Recording device and carriage device

Abstract

To enable recording with different degrees of priority of recording efficiency and recording accuracy.SOLUTION: A recording device includes a carriage mounted with recording means for performing recording on a recording medium, a first motor which rotates in a first direction and moves the carriage in a predetermined direction, a second motor which rotates in a second direction and moves the carriage in the predetermined direction, and control means for controlling the first motor and the second motor, wherein the recording means executes a first mode of rotating the first motor in the first direction and rotating the second motor in the second direction, when allowing the recording means to perform recording under a first recording condition, and a second mode of making an output ratio of the first motor to the second motor different from that of the first mode, when allowing the recording means to perform recording under a second recording condition different from the first recording condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known recording device that records on a recording medium such as paper by ejecting ink from a moving carriage equipped with a recording head. Demand for higher recording productivity and higher image quality for such recording devices is increasing year by year. As a result, recording heads are becoming longer and denser, which increases their weight, while at the same time, there is a demand for faster carriage movement and improved positioning accuracy.

[0003] A known method for driving a carriage is to connect the carriage to an endless belt (timing belt) and move the carriage by driving the endless belt with the driving force of a motor. To move the carriage at high speed, it is conceivable to use a large, high-power motor, but the market distribution scale of large, high-power motors is small and they are expensive. Patent Document 1 discloses a device in which one of two pulleys that move the endless belt is rotated by a stepping motor and the other by a DC motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3604994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A system using multiple motors as the drive source for the mechanism that moves the carriage allows the carriage to move at higher speeds, improving printing efficiency. However, a system using multiple motors may have different carriage vibration characteristics (speed fluctuations, etc.) than a system using a single motor. Carriage vibration characteristics can be a factor in reducing printing accuracy.

[0006] The present invention provides a technique that enables recording with different priorities between recording efficiency and recording accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, a carriage carrying a recording means for recording on a recording medium; a driving means for moving the carriage using a first motor and a second motor as a driving source; a control means for controlling the first motor and the second motor; A recording device comprising: The driving means a first rotating member; a second rotating member; an endless belt wound between the first rotating member and the second rotating member and connected to the carriage; the first motor is a drive source that rotates the first rotating member, the second motor is a drive source that rotates the second rotating member, the first motor and the second motor are products with the same performance and characteristics; The control means When the recording means is caused to record under a first recording condition, the first motor is 、 The aforementioned Move the carriage in the specified direction Rotating the second motor in a first direction 、 The aforementioned Move the carriage in the predetermined direction. a first aspect of rotating in a second direction; and when causing the recording means to record under second recording conditions different from the first recording conditions, a second mode is executed in which an output ratio between the first motor and the second motor is different from that of the first mode. A recording device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that enables recording in which the priority levels of recording efficiency and recording accuracy are different. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the recording device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device of the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] (A) is an explanatory diagram of PWM control, and (B) is a diagram showing the target speed relative to the carriage position. [Figure 5] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing examples of carriage motor control modes. [Figure 6] 1A is a flowchart showing an example of a process for setting a control mode, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between recording conditions (recording modes) and control modes. [Figure 7] 1A is a flowchart showing an example of a process for setting a control mode, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence between recording conditions (paper type) and control modes. [Figure 8] 10A is a flowchart showing an example of a process for setting a control mode, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between paper type, recording mode, and carriage speed. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing an example of a motor characteristic measurement process, and 10C is a flowchart showing an example of a motor selection process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of motor characteristic measurement using a current sensor. [Figure 11] (A) is a flowchart showing an example of a process for selecting and switching a motor to be used based on percentage information, (B) is a diagram showing an example of a configuration using a cooling unit, and (C) is a flowchart showing an example of a process for setting the priority of a motor to be used based on percentage information. [Figure 12] 12A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration using a temperature sensor, and FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing an example of a motor selection / switching process for the example of the configuration shown in FIG. 12A. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of arrangement of abutment members and examples of obstacles. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing related to a carriage movement test. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for measuring a speed fluctuation amount of a carriage. [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example using an acceleration sensor. [Figure 17] 1A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration using a reading sensor, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a registration adjustment pattern, and FIG. 1C is a flowchart showing an example of a correction value setting process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] First Embodiment <Outline of the recording device> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus 1 in this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the recording apparatus 1. In the figures, arrow Y indicates the width direction (left-right direction) of the recording apparatus 1, L indicates the left side, and R indicates the right side. Arrow X indicates the depth direction (front-rear direction) of the recording apparatus 1, F indicates the front side, and B indicates the rear side. Arrow Z indicates the up-down direction. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to a serial type inkjet recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink onto a recording medium, but the present invention can also be applied to other types of recording apparatus.

[0012] "Recording" not only includes the formation of meaningful information such as characters and figures, but also includes the formation of images, patterns, designs, etc. on a recording medium, whether meaningful or insignificant, or the processing of the medium, regardless of whether it is manifested in a way that can be visually perceived by humans. In addition, in this embodiment, sheet-like paper is assumed as the "recording medium" to be recorded, but sheet-like cloth, plastic film, etc. may also be used.

[0013] The recording device 1 includes a feeding unit 4. The feeding unit 4 holds the recording medium to be fed into the recording device 1. In this embodiment, a roll sheet 100 is used as the recording medium. However, the recording medium may also be a cut sheet. The roll sheet 100 is a sheet wound in a roll shape around a cylindrical core. The roll sheet 100 has a width of, for example, 10 to 60 inches in the X direction.

[0014] The recording apparatus 1 includes a transport unit 7. The transport unit 7 is a sheet transport mechanism including a transport roller 70 and a pinch roller 71 that is pressed against the transport roller 70. The sheet drawn from the roll sheet R is sent rearward in the X direction, then folded back to the front, and reaches the transport unit 7. The sheet is then sandwiched between the transport roller 70 and the pinch roller 71 of the transport unit 7 and transported forward in the X direction on the platen 10.

[0015] The recording device 1 includes a recording head 2 that records an image by ejecting ink onto a sheet transported onto a platen 10 by a transport unit 7. The recording head 2 includes a plurality of nozzles that eject ink. Each nozzle is provided with an energy element that generates energy to eject ink when power is supplied. The energy element is, for example, an electrothermal conversion element such as a heater, or an electropressure conversion element such as a piezoelectric element. The recording head 2 is capable of ejecting different types of ink (for example, ink of multiple colors such as black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y)), and multiple nozzles are formed for each type of ink.

[0016] Ink is supplied to the recording head 2 from an ink storage section 5. The ink storage section 5 has tanks for each type of ink, and the ink is stored in the tanks. The ink is supplied from the ink storage section 5 to the recording head 2 via flexible tubes (not shown) supported by chain links 5a.

[0017] The recording head 2 is mounted on a carriage 3, and the recording device 1 is equipped with a carriage device described below. The carriage 3 is moved in the Y direction by a drive unit 6. The drive unit 6 has guide rails 63 and 64 extending parallel to the Y direction. The carriage 3 engages with the guide rails 63 and 64, and is guided in its movement in the Y direction. The drive unit 6 includes pulleys 60R and 60L as an example of multiple rotating members. The pulleys 60R and 60L are spaced apart in the Y direction and have the same specifications (outer diameter, weight, etc.). A timing belt 62, an example of an endless belt, is wound around the pulleys 60R and 60L. The carriage 3 is connected to the timing belt 62.

[0018] The drive unit 6 includes carriage motors 61R and 61L. The carriage motor 61R is a drive source that rotates the pulley 60R, and the carriage motor 61L is a drive source that rotates the pulley 60L. In this embodiment, the carriage motor 61R is configured so that the pulley 60R is connected to its output shaft and directly rotates the pulley 60R, but it may also be configured so that the pulley 60R is rotated via a reducer. Similarly, the carriage motor 61L is configured so that the pulley 60L is connected to its output shaft and directly rotates the pulley 60L, but it may also be configured so that the pulley 60L is rotated via a reducer. The carriage motors 61R and 61L are, for example, brushless DC motors, and in this embodiment, the same product is used. Therefore, the performance and characteristics of the carriage motors 61R and 61L when driven are the same.

