JP2001071537A - Vacuum device of ink jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep the suction amt. of ink in vacuum treatment constant regardless of the residual amt. of ink. SOLUTION: An ink residual amt. detection part 8 detects the residual amts. of ink of ink tanks 2a-2d and a main control part 7 refers to a suction control table 9 and controls a vacuum mechanism part 10 on the basis of the ink suction conditions corresponding to the residual amts. of ink to suck a predetermined amt. of ink in close contact with a printing head in order to prevent the generation of a non-ejection nozzle or to restore the non-ejection nozzle.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vacuum apparatus used in an ink jet printer for preventing occurrence of a non-ejection nozzle or restoring the non-ejection nozzle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet printer stores ink in an ink tank. Usually, the pressure inside the ink tank is set to a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. This is for preventing ink leakage. The ink is received from the ink tank into the ink pressurizing chamber. An ink jet printer discharges ink in an ink pressurizing chamber from a plurality of nozzle holes provided in the print head while running the print head at a constant speed, and forms pixels on recording paper.
At this time, if air bubbles or foreign matter enters the ink pressurizing chamber,
Ink ejection becomes difficult. To address this situation,
It has a vacuum device. The vacuum device sucks out bubbles and foreign substances in the ink pressurizing chamber together with the ink at a predetermined time.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned prior art has the following problems to be solved. When the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank changes with the printing operation, the negative pressure in the ink tank changes. This factor is based on, for example, a change amount of a spring that works in accordance with a change in the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank.
Therefore, irrespective of a change in the remaining amount of ink, if the vacuum device sucks ink under a constant suction condition, the amount of ink to be sucked differs. As a result, a difference occurs in the effect of sucking the air bubbles and foreign substances.

[0004]

The present invention employs the following structure to solve the above problems. <Structure 1> A vacuum mechanism that closely contacts the print head and sucks out a predetermined amount of ink, an ink remaining amount detector that detects the remaining amount of ink in an ink tank connected to the print head, A vacuum apparatus for an ink jet printer, comprising: a main control section that controls the vacuum mechanism section based on an ink suction condition corresponding to the remaining amount of ink to suck out the predetermined amount of ink.

<Structure 2> In the vacuum apparatus for an ink jet printer described in Structure 1, the vacuum mechanism section has an integrated suction cap for sucking ink by simultaneously adhering to the plurality of print heads. ,
The main control unit controls the vacuum mechanism unit based on an ink suction condition corresponding to a minimum remaining amount of ink among a plurality of ink tanks individually connected to the plurality of print heads. Wherein the predetermined amount of the ink is sucked at the predetermined time.

<Structure 3> In the vacuum apparatus for an ink jet printer described in Structure 1, the vacuum mechanism unit simultaneously supplies a predetermined amount of ink determined for each of the plurality of print heads from the plurality of print heads in parallel. A plurality of suction caps for sucking out, and the main control unit performs the above-mentioned main control based on individual ink suction conditions corresponding to the remaining ink amount of the plurality of ink tanks individually connected to the plurality of print heads. A vacuum apparatus for an ink jet printer, wherein a vacuum mechanism is controlled to suck out a predetermined amount of ink determined for each of the plurality of print heads at the predetermined time.

<Structure 4> In the vacuum apparatus for an ink jet printer described in Structure 1, the vacuum mechanism section includes an integrated suction cap for sucking ink by simultaneously adhering to the plurality of print heads; A suction mechanism for supplying a negative pressure for ink suction to the integrated suction cap, and an opening and closing unit for opening and closing the supply of the negative pressure for each of the plurality of print heads to the integrated suction cap. A vacuum device for an ink jet printer, comprising:

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below using specific examples. <Structure of Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vacuum apparatus of Embodiment 1. Before describing the vacuum device of Example 1, in order to clarify the position of the vacuum device and its role in the ink jet printer device, the configuration of the ink jet printer device and the parts necessary for the description of the present invention will be outlined. Will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the ink jet printer. As an example of the ink jet printer device, a description will be given only for a case where four color and black print heads (C, M, Y, K) are mounted. The ink jet printer of FIG. 2 has print heads 1a to 1d.
, Ink tanks 2a to 2d, a main control unit 7, an ink remaining amount detecting unit 8, a vacuum mechanism unit 10, a print head driver 12, an interface unit 13, a data buffer memory 14, a carriage driving motor 15, a motor driver 16, a paper feed motor 17, a motor driver 18, and a host device 19.

