Recording device and recording method for recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device and a recording method of a recording device which easily set proper heating temperature of a heater.SOLUTION: A recording device 1 includes a recording head H for recording an image on a recording medium P, transport means for transporting the recording medium P, a platen 3 for supporting the recording medium P, a heater 18 for heating the recording medium P supported by the platen 3, and a control unit 118 for controlling the recording head H, the transport means, and the heater 18. The control unit 118 causes the heater 18 to heat the recording medium at predetermined and constant heating temperature, causes the recording head H and the transport means to record a first test pattern PTN1 of predetermined recording density, and a second test pattern PTN2 of recording density different from the predetermined recording density on the recording medium P, where the recording density of the first test pattern PTN1 and the recording density of the second test pattern PTN2 can be set in the heater 18, and are the recording density associated with heating temperature different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a recording method for the recording apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, recording devices equipped with a heater that heats ink applied to a recording medium have been known. Depending on the heating temperature of the heater, wrinkles may occur on the recording medium or the ink may not dry properly. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing device that sets the heating temperature of the heater according to the analysis results of electronic data to be printed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-148138 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the printing device described in Patent Document 1 had the problem of difficulty in setting an appropriate heating temperature. Specifically, factors related to setting the heater's heating temperature are diverse, including the material and surface treatment of the recording medium, the type and properties of the ink, and the printing environment. Therefore, it was difficult to cover all of the above factors.

[0005] Furthermore, the most reliable method for determining the appropriate heating temperature is to actually perform test printing at different heating temperatures, but this method has the problem of being difficult to implement in a short time. Specifically, it takes a long time for the heater temperature to be increased or decreased after the set temperature is changed and stabilized. In other words, there is a need for a recording device that allows the appropriate heater temperature to be easily set. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The recording device comprises a recording means for depositing droplets onto a recording medium to record an image, a transport means for transporting the recording medium in a transport direction through an area opposite the recording means, a support means for supporting the recording medium in the area opposite the recording means, a heating means for heating the recording medium supported by the support means, and a control means for controlling the recording means, the transport means, and the heating means, wherein the control means causes the heating means to heat the recording medium supported by the support means at a predetermined and constant heating temperature, and causes the recording means and the transport means to record, as test patterns, a first test pattern of a predetermined recording density and a second test pattern of a recording density different from the predetermined recording density on the recording medium, wherein the recording density of the first test pattern and the recording density of the second test pattern are recording densities that can be set on the heating means and are associated with different heating temperatures.

[0007] The recording device comprises a recording means for depositing droplets onto a recording medium to record an image, a transport means for transporting the recording medium in a transport direction through an area facing the recording means, a support means for supporting the recording medium in the area facing the recording means, a heating means for heating the recording medium supported by the support means, and a control means for controlling the recording means, the transport means, and the heating means, wherein the control means causes the heating means to heat the recording medium supported by the support means at a predetermined and constant heating temperature, and causes the recording means and the transport means to record a test pattern of a predetermined recording density on the recording medium, wherein the recording density of the test pattern is a recording density associated with a heating temperature that can be set to the heating means.

[0008] A recording method for a recording device includes a recording means for depositing droplets onto a recording medium to record an image, a transport means for transporting the recording medium in a transport direction through an area opposite the recording means, a support means for supporting the recording medium in the area opposite the recording means, and a heating means for heating the recording medium supported by the support means, wherein the heating means heats the recording medium supported by the support means at a predetermined and constant heating temperature, and the recording means and the transport means record, as test patterns, a first test pattern of a predetermined recording density and a second test pattern of a recording density different from the predetermined recording density on the recording medium, the recording density of the first test pattern and the recording density of the second test pattern are recording densities that can be set on the heating means and are associated with different heating temperatures, and the appropriateness of the heating temperature corresponding to the recording density of the test pattern is determined based on the surface condition of the area heated at the predetermined and constant heating temperature by the heating means and recorded with the test pattern by the recording means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a recording head. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of a recording head. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of distance sensors and the like. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of a test pattern. [Figure 6] 10 is a table showing the relationship between heating temperature and recording density. [Figure 7] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In the embodiment described below, a large format recording device used for printing signage will be exemplified and explained with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In the following figures, X, Y, and Z axes are used as mutually orthogonal coordinate axes as necessary, with the direction indicated by each arrow being the + direction and the direction opposite the + direction being the - direction. The Y axis runs along the front-to-back direction of the recording device. The X axis runs along the left-to-right direction of the recording device, and the +X and -X directions along the X axis are sometimes collectively referred to as simply the X direction. The Z axis is a virtual axis running vertically, with the +Z direction of the recording device being the upward direction and the -Z direction of the recording device being the downward direction. Note that for ease of illustration, the sizes of each component have been made different from their actual sizes.

