JP3748018B2 - Inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that performs printing on a recording medium while receiving ink supplied from a replaceable ink cartridge and discharging ink droplets from nozzle openings.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The ink jet recording apparatus supplies a drive signal corresponding to print data to a piezoelectric vibrator, a heat generating means, etc., pressurizes the ink with energy generated by the piezoelectric vibrator, the heat generating means, etc., and discharges ink droplets from the nozzle openings. A recording head and an ink cartridge containing ink for supplying ink to the recording head are provided.
Since the print quality is determined not only by the resolution of the recording head but also greatly depends on the quality of the ink, as shown in JP-A-7-227971, the ink amount of the ink cartridge is determined, and the ink quality is determined. There has been proposed an ink jet recording apparatus that supports the purchase of an ink cartridge suitable for the recording apparatus by printing the type name of the ink cartridge on a recording sheet when the cartridge needs to be replaced.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
According to this, although it is possible to eliminate the need for a user to check the model name, etc., if an incompatible ink cartridge is still installed by mistake, ink that is not compatible with the recording apparatus is applied to the recording head. Since the ink is filled, not only the printing quality is extremely lowered but also the recording head may be damaged.
[0004]
On the other hand, ink has been improved with the aim of further improving print quality, and a plurality of types of ink cartridges are being prepared for the same apparatus. In other words, the ink jet recording apparatus can print with high quality not only on plain paper but also on display film and coating paper by exchanging ink. For users who do not, there is a problem that it makes it difficult to purchase the target product properly.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to fill the recording head with non-conforming ink when a non-conforming ink cartridge is mounted. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of supporting the selection of an appropriate ink cartridge and urging the user to install a suitable ink cartridge while preventing the above.
Another object of the present invention is that when an incompatible ink cartridge is mounted on a recording medium, before the recording head is filled with the incompatible ink, a variety of ink cartridges are selected. It is an object to provide an ink jet recording apparatus that can perform printing in an optimum state by providing an ink cartridge suitable for a user's printing form and support for accurately selecting a medium.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, an ink jet recording head and an ink cartridge for supplying ink to the ink jet recording head attached with storage means storing at least data for specifying the ink cartridge, Control means for controlling the recording head in response to print data, and media determining means for determining the type of recording medium loaded in the recording apparatus, the control means comprising the ink cartridge, the recording head, When the compatibility with the recording medium cannot be confirmed, the packaging design data of the packaging material which is a guideline for the user to discriminate the recording head and the ink cartridge compatible with the recording medium is output.
[0007]
[Action]
If an ink cartridge whose compatibility with the recording device cannot be confirmed is installed, or a recording medium that does not match the ink in the ink cartridge is loaded, the packaging design of the compatible product is displayed before filling the recording head with ink. It is possible to support the purchase of an ink cartridge or a recording medium that is most suitable for an unfamiliar user.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, details of the present invention will be described below based on the illustrated embodiments.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, which is configured by accommodating a printing mechanism (to be described later) in a case comprising an openable / closable case cover 1 and a case main body 2. In FIG. 2, a window 4 for dividing the cartridge replacement area is formed at a position away from the printing area 3.
[0009]
The window 4 is formed in such a size that the upper surface of only one of the two ink cartridges 5 and 6 mounted on the carriage is exposed, and when the case cover 1 is closed, the window 4 is exposed to the exposed area of the main body case 2. The operation panel 7 is provided, and in addition to the power switch 8, the cartridge replacement command switch 9, the cleaning command switch 10, and the continuation command switch 11, a display 12 is disposed.
[0010]
FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention with respect to a printing mechanism. A carriage 15 connected to a drive motor 14 via a timing belt 13 has a black ink, which will be described later, on its upper surface. A black ink cartridge 5 containing the ink and a holder 16 for storing the color ink cartridge 6 containing the color ink are formed, and a recording head 17 for receiving ink supply from the ink cartridges 5 and 6 is provided on the lower surface. Yes.
[0011]
The carriage 15 is connected to a control device 19 to be described later via a flexible cable 18 so as to supply a print signal to the recording head 17 and to communicate with the storage means 53 of the ink cartridges 5 and 6. ing.
[0012]
In the non-printing area, the cleaning head 20 for cleaning the recording head 17 and the recording head 17 are sealed to prevent the ink from drying, and the negative pressure is supplied from the pump unit 21 to eliminate clogging. Capping means 22 is provided. Reference numeral 23 in the figure denotes a paper feed motor that drives the paper feed roller 24 and the pump unit 21.