The print heads 1a to 1d have four colors of C cyan, M magenta, Y yellow, and K black (hereinafter C, M,
(Hereinafter referred to as Y and K) to eject pixels on recording paper. This is a portion where bubbles and foreign substances in the ink pressurizing chamber are sucked out together with the ink by the vacuum mechanism section 10 to be described later, which is an object of the present invention. Ink tank 2a
Reference numerals 2d to 2d denote portions for storing inks of four colors (C, M, Y, K) and supplying the inks to the corresponding print heads 1a to 1d. The negative pressure changes according to the remaining amount of the ink.
Regardless of the amount of ink remaining, which greatly affects the negative pressure change, it is the purpose of the later-described vacuum mechanism section 10 according to the present invention to suck out a certain amount of ink, and is therefore a part directly affecting the present invention.

Here, an example of the generation of the negative pressure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of generation of a negative pressure. (A) shows the state of the ink tank when the ink is full,
(B) shows the state of the ink tank when the ink is reduced.

As an example, the ink tanks 2a to 2d
An airtight bag 100 and a spring 101 are housed inside the outer frame 103. The airtight bag 100 is made of a stretchable airtight material, and the internal pressure is set lower than the atmospheric pressure. The spring 101 constantly works in a direction to prevent the airtight bag 100 from shrinking. Therefore, the ink discharge holes 10
A negative pressure (pressure drawn into the tank) is applied to 4. The magnitude of this negative pressure depends on the elastic force of the spring 101,
The air pressure inside the airtight bag 100 is complicatedly intertwined,
Normally, when the ink is reduced (b), it is larger than when the ink is full (a). Returning to FIG. 2, the description of the ink jet printer will be continued.

The main control unit 7 is a microprocessor (CPU) for controlling the entire vacuum printer together with the vacuum apparatus according to the present invention. Ink remaining amount detector 8
Is a portion for irradiating infrared light toward the inside of the ink tank as an example, receiving reflected light, and measuring the remaining amount of ink from the amount of reflected light. This is an important part that directly affects the suction condition of the vacuum mechanism 10 according to the present invention. An example of the configuration is also shown in FIG. The vacuum mechanism unit 10 is a part that periodically sucks out bubbles and foreign substances and the like in the ink pressurizing chamber together with the ink, and is a main constituent part of the present invention.

The print head driver 12 is a part that drives the print head under the control of the main control unit 7 to discharge ink. The interface unit 13 is a part for connecting the inkjet printer device to a host device 19 such as a personal computer. Data buffer memory 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes a memory for temporarily storing print data received from a host device 19 such as a personal computer.

The carriage traveling motor 15 is a motor for traveling a carriage (not shown) on which the print heads 1a to 1d and the ink tanks 2a to 2d are mounted. The motor driver 16 is a part that drives the carriage traveling motor 15 based on the control of the main control unit 7. The paper feed motor 17 is a paper feed motor for running the recording paper. Motor driver 18
Is a motor for driving the paper feed motor 17 based on the control of the main control unit 7.

Since the description of the position and the role of the vacuum device in the ink jet printer has been completed, returning to FIG. 1 again, the configuration of the vacuum device of the first embodiment will be described. As an example, a case where four color and black print heads (C, M, Y, K) are mounted will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vacuum apparatus of the first embodiment is
Print head 1a, print head 1b, print head 1c
, Print head 1d, ink tank 2a, ink tank 2b, ink tank 2c, ink tank 2d
, A main control unit 7, an ink remaining amount detection unit 8, a suction control table 9, and a vacuum mechanism unit 10. Furthermore,
The vacuum mechanism 10 includes a suction cap 3, a tube 4, a suction cap moving mechanism 5, and a suction mechanism 6.

The suction cap 3 is a suction cap for sucking ink in close contact with the print heads 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d. The tube 4 is a tube that connects the suction cap 3 and the suction mechanism 6. The suction cap moving mechanism 5 is a moving mechanism of the suction cap 3 for bringing the suction cap 3 into close contact with the print head 1a, the print head 1b, the print head 1c, and the print head 1d, or opening the same. The suction mechanism 6 is a part that generates a negative pressure on the suction cap 3 to suck or discharge ink during a vacuum operation by a vacuum pump provided therein.

The suction control table 9 is a table in which the time for which the suction cap 3 is brought into close contact with the print heads 1a to 1d and suctions ink is determined in advance based on the detection amount detected by the ink remaining amount detection unit 8. . An example is shown in the figure. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the suction control table. Ink level,
0% to 25% ink suction time 7.8 seconds, 25% to 50% ink suction time 5.8 seconds, 50% to 75%
%, The ink suction time is set to 4.8 seconds, and from 75% to 100%, the ink suction time is set to 4.2 seconds.