[0019] The carriage 3 can be moved by driving one or both of the carriage motors 61R and 61L to run the timing belt 62. Furthermore, by switching the rotation direction of the carriage motors 61R and 61L, the carriage 3 can be reciprocated in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the carriage 3 can be moved using the output of the two carriage motors 61R and 61L, which allows for greater output than when driven by a single carriage motor. Therefore, even if the carriage 3 is heavy, it can be moved at a higher speed.

[0020] An encoder sensor 9 is mounted on the carriage 3. The encoder sensor 9 reads a linear scale (encoder scale) 8 extending in the Y direction and outputs a signal indicating the position of the carriage 3 in the Y direction. The linear scale 8 has, for example, transmissive portions and light-shielding portions repeatedly formed at predetermined intervals in the Y direction. The encoder sensor 9 is, for example, an optical sensor equipped with a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, and outputs the light-receiving result of the light-receiving portion, which differs depending on the transmissive portion and the light-shielding portion, as a detection signal.

[0021] When the carriage 3 moves in the Y direction, a pulse-like signal is obtained by the encoder sensor 9. The position of the carriage 3 in the Y direction can be calculated by counting the number of pulses. The movement speed of the carriage 3 can also be calculated from the number of pulses per unit time. For example, assume that the linear scale 8 has a scale in which the transmissive and opaque parts repeat at 150 cycles per inch. Every time the carriage moves 1 / 150 inch, the encoder sensor 9 obtains a one-pulse signal. When three pulses are counted in 500 μs, the speed v of the carriage 3 can be calculated as v = (3 / 150 inch) / 500 μs = 40 ips.

[0022] During the printing operation, the sheet is transported intermittently by the transport unit 7 (step transport). While the sheet is stopped from being transported, the carriage 3 is moved in the main scanning direction (Y direction) and ink is ejected onto the sheet from the print head 2 (print scan). After printing for one scan is completed, the transport unit 7 transports the sheet a predetermined distance in the sub-scanning direction (direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction). Then, a printing scan is performed. An image is printed on the sheet by repeating the printing scan and the step transport of the sheet. After the image has been printed, the sheet is cut by a cutter mechanism (not shown).

[0023] <Control device> The control device 11 of the recording device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 3. The control device 11 is a circuit that includes at least one processor and at least one storage device, and the processor executes a program stored in the storage device. The control device 11 of this embodiment includes a main control unit 20, a transport control unit 24, and a recording control unit 25. The main control unit 20 receives image data and a recording instruction for the image data from the host device 200, and executes the recording operation.

[0024] The main control unit 20 includes a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, and an interface unit (I / F unit) 23, and controls the entire recording device 1. The processing unit 21 is a processor such as a CPU, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 is a storage device such as RAM or ROM, and stores programs and data.

[0025] The transport control unit 24 and the recording control unit 25 execute transport control and recording control, respectively, under the instructions of the main control unit 20. Each of these control units 24 and 25 includes a processing unit, a storage unit, and an I / F unit, similar to the main control unit 20. They also include a drive circuit for driving a motor, etc.

[0026] The transport control unit 24 controls the transport of the sheet by controlling the transport motor 72 that rotates the transport roller 70. The transport control unit 24 receives detection results from a sensor that detects the rotation amount of the transport motor 72 and a sensor that detects the transport position of the sheet (neither of which are shown), and controls the transport motor 72 based on these detection results.

[0027] Based on the detection result of the encoder sensor 9, the print control unit 25 controls the driving of the carriage motors 61R and 61L (controls the movement of the carriage 3) and the driving of the print head 2 (controls the ink ejection).

[0028] <Carriage movement control> The carriage motors 61R and 61L are controlled independently. In this embodiment, the carriage motors 61R and 61L are driven using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. With PWM control, the output power is controlled based on the ratio (duty ratio) of the power-on time (ON time) per unit time. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram. FIG. 4A shows an example in which the ON time t per unit time T is 1 / 2T, and the duty ratio is 50%. As the duty ratio increases, the power supplied to the carriage motors 61R and 61L increases, and the output of the carriage motors 61R and 61L increases. When the duty ratio is 100%, the output of the carriage motors 61R and 61L is maximum. Although PWM control is used to drive the carriage motors 61R and 61L in this embodiment, other control methods may be used.

[0029] In this embodiment, the movement control of the carriage 3 is feedback control. Target velocities are preset for many positions of the carriage 3 in the Y direction. Figure 4(B) shows an example (velocity profile). The vertical axis represents the target velocity of the carriage 3, and the horizontal axis represents the position of the carriage 3 in the Y direction.

[0030] The acceleration start position, stop target position, and deceleration start position of the carriage 3 are predetermined. In this embodiment, the Y-direction position of the carriage 3 is broadly divided into an acceleration region, a constant speed region, and a deceleration region. The carriage 3 accelerates to a printing speed Vp, performs a printing scan during the constant speed region of the printing speed Vp, and then decelerates and stops. The target speed for each position can be set so that the speed and movement of the carriage 3 change gradually, avoiding abrupt changes. The printing speed Vp is changed depending on the printing efficiency and printing quality. For example, if printing efficiency is prioritized, the target speed Vp is set to a high speed. If printing quality is prioritized, the printing speed Vp is set to a low speed.

[0031] When the carriage 3 moves, the recording control unit 25 calculates the actual position and actual speed of the carriage 3 from the detection results of the encoder sensor 9. Then, the recording control unit 25 increases or decreases the duty ratio according to the difference between the target speed at that actual position and the actual speed. For example, if the actual speed does not reach the target speed, the duty ratio is increased. Conversely, if the actual speed exceeds the target speed, the duty ratio is decreased.

[0032] <Carriage movement and carriage motor control> The basic movement of the carriage 3 includes forward movement from a stop position at the right end of its movement range (sometimes called the home position (HP)) to the left end, and backward movement from the stop position at the left end of its movement range to the right end. The movement direction of the carriage 3 when moving forward may be called the forward direction, and the movement direction when moving backward may be called the backward direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, when moving the carriage 3, one control mode can be selected from a plurality of control modes as the control mode for the carriage motors 61R and 61L. Figures 5(A) to 5(C) show examples of the control modes for the carriage motors 61R and 61L, and the arrows indicating the rotation directions of the pulleys 60R and 60L show driving rotation with solid lines and driven rotation with dashed lines.

[0034] The control mode in Figure 5(A) is a control mode in which the carriage 3 is moved only by the driving force of the carriage motor 61R (sometimes called single drive). The carriage motor 61L is not driven. When the carriage motor 61R is rotated in one direction (forward rotation), the pulley 60R rotates clockwise as shown, allowing the carriage 3 to move in the forward direction. When the carriage motor 61R is rotated in the reverse direction, the pulley 60R rotates counterclockwise, allowing the carriage 3 to move in the backward direction.

[0035] The control mode in Figure 5(B) is a control mode in which the carriage 3 is moved only by the driving force of the carriage motor 61L (this is also an example of single drive). The carriage motor 61L is not driven. When the carriage motor 61L is rotated in one direction (forward rotation), the pulley 60L rotates clockwise as shown, allowing the carriage 3 to move in the forward direction. When the carriage motor 61L is rotated in the reverse direction, the pulley 60L rotates counterclockwise, allowing the carriage 3 to move in the backward direction.

