperature, and the ambient temperature is below a predetermined reference ambient temperature.

[0156] In step S707, the MPU 602 enables standby control in the recording process and terminates the process. As a result, the MPU 602 decides to perform standby control in any of the following cases: when the average discharge frequency is higher than a predetermined reference frequency, when the heating temperature is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature, or when the fixing temperature is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature. The MPU 602 also decides to perform standby control if the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature.

[0157] In the activation determination process in the fifth embodiment, if the MPU 602 enables standby control, all steps S201 to S206 of the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are executed, similar to the first embodiment. On the other hand, in the activation determination process in the fifth embodiment, if the MPU 602 disables standby control, steps S202 to S204 of the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are skipped, similar to the first embodiment.

[0158] According to the fifth embodiment, similar to the first to fourth embodiments, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, by combining the activation determination process in the first to fourth embodiments, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process.

[0159] In the fifth embodiment described above, the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 16 may be performed instead of the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15. Similar to the modified version of the recording process in the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce unnecessary waiting time and suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device.

[0160] <<Sixth Embodiment>> Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the sixth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the first embodiment.

[0161] <Recording device configuration> Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the recording device 1 according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in Figure 21, the recording device 1 according to the sixth embodiment is configured the same as the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment, except that it includes two recording heads 10. The two recording heads 10 are mounted on a carriage 20 side by side in the main scanning direction (X direction).

[0162] <Activation Determination Process> Next, the activation determination process in the sixth embodiment will be described. Similar to the first embodiment, the activation determination process is performed between the time the recording information signal containing the recording data is transferred from the PPI 601 to the MPU 602 and the start of the recording process. In the sixth embodiment, the MPU 602 determines for each of the multiple recording heads whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process. In this embodiment, the number used to identify each of the multiple recording heads is called the head number N (where N is a natural number). For example, among the multiple recording heads, the first recording head is called the recording head with head number 1, the second recording head is called the recording head with head number 2, and the Nth recording head is called the recording head with head number N.

[0163] Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the activation determination process in the sixth embodiment. In step S801, the MPU 602 of the controller 600 initializes the head number N for identifying the recording head. For example, the MPU 602 initializes the head number N to 1.

[0164] In step S802, the MPU 602 calculates the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head with head number N, similar to the first embodiment. At this time, the MPU 602 calculates the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head with head number N based on the number of multipasses, the maximum amount of ink impregnated into the recording medium, and the scanning speed of the recording head with head number N.

[0165] In step S803, the MPU 602 determines, similar to the first embodiment, whether the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head with head number N is higher than a predetermined reference frequency. If the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head with head number N is less than or equal to the predetermined reference frequency, i.e., the determination in step S803 is NO, the process proceeds to step S804. If the average ejection frequency per recording scan of the recording head with head number N is higher than the predetermined reference frequency, i.e., the determination in step S803 is YES, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0166] In step S804, the MPU 602 determines, similar to the second embodiment, whether the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature. If the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is less than or equal to the predetermined reference heating temperature, i.e., if the determination in step S804 is NO, the process proceeds to step S805. If the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit 300 is higher than the predetermined reference heating temperature, i.e., if the determination in step S804 is YES, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0167] In step S805, the MPU602 determines, similar to the third embodiment, whether the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature. If the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is less than or equal to the predetermined reference fixing temperature, i.e., if the determination in step S805 is NO, the process proceeds to step S806. If the fixing temperature for fixing the ink by the fixing unit 350 is higher than the predetermined reference fixing temperature, i.e., if the determination in step S805 is YES, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0168] In step S806, the MPU 602 determines, similar to the fourth embodiment, whether the ambient temperature obtained using the temperature and humidity sensor 622 is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature is below the predetermined reference ambient temperature, i.e., the determination in step S806 is NO, the process proceeds to step S807. If the ambient temperature is higher than the predetermined reference ambient temperature, i.e., the determination in step S806 is YES, the process proceeds to step S808.

[0169] In step S807, the MPU 602 disables the standby control in the recording process and terminates the process. The MPU 602 decides not to perform standby control if the average discharge frequency is below a predetermined reference frequency, the heating temperature is below a predetermined reference heating temperature, the fixing temperature is below a predetermined reference fixing temperature, and the ambient temperature is below a predetermined reference ambient temperature.