The points to be noted here are described below. As described with reference to FIG. 3, since the negative pressure inside the ink tank slightly changes depending on the remaining amount of ink, the suction cap 3 comes into close contact with the print heads 1a to 1d to suck ink. If the negative pressure and the time are set to be constant, the amount of ink sucked against the negative pressure is not constant, and the vacuum effect cannot be sufficiently exhibited. Therefore, a suction control table in which the ink suction time or the negative pressure for ink suction is predetermined according to the remaining amount of ink is required.

Although only the suction control table for changing the suction time is shown here as an example, the suction control table for changing the suction negative pressure is set in exactly the same way. As for other components,
The description has been omitted with reference to FIG. 2 and the block diagram of the ink jet printer.

<Operation of Embodiment 1> FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the vacuum operation. (A) is a diagram in which the suction cap 3 has started to move toward the print head 1 and (b).
FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the suction cap 3 is in close contact with the print head 1 and sucks ink, and FIG. 3C illustrates a state in which the suction cap 3 is separated from the print head 1 to discharge the sucked ink. FIG. FIG. 6 shows a specific example 1.
4 is an operation flowchart of FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the specific example 1 in time series.

The operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 in accordance with the steps of FIG. Step S1 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) activates the vacuum processing and sets a carriage (not shown) on which the print head 1 (FIG. 1) and the ink tank 2 (FIG. 1) are mounted in a predetermined manner. Is moved to the suction start position provided with the vacuum mechanism 10 (FIG. 1).

Step S2 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order. If the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order, the process proceeds to S3; otherwise, the process proceeds to S11. Here, since the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 1)) is in the first order, the process proceeds to S3.

Step S3 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) designates the print head 1a (FIG. 1) as the order of the vacuum processing, moves the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 1)) to a predetermined position, The suction cap moving mechanism 5 (FIG. 1) is driven to move the suction cap 3 (FIG. 1) to the print head 1a (FIG. 1) (FIG. 5A).

Step S4 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) drives the suction cap moving mechanism 5 (FIG. 1) to remove the suction cap 3 (FIG. 1) (FIG. 5).
As shown in (b)), the print head 1a is brought into close contact with the orifice plate 21. Step S5 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) receives the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 2a (FIG. 1) detected by the remaining ink detector 8 (FIG. 1). Step S6 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) suctions ink from the suction control table 9 (FIG. 1) based on the remaining ink amount of the ink tank 2a (FIG. 1) detected by the remaining ink detection section 8 (FIG. 1). Read the time.

Step S7 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) drives the suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 1), and as shown in FIG. 5B, through the nozzle holes 22 of the print head 1a, the predetermined Suction ink for hours. Step S8 The suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 1) ends the suction of the ink after the predetermined time has elapsed. Step S9 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) drives the suction cap moving mechanism 5 (FIG. 1) and the suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 1) to move the suction cap 3 from the orifice plate 21 as shown in FIG. 5C. To return to the original position and discharge the sucked ink.

Step S10 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not there are print heads for which vacuum processing has not yet been completed, and if so, returns to S2, where all the print heads are vacuumed. If the processing has been completed, the process proceeds to S22. Here, since the vacuum processing of the print head 1b, the print head 1c, and the print head 1d is not completed, the process returns to S2.

Step S2 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order. If the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order, the process proceeds to S3; otherwise, the process proceeds to S11. Here, since the M head (print head 1b (FIG. 1)) is in order, the process proceeds to S11.

Step S11 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not the M head (print head 1b (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order. If the M head (print head 1b (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order, the process proceeds to S12; otherwise, the process proceeds to S15. Here, the M head (print head 1b)
(FIG. 1)) is the next order, so the process proceeds to S12.

Step S12 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) moves the M head (print head 1b (FIG. 1)) to a predetermined position and moves the suction cap moving mechanism 5
(FIG. 1) is driven to move the suction cap 3 (FIG. 1) to the print head 1b (FIG. 1) (FIG. 1A).

Step S13 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) drives the suction cap moving mechanism 5 (FIG. 1) to move the suction cap 3 (FIG. 1) to the state shown in FIG. 5B.
The orifice plate 21 of the print head 1b as shown in FIG.
In close contact. Step S14 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) receives the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 2b (FIG. 1) detected by the remaining ink detector 8 (FIG. 1). Steps S6 to S9 The process proceeds to S10 through exactly the same steps as in the case of the print head 1a.