[0036] The control mode shown in FIG. 5C is a control mode in which the carriage 3 is moved by the driving force of both carriage motors 61R and 61L (sometimes referred to as twin drive). When both carriage motors 61R and 61L are rotated forward, the pulleys 60R and 60L rotate clockwise as shown, causing the carriage 3 to move forward. When both carriage motors 61R and 61L are rotated reversely, the pulleys 60R and 60L rotate counterclockwise, causing the carriage 3 to move backward. The control mode in which both carriage motors 61R and 61L are driven can obtain twice the torque compared to the control mode in which only one of carriage motors 61R or 61L is driven. Therefore, the control mode shown in FIG. 5C allows the carriage 3 to move at maximum speed, while the control mode shown in FIG. 5A or 5B moves the carriage 3 slower than the control mode shown in FIG. 5C.

[0037] The control modes of FIGS. 5A to 5C can also be said to be control modes in which the output ratio (output torque ratio in this embodiment) of carriage motors 61R and 61L is different. In the control mode of FIG. 5A, the output ratio of carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:0. In the control mode of FIG. 5B, the output ratio of carriage motors 61R and 61L is 0:1. In the control mode of FIG. 5C, the output ratio of carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:N (or N:1). A representative example of the control mode of FIG. 5C is an example in which the output ratio of carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:1. In the control mode of FIG. 5C, the output ratio of carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:2 or 2:1. The output ratio can also be said to be the ratio of the duty ratios of the PWM control of carriage motors 61R and 61L.

[0038] <Adjusting the priority between recording efficiency and recording accuracy> The control mode of the carriage motors 61R and 61L can affect printing efficiency and printing accuracy. In the twin drive example of FIG. 5C, a larger output can be obtained, allowing the carriage 3 to move at a higher speed. However, twin drive may increase vibrations because both carriage motors 61R and 61L are driven. Increased vibrations can cause deterioration in the landing accuracy of ink ejected from the print head 2, resulting in reduced printing accuracy (print quality). On the other hand, the single drive examples of FIGS. 6A and 6B have the opposite characteristics to twin drive in terms of printing efficiency and printing accuracy. In other words, although single drive is disadvantageous in terms of high-speed movement of the carriage 3, it is advantageous in terms of reducing the impact of vibration on landing accuracy.

[0039] When a user instructs the recording device 1 to record, the required specifications may differ depending on the content of the recording. For example, when printing a large number of line drawings such as CAD drawings, recording speed takes priority over image quality. Conversely, when printing a small number of images such as photographs that require high image quality, recording quality takes priority even if it takes time.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control mode of the carriage motors 61R and 61L is selected according to the recording conditions. An example is shown with reference to Figs. 6(A) and 6(B). The examples of Figs. 6(A) and 6(B) are examples in which the control mode is selected according to the recording mode as a recording condition. Fig. 6(A) shows an example of processing executed by the recording control unit 25, in which the control mode of the carriage motor is selected. Fig. 6(B) is a diagram showing the correspondence between the recording mode and the control mode.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6(A), in S1, the type of recording mode selected by the user is acquired. The user can select the recording mode, for example, from the host device 200, and the selection result is stored, for example, in the storage unit 22. In S1, the recording control unit 25 acquires the selection result stored in the storage unit 22. In S2, a control mode corresponding to the type of recording mode acquired in S1 is selected. The selection of the control mode follows the correspondence relationship in FIG. 6(B). The information in FIG. 6(B) is stored, for example, in a storage device of the recording control unit 25.

[0042] In the example of FIG. 6B, there are three print modes: "fast," "normal," and "fine." In "fine," the print speed Vp of the carriage 3 is set to a low speed to perform high-precision printing. In other words, priority is given to print quality. In "fast," the carriage 3 The recording speed Vp is set to a high speed to shorten the recording time. In other words, priority is given to recording efficiency. "Normal" is an intermediate mode between these two.

[0043] As mentioned above, twin drive allows for greater output than single drive, enabling the carriage 3 to move at high speed and shortening the recording time. On the other hand, with twin drive, the cogging torque and torque ripple (hereinafter collectively referred to as torque ripple) generated by the motor can affect ink landing accuracy, and the impact of torque ripple is greater than with single drive.

[0044] When "Fast" is selected as the recording mode, twin drive is selected as the control mode in order to move the carriage 3 at a higher speed. The output ratio of the carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:1, and this output ratio is achieved, for example, by making the duty ratios of the PWM controls for the carriage motors 61R and 61L the same.

[0045] When "normal" is selected as the recording mode, the carriage 3 is moved at a medium speed to prevent a significant decrease in impact accuracy. For this reason, twin drive is selected as the control mode, with the output ratio of the carriage motors 61R and 61L being 2:1 (or 1:2). This output ratio is achieved, for example, by setting the duty ratio of the PWM control for the carriage motors 61R and 61L to 2:1 (or 1:2). By controlling the output of one of the carriage motors to be slightly reduced, the effects of torque ripple are reduced.

[0046] When "Clean" is selected as the recording mode, the carriage 3 moves at a slower speed to prevent a decrease in ink landing accuracy. For this reason, single drive is selected as the control mode, and the output ratio of the carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:0 (or 0:1). This output ratio is achieved by not driving one of the carriage motors (duty ratio 0). By controlling one of the carriage motors not to be driven, the effects of torque ripple are suppressed.

[0047] In this embodiment, there are three printing modes, but there may be four or more, or two. The drive modes of the carriage motors 61R and 61L may also be four or more, or two. If there are two, they may be twin drive and single drive, or two types of twin drive with different output ratios.

[0048] <Another selection example 1 of control mode> In the examples of Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the control modes of the carriage motors 61R and 61L are selected according to the type of recording mode, but they may also be selected according to the type of recording medium (here, paper type). An example of this is shown with reference to Figures 7(A) and 7(B). The examples of Figures 7(A) and 7(B) are examples in which the control mode is selected according to the paper type of the recording medium as a recording condition. Figure 7(A) shows an example of processing executed by the recording control unit 25, in which the control mode of the carriage motor is selected. Figure 7(B) is a diagram showing the correspondence between paper type and control mode.

[0049] In S11, the paper type setting is acquired. The paper type is selected by, for example, the user, and the selection result is stored in, for example, the memory unit 22. In S11, the recording control unit 25 acquires the selection result stored in the memory unit 22. In S12, a control mode corresponding to the paper type setting acquired in S11 is selected. The selection of the control mode follows the correspondence relationship in FIG. 7(B). The information in FIG. 7(B) is stored in, for example, a memory device of the recording control unit 25.

[0050] In the example of Figure 7(B), there are three types of paper: "plain paper," "coated paper," and "glossy paper." If "plain paper" is selected, it is likely that the user is looking for printing speed rather than image quality. "Glossy paper" is often used for printing photographs. If "glossy paper" is selected, it is likely that the user is looking for high-quality image quality. "Coated paper" is somewhere in between. When "plain paper" is selected as the paper type, twin drive is selected as the control mode to move the carriage 3 at a higher speed. The output ratio of the carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:1. When "coated paper" is selected as the paper type, the carriage 3 is moved at a medium speed to prevent a significant decrease in ink landing accuracy. For this reason, twin drive is selected as the control mode, but the output ratio of the carriage motors 61R and 61L is 2:1 (or 1:2). The effect of torque ripple is reduced by controlling the output of one of the carriage motors slightly. When "glossy paper" is selected as the paper type, the carriage 3 is moved at a slower speed to prevent a decrease in ink landing accuracy. For this reason, single drive is selected as the control mode, and the output ratio of the carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:0 (or 0:1).

[0051] In this example, there are three paper types, but there may be four or more, or even two. The drive modes of carriage motors 61R and 61L may also be four or more, or even two. If there are two, there may be two types: twin drive and single drive, or two types of twin drive with different output ratios.