[0170] In step S808, the MPU 602 enables standby control in the recording process and terminates the process. As a result, the MPU 602 decides to perform standby control in any of the following cases: when the average discharge frequency is higher than a predetermined reference frequency, when the heating temperature is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature, or when the fixing temperature is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature. The MPU 602 also decides to perform standby control if the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature.

[0171] In step S809, the MPU 602 determines whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process for all recording heads. If the determination of whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process is not yet complete, i.e., if the determination in step S809 is NO, the process proceeds to step S810. In step S810, the MPU 602 increments the head number N, i.e., adds 1 to the head number N, and returns to step S802. On the other hand, if the determination of whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process is complete, i.e., if the determination in step S809 is YES, the process ends.

[0172] In the activation determination process of the sixth embodiment, if the MPU 602 enables standby control for all recording heads, the processes of steps S201 to S206 in the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are all executed, as in the first embodiment. In the activation determination process of the sixth embodiment, if the MPU 602 disables standby control for all recording heads, the processes of steps S202 to S204 in the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are skipped, as in the first embodiment. In the activation determination process of the sixth embodiment, if the MPU 602 disables standby control for some recording heads, the processes of steps S202 to S204 in the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15 are skipped for those some recording heads. Note that the process of step S204 may be executed or skipped in accordance with the other recording heads (for which standby control has been enabled), excluding those some recording heads.

[0173] According to the sixth embodiment, similar to the first to fourth embodiments, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, by combining the activation determination processes of the first to fourth embodiments, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process for each of the multiple recording heads.

[0174] In the sixth embodiment described above, the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 16 may be performed instead of the recording process shown in the flowchart of Figure 15. Similar to the modified version of the recording process in the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce unnecessary waiting time and suppress a decrease in the throughput of the recording device.

[0175] In the sixth embodiment described above, the recording device 1 is equipped with two recording heads 10, but is not limited to this. For example, the recording device 1 may be equipped with three or more recording heads.

[0176] In the fifth and sixth embodiments described above, the MPU 602 determines whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process by combining the activation determination processes in the first to fourth embodiments, but is not limited to this. For example, the MPU 602 may determine whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process based on individual information of the recording heads 10, which is information regarding the tolerances of each recording head 10. Examples of individual information of the recording heads 10 include information regarding the amount of ink ejected by the recording heads 10, information regarding the size of the recording elements, and information regarding the circulation flow rate of ink circulated by the circulation pump 500.

[0177] If the amount of ink ejected by the recording head 10 is small, the heat dissipation efficiency of the recording head 10 decreases, making it easier for the temperature of the recording head 10 to rise. For this reason, a step may be added in the activation determination process to determine whether or not to perform standby control in the recording process based on the amount of ink ejected by the recording head 10. In this case, the MPU 602 may obtain the amount of ink ejected by the recording head 10 based on the diameter of the ejection port 13 and the size of the recording element stored in the ROM (not shown) of the recording head 10. The MPU 602 may decide to perform standby control if the amount of ink ejected by the recording head 10 is smaller than a predetermined reference ejection amount. The MPU 602 may decide not to perform standby control if the amount of ink ejected by the recording head 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined reference ejection amount. The predetermined reference ejection amount is the amount of ink ejected that serves as the criterion for determining whether or not to perform standby control.

[0178] If the size of the recording element is large, the thermal energy generated by the recording element increases, which can easily cause the temperature of the recording head 10 to rise. For this reason, a step may be added in the activation determination process to determine whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process based on the size of the recording element. In this case, the MPU 602 may decide to perform standby control if the size of the recording element stored in the ROM of the recording head 10 is larger than a predetermined reference size. The MPU 602 may decide not to perform standby control if the size of the recording element is less than or equal to the predetermined reference size. The predetermined reference size is the size of the recording element that serves as the criterion for determining whether or not to perform standby control. Note that the size of the recording element may be the length of the recording element in a predetermined direction, or it may be the surface area of ​​the recording element.

[0179] If the circulation flow rate of the ink circulated by the circulation pump 500 is small, the ink tends to remain near the discharge port 13, causing the temperature of the recording head 10 to rise. For this reason, in the activation determination process, a step may be added to determine whether or not to perform standby control in the recording process based on the circulation flow rate of the ink circulated by the circulation pump 500. In this case, the MPU 602 may obtain the circulation flow rate of the ink circulated by the circulation pump 500 based on the number of times the circulation pump has been driven, which is stored in the ROM of the recording head 10. The MPU 602 may decide to perform standby control if the circulation flow rate of the ink circulated by the circulation pump 500 is smaller than a predetermined reference flow rate. The MPU 602 may decide not to perform standby control if the ink circulation flow rate is equal to or greater than the predetermined reference flow rate. The predetermined reference flow rate is the ink circulation flow rate that serves as the criterion for determining whether or not to perform standby control.

