JP2000289215A - Ink-jet recording apparatus and cleaning control method in the apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To certainly execute an initial filling operation of filling an ink into an ink channel elongating from an ink cartridge to a recording head. SOLUTION: A power source off timer 34 for starting a timing operation at the time of an operation of turning off a power source switch 33, and turning off a breaker 31 after a predetermined time is provided. Therefore, even in the case a user executes an operation of turning off the power source switch 33 during the execution of an initial filling operation for filling an ink into an ink channel elongating from an ink cartridge to a recording head, supply of the operation power source of a recording apparatus is continued until the initial filing operation is finished so that the initial filling operation can be achieve certainly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus for printing an image by ejecting ink droplets on recording paper based on print data, and more particularly to filling an ink flow path with ink for the first time. The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus configured to reliably perform an initial cleaning operation or an exchange cleaning operation performed when an ink cartridge is exchanged, and a cleaning control method in the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Ink jet recording apparatuses have been used in many types of printing including color printing in recent years, since noise at the time of printing is relatively small and small dots can be formed at a high density. Such an ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink jet recording head that receives supply of ink from an ink cartridge, and a paper feeding unit that moves recording paper relative to the recording head, and records the recording head on a carriage. Printing is performed by ejecting ink droplets onto the recording paper while moving in the width direction of the paper.

A recording head capable of discharging, for example, black ink and each of yellow, cyan, and magenta inks is mounted on the carriage. By changing not only the printing of text with black ink but also the discharge ratio of each ink. And full-color recording.

The above-mentioned ink jet recording head is
Since the ink pressurized in the pressure generating chamber is ejected from the nozzles as ink droplets onto the recording paper to perform printing, the ink viscosity increases due to evaporation of the solvent from the nozzle openings, the ink solidifies, and dust is generated. There is a problem that printing failure occurs due to adhesion and furthermore, mixing of bubbles.

For this purpose, the ink jet recording apparatus is provided with capping means for sealing the nozzle openings of the recording head during non-recording, and wiping means for cleaning the nozzle forming surface as required. This capping means not only functions as a lid for preventing drying of the ink in the nozzle opening when the printing operation is stopped, but also seals the nozzle forming surface by the capping means when the nozzle opening becomes clogged. In addition, a function is provided to eliminate clogging due to solidification of the ink in the nozzle openings and ink ejection failure due to air bubbles entering the ink flow path by sucking ink from the nozzle openings by negative pressure from the suction pump.

The forcible suction / discharge process of ink for eliminating clogging of the recording head and mixing of air bubbles into the ink flow path is called a cleaning operation. This is executed when restarting, or when the user operates the cleaning switch after recognizing that the quality of the recorded image has deteriorated.After discharging ink droplets from the recording head by negative pressure, an elastic plate such as rubber is used. This is a process that involves a wiping operation on the head surface by the wiping means provided with.

[0007]

By the way, in order to prevent the inside of the recording head from drying out, this type of recording apparatus is shipped with the ink supply path leading to the recording head filled with a transport liquid instead of ink. Is done. Therefore, when the recording apparatus is used for the first time, with the ink cartridge loaded, the transport liquid in the ink supply path leading to the recording head is discharged, and the initial filling for filling the ink from the newly loaded ink cartridge is performed. You need to perform an operation.

This initial filling operation is started after the power supply of the apparatus is turned on. The transport liquid is sucked and discharged from the recording head by the negative pressure from the suction pump using the above-described capping means, and the newly loaded ink cartridge is discharged. To fill the ink supply path leading to the recording head with the ink.

Therefore, it takes a relatively long time to complete the initial filling operation. During this time, since the apparatus is not in a printable state, an inexperienced user turns off the power switch and checks the state. The hesitation occurs. Then, even when the power is turned on again, the initial filling operation according to the predetermined sequence is started from the beginning, so that the same repetition is performed many times, so that the initial filling operation cannot be completed after all. ing.

On the other hand, the use of the recording apparatus causes the ink amount of the ink cartridge to reach an end state. When the ink cartridge is replaced, the problem that air bubbles enter the ink flow path from the connection portion of the cartridge occurs. There is a risk that print quality will be degraded due to intrusion. For this reason, even when the ink cartridge is replaced, the ink discharging operation is similarly performed to discharge the air bubbles that have entered the ink flow path.

This is called exchange cleaning, and it takes a relatively long time until the exchange cleaning is completed, so that the user is confused.
Similarly, the power switch of the apparatus may be turned off during replacement cleaning. When the power is turned on again, the replacement cleaning is performed again according to a predetermined sequence from the beginning, so that there is a problem that the replacement cleaning cannot be completed after all.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and avoids the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems caused by the user's hesitation, and ensures that the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus and a cleaning control method in the apparatus.

[0013]

An ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-described problems, receives supply of ink from an ink cartridge,
A recording head that performs printing by discharging ink droplets on recording paper; and capping means that has a function of sealing the nozzle forming surface of the recording head and discharging ink from the recording head by negative pressure from a suction pump. An ink-jet recording apparatus, wherein a negative pressure is applied to the capping means to perform an initial filling operation of filling ink into an ink flow path from the ink cartridge to the recording head, or the recording head after the ink cartridge is replaced. In a state where the replacement cleaning operation for discharging a predetermined amount of ink is being performed, a power supply control unit that continues to supply the operation power of the recording apparatus until the initial filling operation or the replacement cleaning operation is completed is further provided. .

In this case, the power supply control means preferably starts a timing operation when the power switch is turned off, and after a predetermined time elapses, controls the power circuit breaker to turn off the operation power supply to the recording apparatus. It consists of a power off timer that shuts off.

Further, the power supply control means detects an off state of an initial filling flag or an exchange cleaning flag performed when the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation is completed, and controls the power supply breaker to be off to control the recording apparatus. In some cases, the operation power supply may be cut off.

The operation control means for executing the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation may include an ON state of an initial filling flag indicating that the initial filling operation is necessary or an exchange cleaning indicating that the exchange cleaning operation is necessary. The initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation is started by a logical product of the ON state of the flag and the sensor output state indicating that the ink cartridge is loaded.

Further, in a recording apparatus in which a plurality of ink cartridges are loaded, it is desirable that the initial filling operation is started on condition that all the ink cartridges are loaded.

According to the present invention, there is provided a cleaning control method in an ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a recording head for receiving ink supplied from an ink cartridge and discharging ink droplets onto recording paper to perform printing; A capping means having a function of sealing the formation surface and discharging ink from the recording head by a negative pressure from a suction pump, wherein the ink is supplied from an ink cartridge to the recording head. A necessity determining step for determining whether an initial filling operation for filling the flow path with ink or an exchange cleaning operation for discharging a predetermined amount of ink from the recording head after exchanging the ink cartridge is necessary; In the determination step, the initial filling operation or the replacement A cleaning operation step of performing the initial filling operation or the replacement cleaning operation when it is determined that the cleaning operation is necessary, and a power switch being turned off during the execution of the initial filling operation or the replacement cleaning operation. A power supply control step of continuing supply of operation power to the recording apparatus, and interrupting supply of operation power to the recording apparatus after completion of the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation. .

In this case, the power supply control step includes:
Preferably, the timing operation is started when the power switch is turned off, and the supply of the operating power to the recording apparatus is cut off after a predetermined time has elapsed.

In the power supply control step, the supply of operating power to the recording apparatus is interrupted by detecting an off state of an initial filling flag or an exchange cleaning flag performed when the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation is completed. It is sometimes done as follows.

The necessity determination step preferably detects an ON state of an initial filling flag indicating that an initial filling operation is necessary or an ON state of an exchange cleaning flag indicating that an exchange cleaning operation is necessary. Thus, the process is shifted to the cleaning operation step for performing the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation.

Further, preferably, it is determined whether a logical product of the on state of the initial filling flag or the on state of the replacement cleaning flag and the sensor output state indicating that the ink cartridge is loaded is established, and the above condition is satisfied. At this time, the process is shifted to a cleaning operation step for performing an initial filling operation or an exchange cleaning operation.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus and the cleaning control method in the apparatus, the initial charging operation for filling the ink in the ink flow path from the ink cartridge to the recording head is performed. In this case, the supply of the operation power of the recording apparatus is continued until the initial filling operation is completed by the operation of the power supply control means. Therefore, even if the power switch is turned off during the initial filling operation, the initial filling operation is reliably achieved.