[0012] 1. First embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a recording head H as recording means, a carriage 11, transport means including a transport unit 9, a platen 3 as support means, and a heater 18 as heating means. Although not shown, the recording apparatus 1 also includes a distance sensor as detection means and a control unit as control means. Note that the description of FIG. 1 will be given from a side view from the +X direction unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the number of recording heads H mounted on the carriage 11 is not limited to one.

[0013] The recording head H deposits ink droplets onto the recording medium P to record an image or the like. The transport unit 9 transports the recording medium P in the +Y direction, which is the transport direction of the platen 3, through an area facing the recording head H. The platen 3 is disposed opposite the recording head H in the direction along the Z axis. In the area facing the recording head H, the platen 3 supports the recording medium P by placing it on its upper surface. The heater 18 is disposed on the platen 3 and heats the recording medium P supported by the platen 3. The control unit controls the recording head H, transport unit 9, heater 18, etc.

[0014] The recording device 1 includes a feed section 14, support sections 2 and 4, a transport section 9, and a winding section 15 as means for transporting the recording medium P. In the feed section 14, the roll-shaped recording medium P before recording is unwound and transported to the platen 3. In the winding section 15, the recording medium P after recording is wound into a roll. In other words, a roll-shaped recording medium P can be used for recording with the recording device 1. The recording medium P is not limited to being in a roll shape, and may be in a single sheet shape.

[0015] The recording medium P is transported from the delivery unit 14 by the transport unit 9. At this time, the roll-shaped recording medium P is rotated in the rotation direction C, for example, on the platen 3, and unwound so that the recording surface 16 faces upward.

[0016] The recording medium P, unwound from the delivery section 14 and transported upward, reaches the support section 2. The support section 2 is formed with an arc-shaped area that comes into contact with the recording medium P. The support section 2 is equipped with a preheater 17 as a preheating means. The preheater 17 is located upstream of the heater 18 in the transport direction of the recording medium P, and preheats the recording medium P before recording by the recording head H.

[0017] The preheater 17 is, for example, an electric heater. The width of the preheater 17 in the X direction is approximately equal to the width of the support part 2 in the X direction and is wider than the width of the recording medium P in the X direction. Therefore, the entire surface of the recording medium P is heated by the preheater 17 as it is transported in the transport direction A while being supported by the support part 2. The heating temperature of the preheater 17 is set higher than the heating temperature of the heater 18 by a control part described later.

[0018] Preheating by the preheater 17 reduces the heating load on the recording medium P by the heater 18 located downstream, improving the heating efficiency of the heater 18. It also prevents the recording medium P from being heated too quickly by the heater 18, suppressing the occurrence of defects such as deformation of the recording medium P.

[0019] The heating temperature of the preheater 17 is set appropriately depending on the type of recording medium P and ink. Although not particularly limited, for example, the heating temperature of the preheater 17 is set approximately 10 to 15°C higher than the heating temperature of the heater 18. For example, if the heating temperature of the heater 18 is set to 40°C, the heating temperature of the preheater 17 is set to 55°C. The heating temperature of the preheater 17 is basically fixed, but may be changed as appropriate. The recording medium P then passes through the support unit 2 and reaches the conveyance unit 9.

[0020] The transport unit 9 includes a drive roller 5 and a driven roller 6. The drive roller 5 and the driven roller 6 are disposed between the support unit 2 and the platen 3. The driven roller 6 is located above the drive roller 5. The drive roller 5 and the driven roller 6 are cylindrical, and their respective rotation axes are aligned with the X-axis.

[0021] The drive roller 5 and driven roller 6 rotate with the recording medium P sandwiched between them, thereby transporting the recording medium P in the +Y direction. More specifically, the drive roller 5 and driven roller 6 unwind and pull out the rolled recording medium P from the delivery unit 14, and transport it to the platen 3 via the support unit 2. The drive roller 5 rotates in a counterclockwise direction C by the drive of a transport motor, which will be described later. The driven roller 6 rotates clockwise in response to the rotation of the drive roller 5. As a result, the recording medium P reaches the platen 3, where the recording head H and the recording medium P face each other.

[0022] The recording head H is mounted on the carriage 11. The recording head H is disposed below the carriage 11 facing in the -Z direction. The recording head H has a nozzle surface F in the -Z direction. Nozzles, which will be described later, are provided on the nozzle surface F. Ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles.

[0023] The print head H is connected to a pipe extending from an ink tank (not shown). The ink tanks store color inks of various colors and white ink separately. The ink tanks may also store treatment liquids such as pretreatment agents and coating liquids. In this specification, liquids such as ink and treatment liquids are collectively referred to as ink.