[0013]
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the black ink cartridge 5 and the color ink cartridge 6. The ink is contained in the containers 31 and 41 and the upper surfaces are sealed by the lid bodies 32 and 42. The ink is stored in a state where the containers 31 and 42 are filled with a porous material and impregnated therein.
In the bottom surfaces of the containers 31 and 41, ink supply ports 33 and 43 that are airtightly engaged with the ink supply needles 25 and 26 when formed in the holder 116 of the carriage 11 are formed. The circuit board 50 is fixed.
[0014]
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the circuit board 50 has a contact 27 (see FIG. 5) formed on the cartridge holder 12 of the recording apparatus on the surface side when attached to the ink cartridges 5 and 6. The electrodes 51 and 52 that form contacts with the semiconductor memory means 53 are formed, and the semiconductor memory means 53 is mounted on the back surface so as to be accessible.
[0015]
The semiconductor storage means 53 is composed of an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory. The serial number for specifying the cartridge, the amount of ink contained in the cartridge, the types of cartridges 5 and 6, and the source of the product are shown. Data regarding the trademark to be clarified is written in advance at the time of shipment from the factory.
[0016]
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the control device 15 described above. A microcomputer is constituted by the CPU 60, the RAM 61 and the ROM 62, and is connected to the host 71 via the interface 63. The RAM 61 functions as a work memory for the CPU 61, and includes an area for temporarily storing data of the ink cartridge 5 read from the semiconductor storage means 53 of the ink cartridge by the read / write means 64, and the ROM 62 stores a control program. Storing.
[0017]
The ink cartridge detection means 65 has a conduction state of two contact points that are conducted through the electrodes 52 formed larger in the circuit board 50 of the ink cartridges 5 and 6, that is, a conduction path when mounted. In the case of no attachment, the presence / absence of attachment is detected based on the fact that it is open.
[0018]
The apparatus configured in this way outputs a drive signal to the recording head 17 by the head driving means 66 based on the print data from the host 71 to eject ink droplets, and recovers ink droplet ejection by the cleaning command switch 10 or the like. When the operation is instructed, the pump drive means 67 operates the pump unit 21 to forcibly discharge the ink from the recording head 17. The amount of ink used for printing and cleaning is counted by a microcomputer and stored in the ROM 62.
[0019]
The media type determination unit 68 determines the type of print medium, that is, plain paper, film, or coating paper, based on the signal from the sensor 69 and outputs it to the CPU 60. Such media determination is performed by detecting the reflectance of the recording medium or by printing in advance in a form that can be read by a sensor in a non-printing area such as the backside or corner of the medium. This makes it easy to determine.
Reference numeral 70 in the figure denotes a power shut-off means for supplying electric power from the operation of the power switch 8 of the operation panel 7 to completing the apparatus termination processing and then cutting off the commercial power.
[0020]
Next, the operation of the apparatus configured as described above will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
As is well known, the recording apparatus is connected to the host 71 via a cable, and is controlled by driver software for driving the recording apparatus installed in the host 71 in advance.
In order to replace the ink cartridge in this state, the driver software is started to display the ink cartridge replacement menu, and the ink cartridge replacement command is commanded or the cartridge replacement command switch 9 is operated.
[0021]
As a result, an exchange command signal is output from the host 71 to the recording apparatus, and the microcomputer of the recording apparatus performs predetermined processing, that is, the carriage 15 is moved to the ink cartridge replacement position, and the ink cartridge is replaced (Step A). Then, data is read from the semiconductor storage means 53 of the ink cartridge 5 via the read / write means 64 to determine whether the data is suitable for the recording apparatus (step B). If it is suitable, the carriage 15 is moved to the filling position (step C), the recording head 17 is sealed by the capping unit 22, and then the pump unit 21 is operated to fill the recording head 17 with ink (step D). .
[0022]
This operation ensures that the air bubbles that inevitably enter the recording head when the ink cartridge is replaced and removed are secured to ensure the subsequent print quality, and when the ink cartridge is replaced with a different ink cartridge. Can reliably discharge different kinds of ink from the recording head to prevent printing defects.