[0052] <Another selection example 2 of control mode> The control mode of the carriage motors 61R and 61L may be selected according to the movement speed (printing speed Vp) of the carriage 3. An example of this is shown with reference to Figs. 8(A) and 8(B). The examples of Figs. 8(A) and 8(B) are examples in which the control mode is selected according to the movement speed of the carriage 3 as a printing condition. Fig. 8(A) is an example of processing executed by the printing control unit 25, and shows an example of processing for selecting the control mode of the carriage motor. Fig. 8(B) is a diagram showing the relationship between the printing mode and paper type and the printing speed Vp of the carriage 3.

[0053] First, the relationship between the print mode and paper type and the print speed Vp of the carriage 3 (speed table) will be explained with reference to FIG. 8(B). In this selection example, the print speed Vp is set based on the type of print mode and paper type selected by the user. There are three types of print modes, "fast," "normal," and "fine," as shown in the examples of FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B). There are three types of paper, "plain paper," "coated paper," and "glossy paper," as shown in the examples of FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B).

[0054] If the recording mode selected by the user is "fast" and the paper type selected by the user is "plain paper," the recording speed Vp is set to V1. If the recording mode selected by the user is "fine" and the paper type selected by the user is "glossy paper," the recording speed Vp is set to V5. The relationship between the recording speeds V1 to V5 is V1>V2>V3>V4>V5, with V1 being the fastest and V5 being the slowest. Of the combinations of recording mode type and paper type, the more emphasis is placed on recording accuracy, the slower the recording speed Vp, and the more emphasis is placed on recording efficiency, the faster the recording speed Vp.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 8(A), in S21, the type of recording mode and paper type selected by the user are obtained, and the recording speed Vp is set according to the relationship in FIG. 8(B). In S22, it is determined whether the recording speed Vp set in S21 is V2 or higher (V1 or V2). If the recording speed Vp is V2 or higher, the process proceeds to S23; if it is less than V2, the process proceeds to S24. In S23, because it is required to move the carriage 3 at high speed, twin drive is selected as the control mode. The output ratio of the carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:1.

[0056] In S24, it is determined whether the recording speed Vp set in S21 is V4 or higher (V3 or V4). If the recording speed Vp is V4 or higher, proceed to S25; if it is less than V4, proceed to S26. In S25, the carriage 3 is moved at a medium speed, and because it is required to prevent a significant decrease in impact accuracy, twin drive is selected as the control mode. The output ratio of the carriage motors 61R and 61L is 2:1 (or 1:2), and the effects of torque ripple are reduced by controlling the output of one of the carriage motors to be slightly reduced.

[0057] In S26, since it is required to move the carriage 3 at a slower speed to prevent a decrease in landing accuracy, single drive is selected as the control mode. The output ratio of carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:0 (or 0:1), and by controlling so that one of the carriage motors is not driven, the effects of torque ripple are suppressed.

[0058] In this embodiment, the printing speed Vp is divided into two stages, but it may be three or more stages. The driving modes of the carriage motors 61R and 61L may also be four or more types, or may be two types. If there are two types, they may be twin drive and single drive, or two types of twin drive with different output ratios.

[0059] Second Embodiment When single drive is selected as the drive mode for carriage motors 61R and 61L, one of carriage motors 61R or 61L is selected and driven. If the same motor is always driven in single drive, that motor is more likely to deteriorate and its lifespan will be shorter than that of a motor that is not driven. In this embodiment, the characteristics of carriage motors 61R and 61L are measured, and the carriage motor to be driven in single drive is selected based on the measurement results. This makes it possible to prevent the lifespan of one of carriage motors 61R or 61L from being significantly shorter than the other.

[0060] The characteristics to be measured are, for example, characteristics that serve as an indicator of motor deterioration. In this embodiment, characteristics related to the output of the carriage motor are measured. If a decrease in the output of the carriage motor is observed, it can be assumed that the motor is deteriorating.

[0061] FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing an example of a process for measuring the characteristics of the carriage motor 61R, and FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing an example of a process for measuring the characteristics of the carriage motor 61L. FIG. 9C is a flowchart showing an example of a process for selecting a motor to be driven in single drive mode based on the measurement results of FIGS. 9A and 9B. These processes are executed by, for example, the recording control unit 25. These processes may be performed when the recording device 1 is started (during the initial process of the device when the power is turned on). These processes may also be performed after single drive mode is selected and before a recording operation in single drive mode. These processes may also be performed at the end of a recording job. The processes of FIGS. 9A and 9B may also be performed in parallel during a recording operation in single drive mode (in this case, the inspection speed described below can be replaced with the recording speed Vp).

[0062] An example of processing in Figure 9(A) will be described. In S31, the target speed of the carriage 3 is set to the inspection speed, and driving of the carriage motor 61R (R motor) is started. The inspection speed is set to the movement speed of the carriage 3 that can be achieved when the carriage motor 61R is driven with a PWM control duty ratio of 50%, for example. The carriage 3 is moved in the forward direction, for example. The carriage motor 61L is not driven.

[0063] In S32, the actual speed of the carriage 3 is calculated based on the detection result of the encoder sensor 9, and it is determined whether the actual speed of the carriage 3 is the test speed. This determination can be made, for example, based on whether the actual speed of the carriage 3 is maintained at the test speed for a certain period of time (several seconds). If it is determined that the actual speed of the carriage 3 is the test speed, the process proceeds to S33, and the duty ratio is stored as control information for the carriage motor 61R. The duty ratio can be stored, for example, in a storage device in the recording control unit 25. This makes it possible to obtain the relationship between the test speed and the control information (duty ratio) as the characteristics of the carriage motor 61R. In S34, the carriage 3 is moved to the home position, and measurement ends.

[0064] Let's assume that the inspection speed is set to the carriage 3 movement speed that can be achieved when the carriage motor 61R is driven with a duty ratio of 50%, and that the duty ratio stored in S33 is 60%. In this case, the current carriage motor 61R would not be able to obtain the same output as the carriage motor 61R when it was first used unless the duty ratio was made higher. Therefore, it can be inferred that the carriage motor 61R is deteriorating.

[0065] The processing example of FIG. 9(B) will be described. The processing example of FIG. 9(B) is the same as the processing example of FIG. 9(A) except that the measurement target is the carriage motor 61L. In S41, the target speed of the carriage 3 is set to the inspection speed, and driving of the carriage motor 61L (L motor) is started. The inspection speed is set to, for example, the duty ratio of PWM control of the carriage motor 61L, as in the example of FIG. 9(A). L The carriage 3 is moved in the forward direction, for example. The carriage motor 61R is not driven.

[0066] In S42, the actual speed of the carriage 3 is calculated based on the detection result of the encoder sensor 9, and it is determined whether the actual speed of the carriage 3 is the inspection speed. If it is determined that the actual speed of the carriage 3 is the inspection speed, the process proceeds to S43, and the carriage motor 61 LThe duty ratio is stored as control information for the carriage motor 61L. The duty ratio can be stored, for example, in a storage device of the recording control unit 25. This makes it possible to obtain the relationship between the inspection speed and the control information (duty ratio) as the characteristics of the carriage motor 61L. In S44, the carriage 3 is moved to the home position, and measurement ends.

[0067] An example of processing in FIG. 9C will be described. In S51, the duty ratio for carriage motor 61R stored in S33 and the duty ratio for carriage motor 61L stored in S43 are read out. In S52, the duties read out in S51 are compared. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the same product is used for carriage motors 61R and 61L. Therefore, when the same inspection speed is used in measuring the characteristics of carriage motors 61R and 61L (FIGS. 9A and 9B), it can be assumed that the motor with the higher duty ratio is more deteriorated.

[0068] In S53, based on the comparison result in S52, a carriage motor to be driven in single drive mode is selected. The motor to be selected is one with high output characteristics. Specifically, of carriage motors 61R and 61L, the motor with the lowest duty ratio is selected. If it is not clear which is better between carriage motors 61R and 61L, one of them may be selected by lottery. In the next printing operation, the carriage motor selected in S53 will be driven in single drive mode.