[0024] When the recording device 1 performs recording, the nozzle surface F of the recording head H is disposed opposite the platen 3 via the recording medium P. The recording head H is an inkjet head that is driven to eject ink by a piezoelectric element. The means for driving the ejection of ink in the recording head H is not limited to the piezoelectric element.

[0025] The carriage 11 is disposed opposite the platen 3. The carriage 11 has its -Y end supported by a guide shaft 20 extending along the width direction X, and is moved back and forth in the X direction relative to the recording medium P by a carriage drive unit (not shown). In other words, the carriage 11 is scanned in the X direction, which intersects with the +Y direction in which the recording medium P is transported on the platen 3. The carriage drive unit applies a driving force for reciprocating movement to the carriage by a carriage motor (described later). The position of the carriage 11 in the X direction is detected by an encoder (not shown) provided in the carriage drive unit.

[0026] The platen 3 has a flat upper surface. The upper surface of the platen 3 is approximately along the XY plane. On the platen 3, ink droplets are ejected from the print head H onto the print medium P. At this time, the print medium P is transported in the +Y direction while being supported on the upper surface of the platen 3. The print head H is also scanned in the X direction. Therefore, the print head H can scan in the X direction relative to the print medium P, and can also move in the direction along the Y axis relative to the print medium P. In this way, images, text, patterns, etc. are formed and printed on the print medium P. In the following explanation, the print medium P on which printing has been performed may also be referred to as a printed product.

[0027] The heater 18 is, for example, an electric heater. The length of the heater 18 along the Y axis is, for example, approximately 150 mm. The width of the heater 18 in the X direction is approximately equal to the width of the platen 3 in the X direction and is wider than the width of the recording medium P in the X direction. Therefore, the recording medium P is heated entirely by the heater 18 as it is transported in the +Y direction while being supported by the platen 3. The heating temperature of the heater 18 is set lower than the heating temperature of the preheater 17 by a control unit, which will be described later. The heating temperature of the heater 18 is set appropriately depending on the type of recording medium P and ink. The heating temperature of the heater 18 can be set, for example, between 30°C and 45°C via the control unit.

[0028] The recording medium P is heated by the heater 18, causing the ink droplets attached to the recording medium P to solidify. Specifically, in the case of water-based resin ink, which has a relatively high resin content and low water content, heating promotes the solidification of the ink droplets attached to the recording medium P. This makes it difficult for the ink droplets to wet and spread, resulting in high-resolution images formed with the ink.

[0029] Furthermore, in the case of common water-based inks and solvent inks, which contain a relatively large amount of water, heating promotes the drying of ink droplets that have been applied to the recording medium P. As a result, the components contained in the ink other than the solvent are fixed to the recording medium P, forming a coating film.

[0030] Examples of recording media P that can be used with the recording device 1 include materials that are difficult for ink to penetrate when attached to the surface, such as acrylic resin, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, and coated paper. Many types of such recording media P are available depending on the application and the ink.

[0031] If the heating temperature of the heater 18 is too low, the color development of the image formed by the ink is likely to decrease. Also, if the heating temperature of the heater 18 is too high, wrinkles are likely to occur in the recording medium P depending on the type and specifications of the recording medium P. In this way, the heating temperature of the heater 18 is an important parameter that affects the quality of the recorded material.

[0032] In the past, it was necessary to vary the heating temperature and try different temperatures to find the appropriate one. In contrast, the recording device 1 keeps the heating temperature of the heater 18 constant while recreating a state where the heating temperature is changed artificially, thereby reducing the time and effort spent on trying different heating temperatures. The details of this function will be described later. The recording medium P then reaches the support part 4 from the platen 3.

[0033] The support part 4 is disposed in the +Y direction of the platen 3. The support part 4 is inclined downward in the +Y direction. Due to the inclination of the support part 4, the support part 4 guides the conveyance direction of the recording medium P from the +Y direction to conveyance direction B. A winding part 15 is provided at the end of the inclination of the support part 4.

[0034] The winding unit 15 is driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate in a rotation direction C, for example, and wind the recording medium P into a roll.

[0035] 2 and 3, the recording head H is substantially rectangular in plan view from the -Z direction, and a substantially rectangular nozzle surface F is provided in the center of the recording head H. The nozzle surface F is aligned substantially along the XY plane. The nozzle surface F protrudes in the -Z direction from the main body of the recording head H in a side view from the +X direction.