[0023]
On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed, the microcomputer displays a warning for confirming the ink cartridge on the display 12 of the panel 7 and outputs a signal to the host 71 to the display 72 of the host 71. A display for prompting confirmation of the ink cartridge and a display such as a packaging design of a suitable ink cartridge are displayed on the display 72 (step e), and the carriage 15 is moved to a position where the ink cartridge can be replaced (step f).
[0024]
The data to be displayed may be the model name or model name of the ink cartridge. Furthermore, when the packaging design, model name, and model name of the ink cartridge suitable for each printing application are displayed, accurate information is displayed to the user. Can be provided. Further, if necessary, the contact information of the dealer of these ink cartridges can be displayed. Thereby, even an unfamiliar user can reliably purchase a compatible product without purchasing an incorrect ink cartridge with reference to this display at the time of purchase.
In this way, by issuing an alarm before the ink cartridge is mounted and the recording head 17 is filled with ink, different types of ink flow into the recording head 17 and damage the recording head 17. It is possible to prevent the print quality from deteriorating.
If the ink cartridge is replaced without operating the continuation command switch 11 (step h), the process jumps to step (b) described above to make the above determination.
[0025]
On the other hand, when the continuation command switch 11 on the panel 7 is pressed despite the warning (step), the carriage 15 is moved to the filling position (step c), and the recording head 17 is sealed by the capping unit 22. The ink filling operation is executed in the same manner as when a suitable ink cartridge is mounted after stopping (Step D).
[0026]
After the warning of step (e), the ink cartridge is not replaced, and when a predetermined time has passed (step), the ink cartridge is applied to the recording device and the ink cartridge package suitable for the current recording medium. Information useful for identifying a suitable ink cartridge, such as a design that is present, is displayed on the display 72 of the host 71 (Step No.). Thereby, even an unfamiliar user can purchase the compatible product reliably without purchasing the ink cartridge with reference to the display at the time of purchase.
[0027]
When printing is possible in this way (step 1) and a print command is input from the host (step 0), the microphone computer drives the recording head 17 by the head driving means 66 to eject ink droplets and perform printing operation. (Step W).
The ink consumed by printing is managed by counting the drive signal output from the head drive unit 66.
Also, when the ink droplet ejection capacity is reduced during printing or the like, the carriage 15 is moved to seal the recording head with the capping unit 22 and the pump unit 21 is operated to forcibly eject ink from the recording head 17. Thus, clogging of the nozzle openings is eliminated, and at the same time, the amount of ink discharged at this time is managed as the drive time of the pump unit 21 and the like.
[0028]
When the ink consumption after the ink cartridge is mounted decreases to the near-end, that is, the ink amount just before the recording head 17 is emptied (step K), a signal is output to the host 71 to display the host 71 display. The ink end is displayed on 72 to prompt the user to replace the ink cartridge. If the near-end alarm is overlooked and the ink is consumed, printing is forcibly stopped and a display requesting replacement of the ink cartridge is performed.
[0029]
At the same time, information useful for identifying a compatible ink cartridge, such as a design applied to the packaging of the ink cartridge compatible with the recording apparatus, is displayed on the display 72 of the host 71 (Step No.). Thereby, even an unfamiliar user can reliably purchase a compatible product without purchasing an incorrect ink cartridge with reference to this display at the time of purchase.
[0030]
When the power switch 8 is instructed to turn off the power (step YO), the data relating to the ink cartridge in the RAM 61 is saved in the ROM 62, and the power is turned off when the end processing is completed (step TAS).
[0031]
In the above-described embodiment, when the ink cartridge is near-end or ink-end (step KA), the design and model name of the compatible product are displayed (step NU). As shown, when ink near end or ink end is reached (step 8 in FIG. 8), the compatibility of the currently installed ink cartridge is determined (step 8 in FIG. 8). As in the example, the design of the compatible ink cartridge that is currently installed is displayed, and if it is a non-conforming product, the model names and model names of multiple ink cartridges that are compatible with the recording device are displayed in a list (Steps ) Wait for the operation of the power switch 8 (step Y).
[0032]
As described above, when a compatible product is mounted, it is possible to easily select an ink cartridge that can ensure the same print quality, and, in the case of a non-compliant product, a plurality of ink cartridges that are compatible with the recording apparatus. By displaying a list of model names and model names, it is possible to present to the user all ink cartridges suitable for the recording apparatus, and to assist in selecting an ink cartridge suitable for the user's needs.
