JP2017013411A - Recording device and disconnection detection method for flexible flat cable - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording device and a detection method capable of detecting accurately with an inexpensive constitution, a flexible flat cable (FFC) for connecting a recording head to a control board part of the recording device.SOLUTION: In a maintenance mode, a carriage is moved at higher speed than speed in a normal recording mode to impart a larger stress thereto by FFC, and simultaneously a check pattern is recorded on a recording head. Hereby, a disconnection state of the FFC is determined from the recorded check pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a method for detecting disconnection of a flexible flat cable, and more particularly to a technique for detecting disconnection of a flexible flat cable (FFC) that connects a carriage equipped with an inkjet recording head and the recording apparatus.

  An ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a recording apparatus) performs recording by ejecting ink from a recording head onto a recording medium while reciprocating a carriage on which the recording head is mounted in parallel with a platen that feeds the recording medium. In the recording apparatus, the carriage and the main body of the recording apparatus are connected by a flexible flat cable (hereinafter referred to as FFC). One end of the FFC is electrically connected through a substrate fixed to the recording head and the carriage, and is also mechanically fixed by a carriage mold. In addition, the other end of the FFC is electrically connected to the substrate of the main body that controls the recording apparatus.

  With the above configuration, a control signal and a recording data signal can be transmitted from the substrate of the main body to the recording head.

  Further, because of the above configuration, the FFC reciprocates in conjunction with the movement of the carriage while maintaining a certain degree of bending for the carriage to reciprocate. As described above, the FFC reciprocates in synchronization with the carriage during a recording operation, and therefore, a part of the wiring in the FFC may be disconnected when used for a long time. For this reason, conventionally, a technique for detecting disconnection of the FFC that electrically connects the main body of the recording apparatus and the recording head has been proposed. For example, a method has been proposed in which dummy conductors are provided at both ends of the FFC, a closed circuit is formed, and an abnormality in the FFC connecting the main body of the recording apparatus and the recording head is detected by a change in voltage (Patent Literature). 1).

  Now, since FFC is not a target of replacement work by a user, it is necessary for a maintenance person to deal with an error caused by FFC. If the FFC is replaced, the replacement time is longer than that of other replacement parts. Therefore, if the FFC removed from the recording apparatus main body is normal, the long time required for the replacement work is wasted. Become. Therefore, in the case of an error related to FFC, it is necessary to narrow down the part in which an abnormality to be replaced has occurred to some extent before replacing the peripheral circuit and the part such as FFC.

JP 2007-203573 A

  In the FFC disconnection detection proposed in Patent Document 1, dummy conductors extending from the main body of the recording apparatus to the recording head are disposed between both ends of the FFC, or dummy wirings and voltage detection circuits are required at both ends of the FFC. Therefore, there is a problem that the cost of hardware increases. Further, the dummy wiring used in Patent Document 1 requires one dummy wiring at each end of each FFC. However, since it is common to use a plurality of FFCs in a normal recording apparatus, the dummy wiring is also used. Multiple devices are required, which contributes to an increase in hardware costs.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, based on the knowledge that the wirings at both ends of the FFC are easily disconnected, dummy wirings are provided at both ends of the FFC, a closed circuit is formed by using these dummy wirings, and the FFC is determined depending on the presence or absence of voltage. A disconnection is detected. However, since the disconnection of the dummy wiring is not necessarily the disconnection inside the FFC, if the FFC is replaced based on the determination of the disconnection detection, there is a possibility that the FFC that does not need replacement is replaced. .

  Further, in Patent Document 1, since the FFC disconnection detection is performed with the FFC state being substantially fixed, there is a possibility that the disconnection that occurs due to the bending of the FFC cannot be detected.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus and a detection method thereof capable of accurately detecting a disconnection of a flexible flat cable (FFC) with an inexpensive configuration.

  In order to achieve the above object, the recording apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration.

  That is, a recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium by the recording head while reciprocating the recording head, and a moving unit that moves a carriage on which the recording head is mounted in a predetermined direction, and control of the recording apparatus A flexible flat cable including a plurality of signal lines for connecting signals to the carriage and supplying signals and power to the recording head, and when operating in a mode in which recording is performed by the recording head during maintenance. A control unit that controls the moving unit to move the carriage at a higher speed than the mode in which the recording head performs normal recording, and a mode in which recording is performed by the recording head during maintenance. When operating, the recording head records a plurality of predetermined patterns on a recording medium. And having a stage.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a recording head, a moving unit that moves a carriage on which the recording head is mounted in a predetermined direction, a controller of the recording apparatus, and the carriage are connected. A flexible flat cable including a plurality of signal lines for supplying signals and electric power to the recording head, and recording on a recording medium by the recording head while reciprocating the carriage. In the disconnection detection method, when operating in a mode in which recording is performed by the recording head during maintenance, the carriage moves by the moving unit at a higher speed than in a mode in which normal recording is performed by the recording head. A control step for controlling the moving means to perform recording, and recording by the recording head during maintenance When operating in over de comprises a disconnection detection method of a flexible flat cable, characterized in that it comprises a recording step of recording a plurality of predetermined pattern by the recording head on the recording medium.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the disconnection of the flexible flat cable (FFC) can be accurately detected with an inexpensive configuration.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus that is a typical embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the flexible flat cable (FFC) provided in a recording device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a nozzle arrangement configuration viewed from an ink ejection surface of a recording head. It is a figure which shows the detail of the signal transmitted by three flexible flat cables (FFC) which connect a recording head and a control board. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a carriage speed change profile when performing normal recording. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a carriage speed change profile showing a relationship between a carriage speed change and a recording section in an FFC check mode executed during maintenance of the recording apparatus. It is a figure which shows the FFC check pattern 705 which the nozzle row 301 recorded. , , , It is a figure which shows the process in which the pattern 706 is recorded. It is a flowchart which shows the process which records a FFC check pattern. It is a figure which shows the example which the recording defect generate | occur | produced in the recorded FFC check pattern. , , , , , , It is a figure which shows the example of the recording defect which generate | occur | produced as a result of various different disconnection. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an FFC check pattern recording process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an FFC check pattern is recorded according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of FFC1200. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating temporal changes in the position and speed of a carriage when an FFC check pattern is recorded by moving the carriage from HP to BP while slightly reciprocating in the FFC check mode. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an FFC check pattern is recorded according to a fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically and in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In this specification, “recording” (sometimes referred to as “printing”) is not limited to the case of forming significant information such as characters and graphics, but may be significant. Furthermore, it also represents a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a recording medium or a medium is processed regardless of whether or not it is manifested so that a human can perceive it visually.