[0036] On the nozzle surface F, four nozzle arrays 211a, 211b, 211c, and 211d are arranged in this order toward the +X direction. Each of the nozzle arrays 211a, 211b, 211c, and 211d extends along the Y axis. Each of the nozzle arrays 211a, 211b, 211c, and 211d is made up of a plurality of nozzles 201. Each of the nozzles 201 in the nozzle arrays 211a, 211b, 211c, and 211d ejects droplets of the corresponding type of ink. The nozzle arrays arranged on the nozzle surface F are not limited to the above configuration.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the carriage 11 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. A recording head H is mounted below the carriage 11. The carriage 11 is disposed opposite the platen 3. Distance sensors S are provided on the side of the carriage 11 along the Y axis. As the distance sensors S, a distance sensor S1 is disposed on the side of the carriage 11 in the +X direction, and a distance sensor S2 is disposed on the side of the carriage 11 in the -X direction. Note that the number of distance sensors S is not limited to two. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which either one of the distance sensors S1 and the distance sensor S2 is provided.

[0038] The distance sensor S, together with the carriage 11, is scanned in the X direction relative to the recording medium P. The distance sensor S detects the surface condition of an area of the recording medium P on which a test pattern (described later) has been recorded by the recording head H.

[0039] Specifically, distance sensor S measures the height of recording medium P at multiple locations in the X direction of the test pattern while being scanned in the X direction intersecting the +Y direction. Measurement by distance sensor S is performed immediately after recording of the test pattern by print head H. More specifically, while carriage 11 is scanning in the -X direction, distance sensor S1 performs measurement of the area where print head H has deposited ink droplets as the test pattern. While carriage 11 is scanning in the +X direction, distance sensor S2 performs measurement of the area where print head H has deposited ink droplets as the test pattern.

[0040] The height of the recording medium P here is a numerical value calculated from the distance between the distance sensor S and the upper surface of the recording medium P, as measured by the distance sensor S. The distance sensor S detects wrinkles that occur on the recording medium P by measuring the height at multiple points on the recording medium P. Note that the wrinkles on the recording medium P in this specification are wrinkles caused by heating, and do not include so-called cockling that occurs when a large amount of ink adheres to the recording medium P.

[0041] The distance sensor S is a non-contact distance measuring device. Examples of distance sensors S include optical, sonic, and ultrasonic types. In this embodiment, an ultrasonic sensor including a thin-film piezoelectric element, which will be described below, is used as the distance sensor S.

[0042] The ultrasonic sensor comprises a substrate with an opening penetrating through its thickness, a diaphragm that covers the opening, a thin-film piezoelectric element provided on the back of the diaphragm in a position corresponding to the opening, and an elastic layer inside the opening that faces the thin-film piezoelectric element across the diaphragm. The vibration area of the diaphragm and the thin-film piezoelectric element form a single ultrasonic transducer.

[0043] In an ultrasonic sensor, applying a pulse voltage of a predetermined frequency between two electrodes of a thin-film piezoelectric element causes the thin-film piezoelectric element to bend, vibrating the vibration area and transmitting ultrasonic waves from the opening. When ultrasonic waves propagating toward the ultrasonic sensor vibrate the vibration area of the diaphragm, a potential difference is generated between the two electrodes of the thin-film piezoelectric element. By detecting this potential difference, it becomes possible to detect the timing of ultrasonic wave transmission and reception. Furthermore, the distance sensor S includes a temperature and humidity sensor, and calculates the speed of sound from the measured temperature and humidity. The temperature and humidity sensor does not need to be located in the same position as the distance sensor S.

[0044] With the above configuration, it is possible to measure the distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object by transmitting ultrasonic waves to the object and receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected by the object. Note that the ultrasonic sensor of this embodiment is a small ultrasonic sensor specialized for use when the object is located close by.

[0045] Ultrasonic sensors that include thin-film piezoelectric elements can improve the spatial resolution in distance measurement compared to ultrasonic sensors that do not use thin-film piezoelectric elements. Furthermore, they are easier to miniaturize compared to optical or sonic sensors. This makes the distance sensor S small and lightweight, making it easy to mount on the carriage 11. Furthermore, ultrasonic sensors have the advantage that, compared to optical sensors, the measurement results are less affected by the color and surface reflectivity of the deposit being measured.

[0046] Here, the distance sensor S is not limited to being mounted on the carriage 11. The distance sensor S may be mounted on a carriage separate from the carriage 11. The separate carriage may be disposed in the +Y direction relative to the carriage 11, and may be capable of reciprocating in the X direction by being driven by a carriage motor in the same manner as the carriage 11.