[0180] Furthermore, the recording scan direction of the recording head 10 can be either unidirectional, where recording is performed only when the recording head 10 moves in one direction (main scanning direction), or bidirectional, where recording is performed when the recording head 10 moves back and forth in both directions. If the user sets the recording scan direction of the recording head 10 to unidirectional, the temperature of the recording head 10 can be reduced according to the time it takes for the recording head 10 to move between recordings. This makes it less likely for the recording head 10 to reach a temperature that would be judged as overheated during recording. For this reason, a step may be added in the activation determination process to determine whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process based on information regarding the recording scan direction of the recording head 10. In this case, the MPU 602 may decide to perform standby control if the recording scan direction of the recording head 10 is bidirectional. The MPU 602 may decide not to perform standby control if the recording scan direction of the recording head 10 is unidirectional.

[0181] Furthermore, if non-ejection occurs at some of the ejection ports in the recording head 10, the ejection frequency of other ejection ports in the recording head 10 may increase to compensate for the number of ink dots. When the ejection frequency of other ejection ports in the recording head 10 increases, the temperature of the recording head 10 tends to rise. For this reason, a step may be added in the activation determination process to determine whether or not to perform standby control in the recording process based on information regarding non-ejection. In this case, the MPU 602 may decide to perform standby control if non-ejection occurs at some of the ejection ports in the recording head 10. The MPU 602 may decide not to perform standby control if non-ejection does not occur at any of the ejection ports in the recording head 10.

[0182] Furthermore, in order to suppress uneven drying when the ink is fixed by the blower unit 300 and the fuser unit 350, a certain fixing wait time may be provided for each recording scan of the recording head 10. The longer the fixing wait time, the more likely the temperature of the recording head 10 is to drop. For this reason, in the activation determination process, a step may be added to determine whether or not to perform standby control in the recording process based on information regarding the fixing wait time. In this case, the MPU 602 may decide to perform standby control if no fixing wait time is provided. The MPU 602 may decide not to perform standby control if a fixing wait time is provided.

[0183] Furthermore, in order to maintain a constant amount of ink ejected by the recording head 10, a drive pulse with a larger pulse energy than a normal drive pulse may be applied to the recording element, which deteriorates according to the cumulative number of ink dots. When the pulse energy of the drive pulse applied to the recording element increases, the temperature of the recording head 10 tends to rise. For this reason, a step may be added in the activation determination process to determine whether or not to perform standby control in the recording process based on the drive pulse applied to the recording element. In this case, the MPU 602 may decide to perform standby control if a drive pulse with a larger pulse energy than a normal drive pulse is applied to the recording element. The MPU 602 may decide not to perform standby control if a normal drive pulse is applied to the recording element.

[0184] In the fourth to sixth embodiments described above, the MPU 602 determines whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process based on the temperature detection signal, i.e., ambient temperature data (ambient temperature information), input from the temperature and humidity sensor 622, but is not limited to this. For example, if the temperature and humidity sensor 622 is not provided in the recording device 1, the MPU 602 may determine whether or not to perform standby control during the recording process based on ambient temperature data (temperature detection signal) input from external sensors 652 of the recording device 1. In this case, for example, the sensors 652 may include a temperature and humidity sensor.

[0185] In each of the embodiments described above, the circulation pump 500 is a piezoelectric pump driven by applying voltage to a piezoelectric ceramic, but it is not limited to this. For example, the circulation pump may be a tube pump that pushes out liquid drawn into a tube while a roller rotates.

[0186] In each of the embodiments described above, the recording head 10 is equipped with a circulation unit 54 having a circulation pump 500, but is not limited to this. For example, the circulation pump 500 may be provided separately from the recording head 10 (circulation unit 54). Also, the recording head 10 does not need to be equipped with a circulation unit 54.

[0187] In each of the embodiments described above, a blower unit 300 and a fixing unit 350 are provided, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the first and fourth embodiments described above, the blower unit 300 and the fixing unit 350 may not be provided.