  “Recording medium” refers not only to paper used in general recording apparatuses but also widely to cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, and the like that can accept ink. Shall.

  Further, “ink” (sometimes referred to as “liquid”) should be interpreted widely as in the definition of “recording (printing)”. Therefore, by being applied on the recording medium, it is used for formation of images, patterns, patterns, etc., processing of the recording medium, or ink processing (for example, solidification or insolubilization of the colorant in the ink applied to the recording medium). It shall represent a liquid that can be made.

  Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the “recording element (nozzle)” collectively refers to an ejection port or a liquid channel communicating with the ejection port and an element that generates energy used for ink ejection.

<Outline of device (FIG. 1)>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a recording apparatus) 200 which is a typical embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a top view of the recording apparatus 200, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the recording apparatus 200.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1B, the recording apparatus 200 reciprocally moves a carriage 201 on which two inkjet recording heads (hereinafter referred to as recording heads) 209 and 210 are mounted in the X direction (main scanning direction). Meanwhile, ink is ejected from the recording heads 209 and 210. In the recording operation, recording is performed by ejecting ink onto the recording medium while conveying the recording medium (not shown) on the platen 213 in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction). The carriage 201 is fixed to the carriage belt 215, and the carriage belt 215 is stretched around the carriage motor 214 and the pulley 216. Therefore, when the carriage motor 214 is driven, the carriage 201 reciprocates in the main scanning direction.

  The carriage 201 and the control board (control unit) 203 are connected by a flexible flat cable (FFC) group 211 including a plurality of flexible flat cables (FFC).

  Inside the carriage 201, as indicated by dotted lines, a contact substrate 205, a contact 207 mounted on the contact substrate 205, a contact 208, and an FFC connector group 206 are provided. The recording head 209 is attached to the contact 207, and the recording head 210 is attached to the contact 208. A part of the FFC group 211 is connected to the FFC connector group 206, and is fixed by a mold of the carriage 201 via a buffer material. The FFC group 211 is connected to the FFC connector group 206 through several turns from the FFC connector group 204 mounted on the control board 203. In the meantime, it is fixed to the main body of the recording apparatus 200 by the FFC suppression mold 212.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the FFC group 211 repeats bending and extension in a manner that follows the reciprocating drive of the carriage 201 in the main scanning direction X while maintaining a certain curve.

  The optical sensor 202 reciprocates with the carriage 201 while maintaining a certain gap with the recording medium. The optical sensor 202 irradiates the recording medium with light from the red LED, blue LED, and green LED, receives the reflected light with a light receiving element (phototransistor, photodiode), and a current value corresponding to the received light amount. Is converted to voltage and output. The output signal is input to the AD terminal of the CPU mounted on the control board 203. The optical sensor 202 is used for detecting the width of a recording medium, detecting the density of a check pad during adjustment recording, and the like.

  The two recording heads 209 and 210 can be attached to and detached from the carriage 201 independently of each other, and can be exchanged independently.

<Configuration of flexible flat cable (FFC) (FIG. 2)>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a flexible flat cable (FFC) provided in the recording apparatus 200.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 200 includes two recording heads 209 and 210, which are mounted on the carriage 201. The carriage 201 and the control board 203 of the recording apparatus 200 are connected by a flexible flat cable (FFC) group 211 including a plurality of flexible flat cables (FFC).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the FFC group 211 is composed of six flexible flat cables (FFC) 211a to 211f. One end of each of these six FFCs is connected to the FFC connector group 204 on the control board 203 side, and the other end of each of these six FFCs is connected to the FFC connector group 206 on the carriage 201 side. In this embodiment, disconnection inspection of these six FFCs is performed.

  As suggested from the connection configuration shown in FIG. 2, the operation of the recording head 209 involves the three FFCs 211a to 211c, and the operation of the recording head 210 involves the remaining three FFCs 211d to 211f.

  The electrical connection between the recording heads 209 and 210 and the control substrate 203 is realized by physical contact with the elastic contacts 207 and 208 mounted on the contact substrate 205, respectively.

  The FFC 211a is used to supply electric energy for ejecting ink from the recording head 209, and has a wider conductor width than the FFC 211b and the FFC 211c. The FFC 211b and the FFC 211c are used to transmit a recording data signal indicating whether or not to eject ink from the nozzles arranged in the recording head 209, and the conductor width thereof is narrower than that of the FFC 211a.

  Similarly, the FFC 211d is used to supply electric energy (electric power) for ejecting ink from the recording head 210, and has a wider conductor width than the FFC 211e and FFC 211f. The FFC 211f is used to transmit a recording data signal indicating whether or not ink is ejected from the nozzles arranged in the recording head 210, and its conductor width is narrower than that of the FFC 211d.

<Recording Head Nozzle Configuration and FFC Signal Line Configuration (FIGS. 3 to 4)>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a nozzle arrangement configuration as viewed from the ink ejection surfaces of the recording heads 209 and 210. 3A shows the overall configuration of the nozzle arrangement of one recording head, and FIG. 3B shows a detailed configuration by enlarging one nozzle row.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, each of the recording heads 209 and 210 includes two head chips 300a and 300b, and three nozzle rows 301 to 303 and 304 to 306 are respectively arranged. Since different inks can be supplied to these six nozzle arrays, six colors of ink can be ejected per recording head.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, when the nozzle row 301 is enlarged, it can be seen that the nozzle row 301 is composed of four nozzle rows 350 to 353. The nozzle rows 350 to 353 are minimum control units assigned to one FFC. The nozzles 302 to 306 are also composed of four rows of nozzles as shown in FIG.

  When the recording heads 209 and 210 are mounted on the carriage 201, a plurality of nozzles included in each of the nozzle rows 301 to 306 are arranged in the sub-scanning direction.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of signals transmitted by three flexible flat cables (FFC) connecting the recording head 209 and the control board 203.