[0047] Furthermore, the recording device 1 is not limited to being equipped with a distance sensor S. Taking into consideration the cost and space required to install the distance sensor S, the distance sensor S may be omitted. In this case, the wrinkle condition is evaluated visually for the test pattern described below. More specifically, the degree of wrinkles on the recording medium P is determined using the degree of unevenness in the test pattern as an index. The more noticeable the wrinkles, the more likely it is that the ink droplets will be misaligned from the position where they are deposited on the recording medium P. Therefore, as the degree of wrinkles worsens, the unevenness that occurs in the test pattern also becomes more noticeable.

[0048] The recording device 1 may be provided with a detection means for automatically detecting unevenness in the test pattern instead of the distance sensor S. Examples of such a detection means include an imaging element and an optical colorimeter. Note that it is preferable that the recording device 1 is provided with the above-mentioned detection means in order to more easily set the heating temperature of the heater 18.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 5, the test pattern PTN includes a first test pattern PTN1, a second test pattern PTN2, and a third test pattern PTN3. The test patterns PTN are printed under the control of a control unit, which will be described later. That is, the test patterns PTN are printed by depositing ink droplets from a print head H, which scans in the X direction, onto a printing medium P, which is transported in the +Y direction by the transport means described above. In the following description, the first test pattern PTN1, the second test pattern PTN2, and the third test pattern PTN3 may each be referred to as the individual test pattern PTN.

[0050] Each test pattern PTN is approximately rectangular in plan view from above, with its long side aligned along the X-axis. In the X-direction, which is the width direction of the recording medium P, the width of each test pattern PTN is equal to the maximum width that the recording head H can record on the recording medium P. In other words, the length of the long side of each test pattern PTN is equal to or slightly shorter than the width of the recording medium P in the X-direction. A small margin may be provided between the side of the recording medium P aligned along the Y-axis and the short side of each test pattern PTN.

[0051] When heating with the heater 18 described above, temperature variations may occur in the X direction. As a result, there is a possibility that a temperature distribution may occur in the heated recording medium P in the X direction. However, because each test pattern PTN has a wide shape in the X direction, it is easy to grasp the temperature distribution. This allows for improved accuracy when testing the heating temperature of the heater 18.

[0052] Each test pattern PTN is printed spaced apart along the Y axis. This prevents wrinkles and unevenness from affecting adjacent test patterns PTN along the Y axis. The length of the spacing along the Y axis is, for example, approximately 50 mm. The length of the short side along the Y axis of each test pattern PTN is, for example, approximately 200 mm.

[0053] The test patterns PTN are arranged in the -Y direction in the order of the second test pattern PTN2, the first test pattern PTN1, and the third test pattern PTN3. The arrangement and planar shape of each test pattern PTN are not limited to those described above. For example, each test pattern PTN may be arranged side by side in the X direction. In this case, the spacing between adjacent test patterns PTN may be approximately 50 mm, and each test pattern PTN may be arranged by dividing the width of the recording medium P into approximately three equal parts. In this case, the length of each test pattern PTN along the Y axis is approximately 200 mm. This reduces the area on which the test patterns PTN are recorded, thereby conserving recording medium P.

[0054] The test pattern PTN may be provided with a note area A1 for recording various information. Examples of such information include the actual heating temperature of the heater 18, a simulated heating temperature (described later), and recording conditions such as recording density. The note area A1 may be provided in each test pattern PTN. The note area A1 improves user convenience when visually evaluating the wrinkles in each test pattern PTN or when visually confirming the degree of wrinkles after an automatic determination has been made. The placement of the note area A1 is not limited to the location shown in the figure.

[0055] Each test pattern PTN is a solid print pattern having a unique print density. The first test pattern PTN1 has a predetermined print density. The second test pattern PTN2 and the third test pattern PTN3 have print densities different from the predetermined print density. Specifically, the first test pattern PTN1 is associated with a lower heating temperature than the second test pattern PTN2 and has a higher print density, and is associated with a higher heating temperature than the third test pattern PTN3 and has a lower print density. The print densities of the first test pattern PTN1, the second test pattern PTN2, and the third test pattern PTN3 can be set to the heater 18 and are print densities associated with different heating temperatures. The first test pattern PTN1 corresponds to the standard condition.

[0056] The print density is the amount of ink adhered to the print medium P and is expressed as % Duty. For example, when printing each test pattern PTN at an image resolution of 1440 x 720 dpi (Dots Per Inch), % Duty = Number of printed dots per square inch / (1440 x 720) x 100.

[0057] The print density of each test pattern PTN is associated with the heating temperature that can be set for the heater 18. More specifically, the temperature of the ink droplets that adhere to the print medium P is lower than the temperature of the print medium P heated by the heater 18. When ink adheres to the heated print medium P, the temperature of the print medium P drops due to heat absorption by the ink. There is a positive correlation between the amount of ink adhered to the print medium P and the amount of temperature drop on the print medium P.