[0188] In the embodiments described above, a thermal recording head is used, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a piezo-type recording head that ejects ink droplets from an ejection port using a shock wave generated by a piezoelectric element may be used.

[0189] <<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.

[0190] The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations represented by the following examples of recording devices, control methods for recording devices, and programs.

[0191] <Configuration 1> A recording head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium to record an image, A temperature detector provided on the recording head for detecting temperature, A controller that performs standby control to cause the recording head to wait for a standby period of time when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is higher than the standby temperature, Equipped with, The recording device is characterized in that the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control based on at least one of recording information for recording an image on a recording medium by the recording head and ambient temperature information relating to the ambient temperature.

[0192] <Configuration 2> Multipath recording is possible, in which the recording head performs multiple recording scans on a predetermined area of ​​the recording medium to complete the recording in that predetermined area. Based on the recorded information, the number of multipath passes, the amount of liquid injected into the recording medium, and the scanning speed of the recording head are set. The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein the controller determines to perform the standby control when the average discharge frequency calculated based on the number of multipaths, the input amount, and the scanning speed is higher than a predetermined reference frequency.

[0193] <Structure 3> It includes a blower unit that heats a gas and sends it to the portion of the recording medium facing the recording head, Based on the recorded information, the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit is set. The recording device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the controller determines to perform the standby control when the heating temperature is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature.

[0194] <Structure 4> The system includes a fixing unit that dries the liquid ejected onto the recording medium by the recording head to fix the liquid, Based on the recorded information, the fixing temperature for fixing the liquid by the fixing unit is set. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the controller determines to perform the standby control when the fixing temperature is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature.

[0195] <Composition 5> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the controller determines to perform the standby control when the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature.

[0196] <Composition 6> The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control based on the recorded information, the ambient temperature information, and information regarding the amount of liquid discharged by the recording head.

[0197] <Composition 7> The system includes a circulation pump for circulating the liquid supplied to the recording head, The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control based on the recorded information, the ambient temperature information, and information regarding the circulation flow rate of the liquid circulated by the circulation pump.

[0198] <Structure 8> The recording head has a recording element that generates thermal energy for ejecting liquid, The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control based on the recorded information, the ambient temperature information, and the size information of the recording element.

[0199] <Composition 9> Multipath recording is possible, in which the recording head performs multiple recording scans on a predetermined area of ​​the recording medium to complete the recording in that predetermined area. Based on the recorded information, the number of multipath passes, the amount of liquid injected into the recording medium, and the scanning speed of the recording head are set. The recording device according to Configuration 1, wherein the controller decides to perform the standby control when the average discharge frequency calculated based on the number of multipaths, the input amount, and the scanning speed is higher than a predetermined reference frequency, and decides not to perform the standby control when the average discharge frequency is less than or equal to the predetermined reference frequency.

[0200] <Composition 10> It includes a blower unit that heats a gas and sends it to the portion of the recording medium facing the recording head, Based on the recorded information, the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit is set. The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein the controller decides to perform the standby control when the heating temperature is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature, and decides not to perform the standby control when the heating temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined reference heating temperature.

[0201] <Composition 11> The system includes a fixing unit that dries the liquid ejected onto the recording medium by the recording head to fix the liquid, Based on the recorded information, the fixing temperature for fixing the liquid by the fixing unit is set. The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein the controller decides to perform the standby control when the fixing temperature is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature, and decides not to perform the standby control when the fixing temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined reference fixing temperature.

[0202] <Composition 12> The recording device according to Configuration 1, wherein the controller decides to perform the standby control when the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature, and decides not to perform the standby control when the ambient temperature is below the predetermined reference ambient temperature.

[0203] <Composition 13> The system comprises a plurality of recording heads and a carriage on which the plurality of recording heads are mounted, The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control for each of the plurality of recording heads.

[0204] <Composition 14> The controller, when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is higher than the standby start temperature, performs temperature reduction control to keep the recording head in standby until the temperature detected by the temperature detector falls below the standby end temperature. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the standby temperature and the standby end temperature are set to temperatures lower than the standby start temperature.

[0205] <Composition 15> A control method for a recording device comprising a recording head that discharges liquid onto a recording medium to record an image, and a temperature detector provided on the recording head for detecting temperature, The steps include: performing standby control to cause the recording head to wait for a standby time if the temperature detected by the temperature detector is higher than the standby temperature; The steps include determining whether or not to perform the standby control based on at least one of recording information for recording an image on a recording medium by the recording head and ambient temperature information relating to the ambient temperature, A control method for a recording device, characterized by having the following features.