[0069] In S52, the duty ratios of the carriage motors 61R and 61L are compared, but the comparison method is not limited to this. For example, a reference value for the duty ratio may be set for each of the carriage motors 61R and 61L, and the reference value and each duty ratio may be compared. Each reference value may be the duty ratio that achieved the inspection speed at the start time of use of the carriage motors 61R and 61L. Then, the motor with the smaller difference between the reference value and the duty ratio may be used. For example, if the difference between the duty ratio of the carriage motor 61R and its reference value is D1, and the difference between the duty ratio of the carriage motor 61L and its reference value is D2 (< D1), the carriage motor 61L is selected in S53.

[0070] The characteristic measurement of the carriage motor may be based on parameters other than control information such as the duty ratio, and may also be the measurement of other energy amounts such as the current value and voltage value supplied to the motor. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example for measuring the current values supplied to the carriage motors 61R and 61L by the current sensors 12R and 12L. The recording control unit 25 can acquire the measurement results of the current sensors 12R and 12L. Instead of the duty ratios in S33 and S43, the current value supplied to the carriage motor when the carriage 3 reaches the inspection speed is stored and compared. The carriage motor with the smaller current value can be selected as the carriage motor to be driven in single drive. In the configuration example using the current sensors 12R and 12L, control other than PWM control can also be used.

[0071] <Third Embodiment> In the twin drive with an output ratio of 1:1, when the output of one of the carriage motors 61R and 61L significantly decreases due to deterioration or the like, the recording may have to be interrupted during the recording operation. For example, when twin drive is selected under the condition that the moving speed of the carriage 3 is high, assume that the output of one of the carriage motors 61R and 61L decreases and the duty ratio of PWM control reaches 100% for a certain period of time. In this case, even if the other carriage motor is normal, the recording operation has to be aborted, deteriorating the recording efficiency.

[0072] Therefore, a threshold value is set to determine whether the carriage motor output has decreased before the duty ratio reaches 100%. The threshold value is, for example, a duty ratio of 80%. If the duty ratio of one of the carriage motors 61R, 61L exceeds the threshold value and the duty ratio of the other does not, the system switches to single drive using the carriage motor that does not exceed the threshold. The timing of the switchover may be after the print scan in which the duty ratio exceeds the threshold, and before the next print scan.

[0073] In this case, even if the carriage 3 movement speed is originally high, the carriage 3 movement conditions are changed to a printing speed Vp or the like that is possible with single drive. Although changing the movement conditions reduces printing efficiency, the carriage 3 movement speed is slowed down, so a decrease in printing accuracy is avoided, and it is possible to provide users with printed materials with no deterioration in printing quality.

[0074] <Fourth embodiment> When single drive is selected as the drive mode for the carriage motors 61R and 61L, one of the carriage motors 61R or 61L is selected and driven. If the same motor is always driven in single drive, that motor will deteriorate more quickly and have a shorter lifespan than a motor that is not driven. Furthermore, the rate at which the carriage motors 61R and 61L deteriorate will vary depending on factors such as the operating environment. Specifically, if there is a difference in the thermal environments of the carriage motors 61R and 61L, the motor in the worse thermal environment will tend to deteriorate more quickly.

[0075] 1 and 2, if an exterior cover is attached to cover the recording device 1, the carriage motor 61R may have poorer heat dissipation properties than the carriage motor 61L because there are many structures around the carriage motor 61R, such as the ink storage unit 5. Therefore, when the temperature begins to rise due to the driving of the carriage motor 61R, the heated air around the carriage motor 61R does not flow easily, and the temperature around the carriage motor 61R rises rapidly.

[0076] On the other hand, the carriage motor 61L has fewer structures around it than the carriage motor 61R, so even if the temperature starts to rise due to the driving of the carriage motor 61L, the heated air flows easily around the carriage motor 61L. Therefore, the temperature around the carriage motor 61L does not easily rise.

[0077] Here, because the positions of the carriage motors 61R and 61L are fixed, the heat dissipation properties of each of the locations of the carriage motors 61R and 61L can be determined in advance. The ratio of these heat dissipation properties can also be determined in advance. For example, by conducting an experiment in advance and measuring the temperatures of the carriage motors 61R and 61L while they are continuously driven, the ratio of heat dissipation properties of each of the locations can be determined to be 1:n. In other words, the carriage motor 61L has n times the heat dissipation properties of the carriage motor 61R.

[0078] In single drive, selecting the carriage motors 61R and 61L according to the heat dissipation ratio can prevent uneven progression of their deterioration. Information indicating the heat dissipation ratio (1:n) can be stored in a storage device of the recording control unit 25 as ratio information that determines the usage ratio of the carriage motors 61R and 61L. For example, if a total of k sheets are to be printed in a printing job, printing operations are performed by driving the carriage motor 61L for k×n / (1+n) sheets according to the ratio information. Also, printing operations are performed by driving the carriage motor 61R for k×1 / (1+n) sheets. The usage ratio of the carriage motor 61L with higher heat dissipation is set higher. More specifically, if k=100 sheets and the ratio information of the carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1: 3 In this case, the carriage motor 61L is driven to perform the printing operation for 75 sheets, and the carriage motor 61 Printing is performed on 25 sheets by driving R. In this way, by switching the carriage motor to be used in single drive based on the ratio information, it is possible to reduce the reduction in lifespan due to temperature rise.

[0079] 11A is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the print control unit 25 to switch the carriage motor to be used in single drive based on ratio information. This processing is executed, for example, when single drive is selected as the control mode for the carriage motors 61R and 61L after receiving a print job from the host device 200.

[0080] In S61, pre-stored ratio information is read. In S62, the number of sheets to be printed in the current printing job is allocated based on the ratio information read in S61. Specifically, the number of printing media to be printed using single drive with carriage motor 61R and the number of printing media to be printed using single drive with carriage motor 61L are set.

[0081] In S63, the carriage motor to be driven first is selected from carriage motors 61R and 61L. As an example, carriage motor 61R is assumed to be driven first. In S64, the recording operation is started. In S65, it is determined whether recording has been completed for the number of sheets (threshold) to be recorded using single drive with carriage motor 61R, as set in S62. If completed, the process proceeds to S66, where the carriage motor to be driven using single drive is switched from carriage motor 61R to carriage motor 61L. Thereafter, the recording operation continues using single drive with carriage motor 61L driven.

[0082] In addition, during a recording operation using single drive, a carriage motor that is not being driven may be cooled. For example, carriage motor 61L is cooled for the number of sheets (threshold) to be recorded using single drive using carriage motor 61R in S65, until it is determined that recording has ended. This allows carriage motor 66L to be driven in a sufficiently cooled state when the carriage motor selection is switched in S66, thereby suppressing temperature increases.

[0083] The cooling mechanism may be, for example, a blower fan. Fig. 11(B) is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration in which cooling units 13R and 13L are provided. Both cooling units 13R and 13L are fan motors that cool carriage motors 61R and 61L by blowing air. Cooling unit 13R is arranged to cool carriage motor 61R, and cooling unit 13L is arranged to cool carriage motor 61L. The driving of cooling units 13R and 13L is controlled by recording control unit 25.

[0084] The cooling units 13R and 13L may be driven at all times. Alternatively, one cooling unit 13R and 13L may be provided in common for the carriage motors 61R and 61L. Furthermore, a cooling unit may be provided only for a carriage motor with poor heat dissipation. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which only the cooling unit 13R that cools the carriage motor 61R is provided, and no cooling unit 13L is provided.

[0085] In the example of Fig. 11(A), the carriage motors 61R and 61L are selected and switched during the execution of a recording job, but the timing of the selection and switching may be between recording jobs. Fig. 11(C) is a flowchart showing an example of this, and shows an example of processing that the recording control unit 25 repeatedly executes during the execution of a recording job in single drive.