  In FIG. 4, three FFCs 211a, 211b, and 211c are shown as an FFC group 211H. The FFC 211a includes a signal line group 410 that applies a heat voltage VH and a ground voltage GND that are used to supply electrical energy for ejecting ink to a recording medium from a nozzle array provided in the recording head 209. The FFC 211b also includes a signal line 411 group for supplying a latch signal LT-L, a clock signal CLK-L, a heat enable signal HE-XY, and a recording data signal DATA-XY to the digital control circuit 413 provided in the recording head 209. Including. Further, the FFC 211c includes a signal line group 412 that supplies a heat enable signal HE-XY and a recording data signal DATA-XY to a digital control circuit 413 provided in the recording head 209.

  Further, since the latch signal LT-L and the clock signal CLK-L may be input to the recording head 209 one by one, they are supplied to either the FFC 211b or 211c using one signal line. In this embodiment, the FFC 211b is used.

  Note that a plurality of electrothermal conversion elements 414 and FETs 415 shown in FIG. 4 originally exist in the recording head 209, but this figure shows only one representative electrothermal conversion element 414 and one FET 415. It was. The recording head 209 actually includes a complicated digital control circuit, but is simplified for easy understanding.

  Here, a case where one nozzle row 301 is controlled will be described.

  For control of the nozzle row 350, a latch signal LT-L, a clock signal CLK-L, a heat enable signal HE-AA, and a recording data signal DATA-AA are used. The control of the nozzle array 351 uses a latch signal LT-L, a clock signal CLK-L, a heat enable signal HE-AA, and a recording data signal DATA-AB. The nozzle row 352 is controlled using a latch signal LT-L, a clock signal CLK-L, a heat enable signal HE-AB, and a recording data signal DATA-AC. Control of the nozzle array 353 uses a latch signal LT-L, a clock signal CLK-L, a heat enable signal HE-AB, and a data signal DATA-AD.

  Since there are only two heat enable signals per nozzle row 301, the nozzle rows 350 and 351 use the heat enable signal HE-AA, and the nozzle rows 352 and 353 share the heat enable signal HE-AB.

  The same control is performed for the other five nozzle rows 302 to 306.

  Next, several embodiments of the FFC disconnection check using the recording apparatus having the above configuration will be described.

<Carriage movement (FIGS. 5 to 6)>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a speed change profile of the carriage 201 when performing normal recording (normal recording mode: first recording mode).

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the carriage 201 moves forward from its home position (HP), it is accelerated from speed v = 0 to v = V in section 1 where 0 ≦ t <T1, and T1 ≦ t. <Move at constant speed (v = V) in section 2 of T2. Normally, recording is performed in this constant speed movement section. Then, in section 3 where T2 ≦ t <T3, the vehicle is decelerated from speed v = V to v = 0 and stops at the back position (BP).

  Further, when the carriage 201 moves in the forward direction, it has a speed change profile in the direction opposite to the above-described forward movement. In the forward movement, recording is performed in the constant speed movement section of the carriage.

  As can be seen from FIG. 5, in the normal recording mode, the constant speed movement section of the carriage coincides with the recording section by the recording head.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a carriage speed change profile showing the relationship between the carriage speed change and the recording section in the FFC check mode (second recording mode) executed during maintenance of the recording apparatus. This mode is used to detect the presence or absence of FFC disconnection, and the relationship between the carriage speed change and the recording operation is different from that in the normal recording mode.

  As can be seen from comparison between FIG. 6 and FIG. 5, in this mode, the carriage speed (v) in the constant speed movement section of the carriage is higher (v = VH> V) than that in the normal recording mode. As can be seen from FIG. 6, in this mode, the acceleration is the same, but the acceleration time of the carriage is made longer than in the normal recording mode to achieve high-speed movement. The deceleration zone is also longer than in the normal recording mode. In this way, by increasing the carriage speed, the FFC check mode gives more stress to the FFC than in the normal recording mode, and causes the FFC to be broken that is difficult to detect in normal recording. I have to.

  On the other hand, because of the profile shown in FIG. 6, the drive current supplied to the carriage motor 214 does not become larger than that in the normal recording mode. In addition, since the drive current of the carriage motor during constant speed movement is sufficiently smaller than that during acceleration / deceleration, there is an advantage that no special configuration for increasing the drive current to the carriage motor is necessary to realize this mode. is there.

  In FIG. 6, a region indicated by a dotted line indicates that the carriage speed (v) that is a constant speed moving section can be varied within a certain range (V1 ≦ v ≦ V2).

<Example of FFC check pattern recording (FIGS. 7A to 7E)>
Next, some recording patterns recorded on the recording medium in the FFC check mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7E.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an FFC check pattern 705 recorded by the nozzle row 301.

  As described above, since the nozzle row 301 includes the four nozzle rows 350 to 353, the FFC check pattern 705 is recorded in the nozzle row and the drive nozzle for ejecting ink for each scanning recording in the main scanning direction. Switch between and. In this way, as shown in FIG. 7A, an FFC check pattern 705 including four rows of patterns 706 to 709 is completed on the recording paper 710. The patterns 706 to 709 are recorded with the same color ink.

  7B to 7E are diagrams showing a process of recording the pattern 706. FIG.

  The pattern 706 is recorded by multi-pass printing in which the carriage is reciprocated twice (four scans) in the main scanning direction to discharge ink to the same area on the recording medium to complete the recording. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 7B to 7E, the nozzle array 350 equally divides the entire nozzle into four nozzle groups 350a to 350d per recording scan, and switches the nozzle group used for recording for each recording scan. .

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the first forward scanning (movement of the carriage from HP to BP), the pattern 706-1 is recorded using the nozzle group 350a. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7C, in the backward scanning (movement of the carriage from BP to HP), the pattern 706-2 is printed using the nozzle group 350b. Further, in the second forward scanning (movement of the carriage from HP to BP), as shown in FIG. 7C, the pattern 706-3 is printed using the nozzle group 350c. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7D, in the second backward scanning carriage movement from BP to HP, the pattern 706-4 is printed using the nozzle group 350d.

  The patterns 707 to 709 are recorded in the same manner as described above using the nozzle rows 351 to 353.