[0206] <Composition 16> A program for causing a computer to execute the control method of the recording device described in configuration 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0207] 1. Recording device 10 Recording head 46 Temperature Sensor 600 Controllers

Claims

1. A recording head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium to record an image, A temperature detector provided on the recording head for detecting temperature, A controller that performs standby control to cause the recording head to wait for a standby period of time when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is higher than the standby temperature, Equipped with, The recording device is characterized in that the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control based on at least one of recording information for recording an image on a recording medium by the recording head and ambient temperature information relating to the ambient temperature.

2. Multipath recording is possible, in which the recording head performs multiple recording scans on a predetermined area of ​​the recording medium to complete the recording in that predetermined area. Based on the recorded information, the number of multipath passes, the amount of liquid injected into the recording medium, and the scanning speed of the recording head are set. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines to perform the standby control when the average discharge frequency calculated based on the number of multipaths, the input amount, and the scanning speed is higher than a predetermined reference frequency.

3. It includes a blower unit that heats a gas and sends it to the portion of the recording medium facing the recording head, Based on the recorded information, the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit is set. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines to perform the standby control when the heating temperature is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature.

4. The system includes a fixing unit that dries the liquid ejected onto the recording medium by the recording head to fix the liquid, Based on the recorded information, the fixing temperature for fixing the liquid by the fixing unit is set. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines to perform the standby control when the fixing temperature is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature.

5. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines to perform the standby control when the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature.

6. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control based on the recorded information, the ambient temperature information, and information regarding the amount of liquid discharged by the recording head.

7. The system includes a circulation pump for circulating the liquid supplied to the recording head, The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control based on the recorded information, the ambient temperature information, and information regarding the circulation flow rate of the liquid circulated by the circulation pump.

8. The recording head has a recording element that generates thermal energy for ejecting liquid, The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control based on the recorded information, the ambient temperature information, and the size information of the recording element.

9. Multipath recording is possible, in which the recording head performs multiple recording scans on a predetermined area of ​​the recording medium to complete the recording in that predetermined area. Based on the recorded information, the number of multipath passes, the amount of liquid injected into the recording medium, and the scanning speed of the recording head are set. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller decides to perform the standby control when the average discharge frequency calculated based on the number of multipaths, the input amount, and the scanning speed is higher than a predetermined reference frequency, and decides not to perform the standby control when the average discharge frequency is less than or equal to the predetermined reference frequency.

10. It includes a blower unit that heats a gas and sends it to the portion of the recording medium facing the recording head, Based on the recorded information, the heating temperature for heating the gas by the blower unit is set. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller decides to perform the standby control when the heating temperature is higher than a predetermined reference heating temperature, and decides not to perform the standby control when the heating temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined reference heating temperature.

11. The system includes a fixing unit that dries the liquid ejected onto the recording medium by the recording head to fix the liquid, Based on the recorded information, the fixing temperature for fixing the liquid by the fixing unit is set. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller decides to perform the standby control when the fixing temperature is higher than a predetermined reference fixing temperature, and decides not to perform the standby control when the fixing temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined reference fixing temperature.

12. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein the controller decides to perform the standby control when the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined reference ambient temperature, and decides not to perform the standby control when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined reference ambient temperature.

13. The system comprises a plurality of recording heads and a carriage on which the plurality of recording heads are mounted, The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines whether or not to perform the standby control for each of the plurality of recording heads.

14. The controller, when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is higher than the standby start temperature, performs temperature reduction control to keep the recording head in standby until the temperature detected by the temperature detector falls below the standby end temperature. The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the standby temperature and the standby end temperature are set to a temperature lower than the standby start temperature.

15. A control method for a recording device comprising a recording head that discharges liquid onto a recording medium to record an image, and a temperature detector provided on the recording head for detecting temperature, The steps include: performing standby control to cause the recording head to wait for a standby time if the temperature detected by the temperature detector is higher than the standby temperature; The steps include determining whether or not to perform the standby control based on at least one of recording information for recording an image on a recording medium by the recording head and ambient temperature information relating to the ambient temperature, A control method for a recording device, characterized by having the following features.

16. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for the recording device described in claim 15.

Images