Step S10 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not print heads for which vacuum processing has not been completed remain, and if so, returns to S2, and performs vacuum for all print heads. If the processing has been completed, the process proceeds to S22. Here, since the vacuum processing of the print head 1c and the print head 1d is not completed, the process returns to S2.

Step S2 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order. If the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order, the process proceeds to S3; otherwise, the process proceeds to S11. Here, since the Y head (print head 1c (FIG. 1)) is in order, the process proceeds to S11.

Step S11 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not the M head (print head 1b (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order. If the M head (print head 1b (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order, the process proceeds to S12; otherwise, the process proceeds to S15. Here, the Y head (print head 1c)
(FIG. 1)) is in the next order, so the process proceeds to S15.

Step S15 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not the Y head (print head 1c (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order. If the Y head (print head 1c (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order, the process proceeds to S16; otherwise, the process proceeds to S19. Here, the Y head (print head 1c)
(FIG. 1)) is in the next order, so the process proceeds to S16.

Step S16 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) moves the Y head (print head 1c (FIG. 1)) to a predetermined position and moves the suction cap moving mechanism 5
(FIG. 1) is driven to move the suction cap 3 (FIG. 1) to the print head 1c (FIG. 1) (FIG. 5A).

Step S17 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) drives the suction cap moving mechanism 5 (FIG. 1) to move the suction cap 3 (FIG. 1) to the state shown in FIG.
The orifice plate 21 of the print head 1c as shown in FIG.
In close contact. Step S18 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) receives the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 2c (FIG. 1) detected by the remaining ink detector 8 (FIG. 1). Steps S6 to S9 The process proceeds to S10 through exactly the same steps as in the case of the print head 1a.

Step S10 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not print heads for which vacuum processing has not been completed remain, and if so, returns to S2, where all the print heads are vacuumed. If the processing has been completed, the process proceeds to S22. Here, since the vacuum processing of the print head 1d has not been completed,
Return to

Step S2 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order. If the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order, the process proceeds to S3; otherwise, the process proceeds to S11. Here, since the K head (print head 1d (FIG. 1)) is in order, the process proceeds to S11.

Step S11 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not the M head (print head 1b (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order. If the M head (print head 1b (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order, the process proceeds to S12; otherwise, the process proceeds to S15. Here, the K head (print head 1d)
(FIG. 1)) is in the next order, so the process proceeds to S15.

Step S15 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not the Y head (print head 1c (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order. If the Y head (print head 1c (FIG. 1)) is in the vacuum processing order, the process proceeds to S16; otherwise, the process proceeds to S19. Here, the K head (print head 1d)
(FIG. 1)), the sequence proceeds to S19.

Step S19 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) moves the K head (print head 1c (FIG. 1)) to a predetermined position, and moves the suction cap moving mechanism 5
(FIG. 1) is driven to move the suction cap 3 (FIG. 1) to the print head 1d (FIG. 1) (FIG. 1A).

Step S20 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) drives the suction cap moving mechanism 5 (FIG. 1) to move the suction cap 3 (FIG. 1) to the state shown in FIG.
The orifice plate 21 of the print head 1d as shown in FIG.
In close contact. Step S21 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) receives the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 2d (FIG. 1) detected by the remaining ink detector 8 (FIG. 1). Steps S6 to S9 The process proceeds to S10 through exactly the same steps as in the case of the print head 1a.

Step S10 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) determines whether or not there are print heads for which vacuum processing has not yet been completed, and if so, returns to S2, where all print heads are vacuumed. If the processing has been completed, the process proceeds to S22. In this case, since the vacuum processing of all print heads has been completed, S2
Proceed to 2.

Step S22 The main controller 7 (FIG. 1) terminates the vacuum processing and prints the carriage (not shown) on which the print head 1 (FIG. 1) and the ink tank 2 (FIG. 1) are mounted. Move to start position. Step S23 Vacuum processing ends.

The operation of the first embodiment has been described above.
In the above description, the negative pressure for ink suction is made constant, and the ink suction time is changed according to the remaining amount of ink. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the ink suction time may be fixed, and the negative pressure for ink suction may be changed depending on the remaining amount of ink. In this case, the relationship between the remaining amount of ink and the negative pressure for ink suction is set in the suction control table 9 (FIG. 1).

Further, in the above description, the vacuum processing is performed by moving the print heads 1a to 1d to predetermined positions (suction start positions), but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the vacuum mechanism 10 (FIG. 1) may be moved in accordance with the positions of the print heads 1a to 1d.