[0086] In S71, it is determined whether the printing operation for one print job has been completed. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to S72; if it has not been completed, one print job ends. In S72, the cumulative number of times the motor has been used is updated. The cumulative number of times the motor has been used is managed for each carriage motor 61R, 61L, and this information is saved in the storage device of the print control unit 25. The cumulative number of times the motor has been used indicates the cumulative value of the number of times the carriage motor 61R or 61L has been used in single drive in the execution of the current print job. For example, if 10 sheets have been printed in single drive with carriage motor 61R driven in the execution of the current print job, the cumulative number of times the carriage motor 61R has been used is incremented by 10.

[0087] In S73, the ratio information is compared with the ratio of the cumulative usage counts of carriage motors 61R and 61L. The ratio of the cumulative usage counts is, for example, the cumulative usage count of carriage motor 61R:the cumulative usage count of carriage motor 61L. Then, in S74, the carriage motor to be used preferentially in the next single drive is set based on the comparison result in S73. For example, if the ratio information of carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:4 and the cumulative usage count ratio is 1:3, carriage motor 61L is set as the carriage motor to be used preferentially. Also, if the ratio information of carriage motors 61R and 61L is 1:4 and the cumulative usage count ratio is 1:5, carriage motor 61R is set as the carriage motor to be used preferentially. In this way, the actual usage ratio of carriage motors 61R and 61L can be made closer to the ratio information.

[0088] 11(A) and 11(C) illustrate an example in which the ratio information is compared with the number of printed sheets, but the parameters compared with the ratio information may be other parameters, such as printing time or motor power consumption. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ratio information is set taking into consideration the heat dissipation characteristics around the carriage motors 61R and 61L, but the ratio information may also be set based on other factors. For example, if the carriage motors 61R and 61L are different products, the ratio information may be set based on their durability (service life, etc.).

[0089] Fifth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the selection of carriage motor 61R or 61L in single drive is switched based on ratio information that takes heat dissipation into consideration. In this embodiment, the selection of carriage motor 61R or 61L is switched by measuring the ambient temperature of carriage motors 61R and 61L. This allows a selection to be made that corresponds to the actual thermal environment of carriage motors 61R and 61L, making it possible to select a motor that corresponds to the environment where recording device 1 is installed. Furthermore, there is no need to prepare ratio information in advance.

[0090] 12A is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration in which temperature sensors 14R and 14L are provided. Temperature sensor 14R measures the temperature around carriage motor 61R, and temperature sensor 14L measures the temperature around carriage motor 61L. The measurement results of temperature sensors 14R and 14L can be acquired by the recording control unit 25.

[0091] 12B is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the print control unit 25 during a print operation, in which the carriage motor to be used in single drive is switched based on the measurement results of the temperature sensors 14R and 14L. For example, after receiving a print job from the host device 200, this processing is executed repeatedly during the print operation, with single drive selected as the control mode for the carriage motors 61R and 61L.

[0092] In S81, the measurement results of the temperature sensor corresponding to the currently selected carriage motor are obtained. For example, if single drive is being performed by carriage motor 61R, the measurement results of temperature sensor 14R are obtained. Also, if single drive is being performed by carriage motor 61L, the measurement results of temperature sensor 14L are obtained.

[0093] In S82, it is determined whether the measured temperature acquired in S81 exceeds the threshold temperature. If it does, the process proceeds to S83. The threshold temperature is, for example, the temperature at which the temperature around the carriage motor increases due to the driving of the carriage motor, affecting the life of the carriage motor.

[0094] In S83, the selection of the carriage motor to be driven is switched. For example, if single drive is being performed by carriage motor 61R, the selection is switched to carriage motor 61L. Also, if single drive is being performed by carriage motor 61L, the selection is switched to carriage motor 61R. Switching the selection of carriage motors (in other words, switching the actual drive) can be performed, for example, between print scans.

[0095] By the above control, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the shortening of the life span of the carriage motors 61R and 61L due to an increase in temperature.

[0096] Sixth Embodiment While the recording device 1 is powered off, the position of the carriage 3 may change due to vibrations during transportation, contact with the user, or other factors. Therefore, when the recording device 1 is started up (powered on), a movement test is required to recognize the position of the carriage 3 and move it to the home position. In this embodiment, stoppers are provided at each end of the movement range of the carriage 3 to indicate the movement limits of the carriage 3. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of this. Stopper 62L defines the left end of the movement range of the carriage 3, and when the carriage 3 abuts against stopper 62L, it cannot move any further to the left. Stopper 62R defines the right end of the movement range of the carriage 3, and when the carriage 3 abuts against stopper 62R, it cannot move any further to the right.

[0097] In this embodiment, the movement test is performed using single drive, first by moving the carriage 3 in the forward direction. This is because while twin drive can increase output compared to single drive, it can also cause greater damage if the carriage 3 collides with an obstacle 300. Even in single drive, the output of the carriage motor 61R or 61L is increased in stages from low to high. For example, the carriage motor 61R or 61L is initially driven with a duty ratio of 20%, and when it is detected that the carriage 3 is not moving, the duty ratio is increased.

[0098] When the duty ratio reaches 100%, it can be determined that the carriage 3 has come into contact with the stopper 62L (or 62R) and has stopped moving. Even if the duty ratio reaches 100%, the carriage 3 has already come into contact with the stopper 62L (or 62R), so no collision load occurs.

[0099] There may be cases where the carriage 3 comes into contact with the obstacle 300 and cannot move, causing the duty ratio to reach 100%. Whether the carriage 3 comes into contact with the stopper 62L (or 62R) or the obstacle 300 can be determined from the movement distance of the carriage 3 in the movement test.

[0100] A specific example will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the recording control unit 25, and in particular an example of carriage 3 movement test processing. The processing in the figure is executed, for example, when the recording device is started up. Alternatively, it is executed, for example, during recovery processing executed in response to a user's recovery instruction after an error occurs in the recording device 1.

[0101] In S91, single drive is started using one of the carriage motors 61R or 61L. The duty ratio is set to 20%, and the carriage 3 is moved in the forward direction. The carriage motor used may be a motor whose operation has been confirmed. A motor whose operation has been confirmed is, for example, the last carriage motor 61R or 61L that was driven, and information about the last motor that was driven can be stored in a storage device of the recording control unit 25, for example.

[0102] In this embodiment, the position of the carriage 3 is recognized using the linear scale 8 and the encoder sensor 9, and this system cannot directly recognize the position of the carriage 3. Therefore, when single drive starts, it is unclear where within its movement range the carriage 3 is located.

[0103] In S92, the detection result of the encoder sensor 9 is acquired to determine whether or not the carriage 3 is moving in the forward direction. If it is determined that the carriage 3 is not moving, the process proceeds to S93 because there is a possibility that the carriage 3 is in contact with the stopper 62L or the obstacle 300. If it is determined that the carriage 3 is moving, the movement distance is calculated.

[0104] In S93, it is determined whether the current duty ratio of the PWM control for the carriage motor in use is 100%. If the duty ratio is not 100%, proceed to S94, where the duty ratio is increased by 20%, and then return to S92. For example, if the current duty ratio is the initial value of 20%, it is set to 40%. If the duty ratio is 100%, proceed to S95.

[0105] In the S95, move Based on the distance that the carriage 3 has traveled since the start of the test, it is determined whether the carriage 3 has traveled through its entire range of movement. If it is determined that the carriage 3 has traveled through the entire range, since the carriage 3 started moving from the home position in the movement test and came to a stop by abutting the stopper 62L, it is determined that no obstacle 300 exists and the process proceeds to S96. In S96, the carriage 3 is moved to the home position, and the process is terminated as it is determined that the movement of the carriage 3 is normal.