[0058] In other words, if the amount of ink attached is large, the temperature of the recording medium P will drop relatively greatly, and if the amount of ink attached is small, the temperature of the recording medium P will drop relatively little. By varying the amount of ink attached to the recording medium P, the amount of drop in the temperature of the recording medium P can be changed, thereby recreating a state in which the heating temperature of the heater 18 has been changed in a pseudo manner.

[0059] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, when the heating temperature of the heater 18 is set to 40°C, the printing density of the first test pattern PTN1 is set to 100% duty, and the simulated heating temperature is assumed to be 40°C. This is because even in the first test pattern PTN1 under standard conditions, a temperature drop occurs due to ink adhesion. Therefore, for convenience, the above assumption is adopted. Note that the printing density of the test pattern PTN under standard conditions does not need to be 100% duty.

[0060] In contrast, if the print density of the second test pattern PTN2 is set to 10% duty, the simulated heating temperature will be 45° C. If the print density of the third test pattern PTN3 is set to 200% duty, the simulated heating temperature will be 35° C.

[0061] In this case, for the first test pattern PTN1, which is the standard condition, the second test pattern PTN2 has a print density change of -90% duty and a pseudo-reproduced heating temperature change of 5°C for the heater 18. For the third test pattern PTN3, the print density change of 100% duty and a pseudo-reproduced heating temperature change of -5°C for the heater 18, which is the standard condition, for the first test pattern PTN1. Note that the numerical values in FIG. 6 and the above-described correlations are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0062] The association information relating the above-described amount of change in recording density to the simulated amount of change in heating temperature of the heater 18 may be stored in advance in a read only memory (ROM) of the control unit (to be described later). That is, each test pattern PTN may be automatically selected from the association information held by the control unit.

[0063] The print density of the test pattern PTN may also be selected according to the will of the user of the recording device 1. In this case, the user may input the numerical difference between the predetermined and constant heating temperature of the heater 18 and the desired trial heating temperature via a PC (Personal Computer) described below. Alternatively, the user may input the predetermined and constant heating temperature of the heater 18 and the desired trial heating temperature via the PC. From the input trial heating temperature, each test pattern PTN with a print density corresponding to that heating temperature is selected and set.

[0064] Here, when the print density of each test pattern PTN increases in the -Y direction, the reproduced heating temperature decreases in the -Y direction. In this case, it is preferable that the area where the distance sensor S measures the height of each test pattern PTN is near the long side in the -Y direction. This is because a test pattern PTN with a low print density is likely to cause wrinkles in the print medium P, and this is to prevent the wrinkles from affecting the next test pattern PTN following that test pattern PTN.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 118 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 119, a system bus 120, a ROM 121, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 122, a head driving unit 123, a motor driving unit 124, and an input / output unit 130.

[0066] The CPU 119 controls the entire recording apparatus 1. The CPU 119 is electrically connected to a ROM 121, a RAM 122, and a head driving unit 123 via a system bus 120. The ROM 121 stores various control programs and maintenance sequences executed by the CPU 119. The RAM 122 temporarily stores data. The head driving unit 123 drives the recording head H.

[0067] The CPU 119 is electrically connected to a motor driving unit 124 via a system bus 120. The motor driving unit 124 is electrically connected to the carriage motor 65 and the transport motor 88.

[0068] The carriage motor 65 is included in the carriage drive unit described above. The carriage motor 65 moves the carriage 11 back and forth in the X direction. The transport motor 88 drives the drive roller 5 described above to transport the recording medium P.

[0069] The CPU 119 is electrically connected to an input / output unit 130 via a system bus 120. The input / output unit 130 is electrically connected to a distance sensor S and a PC (Personal Computer) 129. The PC 129 is an information device that inputs recording data and the like to the recording device 1.

[0070] The distance sensor S measures the height of an area on the recording medium P that has been heated at a predetermined and constant heating temperature by the heater 18 and that has been printed with the test pattern PTN by the print head H. The predetermined and constant heating temperature here refers to, for example, the heating temperature for the first test pattern PTN1, which is the standard condition, and the simulated heating temperature.

[0071] The distance sensor S may measure the height of an area where the test pattern PTN is not recorded, for example, an area where nothing is recorded or an area where an image other than the test pattern PTN is recorded.

[0072] The control unit 118 controls the heating of the heater 18. The control unit 118 causes the heater 18 to heat the recording medium P supported by the platen 3 at a predetermined and constant heating temperature. The control unit 118 causes the recording head H and the conveying means to record the test pattern PTN on the recording medium P. At this time, the control unit 118 may cause the recording of the test pattern PTN at a recording density associated with the heating temperature of the heater 18 based on the above-mentioned association information stored in the ROM 121.