  Even in the normal recording mode, ejection failure may occur in the nozzles of the recording head. Therefore, in the FFC check mode, when the number of undischargeable nozzles stored in the printing apparatus exceeds a predetermined threshold, the normal number of nozzles is used, and the number of times the carriage is scanned so that the defect of the FFC check pattern is close to a visually recognizable density. To change.

  7B to 7E, multi-pass printing is performed by dividing the nozzle array 350 into four parts. However, the number of divisions indicates that the use of the recording medium is prevented and the number of disconnection points of the same signal line of the FFC. Since it is determined by tradeoff, other division numbers may be used.

<FFC check pattern recording process (FIG. 8)>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for recording an FFC check pattern.

  In step S800, after selecting and starting the FFC check mode used for the recording apparatus 200 during maintenance, the OK button on the operation panel (not shown) is pressed to start the FFC check mode. In step S801, the recording medium is fed to the position of the platen 213 (FFC check pattern recording start position).

  In the loop of steps S802 to S815, the same processing is performed for the number of mounted recording heads (here, “2”), that is, the recording heads 209 and 210. In the loop of steps S803 to S814, the same processing is performed for the nozzle rows 301 to 306 as many as the number of nozzle rows (here, “6”) of each recording head. Further, in the loop of Steps S804 to S813, the same processing is performed for the number of nozzle rows constituting each nozzle row (here, “4”), that is, the nozzle rows 350 to 353.

  When attention is paid to one nozzle row of the minimum control unit, for example, the nozzle row 350, in step S805, as shown in FIG. 7B, a pattern 706-1 is recorded using a nozzle group 350a that is a quarter of the nozzle row 350. To do. In step S806, as shown in FIG. 7C, the recording medium is conveyed by a quarter width of the nozzle row 350 in the sub-scanning direction. In step S807, the pattern 706-1 is recorded using the nozzle group 350b. A pattern 706-2 is recorded in the same area.

  Further, in step S808, as shown in FIG. 7D, the recording medium is conveyed by a quarter width of the nozzle row 350 in the sub-scanning direction. In step S809, the pattern 706-3 is recorded in the same area where the patterns 706-1 and 706-2 are recorded using the nozzle group 350c which is a quarter of the nozzle row 350. Thereafter, in step S810, as shown in FIG. 7E, the recording medium is conveyed by a quarter width of the nozzle row 350 in the sub-scanning direction. In step S811, patterns 706-1 to 706-3 are recorded using the nozzle group 350d. A pattern 706-4 is recorded in the same area as that recorded.

  In step S812, as shown in FIG. 7A, the recording medium is transported in the sub-scanning direction so that there is a space between the FFC check patterns, and recording is performed at the recording start position of the next FFC check pattern. Position the medium.

  In step S813, it is confirmed whether or not the recording process for the number of nozzle rows constituting each nozzle row has been completed. If the processing has not been completed, the process returns to step S804. The process proceeds to S814.

  In step S814, it is confirmed whether or not the recording process for the number of nozzle rows of each recording head has been completed. If the process has not been completed, the process returns to step S803. If the process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S815. move on.

  In step S815, it is confirmed whether or not the recording process for the number of recording heads mounted on the carriage 201 has been completed. If the process has not been completed, the process returns to step S802. If the process has been completed, the process is terminated. To do.

  The FFC check pattern is recorded on a recording medium such as a recording sheet by the above processing. However, if the signal line inside the FFC is disconnected, a recording defect occurs in the FFC check pattern.

<Example of recording defect in FFC check pattern (FIGS. 9A to 9H)>
FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example in which a recording defect has occurred in the recorded FFC check pattern;
FIG. 9B to FIG. 9H are diagrams showing examples of recording defects generated as a result of various different disconnections. Note that the FFC check patterns shown in FIGS. 9A to 9H are examples in which the FFC check pattern 705 including four patterns 706 to 709 is recorded by the nozzle row 301.

  FIG. 9A shows an example in which there is a missing portion A in the pattern 707 of the recorded FFC check pattern 705. The occurrence of the defective portion A is due to the following reason.

  First, the pattern 707 is recorded in the nozzle row 351. Therefore, it is considered that the signal line related to the ejection of ink from the nozzle row 351 is broken in the FFC at the defective portion A. In addition, as described above, one pattern is recorded by dividing one nozzle row into four parts and performing multi-pass recording. However, since a recording defect occurs at the same location, a density difference is included in the recording result. Occurs, and the missing portion 910 can be visually confirmed.

  In this way, it is possible to estimate to some extent which signal line the disconnection has occurred from the position where the recording defect has occurred.

  Next, an example of how to estimate which signal line is disconnected from the record defect of the FFC check pattern will be described.

(1) Disconnection of signal line of clock signal CLK-L FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of an FFC check pattern when the signal line of the clock signal CLK-L is disconnected.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9B, a recording defect occurs at the same position in the main scanning direction in all the four patterns 706 to 709 constituting the recorded FFC check pattern 705. Since the clock signal CLK-L is a common signal in the four nozzle rows 350 to 353 belonging to the nozzle row 301, if the signal line for transferring the clock signal CLK-L is broken, all four patterns are affected. .

  In the example shown in FIG. 9B, the recording defect B occurs only at a specific position X in the main scanning direction. This is considered to be due to the following reason. The degree of bending of the FFC changes with the reciprocating movement of the carriage, but the signal line is disconnected only when a certain bending state occurs, that is, only at a position where X is in the main scanning direction. It seems that the disconnection state has recovered in other places. In any case, it is certain that the signal line for transferring the clock signal CLK-L is almost broken, and when the FFC check pattern 705 as shown in FIG. 9B is recorded, the clock signal CLK-L is transferred. Judge that the signal line is disconnected.

(2) Disconnection of signal line of heat enable signal HE-AA FIG. 9C is a diagram showing an example of an FFC check pattern when a disconnection occurs in the signal line of heat enable signal HE-AA.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9C, among the four patterns 706 to 709 constituting the recorded FFC check pattern 705, a recording defect occurs at the same position in the main scanning direction in the patterns 706 and 707. Since the heat enable signal HE-AA is a common signal in the four nozzle rows 350 and 351 belonging to the nozzle row 301, if the signal line for transferring the heat enable signal HE-AA is broken, the two patterns Influenced.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9C, a recording defect C occurs only at a specific position X in the main scanning direction. This is probably because of the following reason. The degree of bending of the FFC changes with the reciprocating movement of the carriage, but the signal line is disconnected only when a certain bending state occurs, that is, only at a position where X is in the main scanning direction. It seems that the disconnection state has recovered in other places. In any case, it is certain that the signal line for transferring the heat enable signal HE-AA is almost broken, and when the FFC check pattern 705 as shown in FIG. 9C is recorded, the heat enable signal HE-AA is set. It is determined that the signal line to be transferred is disconnected.

(3) Disconnection of signal line of heat enable signal HE-AB FIG. 9D is a diagram showing an example of an FFC check pattern when a disconnection occurs in the signal line of heat enable signal HE-AB.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9D, among the four patterns 706 to 709 constituting the recorded FFC check pattern 705, a recording defect occurs at the same position in the main scanning direction in the patterns 708 and 709. Since the heat enable signal HE-AB is a common signal in the four nozzle rows 352 and 353 belonging to the nozzle row 301, if there is a break in the signal line that transfers the heat enable signal HE-AB, the two patterns Influenced.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9D, a recording defect D occurs only at a specific position X in the main scanning direction. This is probably because of the following reason. The degree of bending of the FFC changes with the reciprocating movement of the carriage, but the signal line is disconnected only when a certain bending state occurs, that is, only at a position where X is in the main scanning direction. It seems that the disconnection state has recovered in other places. In any case, it is certain that the signal line for transferring the heat enable signal HE-AB is almost broken, and when the FFC check pattern 705 as shown in FIG. 9D is recorded, the heat enable signal HE-AB is It is determined that the signal line to be transferred is disconnected.

(4) Disconnection of Signal Line of Recording Data Signal DATA-AA FIG. 9E is a diagram showing an example of an FFC check pattern when a disconnection occurs in the signal line of the recording data signal DATA-AA.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9E, a recording defect occurs at the same position in the main scanning direction in the pattern 706 among the four patterns 706 to 709 constituting the recorded FFC check pattern 705. Since the recording data signal DATA-AA is a signal for driving only the nozzles of the nozzle array 350 among the four nozzle arrays belonging to the nozzle array 301, the signal line for transferring the recording data signal DATA-AA is broken. Affects one pattern.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9E, the recording defect E occurs only at a specific position X in the main scanning direction. This is because of the same reason as already described in the above (1) to (3). Seem. Therefore, when the FFC check pattern 705 as shown in FIG. 9E is recorded, it is determined that the signal line for transferring the recording data signal DATA-AA is disconnected.

(5) Disconnection of Recording Data Signal DATA-AB Signal Line FIG. 9F is a diagram showing an example of an FFC check pattern when a disconnection occurs in the signal line of the recording data signal DATA-AB.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9F, a recording defect occurs at the same position in the main scanning direction in the pattern 707 among the four patterns 706 to 709 constituting the recorded FFC check pattern 705. Since the recording data signal DATA-AB is a signal for driving only the nozzles in the nozzle array 351 among the four nozzle arrays belonging to the nozzle array 301, the signal line for transferring the recording data signal DATA-AB is broken. Affects one pattern.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9F, the recording defect F occurs only at a specific position X in the main scanning direction. This is because of the same reason as already described in the above (1) to (3). Seem. Therefore, when the FFC check pattern 705 as shown in FIG. 9F is recorded, it is determined that the signal line for transferring the recording data signal DATA-AB is disconnected.

(6) Disconnection of Recording Data Signal DATA-AC Signal Line FIG. 9G is a diagram showing an example of an FFC check pattern when a disconnection occurs in the signal line of the recording data signal DATA-AC.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9G, among the four patterns 706 to 709 constituting the recorded FFC check pattern 705, a recording defect occurs in the pattern 708 at the same position in the main scanning direction. Since the recording data signal DATA-AC is a signal for driving only the nozzles in the nozzle array 352 among the four nozzle arrays belonging to the nozzle array 301, the signal line for transferring the recording data signal DATA-AC is disconnected. Affects one pattern.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9G, a recording defect G occurs only at a specific position X in the main scanning direction. This is because of the same reason as already described in the above (1) to (3). Seem. Therefore, when the FFC check pattern 705 as shown in FIG. 9G is recorded, it is determined that the signal line for transferring the recording data signal DATA-AC is disconnected.

(7) Disconnection of Recording Data Signal DATA-AD Signal Line FIG. 9H is a diagram illustrating an example of an FFC check pattern when a disconnection occurs in the signal line of the recording data signal DATA-AD.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9H, among the four patterns 706 to 709 constituting the recorded FFC check pattern 705, a recording defect occurs in the pattern 709 at the same position in the main scanning direction. Since the recording data signal DATA-AD is a signal for driving only the nozzles in the nozzle array 353 among the four nozzle arrays belonging to the nozzle array 301, the signal line for transferring the recording data signal DATA-AD is broken. Affects one pattern.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9H, the recording defect E occurs only at a specific position X in the main scanning direction. This is because of the same reason as already described in the above (1) to (3). Seem. Therefore, when the FFC check pattern 705 as shown in FIG. 9H is recorded, it is determined that the signal line for transferring the recording data signal DATA-AD is disconnected.

  Similarly, also in the other five nozzle rows 302 to 306, the disconnection location of each signal line of the FFC is similarly specified from the recording defect state of the FFC check pattern.

  Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, the FFC check pattern is recorded in units of nozzle rows which are the minimum control unit while moving the carriage at a higher speed than normal recording. For this reason, more stress is applied to the FFC, so that it is easier to detect a signal line that is about to be disconnected. Further, since it is possible to determine the disconnection of the signal line inside the FFC from the recording defect that occurs in the recorded FFC check pattern, this determination does not require a special hardware configuration, so that the FFC can be made more inexpensively. The occurrence of disconnection of the internal signal line can be determined.

  Furthermore, when moving the carriage at a higher speed than normal recording, there is no need for a special configuration that increases the drive current to the carriage motor, so no special power supply circuit or the like is required. The disconnection can be detected.