<Effect of Specific Example 1> As described above,
The following effects are obtained by changing the ink suction condition according to the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank. 1. The ink suction amount in the vacuum processing can be maintained at a constant amount regardless of the remaining ink amount. 2. As a result, a good vacuum effect can be obtained while keeping the waste of ink to a minimum.

<Structure of Embodiment 2> FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a vacuum apparatus of Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG.
The vacuum device of the first embodiment includes a print head 1a and a print head 1
b, print head 1c, print head 1d, ink tank 2a, ink tank 2b, ink tank 2c
, An ink tank 2d, a main control unit 7, an ink remaining amount detection unit 8, a suction control table 9, and a vacuum mechanism unit 2.
0. Further, the vacuum mechanism 20 includes a suction cap 23, a tube 24, a suction cap moving mechanism 5, and a suction mechanism 6.

Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.
The suction cap 23 includes the print head 1a, the print head 1
b, an integrated suction cap for sucking ink while simultaneously closely contacting the print head 1c and the print head 1d. The tube 24 is provided with the suction cap 23.
And a tube for connecting the suction mechanism 6.

The suction cap moving mechanism 5 includes the print head 1
a, print head 1b, print head 1c, print head 1d
A moving mechanism for bringing the suction cap 23 into close contact or opening it. Suction mechanism 6
Is a portion for generating a negative pressure on the suction cap 23 for sucking or discharging the ink during the vacuum operation. The other configuration is completely the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the second embodiment. The operation of the specific example 2 will be described according to the steps of FIG. 8 with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. Step S1 The main control section 7 (FIG. 7) starts the vacuum processing. Step S2 A carriage (not shown) on which the print head 1 (FIG. 7) and the ink tank 2 (FIG. 7) are mounted is moved to a suction start position where a predetermined vacuum mechanism 20 (FIG. 7) is provided. Move to

Step S3 The main controller 7 (FIG. 7) drives the suction cap moving mechanism 5 (FIG. 7) to move the suction cap 23 (FIG. 7) to the print heads 1a to 1d (FIG. 7). (FIG. 5 (a))
Then, the suction cap 23 (FIG. 7) is brought into close contact with the orifice plate 21 as shown in FIG. 5B.

Step S4 The main control unit 7 (FIG. 7) controls the ink tank 2a (FIG. 7) to the ink tank 2d detected by the remaining ink amount detection unit 8 (FIG. 7).
The ink remaining amount shown in FIG. 7 is accepted. Step S5: The main control unit 7 (FIG. 7) controls the ink tank 2a (FIG. 7) to the ink tank 2d detected by the remaining ink amount detection unit 8 (FIG. 7).
The minimum remaining ink amount is extracted from the remaining ink amounts shown in FIG.

Step S6 The main controller 7 (FIG. 7) controls the ink tank 2a (FIG. 7) to the ink tank 2d detected by the remaining ink detector 8 (FIG. 1).
The ink suction time is read from the suction control table 9 (FIG. 7) based on the minimum remaining ink amount among the remaining ink amounts shown in FIG.

Step S7 The main control section 7 (FIG. 1) drives the suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 7) to drive the suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 7) through the nozzle holes 22 of the print heads 1a to 1d as shown in FIG. 5B. The ink is sucked for the predetermined time. Step S8: The suction mechanism section 6 ends the suction of the ink after the lapse of the predetermined time. Step S9 The main controller 7 (FIG. 7) drives the suction cap moving mechanism 5 (FIG. 7) to separate the suction cap 3 from the orifice plate 21 and return to the original position as shown in FIG. 5C. To discharge the ink that has been sucked out.

Step S10 The main controller 7 (FIG. 7) ends the vacuum processing and prints the carriage (not shown) on which the print head 1 (FIG. 7) and the ink tank 2 (FIG. 7) are mounted. Move to start position. Step S11: End the vacuum processing.

The description of the operation of the second embodiment has been completed. In the above description, one ink remaining amount detecting unit 8
Although FIG. 7 illustrates the case where the remaining ink amounts of the ink tanks 2a to 2d are individually detected, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, it is also possible to provide the remaining ink amount detection unit 8 for each ink tank. Furthermore,
In the above description, the vacuum processing is performed by moving the print heads 1a to 1d to predetermined positions (suction start positions), but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the vacuum mechanism unit 20 (FIG. 7) is connected to the print heads 1a to 1a.
You may move according to the position of 1d.

