Recording device, control method, and program

Abstract

The objective is to provide a recording device that can accurately detect the liquid discharge state in the recording unit. [Solution] The recording device performs a first process in which it waits until the temperature detected by the recording device after the refreshing operation detected by the temperature detection means falls below a predetermined threshold temperature. It then performs a second process in which it repeats the refreshing operation and the first process a second number of times. In the second process, it counts the cumulative value of the waiting time, and if the cumulative value in the second process exceeds a threshold, it determines that it is difficult to discharge the liquid.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a recording apparatus having a recording unit that discharges a liquid onto a recording medium, the discharge state of the liquid in the recording unit may be detected.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, when the temperature of a recording unit that discharges a liquid is higher than a predetermined temperature by a predetermined temperature or more than a steady temperature, it is determined that there is an error in the recording unit, and otherwise, it is determined that the recording unit is normal. A recording apparatus is disclosed. The recording apparatus of Patent Document 1 stores in advance the steady temperature of the recording unit when the recording element is driven at a predetermined frequency to discharge the liquid, and after heating the recording unit to the stored steady temperature, at the above-mentioned predetermined frequency, the above-mentioned recording element is driven.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if, like the recording apparatus of Patent Document 1, the presence or absence of an error is detected based only on a single change amount of the temperature of the recording unit, there is a risk of false detection due to a sudden change in the recording head. For example, there is a risk of falsely detecting that an error has occurred for a discharge defect that has a relatively short resolution due to the disappearance of bubbles, although the temperature has risen rapidly due to suddenly generated bubbles.

[0006] Furthermore, in the recording device described in Patent Document 1, temperature variations may exist inside the recording head immediately after the recording head is heated. Therefore, if the presence or absence of an error is detected based solely on the amount of a single, isolated change in the temperature of the recording section, there is a risk of falsely detecting that an error occurred due to the effects of initial unstable heat conduction.

[0007] Furthermore, if the ambient temperature around the recording device is high, the temperature of the recording unit will also rise. As a result, the steady-state temperature that the recording device in Patent Document 1 refers to when detecting the presence or absence of an error will be higher. Therefore, the recording device in Prior Art Document 1 may falsely detect that an error has occurred in the recording unit.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a recording device that can accurately detect the liquid discharge state in the recording unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The recording device includes recording means for discharging liquid, temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the recording means, refreshing means for performing a refreshing operation that discharges liquid from the recording means at a predetermined frequency, first processing execution means for performing a first process that waits until the temperature detected by the temperature detection means after the refreshing operation falls below a predetermined threshold temperature, second processing execution means for performing a second process that repeats the refreshing operation and the first process a first number of times, counting means for counting the cumulative value of the waiting time in the second process, and determination means for determining that the recording means is in a state where it is difficult to discharge liquid if the cumulative value in the second process exceeds a threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the recording device of this disclosure, the liquid discharge state in the recording unit can be detected with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]Schematic perspective view of a recording apparatus in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of a first recording head in one embodiment. [Figure 3] Block diagram of a recording apparatus in one embodiment. [Figure 4] Diagram showing an example of AD conversion of a recording head in one embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart including recovery processing in one embodiment. [Figure 6] Diagram showing the subroutine of S502. [Figure 7] Diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the notification unit in one embodiment. [Figure 8] Diagram showing the subroutine of S508. [Figure 9] Diagram showing a modified example of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] Flowchart showing an example of refreshing processing in one embodiment. [Figure 11] Flowchart including the transition process to the inkless mode. [Figure 12] Diagram showing the subroutine of S1101. [Figure 13] Diagram showing an example of a selection screen in one embodiment. [Figure 14] Diagram showing an example of a guidance screen in one embodiment. [Figure 15] Diagram showing the first modified example of S1013. [Figure 16] Diagram showing a modified example of S1101. [Figure 17] Diagram showing an example of the protective tape detection process in one embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] [First Embodiment] <Recording apparatus 100> FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view partially showing the internal configuration of the recording apparatus 100 in the present embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 100 includes a feeding unit 101 that feeds a recording medium, a conveying unit 102 that conveys the recording medium, a recording unit 103 that performs recording on the recording medium, and a recovery unit 104 that recovers the performance of the recording unit 103. The recording unit 103 includes a carriage 106 that can reciprocate in the X direction (scanning direction) intersecting the Y direction (recording medium conveying direction), a first recording head 107 mounted on the carriage 106, and a second recording head 108. The first recording head 107 discharges color ink, and the second recording head 108 discharges black ink.

[0014] Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108, they are simply referred to as the recording head 112. In the recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a disposable recording head 112 in which a print head and an ink tank are integrated is used as the recording head 112.

[0015] The feeding unit 101 supplies the recording medium into the apparatus main body. The conveying unit 102 conveys the recording medium supplied by the feeding unit 101 in the Y direction (conveying direction). The recording unit 103 records an image on the recording medium based on image information. The recovery unit 104 performs a recovery operation to maintain the ink discharge performance of the recording head 112 in order to maintain the image quality of the recorded image.

[0016] The feeding unit 101 feeds the recording medium into the apparatus main body. The recording medium stacked on the feeding unit 101 is picked up one by one by a pickup roller and a paper feeding roller (not shown) driven by a paper feeding motor (not shown) and sent out, and is fed to the conveying unit 102. There is a detection sensor (not shown) upstream of the conveying roller 105. When the leading end of the recording medium passes through the detection sensor, the passage can be detected.

[0017] The transport unit 102 transports the recording medium supplied by the feeding unit 101. The recording medium supplied to the transport unit 102 is held by a transport roller 105 and a pinch roller (not shown), which are driven by a transport motor (not shown), and transported through the recording area of ​​the recording unit 103.

[0018] The recording unit 103 records an image by ejecting ink from the recording head 112 onto the recording medium based on the image data.

[0019] The carriage 106 is supported so as to be able to reciprocate in the X direction along a guide rail 111 installed on the recording device 100. The carriage 106 reciprocates in the ±X direction within the recording area when recording to the recording medium via a carriage belt 109 rotated by a carriage motor (not shown).

[0020] The position and speed of the carriage 106 are detected by an encoder sensor (not shown) mounted on the carriage 106 and an encoder scale 110 stretched over the recording device 100, and the movement of the carriage 106 is controlled based on these position and speed. While the carriage 106 is moving, ink is ejected from the recording head 112 to record data onto the recording medium.

[0021] The recording medium is held by an unillustrated discharge roller, which is driven synchronously with the transport roller 105 by the transport unit 102, and an unillustrated spur, which is pressed by the discharge roller, and discharged outside the recording device. The unillustrated detection sensor mentioned above can detect when the rear end of the recording medium passes over the detection sensor.

[0022] The recovery unit 104 includes a wiping mechanism that restores the nozzle surface to a normal state by wiping away ink droplets adhering to the surface (nozzle surface) where the nozzles of the recording head 112 are formed. In addition to the wiping mechanism, the recovery unit 104 also includes a capping mechanism for covering the nozzles, and a suction mechanism for sucking ink from the capped nozzles.

[0023] The recording head 112 is equipped with multiple recording elements for ejecting ink. In the recording device 100, ink is ejected onto the recording medium and an image is recorded by driving the recording elements while scanning the carriage 106 on which the recording unit 103 is mounted over the recording medium. These recording elements are positioned to correspond to each of the multiple nozzles formed on the recording head 112. Ink ejection is achieved when the recording elements are driven and ink is pushed out from the nozzles.

[0024] One known method for ejecting ink is the thermal inkjet method, which uses a heating element such as a heater to heat the ink and then uses the foaming pressure generated when the ink changes state to push the ink out. To achieve good recording quality, it is necessary to maintain the nozzles and recording elements in optimal condition.

[0025] For example, the ink inside the nozzle is exposed to the outside air. Therefore, the volatile substances in the ink inside the nozzle gradually evaporate. Generally, the main component of ink is water. Therefore, the evaporation of water from the ink inside the nozzle can be a major problem. As the evaporation of water from the ink inside the nozzle progresses, the viscosity of the ink inside the nozzle increases, which can lead to ejection failure or the ink solidifying inside the nozzle. To solve these problems, the recovery unit 104 performs a recovery operation.

[0026] An example of a recovery operation is a capping operation, in which the nozzles of the recording head 112 are covered with caps to prevent ink from evaporating from the nozzles. Examples of recovery operations other than capping include a refreshing operation, which drives the recording element to discharge ink that has become too viscous; an ink suction recovery operation using a pump; and a wiping operation, which wipes away dirt around the nozzles.

[0027] Figure 2(a) is a schematic perspective view showing the first recording head 107. Figure 2(b) is a schematic bottom view of the first recording head 107 as viewed along the Z direction. Figure 2(c) is an enlarged view showing the first nozzle row 204 in the first recording head 107.

[0028] Furthermore, the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108 have similar structures. For this reason, the explanation of the configuration of the second recording head 108 is omitted in Figures 2(a) to 2(c).

[0029] As shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(c), the first recording head 107 includes a contact pad 201 for receiving electrical signals and a recording chip 202 for ejecting ink. The first recording head 107 receives recording signals from the main body of the recording device 100 via the contact pad 201 and is supplied with the power necessary to drive the first recording head 107.

[0030] The recording chip 202 is equipped with a diode sensor 203 that detects the temperature of the substrate contained within the recording chip 202. The recording chip 202 has a first nozzle row 204 for ejecting cyan ink, a second nozzle row 205 for ejecting magenta ink, and a third nozzle row 206 for ejecting yellow ink.