[0073] Specifically, in the above example, the test pattern PTN of the print density associated with the artificially reproduced heating temperature of 40°C is the first test pattern PTN1. The test pattern PTN of the print density associated with the artificially reproduced heating temperature of 45°C is the second test pattern PTN2. The test pattern PTN of the print density associated with the artificially reproduced heating temperature of 35°C is the third test pattern PTN3.

[0074] By having the control unit 118 hold the above-mentioned related information, it is possible to easily set and reproduce the recording density associated with the heating temperature to be tested.

[0075] The control unit 118 controls the conveying means so that the conveying speed when recording each test pattern PTN is equal to the conveying speed when discharging the recording medium after recording. This reduces the variation in the time when the recording medium P and the heater 18 are in close proximity. Therefore, the difference in the time when the test pattern PTN is heated by the heater 18 is reduced, improving the accuracy of the heating temperature trial.

[0076] The control unit 118 determines the appropriateness of the artificially reproduced heating temperature corresponding to the recording density of the test pattern PTN based on the height measurement result detected by the distance sensor S. More specifically, the control unit 118 calculates the height difference between multiple points on each test pattern PTN from the heights of the multiple points measured by the distance sensor S. The better the degree of wrinkles that occur on the recording medium P, the smaller the height difference.

[0077] For each test pattern PTN whose height difference is within a predetermined range, the control unit 118 determines that the artificially reproduced heating temperature corresponding to the print density is appropriate. That is, the control unit 118 determines that the artificially reproduced heating temperature is the heating temperature that should actually be set for the heater 18. The predetermined range of height difference is, for example, 1.8 mm or less.

[0078] If the control unit 118 determines that multiple levels of the simulated heating temperature are appropriate, it selects the lowest level of the heating temperature, thereby setting the heating temperature of the heater 18 lower and reducing the power consumption of the recording device 1 and the thermal impact on the recording medium P.

[0079] The level of wrinkles that have occurred on the recording medium P is determined from the height difference in each test pattern PTN. Then, the appropriateness of the artificially reproduced heating temperature corresponding to the recording density of each test pattern PTN is automatically determined. The trial of the heating temperature of the heater 18 using the test pattern PTN is not limited to one time, but may be performed multiple times by changing the recording density of each test pattern PTN.

[0080] The control unit 118 sets the artificially reproduced heating temperature corresponding to each test pattern PTN that has been determined to be appropriate to the heater 18. This automatically sets an appropriate heating temperature for the heater 18, thereby reducing the amount of work required compared to manual setting.

[0081] The control unit 118 may notify the user of the recording device 1 of the simulated heating temperature corresponding to each test pattern PTN that has been determined to be appropriate. Examples of means for notifying include a display panel (not shown) provided in the recording device 1 and the PC 129. This improves the convenience for the user of the recording device 1 when manually setting an appropriate heating temperature for the heater 18. Note that if the control unit 118 determines that multiple levels of the simulated heating temperatures are appropriate, it displays a message indicating that the heating temperature is at a low level. Examples of the content of the display include a mark, a note, and a highlight.

[0082] This embodiment can achieve the following effects. The recording device 1 can easily set an appropriate heating temperature for the heater 18. Specifically, a third test pattern PTN3, which reproduces a lower heating temperature, and a second test pattern PTN2, which reproduces a higher heating temperature, are recorded on the recording medium P for the first test pattern PTN1 without changing the heating temperature of the heater 18 for the recording medium P. This makes it possible to simultaneously reproduce high and low heating temperatures for the first test pattern PTN, which is the standard condition. This allows for more efficient testing of the heating temperature. In other words, a recording device 1 and a recording method for the recording device 1 can be provided that allow for easy setting of an appropriate heating temperature for the heater 18.

[0083] 2. Second embodiment In the recording device according to this embodiment, the configuration of the test pattern PTN recorded on the recording medium P is changed from that of the recording device 1 of the first embodiment. In the following explanation, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0084] In this embodiment, the control unit 118 records a single test pattern of a predetermined recording density on the recording medium P. The test patterns in the above embodiment include a first test pattern PTN1, a second test pattern PTN2, and a third test pattern PTN3, but this is a difference in this embodiment.

[0085] Specifically, in this embodiment, one of the test patterns PTN in the above embodiments is printed as a test pattern. This embodiment may be employed to confirm that a heating temperature is appropriate when it is empirically determined to be appropriate.