<Effect of Specific Example 2> As described above,
The following effects can be obtained by providing the integrated suction cap 23 that simultaneously closely adheres to the print head 1a, the print head 1b, the print head 1c, and the print head 1d to suck out ink. That is, the plurality of print heads 1b to 1
Since d can be collectively subjected to vacuum processing, the time required for vacuum processing can be reduced and the power consumption can be reduced.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a vacuum apparatus according to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG.
The vacuum device of the first embodiment includes a print head 1a and a print head 1
b, print head 1c, print head 1d, ink tank 2a, ink tank 2b, ink tank 2c
, An ink tank 2d, a main control unit 7, an ink remaining amount detection unit 8, a suction control table 9, and a vacuum mechanism unit 3.
0. Further, the vacuum mechanism 30 includes a suction cap 33a to a suction cap 33d,
4a to 34d, suction cap moving mechanism 35a
To the suction cap moving mechanism 35 d and the suction mechanism section 6.

Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.
The suction caps 33a to 33d are suction caps for simultaneously sucking a predetermined amount of ink determined for each print head in close contact with the print heads 1a to 1d. Tubes 34a to 34d are provided with suction caps 33a.
33d and a tube connecting the suction mechanism 6.

The suction cap moving mechanisms 35a to 35d
Suction caps 33a to 33d and print heads 1a to 1
This is a moving mechanism for independently moving the four suction caps 33a to 33d in order to make d and d independently come into close contact with each other or open. The suction mechanism 6 is a part that generates a negative pressure on the suction cap 3 to suck or discharge ink during a vacuum operation. The other configuration is completely the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

<Operation of Embodiment 3> FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of Embodiment 3. The operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9 in accordance with the steps of FIG. Step S1 The main control section 7 (FIG. 9) starts the vacuum processing. Step S2 Print heads 1a to 1d (FIG. 9), ink tanks 2a to 2
d (FIG. 9) mounted carriage (not shown)
Is replaced with a predetermined vacuum mechanism 30 (FIG. 9).
To the suction start position provided with.

Step S3 The main control section 7 (FIG. 9) controls the suction cap moving mechanisms 35a to 35a.
35d (FIG. 9) to drive the suction caps 33a-33.
d (FIG. 9) to print heads 1a to 1d (FIG. 9)
Then, the suction caps 33a to 33d (FIG. 9) are brought into close contact with the orifice plate 21 as shown in FIG.

Step S4 The main controller 7 (FIG. 9) accepts the remaining amount of ink in the ink tanks 2a to 2d (FIG. 9) detected by the remaining ink detector 8 (FIG. 9). Hereinafter, Steps S5-1 to S8-1 are performed in Step S5 for the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 9)).
-2-Step S8-2 is performed for the M head (print head 1b).
(FIG. 9)), steps S5-3 to S8.
Step -3 is for the Y head (print head 1c (FIG. 9)), and steps S5-4 to S8-4 are for the K head (print head 1d (FIG. 9)) independently and in parallel. Hereinafter, only the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 9)) will be described.

Step S5-1 The main controller 7 (FIG. 9) reads the ink from the suction control table 9 (FIG. 9) based on the ink tank 2a (FIG. 9) detected by the remaining ink detector 8 (FIG. 9). Read the suction time. Step S6-1: The main control section 7 (FIG. 9) drives the suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 9) to operate the suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 9) as shown in FIG.
2, the ink is sucked through the predetermined time.

Step S7-1 The suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 9) terminates the suction of the ink after the lapse of the predetermined time. Step S8-1 The main control section 7 (FIG. 9) executes the suction cap moving mechanism 35a.
By driving (FIG. 9), the suction cap 3 is separated from the orifice plate 21 as shown in FIG. 5 (c) to return to the original position, and the sucked ink is discharged.

Step S9 The main control section 7 (FIG. 9) monitors the print heads 1a to 1d and waits until all the heads have been suctioned. After all the heads have been suctioned, the process proceeds to S10. Step S10 The main control unit 7 (FIG. 9) ends the vacuum processing, and print heads 1a to 1d (FIG. 9) and ink tanks 2a to 2d.
(FIG. 9) is mounted on a carriage (not shown).
Move to the print start position. Step S11: End the vacuum processing.

The description of the operation of the third embodiment has been completed. In the above description, one ink remaining amount detecting unit 8
Although FIG. 9 illustrates the case where the remaining ink amounts of the ink tanks 2a to 2d are individually detected, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, it is also possible to provide the remaining ink amount detection unit 8 for each ink tank.