[0031] The recording chip 202 is provided with sub-heaters 207 for heating the ink, surrounding the first nozzle row 204, the second nozzle row 205, and the third nozzle row 206. When voltage is applied to the sub-heaters 207, the recording chip 202 and the ink are heated.

[0032] On both sides of the ink chamber 208 of the first nozzle row 204, there is a first nozzle 209 that ejects 5 pl of ink and a second nozzle 211 that ejects 2 pl of ink. Directly above the first nozzle 209 (on the +Z side) is a first ejection heater 210 for ejecting 5 pl of ink. Directly above the second nozzle 211 (on the +Z side) is a second ejection heater 212 for ejecting 2 pl of ink.

[0033] The first nozzle 209 and the second nozzle 211 each have 192 nozzles. The spacing between these 192 nozzles is 1 / 600 of an inch. In this way, the first recording head 107 of this embodiment is configured to have a recording pixel density of 600 dpi. The first ejection heater 210 and the second ejection heater 212 can maintain the ink temperature by being supplied with drive pulses that do not cause ink to be ejected. Hereinafter, this temperature maintenance control will be referred to as "short-pulse heating control."

[0034] The recording device 100 of this embodiment (see Figure 1) adjusts the temperature of the recording chip 202 and the ink temperature (hereinafter, these will be collectively referred to as "head temperature") by short-pulse heating control and sub-heater control.

[0035] Specifically, based on the output value of the diode sensor 203, the heating and non-heating of the recording chip 202 is switched to approach a preset target temperature, and feedback control is performed. The second recording head 108 (see Figure 1) is also subjected to the same feedback control as the first recording head 107.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the overall control configuration of the recording device 100 in this embodiment.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the components of the control configuration in this embodiment can be broadly classified into software control elements and hardware processing elements.

[0038] The software control elements include an image input unit 303 for inputting images, an image signal processing unit 304 corresponding to the image input unit 303, and a control unit 317 that functions as a central control unit. The image input unit 303, the image signal processing unit 304, and the control unit 317 each access the main bus line 305.

[0039] On the other hand, the hardware processing elements include an operation unit 308 for receiving user input, a recovery operation control circuit 309 for controlling recovery operations, and a head temperature control circuit 314 for controlling head temperature. The hardware processing elements also include a head drive control circuit 316 for controlling the drive of the recording head 112, and a carriage drive control circuit 306 for controlling the drive of the carriage 106 that scans in the main scanning direction.

[0040] The hardware processing elements include a transport control circuit 307 for controlling the transport of the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, and a notification unit 319 for notifying the user that there is a possibility of an error occurring in the recording head 112.

[0041] The control unit 317 includes a CPU 300, a ROM 301, and a RAM 302. The CPU 300 provides appropriate recording conditions to the input information and drives the first eject heater 210 and the second eject heater 212 of the recording head 112 to perform recording.

[0042] Hereafter, unless it is necessary to distinguish between the first discharge heater 210 and the second discharge heater 212, they will simply be referred to as "discharge heater 318".

[0043] Furthermore, the ROM 301 stores a program that pre-calculates the recovery timing chart for the recording head 112. This program provides recovery conditions, such as preliminary ejection conditions, to the recovery operation control circuit 309 and the recording head 112 as needed.

[0044] The recovery motor 310 drives the wiping blade 311, cap 312, and suction pump 313 which are opposed to and separated from the recording head 112. The recovery motor 310 also drives the wiping blade 311, cap 312, and suction pump 313 which are opposed to and separated from the second recording head 108.

[0045] The head temperature control circuit 314 determines the driving conditions for the subheater 207 on the first recording head 107 and the driving conditions for the subheater 207 on the second recording head 108. The driving conditions for the subheater 207 on the first recording head 107 are determined based on the output values ​​of a thermistor 315 that detects the ambient temperature, which is the temperature around the recording head 112, and a diode sensor 203 that detects the temperature of the recording head 112.

[0046] Meanwhile, the driving conditions for the subheater 207 on the second recording head 108 are determined based on the output values ​​of a thermistor 315, which detects the ambient temperature around the second recording head 108, and a diode sensor 203, which detects the temperature of the second recording head 108. The head drive control circuit 316 then drives the subheater 207 based on the determined driving conditions.

[0047] Furthermore, the head drive control circuit 316 also drives the ejection heater 318 provided on each of the recording heads 112. In the recording head 112, the ejection heater 318 is driven to perform preliminary ejection, ejection of ink for recording, and ink temperature control to adjust the ink temperature. An example of a location to store the program for this ink temperature control is the ROM 301. Through the execution of this program, the head temperature is detected via the head temperature control circuit 314, etc., and the sub-heater 207 is driven via the head drive control circuit 316, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, the head drive control circuit 316 can also drive the discharge heater 318 using a drive signal consisting of a pre-pulse and a main pulse, and perform PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control.

[0049] The notification unit 319 is configured to notify the user that there is a possibility of an error occurring in the recording head 112. For example, the notification unit 319 includes a liquid crystal panel. This liquid crystal panel displays text indicating that there is a possibility that the protective tape protecting the recording head 112 has not been removed (see Figures 7(a) to 7(c)). In addition, it displays text indicating that there is a possibility that the ink level is low (see Figures 13 to 14).

[0050] Figure 4 shows an example of analog-to-digital conversion (AD conversion) in the recording head 112 of this embodiment.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the head temperature control circuit 314 includes an amplifier 401 that amplifies the input voltage value, a first AD converter 402 that converts the amplified analog signal into a digital signal, and a second AD converter 405 that performs a predetermined AD conversion.

[0052] ROM 301 stores the ADdi-temperature conversion formula 403 and the ADtm-temperature conversion table 406. When a voltage value based on the head temperature detected by the diode sensor 203 provided on the recording head 112 is input to the head temperature control circuit 314, the amplifier 401 amplifies that voltage value. The amplified voltage value is then digitized by the first AD converter 402. The diode sensor voltage value ADdi digitized by the first AD converter 402 is converted to the diode temperature Th by the ADdi-temperature conversion formula 403.

[0053] On the other hand, when a voltage value based on the ambient temperature of the recording device 100 detected by the thermistor 315 is input to the head temperature control circuit 314, that voltage value is digitized by the second AD converter 405. The thermistor voltage value ADtm digitized by the second AD converter 405 is converted to the thermistor temperature Tenv by the ADtm-temperature conversion table 406.

[0054] The diode temperature Th and the thermistor temperature Tenv obtained by the method described above are input to the temperature acquisition unit 404 and used for control, including a recovery process (S508) for performing recovery operations.

[0055] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the recovery process in this embodiment. The flowchart in Figure 5 is performed on the entire recording device 100 when instructed by the user or when the CPU 300 determines that a recovery process is necessary.

[0056] The series of processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 5 are performed by the CPU 300 (see Figure 3) loading the control program stored in ROM 301 (see Figure 3) into RAM 302 (see Figure 3). The symbol "S" in the description of each process indicates a step in that flowchart. The same applies to the other flowcharts.

[0057] As a prerequisite, the recording head 112 is shipped with protective tape applied to cover and protect all of the multiple nozzles formed on its nozzle surface. However, in some cases, users may forget to remove the protective tape. Therefore, the CPU 300 in this embodiment performs protective tape detection processing as an error detection process when the recording head 112 is used for the first time and when the recording head 112 is replaced.

[0058] Furthermore, in the flowchart of Figure 5, a cleaning flag "ClnFlag" for determining the type and intensity of the recovery operation is set in the memory of the recording head 112 in a rewritable format. Types of cleaning flags include "C" and "H". The recording head 112 is shipped with "C" pre-stored as the ClnFlag in the ROM 301.

[0059] Furthermore, the recording head 112 is configured such that when it is removed from the carriage 106 (see Figure 1) and then reattached to the carriage 106, the ClnFlag is set to "H". In this case, "H" is stored as the ClnFlag in the ROM 301. That is, in the recording device 100 of this embodiment, protective tape detection processing (S502) is performed when the recording head 112 is used for the first time and when the recording head 112 is replaced.

[0060] In S501, the CPU 300 refers to the type of ClnFlag and determines whether or not to perform protective tape detection processing. If ClnFlag indicates "C" or "H", the CPU 300 performs the processing in S502. On the other hand, if ClnFlag indicates anything other than "C" or "H", the CPU 300 performs the processing in S508.

[0061] In S502, CPU300 performs protective tape detection processing.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the subroutine for S502. The subroutine in Figure 6 is performed on the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108, respectively.

[0063] The protective tape detection process in this embodiment is broadly divided into preheating control corresponding to each process from S601 to S607, and protective tape detection control corresponding to each process from S608 to S622. In the protective tape detection process of this embodiment, the recording head 112 (see Figure 1) is heated before detecting the presence or absence of a protective tape.

[0064] It is possible to detect the presence or absence of protective tape without heating the recording head 112. However, by heating the recording head 112, it is heated to near the steady-state temperature when a refreshing operation is performed. This reduces the time required to detect the presence or absence of protective tape, as well as the amount of ink used to detect the presence or absence of protective tape. First, let's explain the preheating control.

[0065] In S601, the CPU300 performs a heating process to heat the recording head 112 until the head temperature reaches the target temperature.

[0066] The target temperature value should preferably be set near the threshold (Tth) used in the S616 process described later. For example, the recording head 112 can be heated by continuously applying electrical pulses to the ejection heater 318 (see Figure 3) that do not cause ink to be ejected. In this case, immediately after the recording head 112 has been continuously heated, a temperature imbalance may occur in the recording head 112.

[0067] Therefore, in the recording head 112, heat is transferred from the high-temperature portion to the position where the diode sensor 203 (see Figure 2) is located, which can cause the sensor output value to rise after heating of the recording head 112 has stopped. To address this, in the first control, a waiting process is performed after S601 until the head temperature drops below a predetermined temperature, thereby eliminating the uneven temperature distribution of the recording head 112.

[0068] In S602, CPU300 resets the loop counter value used to manage the number of waits (wait counts). For example, the loop counter value is set to "0".

[0069] In S603, the CPU300 acquires the head temperature value (Head) detected by the diode sensor 203.

[0070] In S604, the CPU 300 refers to the head temperature value (Thead) obtained in S603 and determines whether the head temperature value exceeds the temperature value (Tstart) that indicates that the detection process can be started. If "Thead" exceeds "Tstart", the CPU 300 performs the process in S605. On the other hand, if "Thead" is less than or equal to "Tstart", the CPU 300 performs the process in S608. That is, if "Thead" is less than or equal to "Tstart", the preheating control is terminated and the protective tape detection control is started.

[0071] In S605, CPU300 performs a predetermined waiting process.

[0072] In S606, CPU300 increments the loop counter value, which indicates the number of times the waiting process in S605 has been executed.

[0073] In S607, the CPU 300 refers to the loop counter value incremented in S606 and determines whether the loop counter value is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum value. If the loop counter value is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the CPU 300 performs the process in S608. On the other hand, if the loop counter value is less than the maximum value, the CPU 300 repeats the processes from S603 to S606.

[0074] The following explanation assumes that the "target temperature" for preheating control is set to "85°C". Furthermore, it is assumed that "Tstart", "waiting time", and "maximum value of loop counter" are set to "80°C", "30ms (0.03 seconds)", and "100", respectively.

[0075] In this case, in S601, the recording head 112 is heated until it reaches 85°C. Then, in S602, the loop counter value is set to "0". Then, in S603, the head temperature value of the recording head 112 is obtained. Then, in S604, it is determined whether or not the head temperature value of the recording head 112 exceeds 80°C.

[0076] If the head temperature of the recording head 112 is 80°C or lower, the first control (S601-S604) is terminated and the second control is started. On the other hand, if the head temperature of the recording head 112 exceeds 80°C, a 0.03-second waiting process is performed in S605. After that waiting time has elapsed, the loop counter value is incremented in S606. Then, in S607, it is determined whether the loop counter value is 100 or higher.

[0077] If the loop counter value is less than 100, the processes from S603 to S606 are repeated. If the loop counter value is 100 or more, the first control is terminated and the second control is started. That is, if the cumulative waiting time in S605 becomes 3 seconds or more, the first control is terminated and the second control is started.

[0078] The above is a specific example of preheating control. Next, we will explain protective tape detection control.

[0079] In S608, even if the cooling loop (processing from S615 to S619 described later) is performed multiple times, the CPU300 resets the wait counter value used to manage the number of waits (cumulative waits) in S617 described later. For example, the wait counter value is set to "0".

[0080] In S609, CPU300 resets the detection flag indicating the presence or absence of protective tape. For example, this detection flag is set to "0".

[0081] In S610, the CPU 300 refers to the wait counter value stored in the ROM 301 and determines whether the wait counter value is less than a predetermined detection threshold. If the wait counter value is equal to or greater than the predetermined detection threshold, the process in S611 is performed. On the other hand, if the wait counter value is less than the predetermined detection threshold, the process in S612 is performed.

[0082] In S611, the CPU 300 sets a detection flag to indicate that protective tape remains on the recording head 112. For example, the detection flag indicating that protective tape remains is set to "1".

[0083] In S612, the CPU300 performs a refreshing process and increments the number of times the refreshing process has been executed. After the completion of S612, the process in S613 is performed.

[0084] In S613, CPU300 performs a predetermined waiting process (Wait after refreshing). The waiting time in S613 should be kept to the minimum necessary.

[0085] In S614, the CPU300 resets the cooling loop counter value, which is used to manage the number of times the cooling loop described in S615 to S620 is executed. For example, the cooling loop counter value is set to "0".

[0086] In S615, CPU300 acquires the head temperature value.

[0087] In S616, the CPU 300 refers to the head temperature value (Thead) obtained in S615 and determines whether the head temperature value is greater than the threshold (Tth). If the head temperature value (Thead) is greater than the threshold (Tth), the CPU 300 performs the process in S617. On the other hand, if the head temperature value (Thead) is less than or equal to the threshold (Tth), the CPU 300 performs the process in S621.

[0088] In S617, CPU300 performs a predetermined waiting process (cumulative wait process).

[0089] In S618, CPU300 increments the wait counter value, which indicates the cumulative number of times the wait processing in S617 has been executed.

[0090] In S619, CPU300 increments the cooling loop counter value, which indicates the number of times the cooling loop process from S615 to S620 has been performed.

[0091] In S620, the CPU 300 refers to the cooling loop counter value incremented in S619 and determines whether the cooling loop counter value is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum value. If the cooling loop counter value is less than the maximum value, the CPU 300 repeats the process from S615 to S620. On the other hand, if the cooling loop counter value is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the CPU 300 performs the process in S621.

[0092] In S621, the CPU 300 refers to the value indicating the number of times the refreshing process was executed in S612 and determines whether that value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the number of times the refreshing process was executed is less than the predetermined number, the CPU 300 repeats the processes from S610 to S621. On the other hand, if the number of times the refreshing process was executed is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the CPU 300 performs the process in S622.

[0093] In S622, the CPU 300 refers to the value indicated by the detection flag to determine whether the detection flag is set or not. If the detection flag is not set, the CPU 300 performs the process in S623. On the other hand, if the detection flag is set, the CPU 300 performs the process in S624.

[0094] In S623, the CPU 300 stores in the ROM 301 the result indicating that no protective tape remains on the recording head 112. After the completion of S623, the CPU 300 performs the process in S503 (see Figure 5).

[0095] In S624, the CPU 300 stores in the ROM 301 the result indicating that protective tape remains on the recording head 112. After the completion of S624, the CPU 300 performs the process in S503 (see Figure 5).

[0096] The following describes a specific example of protective tape detection and control.

[0097] First, the wait counter value is set to "0" (S608). Then, the detection flag value is set to "0" (S609). If the wait counter value is "6" or greater (NO in S610), the detection flag value is set to "1" (S611). This means that the temperature of the recording head 112 is unlikely to decrease while each process from S612 to S621 is repeated. In other words, a detection flag of "1" means that there is a high probability that protective tape remains on the recording head 112. On the other hand, if the wait counter value is less than "6" (YES in S610), a refreshing operation is performed (S612).

[0098] For example, suppose the ambient temperature around the recording device 100 (see Figure 1) is 40°C, and the energy applied to the discharge heater 318 exceeds the limit. In this case, if the number of waiting processes after the refreshing operation is less than 6 (i.e., the wait counter value is less than "6"), there is less risk of a false detection that protective tape remains even though no protective tape remains. Therefore, in S610 of this embodiment, it is determined that the refreshing operation will be performed if the wait counter value is less than "6".

[0099] After the refreshing operation is performed, a 30ms waiting process is performed (S613). After this 30ms waiting period has elapsed, the cooling loop counter value is set to "0" (S614). After this cooling loop counter value is set to "0", the head temperature value (Head) of the recording head 112 is acquired (S615).

[0100] If the head temperature exceeds 86°C (YES in S616), a 30ms cumulative wait process is performed (S617). After this 30ms cumulative wait is completed, the wait counter value is incremented (S618). After the wait counter value is incremented, the cooling loop counter value is incremented (S619).

[0101] After the cooling loop counter value is incremented, it is determined whether the cooling loop counter value is 100 or greater (S620). If the cooling loop counter value is less than 100, the cooling loop process from S615 to S620 is repeated. On the other hand, if the head temperature value (Head) is less than 86°C (NO in S616), or if the cooling loop counter value is 100 or greater (YES in S620), the process in S621 is performed.

[0102] If the refreshing operation in S612 is performed 10 times (YES in S621), it is determined whether the value indicating the detection flag is "0". On the other hand, if the number of times the refreshing operation in S612 is performed is less than 10 (NO in S621), the processes from S610 to S620 are repeated.

[0103] If the value indicating the detection flag is "0" (YES in S622), it is determined that there is no protective tape remaining on the recording head 112. On the other hand, if the value indicating the detection flag is "1" (NO in S622), it is determined that there is protective tape remaining on the recording head 112.

[0104] In this way, by combining the first and second controls, the presence or absence of protective tape can be detected with high accuracy. Note that the presence or absence of protective tape is determined at S611. Therefore, without performing the determination in S621, if the determination result in S610 is No, it may be determined that protective tape remains and the second control may be terminated.

[0105] Let's continue the explanation by referring to Figure 5 again.

[0106] In S503, the CPU 300 refers to the result of the determination in S622 (see Figure 6) to determine whether or not there is a risk of protective tape remaining on the recording head 112. If there is a risk of protective tape remaining on at least one of the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108, the CPU 300 performs the process in S504. On the other hand, if there is no risk of protective tape remaining on the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108, the CPU 300 performs the process in S508.

[0107] In S504, the CPU 300 resets the counter value indicating the amount of ink consumed for the recording head 112, which may still have protective tape remaining. This counter value indicates the amount of ink that is expected to have been consumed and does not necessarily match the actual amount of ink consumed. Furthermore, the protective tape detection control includes a refreshing operation. Therefore, each time a refreshing operation is performed, the counter value corresponding to the amount of ink consumed by the recording head 112 is incremented and stored in the RAM 302.

[0108] On the other hand, if the protective tape is not removed, no ink is consumed by the refreshing process. Therefore, if it is determined that there is a possibility that the protective tape remains, the counter value indicating the amount of ink consumed is reset. This reduces the discrepancy between the actual amount of ink consumed and the displayed amount of ink, etc.

[0109] In S505, the CPU 300 subtracts a value indicating the amount of ink consumed by the protective tape detection control from the value indicated by the internal counter for waste ink volume, which is held inside the recording device 100.

[0110] In S506, the CPU 300 outputs a notification from the notification unit 319 indicating that there is a possibility that the protective tape has not been removed from the recording head 112. In S506, for example, the first support screen 701 (see Figure 7(a)) is displayed on the notification unit 319.

[0111] Figure 7(a) shows an example of the first support screen 701 displayed in the notification unit 319 of this embodiment. In Figure 7(a), the explanation assumes that protective tape remains on both the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108.

[0112] As shown in Figure 7(a), the notification unit 319 displays a first support screen 701 to assist the user in removing the protective tape from the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108, respectively. The first support screen 701 includes text indicating that there is a possibility that the protective tape has not been removed from the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108, respectively.

[0113] Figure 7(b) shows an example of the second support screen 702 displayed on the notification unit 319 of this embodiment. In Figure 7(b), the explanation assumes that protective tape remains only on the second recording head 108.

[0114] As shown in Figure 7(b), the notification unit 319 displays a second support screen 702 to assist the user in removing the protective tape from the second recording head 108. The second support screen 702 includes text indicating that there is a possibility that the protective tape has not been removed from the second recording head 108.

[0115] Figure 7(c) shows an example of the third support screen 703 displayed on the notification unit 319 of this embodiment. In Figure 7(c), the explanation assumes that protective tape remains only on the first recording head 107.

[0116] As shown in Figure 7(c), the notification unit 319 displays a third support screen 703 to assist the user in peeling the protective tape off the first recording head 107.

[0117] The third support screen 703 includes text indicating that there is a possibility that the protective tape has not been removed from the first recording head 107. For example, after viewing the first support screen 701 (see Figure 7(a)), the user opens the cover (not shown) of the recording device 100 (see Figure 1, etc.) and removes the recording head 112. Then, after removing the protective tape, the user reattaches the recording head 112 to the carriage 106 and closes the cover.

[0118] After the user opens the cover of the recording device 100, the opening of the cover may be detected, and an animation of removing the recording head 112 may be displayed on the notification unit 319. This can further encourage the user to remove the recording head 112.

[0119] After the recording head 112 is removed by the user, the removal is detected, and an animation of the protective tape being peeled off may be displayed on the notification unit 319. This can further encourage the user to peel off the protective tape.

[0120] After the recording head 112 is reattached, the reattachment may be detected, and text prompting the user to close the cover may be displayed on the notification unit 319. This can further encourage the user to close the cover.

[0121] After the first support screen 701, the second support screen 702, or the third support screen 703 is displayed and the user has closed the cover, the process in S507 (see Figure 5) is performed.

[0122] In the examples shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(c), text indicating that the protective tape has not been removed was displayed. However, the first support screen 701, the second support screen 702, or the third support screen 703 may display text notifying the user that there is a possibility of a clogged nozzle. This is because, even if the nozzle is clogged, the problem of poor ink ejection is still caused by the nozzle being blocked, just as it is when the protective tape has not been removed.

[0123] In S507, the CPU 300 refers to the type of ClnFlag stored in the memory of the recording head 112 to determine whether or not the recording head 112 has been replaced (removed and reinstalled). If the recording head 112 has not been replaced, the process in S506 is repeated. On the other hand, if the recording head 112 has been replaced, the process in S501 is repeated. After that, the series of processes described in Figure 6 are executed, and if it is determined in S503 that there is no protective tape, the process in S508 is performed.

[0124] Incidentally, while the second support screen 702 (Figure 7(b)) is displayed, it is possible that not only the second recording head 108 but also the first recording head 107 may be replaced by the user. Even in such a case, since the second recording head 108 has been removed, it is assumed that the protective tape has been peeled off the second recording head 108, and it is determined that the recording head 112 has been replaced.

[0125] Conversely to this example, it is possible that while the third support screen 703 (Figure 7(c)) is displayed, not only the first recording head 107 but also the second recording head 108 may be replaced by the user. In this case as well, since the first recording head 107 has been removed, it is assumed that the protective tape has been peeled off the first recording head 107, and it is determined that the recording head 112 has been replaced.

[0126] In S508, CPU300 performs recovery processing.

[0127] Figure 8 shows the subroutine for S508.

[0128] In S801, CPU300 performs processing for suction recovery operation. The parameters indicating the speed and amount of suction recovery operation are switched according to the content of the ClnFlag mentioned above.

[0129] In S802, CPU300 performs processing for the refresher operation. The type of refresher operation and the parameters indicating the number of ink ejections are switched according to the content of the ClnFlag mentioned above.

[0130] In S803, CPU300 performs processing for wiping operations.

[0131] In the S804, the CPU300 sets ClnFlag to off in the memory of each recording head.

[0132] The above is a description of the S508 subroutine.

[0133] Returning to Figure 5, let's continue the explanation. After the completion of process S508, CPU 300 terminates the flowchart in Figure 5.

[0134] As described above, the recording device 100 of this embodiment can suppress excessive temperature rise and detect the state of the recording head 112 with high accuracy without requiring any special configuration, by utilizing the basic configuration that it originally possesses.

[0135] By setting a threshold temperature (Tth) that the recording head 112 will not reach when functioning correctly and that does not pose a risk of damaging the recording head 112, it is possible to suppress damage to the recording head 112 while only generating a waiting time when a predetermined error occurs.

[0136] Furthermore, the presence or absence of an error is determined based on the value of the weight counter (i.e., the accumulated waiting time over multiple refreshers). Therefore, it is possible to mitigate the impact of sudden events compared to determining the presence or absence of a waiting time in only one refresher. For example, it is possible to prevent the system from immediately misdetecting a sudden event such as foam sticking as an error.

[0137] Therefore, according to the recording device of this embodiment, the liquid discharge state in the recording unit can be detected with high accuracy.

[0138] Furthermore, the recording device of this embodiment does not require a special configuration used solely for detecting liquid discharge failures in the recording unit. Therefore, compared to recording devices that require a special configuration used solely for detecting errors in the recording unit, the recording device of this embodiment can easily detect the presence or absence of errors.

[0139] For example, there is a recording device that records a test pattern and reads the recorded material using a sensor that reads the test pattern to detect ink failure and ejection irregularities. This type of recording device requires a sensor to read the test pattern. Furthermore, the user must provide a recording medium used solely for recording the test pattern. However, the recording device of this embodiment does not require such a special configuration used solely for error detection. Error detection can be performed by reusing the detection results of the diode sensor and thermistor provided for controlling the ejection of the recording head.

[0140] Therefore, the recording device of this embodiment makes it possible to easily detect whether or not an error has occurred.

[0141] Incidentally, if the ambient temperature around the recording device is particularly low, it is more likely to be judged as NO in S616, which may cause it to be judged as "no protective tape" even if the protective tape is still present.

[0142] In such cases, this can be addressed by increasing the frequency at which the recording element is driven, thereby relatively increasing the contribution of heat and flow rate to ink ejection. However, setting a high driving frequency may cause the recording head to overheat.

[0143] In particular, when the amount of ink remaining inside the recording head is low, increasing the frequency that drives the recording element too much increases the risk of the recording head overheating. However, in the recording device of this embodiment, liquid ejection failure is restored without increasing the driving frequency of the recording element.

[0144] Therefore, the recording device of this embodiment can also suppress excessive temperature rise of the recording head. In other words, the recording device of this embodiment can also reduce damage to the recording head.

[0145] [Modified example of the first embodiment] Hereinafter, a modified example of the recording device 100 (see Figure 1) in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0146] Figure 9 shows a modified version of the flowchart in Figure 5, including the recovery process.

[0147] The flowchart shown in Figure 9 is triggered when the power to the recording device 100 is turned off and then turned on again while there is a possibility of an error occurring in the recording head 112.

[0148] For example, suppose that while protective tape is applied to the nozzle surface, and one of the screens shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(c) is displayed, the user turns off the power to the recording device 100. Subsequently, the flowchart in Figure 9 is started when the power to the recording device 100 is turned on again.

[0149] As shown in Figure 9, in S901, the CPU 300 uses a known method to determine whether the power to the recording device 100 was turned off while there was a risk of an error occurring. For example, it is determined whether the power to the recording device 100 was turned off while any of the screens shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(c) were being displayed.

[0150] If the power to the recording device 100 is turned off while there is a risk of an error occurring, the process in S506 (see Figure 5) is performed. On the other hand, if the power to the recording device 100 is turned off while there is no risk of an error occurring, the series of flowcharts performed by the recording device 100 in this embodiment are terminated.

[0151] The above is an explanation of the flowchart in this modified example.

[0152] As explained above, with the recording device 100 of this modified version, even if the power is turned off before the error that occurred is resolved, the device can notify that the error has occurred again when the power is turned on again. As explained above, in this modified recording device 100, the routine from S610 to S620 in Figure 6 is repeated until the refreshing operation is performed 10 times. During this repeated process, the value of the wait counter gradually accumulates. In this case, the temperature of the recording head with protective tape remaining and the recording head that has run out of ink does not decrease easily after the refreshing operation. Therefore, it is difficult for S616 to determine "NO". Consequently, the wait counter (S618) accumulates more, and the value of the wait counter becomes larger. As a result, the detection flag is set in S611.

[0153] On the other hand, if the protective tape is removed and there is still plenty of ink remaining, the head temperature tends to drop quickly after the refreshing operation. As a result, the cooling loop counter will register "NO" at S616 before reaching its upper limit, and the next refreshing operation will proceed. Consequently, the loop processing from S615 to S620 will be completed without the loop counter reaching its upper limit, and the value of the wait counter will not become very large. As a result, the detection flag will not be set at S611, and the 10 refreshing cycles will be completed.

[0154] Furthermore, even if, after a single refreshing operation, a situation arises where the head temperature is difficult to lower due to sudden foam generation or other factors, the detection flag will not be set if the head temperature stabilizes and decreases after multiple subsequent refreshing operations. Therefore, the protective tape detection control can determine that there is a high probability that no ejection failure has occurred.

[0155] In other words, according to the recording device of this modified example, it is possible to accurately detect the presence or absence of errors in the recording unit without being affected by sudden changes in the recording head, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0156] [Second Embodiment] A recording device of a second embodiment of the art in this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description will mainly focus on the differences between the recording device of the second embodiment and the recording device of the first embodiment. Components that are the same as those in the recording device of the first embodiment, or components that correspond to those in the recording device of the first embodiment, will be indicated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0157] Even if an instruction to perform a refreshing operation to pre-eject ink is input, the refreshing operation cannot be performed if there is not enough ink remaining in the recording head 112. Therefore, the recording device 100 of this embodiment (see Figure 1) detects whether or not an ink shortage (no ink error) has occurred during the refreshing operation.

[0158] If the ink runs out, no new ink will be supplied to the recording unit even if a refreshing operation is performed. Therefore, the temperature of the recording head, which has risen due to the refreshing operation, will not decrease as easily as when the ink has not run out. In other words, the method for detecting whether or not the ink has run out can be almost the same as the method for detecting whether or not the protective tape remains in the first embodiment.

[0159] In the recording device 100 of this embodiment, the head temperature value (Thead) is acquired each time a refreshing operation is performed. If the head temperature value (Thead) is greater than the threshold value (Tth), cumulative wait processing is performed until the head temperature value (Thead) falls below the threshold value (Tth). The waiting time for this cumulative wait processing is added while refreshing is performed, and if the cumulative time exceeds a predetermined time, it is determined that there is a possibility that an error has occurred in the recording head 112.

[0160] The recording device 100 of this embodiment primarily aims to restore the ink ejection performance at the nozzle by performing a refreshing operation. For this reason, preheating treatment is not performed in the recording device 100 of this embodiment.

[0161] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the refreshing process in this embodiment. This process is performed for each recording head.

[0162] The flowchart shown in Figure 10 is triggered when an instruction to perform a refreshing operation is entered.

[0163] In S1001, the CPU300 resets the wait counter value, which manages the cumulative wait time used to determine the presence or absence of ink. For example, the wait counter value is set to "0". After the processing of S1001, the loop from S1002 to S1012 begins.

[0164] In S1002, the CPU300 compares the weight counter value with the detection threshold (described later) to determine whether the weight counter value is less than the detection threshold. For example, it determines whether the weight counter value is less than 300.

[0165] If the weight counter value is less than the detection threshold, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1003. On the other hand, if the weight counter value is equal to or greater than the detection threshold, the CPU 300 stores in memory that the target recording head is inkless and terminates this refreshing process.

[0166] In S1003, the CPU 300 performs a refreshing process for the refreshing operation. In the refreshing operation of this embodiment, ink is ejected 400 times at 20kHz.

[0167] In S1004, CPU300 performs a waiting process for a predetermined period of time.

[0168] In S1005, the CPU300 resets the cooling loop counter value, which is used to manage the number of loops in the cooling loop described later. For example, the cooling loop counter value is set to "0". After the processing of S1005, the cooling loop from S1006 to S1011 is started.

[0169] In S1006, CPU300 obtains the head temperature value.

[0170] In S1007, the CPU 300 compares the head temperature value (Thead) obtained in S1006 with a threshold (Tth) to determine whether the head temperature value (Thead) is greater than the threshold (Tth). For example, S1007 determines whether the head temperature is greater than 86°C. If the head temperature value (Thead) is greater than the threshold (Tth), the CPU 300 performs the process in S1008. On the other hand, if the head temperature value (Thead) is less than or equal to the threshold (Tth), the CPU 300 performs the process in S1012.

[0171] In S1008, the CPU300 performs cumulative wait processing for a predetermined time. For example, in S1008, a 30ms wait process is performed.

[0172] In S1009, the CPU300 increments the wait counter value for the determination in S1002 described above.

[0173] In S1010, CPU300 increments the cooling loop counter value.

[0174] In S1011, the CPU 300 compares the cooling loop counter value obtained in S1010 with a predetermined maximum value and determines whether the cooling loop counter value is greater than or equal to the predetermined maximum value. For example, it determines whether the cooling loop counter value is 300 or greater. If the cooling loop counter value is greater than or equal to the predetermined maximum value, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1012. If the cooling loop counter value is less than the predetermined maximum value, the CPU 300 repeats the processes from S1006 to S1011.

[0175] In this way, during the loop processing from S1006 to S1011, for example, a waiting process of up to 3 seconds is performed in 30ms increments until the temperature of the recording head 112 falls below 86°C.

[0176] In S1012, the CPU 300 checks the number of times the refreshing operation has been performed and determines whether the number of executions has reached a predetermined number (Y times). If the number of refresher operation executions reaches Y times, the flowchart in Figure 10 terminates. That is, the refreshing operation is completed successfully. On the other hand, if the number of refresher operation executions is less than Y times, the process in S1012 is repeated. For example, in S1012, it is determined whether the refreshing operation has been performed 73 times.

[0177] In this manner, the recording device 100 of this embodiment performs a refreshing operation in which ink is ejected 400 times at 20kHz. After that, a 30ms waiting process is performed, and if the temperature of the recording head 112 is 86°C or higher, another 30ms waiting process is performed. During this cooling loop is repeated 73 times, if the wait counter value becomes 300 or higher (i.e., if the cumulative wait time becomes 9s or higher), the CPU 300 determines in S1002 that there is no ink.

[0178] In the recording device 100 of this embodiment, the loop is broken, i.e., the refreshing process is stopped in this manner. On the other hand, when 73 refreshing operations are completed with a cumulative wait time of less than 9 seconds, the desired refreshing process is considered to have been completed successfully.

[0179] Furthermore, as shown in S611 (see Figure 6), it is also possible to set a detection flag and determine that there is no ink after 73 refresh operations. When there is no ink, the head temperature tends to rise significantly during the refresh operation compared to when there is ink or when the protective tape is present.

[0180] When there is no ink, the temperature of the recording head 112 is managed by introducing a waiting period. Therefore, even if the loop is not exited midway, damage to the recording head 112 due to heat is not much of a problem. However, when there is no ink, a cumulative waiting period of several tens of seconds may occur. For this reason, when there is no ink, the system prevents downtime by exiting the loop midway.

[0181] In addition, a method is sometimes used in which the remaining amount of ink is physically measured using an internal counter and sensors of the recording device 100 to determine if there is no ink. However, if a method is adopted to estimate the remaining amount of ink based on the temperature of the recording head 112, as in the recording device 100 of this embodiment, it becomes possible to detect the presence or absence of ink without providing a dedicated configuration used solely for detecting the presence or absence of ink.

[0182] Incidentally, in typical recording devices, the user is notified when the ink runs out, indicating that the recording head needs to be replaced or the ink needs to be refilled. This notification is given when one of several types of ink runs out, regardless of the remaining amount of other types of ink.

[0183] On the other hand, users may concentrate their use on only the ink that has run out, and not use other types of ink very often. If a user who uses ink in this way receives a general low ink notification, they may be asked to replace the record head containing an ink type they do not intend to use. Considering such use cases, it is desirable to configure the recording device so that even if some of the various types of ink run out, the recording device can continue to operate using only the remaining ink types.

[0184] Therefore, the recording device 100 of this embodiment is configured to allow setting an "inkless mode" that continues operation using the remaining ink types even if some of the multiple types of ink run out.

[0185] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the transition to inkless mode and subsequent processing when a new refreshing instruction is input to the recording device 100.

[0186] In S1101, CPU300 performs the process of switching to inkless mode.

[0187] Figure 12 shows the subroutine S1101 of this embodiment.

[0188] In S1201, the CPU 300 refers to the flag indicating "no ink mode" stored in the ROM 301. If the flag is already set, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1102 (see Figure 11). On the other hand, if the no ink mode flag is not set, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1202.

[0189] In S1202, the CPU 300 refers to the history of ink depletion (no ink error) stored in ROM 301. If there is no history in ROM 301 indicating ink depletion for both the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108, the CPU 300 terminates this subroutine. On the other hand, if there is a history in ROM 301 indicating ink depletion for the first recording head 107, the second recording head 108, or both, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1203.

[0190] In S1203, the CPU 300 displays a selection screen 1300 (see Figure 13) on the notification unit 319, asking whether or not to switch to inkless mode.

[0191] Figure 13 shows an example of the selection screen 1300 in this embodiment. Here, we will explain assuming that the color ink in the first recording head 107 has run out, but the black ink in the second recording head 108 remains.

[0192] As shown in Figure 13, the selection screen 1300 includes text indicating that the color ink has run out, and a question asking whether to switch to inkless mode. The selection screen 1300 includes a "Yes" button 1301 for selecting to switch to inkless mode, and a "No" button 1302 for selecting not to switch to inkless mode.

[0193] Returning to Figure 12, we continue the explanation.

[0194] In S1204, the CPU 300 determines whether or not to turn on the inkless mode depending on the type of button selected while the selection screen 1300 is displayed. If the "Yes" button 1301 is selected while the selection screen 1300 is displayed, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1205. On the other hand, if the "No" button 1302 is selected while the selection screen 1300 is displayed, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1206.

[0195] In S1205, the CPU 300 performs the process to turn on the inkless mode. For example, if it is confirmed that the first recording head 107 is out of ink, it will not perform ejection, refreshing, or recovery processing for recording, and will instead use only the second recording head 108 to perform ejection, refreshing, and recovery processing for recording. After the processing in S1205 is completed, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1102 (see Figure 11).

[0196] In S1206, the CPU 300 performs a process to display a guidance screen 1400 (see Figure 14) on the notification unit 319 to prompt the replacement of the recording head that has been confirmed to be out of ink.

[0197] Figure 14 shows an example of the guidance screen 1400 in this embodiment. Figure 14 shows an example of prompting the replacement of the first recording head 107. As shown in Figure 14, the guidance screen 1400 includes text indicating that the color ink of the first recording head 107 has run out, and text prompting the replacement of the first recording head 107.

[0198] Returning to Figure 12, let's continue the explanation. After the completion of process S1206, CPU 300 performs process S1207.

[0199] In S1207, the CPU 300 stores in the ROM 301 a history indicating that there is no ink in the first recording head 107. After the completion of the process in S1207, the CPU 300 terminates the flowchart shown in Figure 12.

[0200] Returning to Figure 11, we continue the explanation.

[0201] In S1102, the CPU 300 refers to a flag stored in the ROM 301 indicating whether or not the no-ink mode is enabled, and determines whether or not the no-ink mode is enabled. If the no-ink mode is enabled, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1103. If the no-ink mode is not enabled, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1104.

[0202] In S1103, the CPU 300 performs a refreshing process, excluding the recording heads that have been determined to be inkless. That is, if the color ink in the first recording head 107 is depleted, but the black ink in the second recording head 108 remains, the refreshing process is not performed on the first recording head 107. However, in this case, the refreshing operation described in Figure 10 is performed only on the second recording head 108. After the completion of S1103, the CPU 300 terminates the flowchart in this embodiment.

[0203] In S1104, the CPU 300 performs a normal refreshing operation (i.e., the refreshing operation described in Figure 10 for both the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108). After the completion of S1104, the CPU 300 terminates the flowchart in this embodiment.

[0204] As described above, in the recording device 100 of this embodiment, if the weight counter value is less than a threshold, the refreshing process continues. In this case, the refreshing process ends when the temperature of the recording head 112 falls below a predetermined value and a predetermined number of refreshing operations are performed. On the other hand, if the weight counter value becomes above the threshold, the refreshing process is interrupted and the device can switch to inkless mode.

[0205] When refreshing is performed under ink-less mode, the refreshing operation is not performed on the ink-depleted recording head 112. This reduces downtime and the increment of the value indicating the amount of waste ink. It can also improve the user experience for users who intensively use specific types of ink.

[0206] Therefore, according to the recording device 100 of this embodiment, even if ink runs out in any of the multiple recording heads, appropriate refreshing processing can be performed for each of the multiple recording heads.

[0207] [First modified example of the recording device 100 in the second embodiment] Figure 15(a) shows a first modified example of S1013. Specifically, it is a flowchart showing the transition to inkless mode and subsequent processing when a recording execution instruction is entered.

[0208] In the example shown in Figure 11, the refreshing process for at least one of the two recording heads was skipped if the ink ran out on that head. In the recording device 100 in this modified example, if the ink on one recording head runs out, the image is recorded using only the other recording head.

[0209] In Figure 15(a), the processes S1511 to S1512 are the same as those in S1101 to S1102 in Figure 11.

[0210] In S1512, the CPU 300 refers to a flag stored in the ROM 301 indicating whether or not the no-ink mode is enabled, and determines whether or not the no-ink mode is enabled. If the no-ink mode is enabled, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1513. If the no-ink mode is not enabled, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1514.

[0211] In S1513, the CPU 300 performs recording processing excluding the recording head that has been determined to be out of ink. For example, if the color ink in the first recording head 107 runs out, but the black ink in the second recording head 108 remains, the color data is converted to black data, and then recording is performed using only the second recording head 108.

[0212] Conversely, if the black ink in the second recording head 108 runs out and the color ink in the first recording head 107 remains, the black data is converted to color data, and then recording is performed using only the first recording head 107. After the completion of S1513, the CPU 300 terminates the flowchart in this modified example.

[0213] In S1514, the CPU 300 performs normal recording processing. That is, normal recording is performed using both the first recording head 107 and the second recording head 108. After the completion of S1514, the CPU 300 terminates the flowchart in this modified example.

[0214] As explained above, in this modified recording device 100, if the ink in one recording head runs out, recording control is performed using only the other recording head. This configuration also provides the same effect as the example shown in Figure 11.

[0215] [Second modified example of the recording device 100 in the second embodiment] Figure 15(b) is a flowchart showing a second modified example of S1013. Specifically, it is a flowchart showing the transition to inkless mode and subsequent processing when an instruction to perform a recovery process is entered.

[0216] In the example shown in Figure 11, when the color ink in one recording head ran out, the refreshing process for that recording head was skipped. In this modified example, when the ink in one recording head runs out, only the absorption recovery process is performed on the other recording head.

[0217] In Figure 15(b), the processes S1521 to S1522 are the same as those in S1101 to S1102 in Figure 11.

[0218] In S1522, the CPU 300 refers to a flag stored in the ROM 301 indicating whether or not the no-ink mode is enabled, and determines whether or not the no-ink mode is enabled. If the no-ink mode is enabled, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1523. If the no-ink mode is not enabled, the CPU 300 performs the process in S1524.

[0219] In S1523, the CPU 300 performs a suction recovery process on all recording heads except the one that has been determined to be inkless. For example, if the color ink in the first recording head 107 is depleted, but the black ink in the second recording head 108 remains, the suction recovery process is performed only on the second recording head 108. After the completion of S1523, the CPU 300 terminates the flowchart in this modified example.

[0220] In S1524, the CPU 300 performs processing to carry out normal absorption recovery operations. That is, it performs suction recovery processing for all recording heads. After the completion of S1524, the CPU 300 terminates the flowchart in this modified example.

[0221] As explained above, in this modified recording device 100, when the ink in one recording head runs out, an absorption recovery operation is performed only on the other recording head. This configuration also provides the same effect as the example shown in Figure 11.

[0222] [Third modified example of the recording device 100 in the second embodiment] Figure 16 shows a modified example of S1101.

[0223] In the example shown in Figure 12, it was determined whether or not the device was in inkless mode before the user selected inkless mode (S1204) (S1201). However, the device may be configured to allow the user to actively set the inkless mode by selection.

[0224] In S1601, the CPU 300 refers to the contents of the ROM 301 and determines whether the user has turned on the no-ink mode. If the user has turned on the no-ink mode, the process in S1602 is performed. On the other hand, if the user has turned off the no-ink mode, the process in S1604 is performed.

[0225] In S1602, CPU300 turns on the no-ink mode. After S1602, the process in S1603 is performed.

[0226] In S1603, CPU300 turns on the no-ink mode. After S1602, the process in S1603 is performed.

[0227] In S1604, the CPU 300 checks the type of ClnFlag to determine whether or not the recording head has been replaced. If ClnFlag indicates "H", the CPU 300 performs the process in S1604. On the other hand, if ClnFlag indicates anything other than "H", the CPU 300 terminates this subroutine.

[0228] As explained above, by checking whether the inkless mode has been set due to user action before determining whether there is ink or not, it becomes possible for the user to actively set the inkless mode.

[0229] [Third Embodiment] A recording device of a third embodiment of the art in this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following description will mainly focus on the differences between the recording devices of the first and second embodiments. Components that are the same as those in the recording devices of the first and second embodiments, or components that correspond to those in the first and second embodiments, will be indicated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0230] In the example in Figure 6, only the presence or absence of protective tape was detected, but error detection processing that combines the detection of the presence or absence of protective tape with the detection of the presence or absence of ink may also be performed.

[0231] Figure 17 shows an example of the protective tape detection process according to this embodiment.

[0232] As shown in Figure 17, in the error detection process of this embodiment, the determination in S610 is made. If the determination result of S610 is "YES", the process in S612 is performed. That is, in this case, the CPU 300 determines that the recording head 112 is in a normal state. On the other hand, if the determination result of S610 is "NO", the process in S611 is performed. After setting the detection flag to 1 in S611, the process in S1701 is performed.

[0233] In S1701, the CPU 300 refers to the wait counter value and the second detection threshold stored in the ROM 301 and determines whether the wait counter value is less than the second detection threshold. The second detection threshold is a larger value than the threshold compared with the wait counter value in S610. If the wait counter value is less than the second detection threshold, the process in S612 is performed. In this case, the detection flag is set in S611, and the processes from S612 onward are performed. Therefore, after the refresher operation loop from S612 to S621 is completed a predetermined number of times, the CPU 300 determines that protective tape remains (NO in S622). On the other hand, if the wait counter value is greater than or equal to the second detection threshold, the process in S1702 is performed.

[0234] In S1702, the CPU 300 stores a history indicating an inkless error (out of ink) in the memory, ROM 301, or both of the target recording head. After S1702 is completed, the CPU 300 terminates the flowchart shown in Figure 17. In this case, the CPU 300 determines that there is no ink remaining in the recording head 112. Therefore, the refreshing operation in S612 is not performed, and the loop processing from S615 to S620 is also not performed.

[0235] In this way, the nozzle state and ink flow rate can be precisely determined by combining, in any way, the detection process that prevents the nozzle from leaving the loop as shown in Figure 6 and the detection process that detects the nozzle from leaving the loop as shown in Figure 10.

[0236] By using this method, it becomes possible to suppress excessive temperature rise in the recording head 112 while accurately detecting the state of the recording head 112 and nozzles. For example, by detecting the presence or absence of protective tape, the user experience during setup can be improved, and the discrepancy between the ink consumption counter value and the actual amount of ink can be suppressed.

[0237] Furthermore, by detecting whether there is sufficient ink remaining, the system can guide the user to refill the ink and switch to an ink-less mode that uses only a specific type of ink.

[0238] Furthermore, information indicating an irreversible state in the recording head 112 may be stored in the ROM 301. For example, it is unlikely that a user would reattach the protective tape after it has been peeled off, or that the amount of ink stored in the recording head 112 would increase. Therefore, if it is determined that there is no protective tape on the recording head 112, the frequency of the detection process can be limited by storing the determination result in the ROM 301.

[0239] Furthermore, given that the temperature of the recording head 112 is affected by the ambient temperature, various parameters referenced when performing the determination process according to the ambient temperature may be appropriately changed. However, in this case, it is important to note that if the accuracy of measuring the ambient temperature is not high, it may affect the accuracy of detecting the state of the recording head 112.

[0240] [Other embodiments] In the recording device 100 shown in Figure 1, a disposable recording head 112 was used, in which the print head and ink tank were integrated. However, the technology of this disclosure can also be applied to recording devices in which only the ink tank is replaced.

[0241] Furthermore, in the example of S1603 in Figure 16, it was determined whether or not the recording head 112 needed to be replaced. However, when a CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System) type recording device is used, it is preferable to determine whether or not there is sufficient ink remaining in the ink tank, rather than determining whether or not the recording head 112 needs to be replaced. With this configuration, the technology of this disclosure can also be applied to CISS type recording devices.

[0242] In the example in Figure 14, a disposable printhead with an integrated ink tank and printhead was used, so text prompting the replacement of the recording head 112 was displayed. However, the wording prompting ink replenishment varies depending on the type of recording device. For example, in a CISS (Combined Ink Storage System) type recording device, the wording prompting ink replenishment would be a prompt to inject ink. In a cartridge type recording device, the wording prompting ink replenishment would be a prompt to replace the ink cartridge.

[0243] In step S622 of Figure 6, when the detection flag is set, it is determined that it is difficult to eject ink because protective tape is applied. However, by setting the threshold (Tth) to 86°C, for example, it is also possible to determine that it is difficult to eject ink because the nozzle is clogged.

[0244] Furthermore, the order of each step in the flowchart described above may be rearranged as appropriate. Also, multiple steps in the flowchart described above may be performed simultaneously. For example, the recovery process may be performed while the first support screen 701 is being displayed. Let's assume that the recovery process is interrupted by a user who has viewed the first support screen 701, and the recording head 112 is replaced. In this case, after the recording head 112 is replaced, the display of the first support screen 701 may end, and the interrupted recovery process may resume.

[0245] This disclosure includes the following configuration and method.

[0246] (Composition 1) A recording means for dispensing liquid, A temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the recording means, A refreshing means that performs a refreshing operation to discharge liquid from the recording means at a predetermined frequency, A first processing execution means that, if the temperature detected by the recording means after the refreshing operation detected by the temperature detection means is higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, waits for a predetermined time, and does not wait if the detected temperature is lower than the threshold temperature, repeats the first process a first number of times. A second processing execution means that performs a second process, which repeats the refreshing operation and the first process a second number of times, In the second process described above, a counting means for counting the cumulative value of the number of times a predetermined waiting period occurs, If the cumulative value in the second process exceeds a threshold, the recording means determines that it is difficult to discharge the liquid, A recording device characterized by comprising the following features.

[0247] (Configuration 2) The threshold temperature is higher than the steady-state temperature at which the recording means is suitable for discharging liquid. The recording device described in Configuration 1.

[0248] (Composition 3) If the recording means determines that it is difficult to discharge the liquid, the second process is interrupted. A recording device as described in configuration 1 or 2.

[0249] (Composition 4) The system further includes a preheating means that performs a preheating treatment to heat the recording means to a target temperature before performing the second process described above. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 3 of the configuration.

[0250] (Composition 5) The target temperature is higher than the steady-state temperature at which the recording means is suitable for discharging the liquid. The recording device described in Configuration 4.

[0251] (Composition 6) The target temperature is lower than the threshold temperature. A recording device as described in configuration 4 or 5.

[0252] (Composition 7) The second processing execution means executes the second processing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the preheating means performed the preheating process. A recording device as described in any one of items 4 to 6 of the configuration.

[0253] (Composition 8) The second processing execution means executes the second processing after the preheating treatment and after the temperature of the recording means detected by the temperature detection means has decreased to a predetermined temperature. A recording device as described in any one of items 4 to 7 of the configuration.

[0254] (Composition 9) The predetermined temperature is higher than the steady-state temperature suitable for the recording means to discharge the liquid. The recording device described in configuration 8.

[0255] (Composition 10) The determination means further includes a notification means for notifying the user when the recording means determines that it is difficult to discharge the liquid. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 9 of the configuration.

[0256] (Composition 11) The notification means notifies the user that protective tape has been applied to protect the recording means, or that the nozzle of the recording means is clogged. The recording device described in configuration 10.

[0257] (Composition 12) The notification means notifies the user that there is no liquid remaining in the recording means. A recording device as described in configuration 10 or 11.

[0258] (Composition 13) In the second process, the determination means When the cumulative value is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the nozzle of the recording means is clogged, or that protective tape is applied to cover the nozzle of the recording means. When the cumulative value exceeds the second threshold, it is determined that there is no liquid remaining. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 12 of the configuration.

[0259] (Composition 14) The system further includes a recovery means for performing a recovery process to restore the performance of the recording means, The recovery means performs the recovery process after the second processing execution means has performed the second processing. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 13 of the configuration.

[0260] (Composition 15) If the power to the recording device is turned off while the notification means is making the notification, the notification means will make the notification again after the power to the recording device is turned on again. The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 11 to 14.

[0261] (Configuration 16) When the determination means determines that the recording means is in a state where it is difficult to discharge the liquid, the second process is interrupted. When the recording means is detached while the notification means is performing the notification, the second process is resumed. The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 11 to 15.

[0262] (Configuration 17) The recording apparatus further includes management means for managing the consumption amount of the liquid in the recording means. When the determination means determines that the recording means is in a state where it is difficult to discharge the liquid, the management means resets the consumption amount expected to be consumed in the second process. The recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 14 to 16.

[0263] (Configuration 18) The recording means includes a plurality of recording heads that discharge different types of liquids. The recording apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores, as waste liquid counter values, the consumption amounts of the liquids consumed by the respective recovery processes for the plurality of recording heads. The management means Subtracts the waste liquid counter value corresponding to the recording head determined to be in a state where it is difficult to discharge the liquid from the total value of the waste liquid counter values among the plurality of recording heads. Resets the waste liquid counter value corresponding to the recording head. The recording apparatus according to Configuration 17.

[0264] (Configuration 19) The recording means includes a plurality of recording means that discharge different types of liquids. The temperature detection means, the refreshing means, the first process execution means, the second process execution means, the counting means, and the determination means are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of recording means. If at least one of the multiple determination means determines that it is difficult to discharge the liquid, the recording device further includes a transition means for switching the recording device from a first mode to a second mode. The recording device described in configuration 18.

[0265] (Composition 20) The first mode is a mode that allows liquid to be discharged from all of the plurality of recording means, The second mode is a mode in which, among the plurality of recording means, liquid is not discharged from the recording means that the determination means determines is in a state where it is difficult to discharge liquid, while liquid is discharged from the other recording means. The recording device described in configuration 19.

[0266] (Composition 21) In the second mode, the recording means discharges liquid only from the recording heads that still contain liquid among the plurality of recording heads. The recording device described in configuration 20.

[0267] (Composition 22) The first mode is a mode that allows liquid to be drawn from all of the plurality of recording means, The second mode is a mode in which, among the plurality of recording means, liquid is not drawn from the recording means that the determination means determines is in a state where it is difficult to discharge liquid, while liquid is drawn from the other recording means. A recording device as described in any one of items 19 to 21 of the configuration.

[0268] (Composition 23) The recording means further comprises a management means for managing the amount of liquid consumed, In the second mode described above, with respect to the recording means among the plurality of recording means that the determination means determines is in a state where it is difficult to discharge liquid, the amount of liquid consumed by the recording means is not counted. A recording device as described in any one of items 19 to 22 of the configuration.

[0269] (Composition 24) When the recording head is replaced, the transition means switches the control of the plurality of recording heads from the second mode to the first mode. A recording device as described in any one of items 19 to 23 of the configuration.

[0270] (Composition 25) When the recording head is replaced, the transition means switches the control of the plurality of recording heads from the second mode to the first mode according to the user's selection. A recording device as described in any one of items 19 to 24 of the configuration.

[0271] (Composition 26) In the second mode, if liquid replenishment is performed, the transition means switches the control of the recording head from the second mode to the first mode. A recording device as described in any one of items 19 to 25 of the configuration.

[0272] (Composition 27) In the second mode, if liquid replenishment is performed, the transition means switches the control of the recording head from the second mode to the first mode, according to the user's selection. A recording device as described in any one of items 19 to 26 of the configuration.

[0273] (Composition 28) The recording head is further provided with a unique information storage means for storing unique information of the recording head, The unique information storage means stores the result of the determination by the determination means in association with the recording head. A recording device as described in any one of items 20 to 27 of the configuration.

[0274] (Composition 29) If the information stored in the proprietary information storage means indicates that protective tape is attached to the recording head, the first process and the second process are not performed. The recording device described in configuration 28.

[0275] (Method 30) A control method for a recording apparatus including a recording means for discharging a liquid, detecting the temperature of the recording means, performing a refreshing operation of discharging the liquid from the recording means at a predetermined frequency, when the detected temperature of the recording means after the refreshing operation is higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, waiting for a predetermined time, and when the detected temperature is lower than the threshold temperature, not waiting, repeating a first process a first number of times, executing a second process of repeating the refreshing operation and the first process a second number of times, in the second process, counting a cumulative value of the number of times of waiting for a predetermined time, when the cumulative value in the second process becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value, determining that the recording means is in a state where it is difficult to discharge the liquid, characterized by the control method.

[0276] (Configuration 31) A program for causing a computer to function as the recording apparatus according to any one of Configurations 1 to 29.

Claims

1. A recording means for dispensing liquid, A temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the recording means, A refreshing means that performs a refreshing operation to discharge liquid from the recording means at a predetermined frequency, A first processing execution means that performs a first process of waiting until the temperature detected by the recording means after the refreshing operation detected by the temperature detection means falls below a predetermined threshold temperature, A second processing execution means that performs a second process, which repeats the refreshing operation and the first process a first number of times, In the second process described above, a counting means for counting the cumulative value of the waiting time, If the cumulative value in the second process exceeds a threshold, the recording means determines that it is difficult to discharge the liquid, A recording device characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The first process involves a third process, which is repeated a second time, where if the temperature detected by the recording means after the refreshing operation is higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, a predetermined waiting period is performed, and if the temperature detected is lower than the threshold temperature, no waiting period is performed. The recording device according to claim 1.

3. If the detected temperature is lower than the threshold temperature, the repetition of the third process is interrupted without waiting to reach the second iteration. The recording device according to claim 2.

4. The threshold temperature is higher than the steady-state temperature at which the recording means is suitable for discharging liquid. The recording device according to claim 1.

5. If the recording means determines that it is difficult to discharge the liquid, the second process is interrupted. A recording device according to claim 1 or 4.

6. The system further includes a preheating means that performs a preheating treatment to heat the recording means to a target temperature before performing the second process described above. A recording device according to claim 1 or 4.

7. The target temperature is higher than the steady-state temperature at which the recording means is suitable for discharging the liquid. The recording device according to claim 6.

8. The target temperature is lower than the threshold temperature. The recording device according to claim 6.

9. The second processing execution means executes the second processing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the preheating means performed the preheating process. The recording device according to claim 6.

10. The second processing execution means executes the second processing after the preheating treatment and after the temperature of the recording means detected by the temperature detection means has decreased to a predetermined temperature. The recording device according to claim 6.

11. The predetermined temperature is higher than the steady-state temperature suitable for the recording means to discharge the liquid. The recording device according to claim 10.

12. The determination means further includes a notification means for notifying the user when the recording means determines that it is difficult to discharge the liquid. A recording device according to claim 1 or 4.

13. The notification means notifies the user that protective tape has been applied to protect the recording means, or that the nozzle of the recording means is clogged. The recording device according to claim 12.

14. The notification means notifies the user that there is no liquid remaining in the recording means. The recording device according to claim 12.

15. In the second process, the determination means When the cumulative value is greater than or equal to a first threshold and less than a second threshold which is greater than the first threshold, it is determined that the nozzle of the recording means is clogged, or that protective tape is applied to cover the nozzle of the recording means. When the cumulative value exceeds the second threshold, it is determined that there is no liquid remaining. A recording device according to claim 1 or 4.

16. The system further includes a recovery means for performing a recovery process to restore the performance of the recording means, The recovery means performs the recovery process after the second processing execution means has performed the second processing. A recording device according to claim 1 or 4.

17. If the power to the recording device is turned off while the notification means is making the notification, the notification means will make the notification again after the power to the recording device is turned on again. The recording device according to claim 13.

18. If the determination means determines that the recording means is in a state where it is difficult to discharge the liquid, the second process is interrupted. If the recording means is attached or detached while the notification means is making the notification, the second process is resumed. The recording device according to claim 13.

19. The recording means further comprises a management means for managing the amount of liquid consumed, If the determination means determines that the recording means is in a state where it is difficult to discharge liquid, the management means resets the amount of consumption estimated to have been consumed in the second process. The recording device according to claim 16.

20. The recording means includes a plurality of recording heads, each dispensing a different type of liquid. The system further includes a storage unit that stores the amount of liquid consumed by the recovery process for each of the plurality of recording heads as a waste liquid counter value. The aforementioned management means is From the sum of the waste liquid counter values, subtract the waste liquid counter value corresponding to the recording head that is determined to be in a state where it is difficult to discharge liquid from among the multiple recording heads. The waste liquid counter value corresponding to the recording head is reset. The recording device according to claim 19.

21. The recording means includes a plurality of recording means that dispense different types of liquids, The temperature detection means, the refreshing means, the first processing execution means, the second processing execution means, the counting means, and the determination means are provided in correspondence with each of the plurality of recording means. If at least one of the multiple determination means determines that it is difficult to discharge the liquid, the recording device further includes a transition means for switching the recording device from a first mode to a second mode. The recording device according to claim 20.

22. The first mode is a mode that allows liquid to be discharged from all of the plurality of recording means, The second mode is a mode in which, among the plurality of recording means, liquid is not discharged from the recording means that the determination means determines is in a state where it is difficult to discharge liquid, while liquid is discharged from the other recording means. The recording device according to claim 21.

23. In the second mode, the recording means discharges liquid only from the recording heads that still contain liquid among the plurality of recording heads. The recording device according to claim 22.

24. The first mode is a mode that allows liquid to be drawn from all of the plurality of recording means, The second mode is a mode in which, among the plurality of recording means, liquid is not drawn from the recording means that the determination means determines is in a state where it is difficult to discharge liquid, while liquid is drawn from the other recording means. The recording device according to claim 21.

25. The recording means further comprises a management means for managing the amount of liquid consumed, In the second mode described above, with respect to the recording means among the plurality of recording means that the determination means determines is in a state where it is difficult to discharge liquid, the amount of liquid consumed by the recording means is not counted. The recording device according to claim 21.

26. When the recording head is replaced, the transition means switches the control of the plurality of recording heads from the second mode to the first mode. The recording device according to claim 21.

27. When the recording head is replaced, the transition means switches the control of the plurality of recording heads from the second mode to the first mode according to the user's selection. The recording device according to claim 21.

28. In the second mode, if liquid replenishment is performed, the transition means switches the control of the recording head from the second mode to the first mode. The recording device according to claim 21.

29. In the second mode, if liquid replenishment is performed, the transition means switches the control of the recording head from the second mode to the first mode, according to the user's selection. The recording device according to claim 21.

30. The recording head is further provided with a unique information storage means for storing unique information of the recording head, The unique information storage means stores the result of the determination by the determination means in association with the recording head. The recording device according to claim 22.

31. If the information stored in the proprietary information storage means indicates that protective tape is attached to the recording head, the first process and the second process are not performed. The recording device according to claim 30.

32. A control method for a recording device equipped with a recording means for discharging liquid, The temperature of the recording means is detected, A refreshing operation is performed by discharging liquid from the recording means at a predetermined frequency. After the refreshing operation, a first process is performed in which the system waits until the temperature detected by the recording means falls below a predetermined threshold temperature. The second process is executed, which repeats the refreshing operation and the first process a second number of times. In the second process described above, the cumulative value of the waiting time is counted, If the cumulative value in the second process exceeds a threshold, the recording means determines that it is difficult to discharge the liquid. A control method characterized by the following:

33. A program for causing a computer to function as a recording device according to claim 1 or 4.

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