[0106] If it is determined in S95 that the carriage 3 has not moved through the entire range of its movement, the carriage 3 has come into contact with an obstacle 300 and stopped, or the movement start position of the carriage 3 has come into contact with the stopper 62L instead of the home position. Stop Therefore, the process proceeds to S97, where the duty ratio of the PWM control of the carriage motor in use is set to 20% and reversed to move the carriage 3 in the backward direction. In S98, the detection result of the encoder sensor 9 is acquired to determine whether the carriage 3 is moving in the backward direction. If it is determined that the carriage 3 is not moving, there is a possibility that it is in contact with the stopper 62R or the obstacle 300, so the process proceeds to S99. If it is determined that the carriage 3 is moving, the movement distance is calculated.

[0107] In S99, it is determined whether the current duty ratio of the PWM control for the carriage motor in use is 100%. If the duty ratio is not 100%, the process proceeds to S100, where the duty ratio is increased by 20%, and the process returns to S98. For example, if the current duty ratio is the initial value of 20%, it is set to 40%. If the duty ratio is 100%, the process proceeds to S101.

[0108] In S101, it is determined whether the carriage 3 has traveled the entire range of its movement based on the distance traveled by the carriage 3 from the start of its return movement. If it is determined that the carriage 3 has traveled the entire range, it is determined that the carriage 3 has traveled from the position where it stopped at stopper 62L to the home position, so that there is no obstacle 300 and the movement of the carriage 3 is normal, and the driving of the carriage motor is stopped and the process ends. If it is determined in S101 that the carriage 3 has not traveled the entire range of its movement, it is determined that the carriage 3 has come into contact with the obstacle 300 and stopped during its forward or return movement, and the process proceeds to S102. In S102, error processing is performed. During the error processing, for example, the user is notified of the occurrence of an error.

[0109] In this way, in this embodiment, the carriage 3 is moved by single drive to check for abnormalities such as the presence of an obstacle 300, so that if an abnormality is detected, damage to the carriage 3, etc. can be suppressed. In particular, by increasing the output of the carriage motor in stages, damage to the carriage 3, etc. can be further suppressed if an abnormality is detected.

[0110] Seventh Embodiment In the first embodiment, twin drive may increase vibration of the carriage 3, and in this respect, single drive is considered to be more advantageous. However, even in single drive, vibration may differ between when the carriage motor 61R is driven and when the carriage motor 61L is driven. Also, twin drive may produce less vibration than single drive. Furthermore, the relationship between the control mode and the degree of vibration may change as the recording device 1 ages.

[0111] In this embodiment, for each of a plurality of control modes, the amount of speed fluctuation when the carriage 3 is moved at a constant speed is measured, and the relationship between each control mode and the degree of vibration is identified. Then, based on the identification result, the relationship between the control mode and the printing conditions is updated.

[0112] In this embodiment, three types of control modes are assumed, one of which is twin drive (output ratio 1:1), another is single drive R (using carriage motor 61R), and the remaining one is single drive L (using carriage motor 61 L is used).

[0113] FIG. 15 shows an example of processing executed by the recording control unit 25. amount 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for measuring the distance and updating the relationship between the control mode and the recording conditions.

[0114] In S111, one of three control modes is selected. In S112, forward and backward movement of the carriage 3 is started according to the control mode selected in S111. The carriage 3 moves at a predetermined speed in each constant speed region in the forward and backward movement. In S113, the detection results of the encoder sensor 9 in each constant speed region in the forward and backward movement are saved in the storage device of the recording control unit 25. In S114, it is determined whether the forward and backward movement of the carriage 3 has ended, and if so, the process proceeds to S115.

[0115] In S115, it is determined whether or not the processes in S112 to S114 have been performed for all three types of control modes, and if not, the process proceeds to S 116. In S116, an unselected control mode is selected and the process returns to S112.

[0116] In S117, the amount of speed fluctuation in the constant speed range in each control mode is calculated from the detection results of the encoder sensor 9 stored for each control mode in S113. In S118, the relationship between the recording conditions and the control mode is updated, and the process ends.

[0117] An example of updating the relationship in S118 will be described. As a result of the calculation in S117, let us assume that the speed fluctuation amounts of the three control modes are smallest in the order of single drive R, single drive L, and twin drive. Single drive R has the smallest speed fluctuation amount and is therefore advantageous in terms of recording accuracy because it has less vibration. As in the example of Figure 6(B), if the recording modes are "fast," "normal," and "fine," twin drive can be assigned to "fast," single drive L to "normal," and single drive R to "fine."

[0118] Furthermore, let us assume that the results of the calculation in S117 show that the speed fluctuation amounts for the three control modes are smallest in the order of twin drive, single drive R, and single drive L. Twin drive, which has the smallest speed fluctuation amount, has the least vibration and is therefore advantageous in terms of recording accuracy. It is also advantageous in terms of the movement speed of the carriage 3. As in the example of FIG. 6(B), if the recording modes are "fast," "normal," and "fine," twin drive can be assigned to "fast," single drive L or single drive R to "normal," and twin drive to "fine."

[0119] As described above, by updating the relationship between the recording conditions and the control mode, it is possible to select the optimum control mode for the recording conditions in response to differences between individual recording devices 1 and changes in characteristics over time.

[0120] In the example of Fig. 15, the carriage 3 moves forward and backward once each, but this is not limited to this and the carriage 3 may move multiple times. Examples of timings for executing the process of Fig. 15 include during initialization processing when the recording device 1 is started up (when the power is turned on). Examples of timings for executing the process of Fig. 15 include when the carriage 3 is replaced, when the recording device 1 is shipped from the factory, or when the carriage 3 movement operation is checked upon recovery after an error occurs. Examples of timings for executing the process of Fig. 15 include when the number of sheets recorded in the recording device 1 reaches a predetermined number, when the number of recording operations reaches a predetermined number, or when the total operation time of the carriage 3 reaches a predetermined time.

[0121] The speed fluctuation amount of the carriage 3 may be measured by a method other than the encoder sensor 9. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing one example. In the example shown, the carriage 3 is equipped with an acceleration sensor 15, and the measurement results can be acquired by the recording control unit 25. In such a configuration, the acceleration of the carriage 3 during constant speed control may be measured, and the speed fluctuation amount may be calculated from the measured acceleration.

[0122] Eighth Embodiment A recording device 1 forms an image by ejecting ink droplets from a recording head 2 onto a recording medium to form dots. There may be a discrepancy between the controlled target positions of dots and the actual positions of the dots. The technique for aligning dots is called registration correction technology, and dot alignment is achieved by applying this correction. A known technique for automating registration correction is to provide a sensor on the carriage 3 that reads the actual dot positions.

[0123] FIG. 17(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example. The carriage 3 is provided with a reading sensor 16. The reading sensor 16 is, for example, a reflective optical sensor that irradiates light onto the recording medium and detects the intensity of the reflected light. FIG. 17(B) shows an example of a pattern for registration adjustment recorded on the recording medium. The illustrated pattern 400 is a square pattern with uniform density. The length of the pattern 400 in the main scanning direction (Y direction) is made longer than the detection area of ​​the reading sensor 16 on the recording medium. The shape of the pattern 400 is square, with edges perpendicular to the main scanning direction Y, to ensure a sharp rise in the signal when detected.

[0124] During this registration correction process, if the carriage 3 or other components vibrate significantly, the accuracy with which the reading sensor 16 reads the pattern 400 may be reduced. As a result, it may not be possible to set an appropriate registration correction value. Therefore, a process is executed to select the control mode for the carriage motors 61R and 61L that produces the least vibration and set the registration adjustment correction value. Figure 17(C) is a flowchart showing an example of this process, which is an example of processing executed by the recording control unit 25.

[0125] In S121, one control mode is selected from multiple control modes for carriage motors 61R and 61L. The control mode to be selected may be predetermined, or the speed fluctuation amount for each control mode may be calculated using the method described in the seventh embodiment, and the control mode with the smallest speed fluctuation amount may be selected. Examples of multiple control modes include twin drive, in which the output ratios of carriage motors 61R and 61L are the same or different, single drive using carriage motor 61R, and single drive using carriage motor 61L.

[0126] In S122, a recording operation is performed to record a registration adjustment pattern on a recording medium. In S123, the registration adjustment pattern recorded in S122 is read by the reading sensor 16. In the processes of S122 and S123, the carriage 3 is moved by controlling the carriage motors 61R and 61L according to the control mode selected in S121.

[0127] In step S124, a correction value is set based on the result of the pattern read in step S123. The set correction value is used in the subsequent printing operation.

[0128] By calculating the correction values ​​as described above, the registration adjustment patterns can be read using an operating method that reduces the effects of disturbances caused by vibrations of the carriage motors 61R and 61L, making it possible to obtain more suitable correction values.

[0129] <Other embodiments> In each of the above embodiments, a belt transmission mechanism is used as the drive unit 6, but other drive mechanisms (such as a ball screw mechanism) that can reciprocate the carriage 3 may also be used. A clutch or the like may be used to connect and disconnect the drive forces of the two carriage motors in the drive mechanism. The carriage motors 61R, 61L are not limited to DC brushless motors, and may be other types of motors.

[0130] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0131] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 recording device, 2 recording head, 3 carriage, 6 drive unit, 25 recording control section, 61R carriage motor, 61L carriage motor

Claims

1. a carriage carrying a recording means for recording on a recording medium; a driving means for moving the carriage using a first motor and a second motor as a driving source; a control means for controlling the first motor and the second motor; A recording device comprising: The driving means a first rotating member; a second rotating member; an endless belt wound between the first rotating member and the second rotating member and connected to the carriage; the first motor is a drive source that rotates the first rotating member, the second motor is a drive source that rotates the second rotating member, the first motor and the second motor are products with the same performance and characteristics; The control means a first mode in which, when causing the recording means to record under a first recording condition, the first motor is rotated in a first direction to move the carriage in a predetermined direction, and the second motor is rotated in a second direction to move the carriage in the predetermined direction; and when causing the recording means to record under second recording conditions different from the first recording conditions, a second mode is executed in which an output ratio between the first motor and the second motor is different from that of the first mode. A recording device characterized by:

2. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, The second aspect is an aspect in which one of the first motor and the second motor is not driven. A recording device characterized by:

3. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, The second aspect is an aspect in which the output of one of the first motor and the second motor is controlled to be lower than the output of the other. A recording device characterized by:

4. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The first aspect is an aspect in which the outputs of the first motor and the second motor are controlled to be the same. A recording device characterized by:

5. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, The control means When recording is performed under a third recording condition, the first motor and the second motor are controlled in a third manner; The third aspect is an aspect in which an output ratio between the first motor and the second motor is different from that of the first aspect and the second aspect. A recording device characterized by:

6. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, the first recording condition and the second recording condition are conditions related to the type of the recording medium; A recording device characterized by:

7. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, the first recording condition and the second recording condition are conditions related to a moving speed of the carriage during recording; A recording device characterized by:

8. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, A user can select one recording mode from a plurality of recording modes, the first recording condition and the second recording condition are conditions related to the type of recording mode selected by the user; A recording device characterized by:

9. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, The first aspect is an aspect in which the carriage is moved at a maximum speed, The second aspect is an aspect in which the moving speed of the carriage is slower than that of the first aspect. A recording device characterized by:

10. 3. The recording device according to claim 2, a measuring means for measuring characteristics of the first motor and the second motor, the control means selects the motor to be driven in the second mode based on the measurement result of the measurement means. A recording device characterized by:

11. 11. The recording device according to claim 10, the measuring means measures characteristics related to the outputs of the first motor and the second motor. A recording device characterized by:

12. 12. The recording device according to claim 11, the control means selects a motor having high output characteristics as the motor to be driven in the second mode. A recording device characterized by:

13. 13. The recording device according to claim 10, The measuring means measuring, as the characteristic, a relationship between a speed of the carriage moved by driving the first motor and control information for the first motor; measuring, as the characteristic, a relationship between a speed of the carriage moved by driving the second motor and control information for the second motor; A recording device characterized by:

14. 14. The recording device according to claim 13, the first motor and the second motor are driven by PWM control, The control information includes a duty ratio of the PWM control. A recording device characterized by:

15. 15. The recording device according to claim 10, the measuring means measures the characteristics when the recording device is started up. A recording device characterized by:

16. 15. The recording device according to claim 10, when recording is performed under the second recording conditions, the measuring means measures the characteristics before the recording. A recording device characterized by:

17. 3. The recording device according to claim 2, the control means selects the motor to be driven in the second mode based on ratio information that defines a usage ratio between the first motor and the second motor. A recording device characterized by:

18. 18. The recording device according to claim 17, the ratio information is set to a higher ratio of use of the first motor and the second motor, the ratio being higher for the motor at an arrangement location with higher heat dissipation. A recording device characterized by:

19. 3. The recording device according to claim 2, a first temperature sensor that measures the temperature around the first motor; a second temperature sensor that measures the temperature around the second motor; In the second aspect, when the first motor is selected as the motor to be driven, the selection of the motor to be driven is switched from the first motor to the second motor based on the measurement result of the first temperature sensor; In the second aspect, when the second motor is selected as the motor to be driven, the selection of the motor to be driven is switched from the second motor to the first motor based on the measurement result of the second temperature sensor. A recording device characterized by:

20. 20. The recording device according to claim 1, a cooling means for cooling the first motor and the second motor; A recording device characterized by:

21. 21. The recording device according to claim 1, the control means drives either the first motor or the second motor to perform a carriage movement test; A recording device characterized by:

22. 22. The recording device according to claim 21, the control means drives the first motor or the second motor, the operation of which has been confirmed, to perform the movement test. A recording device characterized by:

23. 23. The recording device according to claim 21 or 22, The movement test involves moving the carriage through its entire range of movement. A recording device characterized by:

24. 24. The recording device according to claim 21, In the movement test, the control means increases the output of the motor driven in the movement test in a stepwise manner. A recording device characterized by:

25. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, a measuring means for measuring a speed fluctuation amount of the carriage when the carriage is moved at a constant speed, the control means controls the first motor and the second motor in a plurality of modes including the first mode and the second mode, and the measurement means measures the speed fluctuation amount in each mode. A recording device characterized by:

26. 26. The recording device according to claim 25, the measuring means measures the speed fluctuation amount based on a detection result of a sensor that detects the position of the carriage; A recording device characterized by:

27. 26. The recording device according to claim 25, the measuring means measures the velocity fluctuation amount based on a detection result of an acceleration sensor mounted on the carriage; A recording device characterized by:

28. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, a sensor provided on the carriage for reading a registration adjustment pattern recorded on the recording medium; when the pattern is read by the sensor, the control means controls the first motor and the second motor in a predetermined mode out of a plurality of modes including the first mode and the second mode to move the carriage; A recording device characterized by:

29. a carriage carrying a recording means for recording on a recording medium; a driving means for moving the carriage using a first motor and a second motor as a driving source; a control means for controlling the first motor and the second motor; A carriage device comprising: The driving means a first rotating member; a second rotating member; an endless belt wound between the first rotating member and the second rotating member and connected to the carriage; the first motor is a drive source that rotates the first rotating member, the second motor is a drive source that rotates the second rotating member, the first motor and the second motor are products with the same performance and characteristics; The control means a first mode in which, when causing the recording means to record under a first recording condition, the first motor is rotated in a first direction to move the carriage in a predetermined direction, and the second motor is rotated in a second direction to move the carriage in the predetermined direction; and when causing the recording means to record under second recording conditions different from the first recording conditions, a second mode is executed in which an output ratio between the first motor and the second motor is different from that of the first mode. A carriage device characterized by:

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