Further, in the above description, the print heads 1a to 1a
Vacuum processing is performed by moving 1d to a predetermined position (suction start position), but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the vacuum mechanism 20 (FIG. 7) may be moved in accordance with the positions of the print heads 1a to 1d. The points to be noted here are as follows. That is, the ink suction time in the specific example 2 is set to the longest time among the print heads 1a to 1d, but can be set independently in the specific example 3.

<Effect of Specific Example 3> As described above,
The following effects are obtained by providing the suction caps 33a to 33d that simultaneously and closely adhere to the print head 1a, the print head 1b, the print head 1c, and the print head 1d, and that suck out ink. That is, a plurality of print heads 1
Since b to 1d can be vacuum-processed individually in parallel, the time required for the vacuum process and the power consumption can be further reduced, and the waste of ink can be further reduced.

<Structure of Embodiment 4> FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a vacuum apparatus of Embodiment 4. As shown in FIG. 11, the vacuum apparatus according to the fourth embodiment includes a print head 1a, a print head 1b, a print head 1c, a print head 1d, an ink tank 2a, an ink tank 2b, an ink tank 2
c, an ink tank 2d, a main control unit 7, an ink remaining amount detection unit 8, a suction control table 9, and a vacuum mechanism unit 40. Further, the vacuum mechanism 40 includes a suction cap 43, a tube 44, a suction cap moving mechanism 45, and the suction mechanism 6.

Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.
The suction cap 43 is a suction cap for simultaneously and closely adhering to the print heads 1a to 1d to suck out ink. The tube 44 is a tube that connects the suction cap 43 and the suction mechanism 6, and has opening / closing portions 48a to 48d in the middle thereof.

The suction cap moving mechanism 45 is a moving mechanism for bringing the suction cap 43 and the print heads 1a to 1d into close contact with each other or opening them. The opening / closing portions 48a to 48d are portions for supplying or blocking a negative pressure for ink suction to the suction cap 43 for each of the print heads 1a to 1d. A portion for opening and closing the connection between the suction cap 43 and the suction mechanism 6, and is constituted by an electromagnetic valve or the like as an example. Suction mechanism 6
Is a portion for generating a negative pressure on the suction cap 3 for sucking or discharging the ink during the vacuum operation. The other configuration is completely the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted.

<Operation of Embodiment 4> FIG. 12 is an operation flowchart of Embodiment 4. The operation of the specific example 4 will be described according to the steps of FIG. 12 with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. Step S1 The main control section 7 (FIG. 11) starts the vacuum processing. Step S2: Print heads 1a to 1d (FIG. 11), ink tanks 2a to 2d
A carriage (not shown) on which 2d (FIG. 11) is mounted is moved to a suction start position where a predetermined vacuum mechanism 40 (FIG. 11) is provided.

Step S3 The main controller 7 (FIG. 11) controls the suction cap moving mechanism 45.
(FIG. 11) is driven to move the suction cap 43 (FIG. 11) to the print heads 1a to 1d (FIG. 11), and the suction cap 43 (FIG. 11) is moved as shown in FIG. 5B. It is brought into close contact with the orifice plate 21. Step S4 The main control section 7 (FIG. 11) opens the opening / closing sections 48a to 48d to connect the suction cap 43 and the suction mechanism section 6.

Step S5 The main control section 7 (FIG. 11) controls the remaining ink level detection section 8 (FIG. 1).
1) Accepts the remaining ink amounts of the ink tanks 2a to 2d (FIG. 11) detected. Hereinafter, Step S6-1 to Step S9-1 are performed for the C head (print head 1a (FIG. 11)).
6-2 to step S9-2 are performed for the M head (print head 1).
b (FIG. 11)), steps S6-3 to S9-3 are for the Y head (print head 1c (FIG. 11)), and steps S6-4 to S9-4 are for the K head (print head 1d (FIG. 11)). Regarding FIG. 11)), the process proceeds independently and in parallel. The following C head (print head 1a)
(FIG. 11)) will be described.

Step S6-1 The main control section 7 (FIG. 11) controls the remaining ink amount detection section 8 (FIG. 1).
The ink suction time is read from the suction control table 9 (FIG. 11) based on the ink tank 2a (FIG. 11) detected by 1). Step S7-1: The main control section 7 (FIG. 11) drives the suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 11) to drive the suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 11) through the nozzle holes 22 of the print head 1a for the ink for the predetermined time as shown in FIG. 5B. Aspirate.