Even in the state where the exchange cleaning operation for discharging a predetermined amount of ink from the recording head is performed after the replacement of the ink cartridge, the recording apparatus is operated until the exchange cleaning operation is completed by the operation of the power supply control means. The supply of the operation power supply is continued. Therefore, even if the power switch is turned off during the replacement cleaning operation, the replacement cleaning is reliably achieved. This makes it possible to execute the recording operation promptly when the power to the apparatus is turned on again.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus equipped with a cleaning control method according to the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a recording apparatus main body to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a carriage. The carriage 1 is configured to be reciprocated in the axial direction of a platen 5 by being guided by a guide member 4 via a timing belt 3 driven by a carriage motor 2. I have.

On the side of the carriage 1 facing the recording paper 6, an ink jet recording head described later is mounted.
A black ink cartridge 7 for supplying ink to the recording head and a color ink cartridge 8 are removably mounted on the upper part thereof.

In the drawing, reference numeral 9 denotes capping means disposed in a non-printing area (home position), which is used when a recording head mounted on the carriage 1 moves right above.
It is configured so that the nozzle forming surface of the recording head can be sealed. A suction pump 10 for applying a negative pressure to the internal space of the capping unit 9 is disposed below the capping unit 9.

The capping means 9 functions as a cover for preventing the nozzle openings of the recording head from drying during the idle period of the recording apparatus, and also applies a drive signal unrelated to printing to the recording head to remove ink droplets. It functions as an ink receiver at the time of a flushing operation for performing idle discharge, and also has a function as a cleaning unit that suctions ink by applying a negative pressure from the suction pump 10 to the recording head.

In the vicinity of the recording area side of the capping unit 9, a wiping member 11 made of an elastic plate such as rubber is disposed so as to be able to advance and retreat in the horizontal direction. When moving back and forth, the wiping member 11
Is advanced, and the nozzle forming surface of the recording head can be wiped.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a control circuit mounted on the recording apparatus having the above-described configuration. The ink cartridges 7 and 8 are configured to be removably mounted on the carriage 1 as described above, and a recording head 13 that receives supply of ink from the ink cartridges 7 and 8 is disposed on the lower surface of the carriage. Have been. The capping means 9 includes an elevating mechanism (not shown) that can move up with the movement of the carriage 1 and seal the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 13 when the carriage 1 moves to the home position. Have been.

The discharge side of the suction pump 10 for applying a negative pressure to the internal space of the capping means 9 is connected to the waste ink tank 1.
The ink discharged to the capping means 9 by the cleaning operation is connected to the waste ink tank 14.
The ink is absorbed by the ink absorbing material accommodated in the printer. An air release valve 15 is connected to the capping means 9.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 20 denotes print control means. The print control means 20 generates bitmap data based on print data from a host computer (not shown) of the recording apparatus, and generates print data based on the data. A driving signal is generated by the head driving means 21 so that the recording head 1
3 to discharge ink. The head driving unit 21 receives a flushing command signal from the flushing control unit 22 and outputs a drive signal for a flushing operation in addition to the drive signal based on the print data.
3 so that idle discharge of ink irrelevant to printing can be performed.

Reference numeral 23 denotes cleaning control means.
The pump driving means 24 and the atmosphere release valve 15 are operated by a command from the cleaning control means 23, and the suction pump 10 as the negative pressure generating means is driven.

A command signal is supplied to the cleaning control means 23 from the print control means 20, the cleaning command detection means 25, and the cleaning mode setting means 26 as an operation control means. The cleaning command detecting means 25 has a command switch 2
The switch 27 is connected, and when the user pushes the switch 27, the cleaning control unit 23 is operated via the detection unit 25, and the manual cleaning operation is performed.

Reference numeral 28 denotes cartridge detecting means.
In the cartridge detecting means 28, a switch (not shown) for detecting whether or not the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are mounted is provided in a cartridge holder of the carriage 1, and this signal is supplied to a host computer. It is configured as follows.

On the other hand, the cleaning mode setting means 26 as operation control means is adapted to take in status data from the host computer, and outputs a sensor output indicating the loaded state of the ink cartridge outputted from the cartridge detecting means 28, an ink output. An initial filling flag indicating whether an initial filling operation for first filling the flow path of the recording head is necessary, and an exchange cleaning operation for discharging a predetermined amount of ink from the recording head after exchanging the ink cartridge is required. It is configured to be able to grasp the situation such as an exchange cleaning flag indicating whether or not it is.

The cleaning mode setting means 26 accesses the ROM 29 based on these data, reads out a sequence program for executing the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation, and gives an operation command to the cleaning control means 23. It is configured.

Reference numeral 30 in FIG. 2 denotes a commercial power supply provided to the recording apparatus, which is supplied to a power supply circuit 32 via a power supply breaker 31. In this power supply circuit 32, the operating power supply of the recording apparatus, that is, a low DC voltage, is supplied. Generated. The power supply breaker 31 is configured to be turned on and off via a power supply off timer 34 as power supply control means based on an operation of a power supply switch 33 arranged on an operation panel of the apparatus.

That is, when operating power is supplied to the apparatus by operating the power switch 33, the power-off timer 34
Immediately turns on the power breaker 31 and turns off the power supply to the device by operating the power switch 33. Control the state.

In order to perform such control, the power-off timer 34 starts a time-measuring operation when the power switch 33 is turned off, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, the power-off circuit 3
1 is turned off to shut off the operating power supply to the apparatus. The predetermined time managed by the power-off timer 34 is set to at least a time necessary for executing the initial filling operation.

Next, in the recording apparatus configured as described above, a control form of the operation power supply when the initial filling operation and the exchange cleaning operation are performed will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. explain. When the power of the recording apparatus is turned on in step S11 shown in FIG. 3, it is determined in step S12 whether or not the ink cartridges 7, 8 are loaded.

This can be determined by the cleaning mode setting means 26 grasping the status data in the host computer based on the output of the cartridge detecting means 28 in FIG. This step S12
When it is determined that the ink cartridges 7 and 8 have not been loaded (No), the process proceeds to step S13, where an alarm is issued to prompt the user to load the ink cartridges.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the ink cartridge 7 is loaded (Yes), it is determined in step S14 whether the initial charging flag is on. For example, when the recording apparatus is used for the first time after purchase, the initial filling flag is turned on, and this can also be determined by the status data in the host computer being grasped by the cleaning mode setting means 26. In addition,
This step S14 corresponds to the necessity determination step described above.

Here, if the initial filling operation of the apparatus has already been completed, the initial filling flag is in the off state,
Therefore, the following steps S15 to S18 are bypassed, and the process proceeds to step S19 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the initial filling flag is on (Yes), the initial filling operation shown in step S15 is performed. Although not shown in the flowchart in FIG. 3, when executing the initial filling operation, all the ink cartridges (the black ink cartridge 7 and the black ink cartridge 7 in this embodiment) are used in an apparatus in which a plurality of ink cartridges are loaded. It is desirable that the initial filling operation is started on condition that the color ink cartridge 8) is loaded. In this case, whether or not all the ink cartridges are loaded can be grasped by the cleaning mode setting means 26 which receives status data of the host computer.

Then, the cleaning mode setting means 26
Is based on the sequence program of the initial filling operation read from the ROM 29,
To execute the initial filling operation. The initial filling operation performed in step S15 corresponds to the above-described cleaning operation step.

In this initial filling operation, the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 13 is sealed by the capping means 9 as described above, and the suction pump 10 is operated to apply a negative pressure to fill the ink supply path leading to the recording head. The operation of discharging the transport liquid that has been performed and filling (exchanging) the ink of the newly loaded ink cartridges 7 and 8 into the ink supply path to the recording head is performed. Therefore, it takes a relatively long time to complete this initial filling operation,
For example, it takes about one minute.

While the initial filling operation is being performed, the apparatus is not in a printable state, so that an unskilled user may be confused as to whether a failure has occurred. Operation may be performed.

Here, if the power switch 33 is turned off as shown in step S16 in a state where the initial filling operation is not completed, the power-off timer 34 is started and time counting is started as shown in step S17. However, as described above, during the time counting operation of the power-off timer 34, the power breaker 31 maintains the on state,
Accordingly, the operating power is continuously supplied from the power supply circuit 32 to the printing apparatus. Therefore, the initial filling operation continues as it is,
When the initial filling flag is turned off in step S18, the initial filling operation ends.

Subsequently, in step S19 shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the exchange cleaning flag is on. In the case where the initial filling operation is performed as described above, the replacement cleaning flag is in the off state. Therefore, steps S20 to S23 described below are bypassed, and in step S24, whether the power-off timer 34 times out is determined. Is monitored. When the power-off timer 34 times out, the power supply breaker 31 is turned off in step S25, and the operation power supply to the recording apparatus is cut off. This step S2
Steps 4 and S25 correspond to the power supply control step described above.

As described above, even if the power switch 33 is turned off during the initial charging operation, the operating power supply to the recording apparatus is continuously supplied, and the power supply is cut off after the initial charging operation is completed. Therefore, the initial filling can be reliably achieved.

On the other hand, the initial filling operation has already been completed, the ink amount of the ink cartridge has reached an end state by a printing operation or the like, and when the ink cartridge is replaced, replacement cleaning is performed to discharge air bubbles that have entered the ink flow path. Is executed. The ink cartridge is in the end state,
When this is replaced, the replacement cleaning flag included in the status data in the host computer is turned on.

In such a case, it is recognized that the exchange cleaning flag is on in step S19 through steps S11 to S14. Thereby, the process proceeds to step S20, and the exchange cleaning is performed. In this case, the cleaning mode setting means 2
Reference numeral 6 designates a command to the cleaning control means 23 based on the exchange cleaning sequence program read from the ROM 29 to execute the exchange cleaning operation. Steps S19 and S20 correspond to the necessity determination step and the cleaning operation step described above.

In the exchange cleaning operation, the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 13 is sealed by the capping means 9 as described above, and the suction pump 10 is operated to apply a negative pressure.
An operation is performed to discharge bubbles that have entered the ink supply path to the recording head together with the ink. Therefore, this exchange cleaning does not reach the time required for the above-mentioned initial filling operation, but takes a time close to it. Therefore, even in this case, the user may perform an operation such as turning off the power switch and confirming in order that the apparatus does not enter the recordable state.

Here, if the power switch 33 is turned off as shown in step S21 before the exchange cleaning is completed, the power-off timer 34 is started and time measurement is started as shown in step S22. However, as described above, during the clocking operation of the power-off timer 34, the power-supply breaker 31 is kept on, so that the power supply circuit 32 continues to supply operating power to the recording apparatus. Therefore, the exchange cleaning operation continues, and the exchange cleaning flag is turned off in step S23, thereby completing the exchange cleaning operation.

Subsequently, as described above, in step S24, it is monitored whether or not the power-off timer 34 has timed out. Then, when the time of the power-off timer 34 is up, in step S25, the power supply
1 is turned off, and the operation power supply to the recording apparatus is cut off.

As described above, even if the power switch 33 is turned off during the replacement cleaning operation, the operation power supply to the recording apparatus is continuously supplied, and the power supply is cut off after the replacement cleaning operation is completed. Thus, the exchange cleaning operation can be reliably achieved. This makes it possible to immediately execute the printing operation when the power supply to the recording apparatus is turned on again.

In the embodiment described above, the power-off timer 34 is used as the power supply control means, and when the power switch is turned off, the timer operation is started, and after the lapse of a predetermined time, the power supply breaker 31 is turned off. Although the off control is performed, the power supply breaker 31 is turned off upon detecting the off operation of the initial filling flag performed in step S18 shown in FIG. 3 or the off operation of the replacement cleaning flag performed in step S23 shown in FIG. You may comprise so that off control may be carried out.

[0059]

As apparent from the above description, according to the ink jet recording apparatus equipped with the cleaning control method according to the present invention, the initial filling operation for filling the ink into the ink flow path from the ink cartridge to the recording head is performed. In the state where the printing operation is being performed, the power supply control means for continuously supplying the operation power of the recording apparatus until the initial charging operation is completed is provided, so that the initial charging operation can be reliably achieved. Similarly, according to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, when the exchange cleaning operation for discharging a predetermined amount of ink from the recording head is performed after the exchange of the ink cartridge, the exchange cleaning operation is performed by the power supply control unit. Until the operation is completed, the supply of the operation power of the recording apparatus is continued, so that the exchange cleaning operation can be reliably achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an external configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit in the printing apparatus shown in FIG.

3 is a flowchart showing a control form of an operation power supply mainly performed during an initial filling operation performed by a control circuit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control mode of an operation power supply mainly during the replacement cleaning operation, following FIG. 3;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Carriage 6 Recording paper 7 Black ink cartridge 8 Color ink cartridge 9 Capping means 10 Suction pump 11 Wiping member 13 Recording head 20 Printing control means 21 Head driving means 22 Flushing control means 23 Cleaning control means 24 Pump driving means 26 Cleaning mode setting means (Operation control means) 28 Cartridge detection means 30 Commercial power supply 31 Power supply breaker 32 Power supply circuit 33 Power switch 34 Power off timer (power supply control means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C056 EA20 EA26 EA27 EB38 EC06 EC07 EC28 EC57 EC62 JA13 JC20 2C061 AQ05 HH03 HJ01 HK19

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A recording head which receives ink supplied from an ink cartridge and discharges ink droplets onto recording paper to perform printing, a nozzle forming surface of the recording head is sealed, and a negative pressure from a suction pump is applied. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a capping unit having a function of discharging ink from a recording head, wherein a negative pressure is applied to the capping unit to fill ink into an ink flow path from an ink cartridge to a recording head. In the state where the initial filling operation or the replacement cleaning operation for discharging a predetermined amount of ink from the recording head after the replacement of the ink cartridge is performed, the operation of the recording apparatus is performed until the initial filling operation or the replacement cleaning operation is completed. Power supply control means for continuing power supply, further comprising: That an ink jet recording apparatus. 2. The power supply control means starts a timing operation when a power switch is turned off, and after a predetermined time elapses, turns off a power supply breaker to cut off an operation power supply to the recording apparatus. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an off timer. 3. The power supply control means detects an off state of an initial filling flag or an exchange cleaning flag performed when the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation is completed, and controls off of the power supply circuit breaker. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation power supply is shut off. 4. An operation control means for executing the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation, wherein an initial state of an initial filling flag indicating that the initial filling operation is necessary or an exchange cleaning indicating that the exchange cleaning operation is necessary. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation is started when a logical product of an ON state of the flag and a sensor output state indicating that the ink cartridge is loaded is established. Item 6. An ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of Items 3. 5. A recording apparatus in which a plurality of ink cartridges are loaded, wherein an initial filling operation is started on condition that all of the ink cartridges are loaded. 5. The ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of 4. 6. A recording head which receives ink supplied from an ink cartridge and discharges ink droplets on recording paper to perform printing, and a nozzle forming surface of the recording head which is sealed and a negative pressure from a suction pump. CLEANING CONTROL METHOD IN AN INK-JET RECORDING APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH A CAPTING MEMBRANE HAVING A FUNCTION OF DISCHARGING INK FROM A RECORDING HEAD, INITIAL FILLING OPERATION TO CHARGE INK IN AN INK CHANNEL FROM INK CARTRIDGE TO RECORDING HEAD A necessity determination step for determining whether or not a replacement cleaning operation for discharging a predetermined amount of ink from the recording head after the replacement of the cartridge; and an initial filling operation or a replacement cleaning operation is required in the necessity determination step. The initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning A cleaning operation step of performing a printing operation; and, when an OFF operation of a power switch is performed during the execution of the initial filling operation or the replacement cleaning operation, supply of operation power to the recording apparatus is continued, and the initial filling operation is performed. A power supply control step of interrupting the supply of operation power to the recording apparatus after the completion of the operation or the exchange cleaning operation. 7. The power supply control step starts a timing operation when a power switch is turned off, and shuts off supply of operation power to the recording apparatus after a predetermined time has elapsed. 3. A cleaning control method in the ink jet recording apparatus according to item 1. 8. The power supply control step includes detecting an off state of an initial filling flag or an exchange cleaning flag performed when the initial filling operation or the exchange cleaning operation is completed, and shutting off supply of operation power to the recording apparatus. 7. The cleaning control method according to claim 6, wherein the cleaning control is performed. 9. The necessity determination step includes detecting an on state of an initial filling flag indicating that an initial filling operation is necessary or an on state of an exchange cleaning flag indicating that an exchange cleaning operation is necessary. 7. The process is shifted to a cleaning operation step for performing an initial filling operation or an exchange cleaning operation.
A cleaning control method in the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 8. 10. A logical product of an ON state of an initial filling flag or an ON state of a replacement cleaning flag and a sensor output state indicating that an ink cartridge is loaded is determined. The cleaning control method in the ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the method shifts to a cleaning operation step of performing a filling operation or an exchange cleaning operation.