[0033]
Since the print quality of the printed matter by the ink jet recording apparatus greatly depends on the ink droplet bleeding or penetration on the surface of the recording medium, the recording medium is selected according to the printing purpose and application, and further the recording is performed. Ink suitable for the medium is prepared. For this reason, it is difficult for a user who cannot be handled to determine whether the recording medium and the ink cartridge are compatible.
[0034]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an embodiment for determining the compatibility between the recording medium and the ink cartridge and assisting the user in purchasing the optimum ink cartridge and recording medium.
When the ink cartridge is replaced (Step A), the data is read from the semiconductor storage means 53 of the ink cartridge via the read / write means 64 to determine whether the data is suitable for the recording apparatus. (Step B). If the ink cartridge is compatible with the recording apparatus, the medium determination unit 68 determines the type of the recording medium (step C). When the mounted ink cartridge is suitable for the recording medium (Step D), the carriage 15 is moved to seal the recording head 17 with the capping unit 22 (Step E), and the pump unit 21 causes the recording head 17 to be sealed. Fill with ink (Step F).
[0035]
On the other hand, when the compatibility of the ink cartridge with the recording device or recording medium cannot be confirmed, the microcomputer displays a warning prompting confirmation of the ink cartridge and displays a list of combinations of compatible recording paper and ink cartridge. Then, the carriage 15 is moved to a position where the ink cartridge can be replaced (step H). The data to be displayed may be not only a list display but also a packaging design for ink cartridges and recording paper. Data of an optimal combination of the ink cartridge and the recording medium is stored in the storage means 53 or the ROM 62 of the ink cartridge.
[0036]
If the ink cartridge is replaced without operating the continuation command switch 11 (step No), the process jumps to the above-described step (b) and executes the above-described determination operation.
[0037]
On the other hand, when the continuation command switch 11 on the panel 7 is pressed in spite of such a warning (step), the carriage 15 is moved to the filling position (step e) and a suitable ink cartridge is installed. Similarly, an ink filling operation is executed (step F).
[0038]
After the warning in step (g), the ink cartridge is not replaced, and when a predetermined time has passed (step), the same display as in step (g) described above is executed (step e), and the recording medium Assistance to prevent mis-purchase that would result in an incompatible combination of ink cartridge and ink cartridge.
[0039]
In this way, the printer is ready for printing (step W), and when a print command is input (step K), the printing operation is executed (step Y).
[0040]
When the ink consumption after the ink cartridge 5 is installed is near-end or ink-end (step data), a signal is output to the host 71 to prompt the user to replace the ink cartridge and at the same time conform to the recording device Information useful for identifying compatible ink cartridges, such as the design on the ink cartridge packaging, is displayed (step les). Thereby, the user can purchase the ink cartridge suitable for the recording medium with certainty.
[0041]
When the power switch 8 is instructed to turn off the power (step S), the data relating to the ink cartridge in the RAM 61 is saved in the ROM 62, and the power is turned off when the end processing is completed (step S).
[0042]
According to this embodiment, not only the compatibility with the recording apparatus but also the ink cartridge suitable for the recording medium to be printed by the recording apparatus can be purchased without error.
[0043]
In the above-described embodiment, the type of the recording medium is detected by the medium determination unit 68 based on the signal from the sensor 69. However, the type of the medium is selected and designated from a switch provided in the recording apparatus or from the host. Obviously, the same effect can be obtained.
[0044]
In the above-described embodiment, information on compatible ink cartridges and media is displayed on the display connected to the host or the display of the recording device. However, if necessary, the information is printed immediately before the ink end. You can also output a hard copy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a printing mechanism of the apparatus.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an embodiment of an ink cartridge for black ink and color ink respectively used in the apparatus.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the front and back structures of a circuit board mounted on the same ink cartridge. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a black ink cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an embodiment for determining compatibility of an ink cartridge in relation to a medium by the apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
5, 6 Ink cartridge 7 Operation panel 17 Recording head 50 Circuit board 53 Semiconductor memory means

Claims (1)

An ink jet recording head, an ink cartridge for supplying ink to the ink jet recording head attached with storage means for storing at least data for specifying the ink cartridge, and a control means for controlling the recording head in response to print data And media determination means for determining the type of recording medium loaded in the recording apparatus,
When the control unit cannot confirm the compatibility between the ink cartridge, the recording head, and the recording medium, a package that is a guideline for the user to determine the ink cartridge that is compatible with the recording head and the recording medium. Inkjet recording device that outputs packaging design data.

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