Step S8-1 The suction mechanism section 6 (FIG. 11) terminates the suction of the ink after the lapse of the predetermined time. Step S9-1: The main control section 7 (FIG. 11) closes the opening / closing section 48a and disconnects the suction cap 43 and the suction mechanism section 6. Step S10 The main control section 7 (FIG. 11) monitors the print heads 1a to 1d and waits for all the heads to complete suction, and proceeds to S11 after all the heads finish suction.

Step S11 The main controller 7 (FIG. 11) controls the suction cap moving mechanism 35a.
By driving (FIG. 11), the suction cap 3 is separated from the orifice plate 21 as shown in FIG. 5 (c) to return to the original position, and the sucked ink is discharged.

Step S12 The main control section 7 (FIG. 11) terminates the vacuum processing, and print heads 1a-1d (FIG. 11), ink tanks 2a-2
d (FIG. 11), the carriage (not shown) on which the vacuum mechanism 40 (FIG. 11) is mounted is moved to the printing start position. Step S13: End the vacuum processing.

The operation of the fourth embodiment has been described above.
The points to be noted in the above description are as follows. The integrated suction cap 43 and the integrated suction cap moving mechanism 45 can perform exactly the same function as in the third embodiment. Opening / closing portions 48a to 4d are provided between the suction cap 43 and the suction mechanism 6 for each of the print heads 1a to 1d.
The provision of 8d makes it possible to control the suction time and the suction negative pressure for each print head. Further, in the above description, the configuration in which one suction cap 43 and one suction cap moving mechanism 45 are provided has been described.
The present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is,
As in the third embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a configuration including suction caps 33a to 33d (FIG. 9) and suction cap moving mechanisms 35a to 35d for each of the print heads 1a to 1d (FIG. 9).

<Effect of Specific Example 4> As described above,
By providing the opening / closing portions 48a to 48d between the suction cap 43 and the suction mechanism 6 for each of the print heads 1a to 1d, the following effects are obtained. 1. The function of the specific example 3 can be performed by a relatively inexpensive configuration. 2. The suction time and the suction negative pressure can be controlled for each print head, so that more accurate vacuum processing can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vacuum apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an inkjet printer.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of generation of a negative pressure.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a suction control table.

FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a vacuum operation.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of a specific example 1.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a vacuum device of a specific example 2.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of a specific example 2.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a vacuum apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of a specific example 3.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a vacuum apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an operation flowchart of a specific example 4.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Print heads 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d Ink tank 3 Suction cap 4 Tube 5 Suction cap moving mechanism 6 Suction mechanism section 7 Main control section 8 Ink remaining amount detection section 9 Suction control table 10 Vacuum mechanism Department

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor: Yuhiko Shimosugi 4--11-22 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside the offshore company data (72) Inventor Shigenori Koido 4-11-22, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo No. F-term (reference) in Oki Data Corporation 2C056 EA14 EB20 EB50 EC24 EC36 EC41 EC57 JA13 JC20

Claims (4)

[Claims] A vacuum mechanism for adsorbing a predetermined amount of ink in close contact with a print head; an ink remaining amount detecting unit for detecting an ink remaining amount of an ink tank connected to the print head; A vacuum apparatus for an ink jet printer, comprising: a main control unit that controls the vacuum mechanism based on an ink suction condition corresponding to the remaining amount of ink to suck out the predetermined amount of ink. 2. The vacuum apparatus for an ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum mechanism includes an integrated suction cap that simultaneously adheres to the plurality of print heads and sucks ink. The main control unit controls the vacuum mechanism unit based on ink suction conditions corresponding to the minimum remaining ink amount among the remaining ink amounts of the plurality of ink tanks individually connected to the plurality of print heads. Vacuuming the predetermined amount of ink at the predetermined time. 3. The vacuum apparatus for an ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum mechanism sucks a predetermined amount of ink determined for each of the plurality of print heads from the plurality of print heads simultaneously in parallel. A plurality of suction caps, and the main control unit controls the vacuum based on individual ink suction conditions corresponding to ink remaining amounts of a plurality of ink tanks individually connected to the plurality of print heads. A vacuum apparatus for an ink jet printer, characterized in that a mechanism unit is controlled to suck out a predetermined amount of ink determined for each of the plurality of print heads at the predetermined time. 4. The vacuum device of an ink-jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum mechanism unit includes an integrated suction cap that simultaneously contacts a plurality of the print heads and sucks ink. A suction mechanism for supplying a negative pressure for ink suction to the integrated suction cap; and an opening / closing unit for opening and closing the supply of the negative pressure for each of the plurality of print heads to the integrated suction cap. A vacuum device for an inkjet printer, comprising: