Image recording apparatus and control method for same

An image recording apparatus, comprising at least:

• image recording means having a recording head for performing a recording process by jetting ink onto a recording medium;
• transport means for mounting and transporting the recording medium;
• ascent/descent means comprising an ascent/descent drive means used for moving, by means of winding or unwinding a cable, the transport means between a recording position to which it is moved when the image recording means performs the recording process and at least one retract position;
• bumping means constituted by a bumping member and a bumped member and which bumps the present bumping member to the bumped member, thereby balancing the transport means;
• balance detection means for detecting the balance of the transport means;
• and
• ascent/descent control means for judging whether or not a bumping process for balancing the transport means by means of the bumping means is to be carried out on the basis of the detection result of the balance detection means when the transport means is moved from the retract position to the recording position.

A control method used for an image recording apparatus comprising an image recording unit which has a recording head for performing a recording process by jetting ink onto a recording medium;

• a transport mechanism which mounts and transports the recording medium;
• an ascent/descent mechanism which comprises an ascent/descent drive unit used for moving, by means of winding or unwinding a cable, the transport mechanism between a recording position to which it is moved when the image recording unit performs the recording process, and at least one retract position, the method comprising:
• detecting whether or not the transport mechanism is balanced when it is moved from the retract position to the recording position;
• and
• judging whether or not a bumping process for balancing the transport mechanism is to be carried out, on the basis of the result of the detection.