  Furthermore, since four FFC check patterns are simultaneously recorded from the nozzle row of the minimum control unit by a single scanning operation in the main scanning direction, a recording medium used for FFC disconnection detection can be saved and the time can be shortened. Can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the recording condition of the FFC check pattern recorded in the FFC check mode is not specified. In this embodiment, an example in which various recording conditions can be set will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an FFC check pattern recording process according to this embodiment.

  First, in step S1000, as described in the first embodiment, when the FFC check mode is selected and the OK button on the operation panel is pressed, the processing in the recording apparatus 200 starts. In step S1001, the recording apparatus 200 selects a message for inquiring the user whether to record the FFC check pattern with the default setting on the operation panel or to set the value individually and record the FFC check pattern. If the user selects to change the setting, the process proceeds to step S1002, and if the default setting is selected, the process proceeds to step S1004.

  The setting items that can be changed in this embodiment are “recording speed”, “recording start position”, “number of recordings”, and “division recording selection”.

  In step S1002, a screen for allowing the user to select a recording speed is displayed on the LCD panel of the recording apparatus 200. With regard to “recording speed”, the user can select from “fast”, “standard”, and “slow”, for example. When “fast” is selected, the carriage speed (v) shown in FIG. 6 has a large value, the constant speed area is shortened, and the recording section is shortened. On the other hand, when “slow” is selected, the carriage speed (v) shown in FIG. 6 has a small value, the constant speed area becomes longer and the recording section becomes longer. The default is “fast”. In addition, regarding the items “recording start position”, “recording count”, and “division recording selection”, a plurality of options are displayed on the LCD, and the user can change the setting by selecting one of them.

  In the selection of “recording start position”, a screen for allowing the user to select a recording start position is displayed on the LCD panel of the recording apparatus 200. With respect to the “recording start position”, the user can select from “HP side”, “BP side”, and “arbitrary”, for example. When “arbitrary” is selected, an arbitrary position is selected by moving the carriage 201 in the forward or backward direction by pressing the OK button of the recording apparatus 200. In this case, when the position of the carriage is determined at a position close to the HP side, recording is started toward the BP side. When the position of the carriage is determined at a position close to the BP side, the recording is started toward the HP side. Start recording. The default is “HP side”.

  Furthermore, in the selection of “number of recordings”, a screen for allowing the user to select the number of recordings is displayed on the LCD panel of the recording apparatus 200. Depending on the number of installed recording heads, 24 FFC check patterns are recorded in the case of a model equipped with one recording head, but this is repeated several times to select a value. The default is “1”.

  In step S1003, if the set value is acceptable, the OK button on the operation panel of the recording apparatus 200 is pressed. Accordingly, the process proceeds to step S1004, and the FFC check pattern is recorded. In step S1004, the recording process already described with reference to FIG. 8 is executed to record the FFC check pattern.

  In step S1005, when the FFC check pattern recording is completed, the user visually confirms the recording result, and in step S1006, it is determined whether or not the recording pattern is defective. Here, if it is determined that there is no defect, the process ends, but it is determined that there is a defect. The processing proceeds to S1007.

  In step S1007, it is determined whether to retry the FFC check pattern recording. If it is determined not to retry, the process ends. If it is determined to retry, the process returns to step S1001 to confirm the setting change. Here, the setting at the time of retry can be changed.

  Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, various conditions when recording the FFC check pattern can be changed by the user based on judgment, or setting conditions when retrying the recording can be changed. . For example, FFC disconnection has various states from slight disconnection to complete disconnection, and the phenomenon may not be reproduced by executing the FFC check mode once. However, the FFC disconnection detection is performed by executing it multiple times. It can be done reliably. In this way, it is possible to more accurately determine the disconnection of the signal line inside the FFC.

  In addition, when the FFC disconnection portion is narrowed down, the recording can be performed by concentrating the locations where there is a possibility of the FFC disconnection without recording in all the BP from the HP of the carriage. Can be shortened.

  In the first and second embodiments, the four nozzle rows constituting one nozzle row of the recording head are driven at different timings to record the FFC check pattern. In this embodiment, these four nozzle rows are driven simultaneously. An example of recording the FFC check pattern will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how an FFC check pattern is recorded according to this embodiment. FIG. 11 (a) shows a pattern when recording is normally performed, and FIG. 11 (b) shows a case where a recording defect occurs. Shows the pattern.

  According to this embodiment, the four nozzle rows 350 to 353 constituting the nozzle row 301 are each equally divided into four nozzle groups, and the drive nozzle is selected and one scan is performed while moving the carriage 201 in the main scanning direction. Recording is performed to record the FFC check pattern 1115. That is, nozzle groups 301a, 301b, 301c, and 301d corresponding to ¼ of the entire nozzle rows 350, 351, 352, and 353 are selected from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the recording paper 710, and the selected nozzles are selected. Drive the group.

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 3A, one recording head is provided with six nozzle rows, so the FFC check pattern is recorded using all the nozzle rows 301 to 306 in the above procedure. .

  As described above, in a normally used recording head, a defective ejection nozzle may occur. In such a case, depending on the recording result of the FFC check pattern, it may be an ejection failure caused by the recording head, or the inside of the FFC. It is determined whether there is a discharge failure due to the disconnection of the signal line. When there are defective ejection nozzles in the recording head, recording is not continuously performed in the main scanning direction, and thus recording defects such as white streaks occur in the main scanning direction. On the other hand, when the disconnection occurs in the signal line inside the FFC, as described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9H, a pattern in which recording defects occur intermittently in the sub-scanning direction is obtained.

  The defect portion J shown in FIG. 11B is a recording defect that occurs when the signal line for transferring the recording data signal DATA-AA is disconnected near the main scanning direction Y. The recording data signal DATA-AA is a signal used to drive the nozzles of the nozzle row 350 among the four nozzle rows belonging to the nozzle row 301. Therefore, when a recording defect as shown in FIG. 11B occurs, it is determined that the signal line for transferring the recording data signal DATA-AA is disconnected from the pattern.

  The FFC has signal lines for transferring the clock signal CLK-L, the heat enable signals HE-AA, HE-AB, the recording data signals DATA-AB, DATA-AC, and DATA-AD. Even if disconnection occurs, the same recording result can be obtained. Therefore, it is omitted here.

  Similarly, also in the other nozzle rows 302 to 306, the disconnection location of each signal line can be similarly identified from the recording defect state of the FFC check pattern.

  Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, the disconnection of the signal line inside the FFC can be detected with less consumption of the recording medium as compared with FIGS. 9A to 9H of the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, an example will be described in which resonance is generated in the FFC by reciprocating the carriage at the natural frequency of the FFC, stress is applied to the signal line inside the FFC, and the FFC check pattern is recorded.

  FIG. 12 is a view showing the internal structure of the FFC 1200, FIG. 12A is a top view of the FFC 1200, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the FFC 1200 along line B-B ′. In FIG. 12, the number of signal lines inside the FFC 1200 is reduced for the sake of simplicity. As shown in FIG. 12B, the FFC 1200 includes a plurality of planar conductors 1202 and an insulator 1203 that covers the planar conductors 1202. Specifically, a planar conductor 1202 made mainly of copper is covered with an insulator 1203 such as polyester.

  Here, the natural frequency of the FFC 1200 is calculated.

Assuming that the cross-sectional area of the FFC 1200 is A, its length is L, and Young's modulus is E, the spring constant K is
K = E * (A / L) (1)
It becomes.

Therefore, the spring constant K is calculated by calculating both the spring constant Ki of the insulator 1203 and the spring constant Kc of the planar conductor 1202 and taking the sum. That is,
K = Ki + Kc (2)
It is.

The Young's modulus of copper, which is the material of the planar conductor 1202, is 129.7. Therefore, if the cross-sectional area A of the planar conductor is A = 6 × 10 ⁻⁴ (m ² ) and the conductor length L is 2 m, the spring constant Kc of the conductor is
Kc = 129.7 * {(6 × 10 ⁻⁴ ) × 50} /2=1.947 (3)
It becomes.

On the other hand, the Young's modulus of the polyester that is the material of the insulator 1203 is 2. Since the cross-sectional area A of the insulator is the difference between the total cross-sectional area of the FFC and the cross-sectional area of the conductor, the cross-sectional area A of the insulator is 1.9 × 10 ⁻² (m ² ), and the length L of the insulator is L = Assuming 2 m, the spring constant Ki of the insulator is
Ki = 2 * (1.9 × 10 ⁻² ) /2=0.199 (4)
It becomes.

Therefore, from equation (2), the spring constant K of FFC 1200 is
K = 1.947 + 0.019 = 1.966 (5)
It becomes.

  The natural frequency of the FFC is calculated from the mass and the spring constant. For calculating the natural frequency, the weight of the FFC 1200 itself is used as the mass m, and the above-described spring constant K is used to calculate the natural frequency according to the equation (6).

Therefore, the natural frequency F of the FFC 1200 is
F = (1/2) π * √ (K / m)
= (1/2) π * √ (1.966 / 0.0205)
= 1.55 (6)
It becomes.

  From equation (6), it can be seen that the natural frequency of the FFC 1200 is about 1.55 Hz.

  Therefore, when the carriage 201 is reciprocated at about 1.55 Hz, the natural vibration of the FFC 1200 can be induced.

  Actually, there are a caterpillar that supports the FFC 1200, a mylar for preventing friction of the FFC, and a tube that transports ink, and it is necessary to comprehensively calculate the spring constant. This is omitted here.

<Carriage movement>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing temporal changes in the position and speed of the carriage when the FFC check pattern is recorded by moving the carriage from HP to BP while slightly reciprocatingly driving in the FFC check mode.

  The period of the micro reciprocating drive of the carriage is from the carriage position C to F in FIG. In this cycle, the carriage is moved to BP. Further, the recording section X is from the carriage position D to F in the period of the minute reciprocating drive of the carriage from the carriage position C to F. Furthermore, the recording section X is set so as not to overlap with other recording sections.

  The profile of the carriage speed change is the same as that obtained by arranging a plurality of carriage speed change profiles obtained by shortening the constant speed area in the normal recording mode. In the FFC check mode, the carriage is slightly driven in the backward direction from the BP direction to the HP direction at a speed of −VF so that the carriage is slightly reciprocated. Further, by setting the carriage speed VF different from that in the normal recording state, stress is applied to the FFC 1200, and the FFC disconnection with low reproducibility is generated. Further, the FFC check pattern is recorded even when the carriage is driven in a minute backward path. Such a recording contributes to improving the accuracy of detecting the disconnection of the FFC 1200 because the shape of the FFC 1200 is different between when the carriage is moved from HP to BP and when the carriage is moved from BP to HP.

<Recording FFC check pattern>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing how an FFC check pattern is recorded in accordance with this embodiment. FIG. 14A shows a pattern when recording is performed normally, and FIG. 14B shows a case where a recording defect occurs. Shows the pattern.

  The FFC check pattern is recorded by scanning the carriage 201 four times while performing a slight reciprocating drive of the carriage as shown in FIG. The FFC check pattern 1405 shown in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B is composed of eight patterns 1406 to 1413.

  The nozzle row 301 has four nozzle rows 350 to 353, and the nozzle row 350 is driven during the first carriage scan to record patterns 1406 and 1407. “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”,..., “N” attached to the FFC check pattern shown in FIGS. 1 recording scan is performed while performing N micro reciprocating drives. That is, in the recording section “1”, the “1” portion of the pattern 1406 is recorded while the carriage moves in the forward direction, and thereafter, the “1” portion of the pattern 1407 is recorded while the carriage moves in the backward direction.

  Next, in the recording section “2”, the “2” portion of the pattern 1406 is recorded while the carriage moves in the forward direction, and then the “2” portion of the pattern 1407 is recorded while the carriage moves in the backward direction. In the same manner, the recording is continued, and the “N” portion of the pattern 1406 is recorded in the recording section “N”, and the “N” portion of the pattern 1407 is recorded.

  Thereafter, the recording paper 710 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, and the nozzle row 350 is used to repeatedly record the “N” portion of the pattern 1412 and the “N” portion of the pattern 1413.

  On the other hand, when a recording defect occurs due to an FFC disconnection or the like, the FFC check pattern 1405 is as shown in FIG. FIG. 14B shows an example in which a recording defect K and a recording defect L occur.

  As described in the first embodiment, when one of the FFC signal lines is disconnected, it becomes a recording defect of a specific pattern and appears in the FFC check pattern. The recording defect K and the recording defect L represent examples thereof.

(1) Disconnection of signal line of heat enable signal HE-AA The recording defect K shown in FIG. 14B appears when the signal line of the FFC heat enable signal HE-AA is disconnected.

  The heat enable signal HE-AA is a common signal for the nozzle rows 301 and 302 among the four nozzle rows included in the nozzle row 301. For this reason, when the signal line is disconnected, the patterns 1406 to 1407 and the patterns 1408 to 1409 have a recording defect at the same position in the main scanning direction. Therefore, when the patterns 1406 to 1409 are recorded as shown in FIG. 14B, it is determined that the signal line of the heat enable signal HE-AA is disconnected.

(2) Disconnection of Signal Line of Recording Data Signal DATA-AD The recording defect L shown in FIG. 14B appears when the signal line of the FFC recording data signal DATA-AD is disconnected.

  The recording data signal DATA-AD is a signal for the nozzles in the nozzle row 353 among the four nozzle rows included in the nozzle row 301. Therefore, when the signal line is disconnected, a recording defect occurs in the pattern 1412 or 1413. Therefore, when the pattern 1412 is recorded as shown in FIG. 14B, it is determined that the recording data signal DATA-AD is disconnected.

  In the example shown in FIG. 14B, a recording defect has occurred in the pattern 1412, but no recording defect has occurred in the pattern 1413. The recording defect L occurs when the pattern 1412 is recorded while moving the carriage 201 in the forward direction. However, when the pattern 1413 is recorded while moving the carriage 201 in the backward direction, the recording defect occurs at the same location in the main scanning direction. Is not seen.

  As described above, the shape of the FFC varies depending on the reciprocating drive of the carriage. Therefore, in this case, the signal line of the recording data signal DATA-AD becomes disconnected when it moves in the forward direction, but transits to a complete disconnection that returns to the connected state instead of moving in the backward direction. It is estimated that

  Further, as described above, the signal lines for transferring the clock signal CLK-L, the heat enable signal HE-AB, the recording data signals DATA-AA, DATA-AB, and DATA-AC exist in the FFC signal lines. Since the recording result is the same as in FIG.

  Similarly, the FFC check pattern is similarly recorded in the FFC check mode for the nozzle rows 302 to 306, and the disconnection portion of each signal line of the recording pattern is specified.

  Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, the FFC check pattern can be recorded by both the forward movement and the backward movement of the carriage while applying the stress by the FFC by slightly reciprocating the carriage. Therefore, it is possible to confirm with high accuracy the state of occurrence of minute FFC disconnection due to the FFC form change.

200 recording apparatus, 201 carriage, 203 control board (control unit),
209 to 210 recording head, 211 FFC group, 211a to 211f FFC,
301 to 306 nozzle row, 705 FFC check pattern,
706-709 pattern, 710 recording medium

Claims (12)

A recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium by the recording head while reciprocating the recording head,
Moving means for moving a carriage carrying the recording head in a predetermined direction;
A flexible flat cable including a plurality of signal lines for connecting the control unit of the recording apparatus and the carriage and supplying signals and power to the recording head;
When operating in a mode in which recording is performed by the recording head during maintenance, the moving unit is controlled to move the carriage at a higher speed than the mode in which normal recording is performed by the recording head. Control means to
A recording apparatus comprising: a recording unit configured to record a plurality of patterns predetermined by the recording head on a recording medium when operating in a mode in which recording is performed by the recording head during maintenance.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so as to increase a speed of the carriage by lengthening a section in which the carriage is accelerated.   3. The plurality of patterns according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when one of the plurality of signal lines is disconnected, a specific recording defect appears according to the signal line in which the disconnection occurs. The recording device described. The plurality of signal lines are:
A signal line for transferring a recording data signal for recording by the nozzle of the recording head;
A signal line for transferring a clock signal for transferring the recording data signal;
A signal line for transferring a heat enable signal for driving the nozzles of the recording head;
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a signal line that supplies power to the nozzles of the recording head. The recording head includes a plurality of nozzle rows each consisting of a plurality of nozzles,
Each of the plurality of nozzle rows is provided with different signal lines for transferring the recording data signal,
For each of the plurality of nozzle rows, a signal line for supplying the common clock signal used for transferring the recording data signal is provided.
5. The signal line used for transferring the heat enable signal common to a plurality of nozzle rows less than the number of the plurality of nozzle rows in the plurality of nozzle rows is provided. Recording device.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit that sets recording conditions for recording the plurality of predetermined patterns.   The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the recording condition includes a speed of the carriage, a recording start position of a plurality of predetermined patterns, a number of times of recording, and selection of divided recording.   The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the recording unit records the plurality of patterns by driving the plurality of nozzle rows at different timings.   The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the recording unit records the plurality of patterns by simultaneously driving the plurality of nozzle rows. It further has a conveying means for conveying the recording medium,
The plurality of nozzle rows are arranged side by side in the direction in which the carriage is moved by the moving unit, and the plurality of nozzles included in the plurality of nozzle rows are arranged in the conveyance direction of the recording medium by the conveyance unit. And
The recording unit selects a part of the nozzle groups from each of the plurality of nozzle arrays so as not to overlap in the transport direction, and records the plurality of patterns by simultaneously driving the selected part of the nozzle groups. The recording apparatus according to claim 9. The control means controls the moving means to cause the carriage to reciprocate slightly at the natural frequency of the flexible flat cable,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit records the plurality of patterns by forward movement of the carriage and backward movement of the carriage in the minute reciprocating drive. A recording head, a moving means for moving the carriage mounted with the recording head in a predetermined direction, and a controller of the recording apparatus and the carriage are connected to supply signals and power to the recording head. A flexible flat cable including a plurality of signal lines, and a method for detecting disconnection of the flexible flat cable in the recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium by the recording head while reciprocating the carriage,
When operating in a mode in which recording is performed by the recording head during maintenance, the moving unit is controlled to move the carriage at a higher speed than the mode in which normal recording is performed by the recording head. A control process,
A disconnection detection of a flexible flat cable comprising: a recording step of recording a plurality of predetermined patterns on a recording medium by the recording head when operating in a mode in which recording is performed by the recording head during maintenance. Method.

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