[0086] This embodiment has the following advantages: In the recording device, an appropriate heating temperature for the heater 18 can be easily set. Specifically, even if it is determined that the heating temperature is not appropriate, it is possible to immediately print and test a test pattern PTN corresponding to a different heating temperature without changing the heating temperature of the heater 18. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1...recording device, 3...platen as support means, 17...preheater as preheating means, 18...heater as heating means, 118...control unit as control means, H...recording head as recording means, P...recording medium, PTN...test pattern, PTN1...first test pattern, PTN2...second test pattern, PTN3...third test pattern PTN, S...distance sensor as detection means, S1, S2...distance sensors.

Claims

1. a recording means for depositing droplets onto a recording medium to record an image; a conveying means for conveying the recording medium in a conveying direction through an area facing the recording means; a support means for supporting the recording medium in the area facing the recording means; a heating means for heating the recording medium supported by the supporting means; a control unit that controls the recording unit, the transport unit, and the heating unit, The control means storing association information in which the print density and the pseudo-reproduced heating temperature are associated with each other for the first test pattern, and the print density and the pseudo-reproduced heating temperature are associated with each other for the second test pattern; the heating means heats the recording medium supported by the supporting means at a predetermined and constant heating temperature; the recording means and the conveying means cause the first test pattern and a second test pattern having a recording density different from that of the first test pattern to be recorded on the recording medium as test patterns, the related information associates a change amount of the printing density of the second test pattern relative to a printing density of the first test pattern with a change amount of the heating temperature pseudo-reproduced of the second test pattern relative to a heating temperature pseudo-reproduced of the first test pattern, The recording apparatus is characterized in that the control means causes the recording of the test pattern at a recording density associated with the heating temperature based on the association information.

2. heating the recording medium at the predetermined and constant heating temperature by the heating means; a detection means for detecting a surface condition of an area where the test pattern has been recorded by the recording means, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means determines whether the heating temperature corresponding to the recording density of the test pattern is appropriate based on the detection result of said detection means.

3. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control means sets said heating means to a heating temperature corresponding to said test pattern that has been determined to be appropriate.

4. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means notifies the user of the heating temperature corresponding to the test pattern that has been determined to be appropriate.

5. the detecting means measures the height of the recording medium at a plurality of points in a direction intersecting the conveying direction, 5. The recording device according to claim 2, wherein the control means calculates the difference in elevation between the plurality of locations from the heights of the plurality of locations measured by the detection means, and determines that the heating temperature corresponding to the recording density of the test pattern where the difference in elevation is within a predetermined range is appropriate.

6. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detecting means has an ultrasonic sensor including a thin film piezoelectric element.

7. the control means causes the first test pattern, the second test pattern, and the third test pattern to be recorded on the recording medium as the test patterns; 7. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein the first test pattern is a test pattern having a higher printing density associated with a lower heating temperature than the second test pattern, and a test pattern having a lower printing density associated with a higher heating temperature than the third test pattern.

8. a preheating unit that heats the recording medium before recording by the recording unit, the preheating unit being located upstream of the heating unit in the transport direction; 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means sets the heating temperature of said preheating means to be higher than said predetermined constant heating temperature of said heating means.

9. a width in a width direction of the recording medium in which the first test pattern and the second test pattern are recorded is equal to a maximum width that can be recorded by the recording means on the recording medium; 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first test pattern and the second test pattern are recorded at a distance from each other in the transport direction of the recording medium.

10. a recording means for depositing droplets onto a recording medium to record an image; a conveying means for conveying the recording medium in a conveying direction through an area facing the recording means; a support means for supporting the recording medium in the area facing the recording means; a heating means for heating the recording medium supported by the supporting means; a control unit that controls the recording unit, the conveying unit, and the heating unit, the control means stores association information that associates the print density and the heating temperature that are artificially reproduced for the first test pattern, and that associates the print density and the heating temperature that are artificially reproduced for the second test pattern; The heating means heats the recording medium supported by the supporting means at a predetermined and constant heating temperature; recording, as test patterns, the first test pattern and a second test pattern having a recording density different from that of the first test pattern on the recording medium by the recording means and the conveying means; the related information associates a change amount of the printing density of the second test pattern relative to a printing density of the first test pattern with a change amount of the heating temperature pseudo-reproduced of the second test pattern relative to a heating temperature pseudo-reproduced of the first test pattern, Printing the test pattern at a print density associated with the heating temperature based on the association information; A recording method for a recording device, characterized in that the appropriateness of the heating temperature corresponding to the recording density of the test pattern is determined based on the surface condition of the area heated at the predetermined and constant heating temperature by the heating means and recorded with the test pattern by the recording means.

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