JP2001322290A - Ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage ink end state appropriately in a recorder formed such that cartridge replacement is possible. SOLUTION: The ink jet recorder comprises a first means 67 for detecting the residual quantity of ink in an ink cartridge by detecting physical displacement incident to consumption of ink stored in the ink cartridge, and a second means (ink consumption counter) 65 for detecting the residual quantity of ink in that ink cartridge by counting the quantity of consumed ink, wherein the second means for detecting the residual quantity of ink manages ink end when the first means 67 for detecting the residual quantity of ink detects ink low. According to the arrangement, such a problem as ink in the cartridge is exhausted to leave bubbles in the ink channel can be avoided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises an ink jet recording head for ejecting ink droplets corresponding to print data, and an ink cartridge which is exchangeably mounted to supply ink to the recording head. The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for managing the remaining amount of ink in an ink cartridge mounted on the recording apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus is provided with an ink jet recording head which receives supply of ink from an ink cartridge, and paper feed means for moving recording paper relative to the recording head. The recording is performed by ejecting ink droplets onto the recording paper while moving the recording paper in the width direction of the recording paper. The carriage is equipped with a recording head that can eject black ink and each color ink of yellow, cyan, and magenta, and not only text printing with black ink, but also full-color printing by changing the ejection ratio of each ink. Making it possible.

In a conventional recording apparatus of this type, there is provided an ink end detecting means for detecting an ink end state of a mounted ink cartridge. Means for prompting the user for replacement are employed.

[0004] This is because, when the installed ink cartridge is used until it is completely in the ink end state (empty state), bubbles enter the ink supply path from the cartridge to the recording head, and even if a new cartridge is installed. This is to avoid the problem that air bubbles remain in the ink flow path and print trouble occurs.

[0005]

Incidentally, recently, the application range of this type of recording apparatus has been expanded, and diversification has been progressing, such as a demand for higher definition printing image quality.
Along with this, the types of ink used in the recording apparatus have been diversified, and operations such as replacing the ink cartridge and executing printing according to the print content have been performed. In this case, a large-capacity ink cartridge and a small-capacity ink cartridge are also provided according to the use form of each ink in the recording apparatus, and a form in which a user selects and uses these ink cartridges is being adopted.

[0006] As described above, in the recording apparatus in which the operation of replacing the ink cartridge according to the print content is performed, the amount of ink stored in each of the installed ink cartridges is grasped each time, and as described above, the amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge is completely reduced. It is necessary to avoid the problem of falling into an insufficient ink end and causing air bubbles to remain in the ink flow path, thereby causing a printing failure thereafter. Further, even in a situation where a large-capacity ink cartridge and a small-capacity ink cartridge are mixed and selectively used, recording with a remaining ink management technique that does not cause the above-described problem. Equipment is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and it is possible to leave a printing trouble by the above-described operation by appropriately grasping the remaining amount of ink in each installed ink cartridge. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus having a control mode capable of avoiding the problem.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an ink jet recording head for ejecting ink droplets corresponding to print data; An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: an ink cartridge exchangeably mounted to supply ink; wherein the ink cartridge detects a physical displacement accompanying consumption of ink stored in the ink cartridge, and detects ink displacement of the ink cartridge. There is provided first ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of ink, and second ink remaining amount detecting means for counting the amount of consumed ink and detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge.

In this case, the first ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting a physical displacement preferably operates an electric switch when a predetermined displacement amount is reached with consumption of ink. Be composed. When the electric switch in the first ink remaining amount detecting means operates, the ink end of the ink cartridge is detected based on the remaining amount detected value by the second ink remaining amount detecting means. It is done as follows.

In this case, when an electric switch in the first ink remaining amount detecting means operates, it is desirable to control so as to set a detection flag based on the operation of the switch. Further, when an electric switch in the first ink remaining amount detecting means operates,
It is preferable that an operation for offsetting the ink count value by the second ink remaining amount detecting means to a predetermined value is performed.

On the other hand, in an ink jet recording apparatus in which ink cartridges having different ink capacities can be exchangeably mounted, an electric switch in the first ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting physical displacement is preferable. Is operated, it is switched to the second ink remaining amount detecting means for counting the consumed ink amount, and the ink end of the ink cartridge is detected.

In this case, preferably, a cartridge replacement flag indicating the attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge is managed, the flag indicates that the ink cartridge has been attached / detached, and the electric switch in the first ink remaining amount detecting means operates. In this case, the ink end state is controlled to be set regardless of the ink count value by the second ink remaining amount detecting means. Further, preferably, when the electric switch of the first ink remaining amount detecting means is operated, an operation of offsetting the ink count value by the second ink remaining amount detecting means to a predetermined value is performed. Be composed.

Further, in a preferred embodiment, there is provided a means for visually displaying the remaining ink amount based on the ink count value by the second ink remaining amount detecting means.
Preferably, after the electric switch in the first ink remaining amount detecting means is operated, or when the ink count value by the second ink remaining amount detecting means is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the visible state is determined. Means for displaying ink low information.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the discrimination information of the ink cartridges having different ink capacities is obtained from the identification means provided in the ink cartridge. In this case, the determination information is obtained from information read from a readable storage element mounted on the ink cartridge. The discrimination information may be obtained by an optical unit that projects detection light onto a part of the ink cartridge. Further, the discrimination information may be configured to be obtained by means for determining the outer shape of at least a part of the ink cartridge.

In another preferred embodiment, the identification information of the ink cartridges having different ink capacities is obtained from information set on a utility of a printer driver mounted on a host computer which controls a recording apparatus. You. In this case, when the identification information of the ink cartridge is not set on the utility of the printer driver, the detection information of the first ink remaining amount detecting unit and the ink count value of the second ink remaining amount detecting unit are used. It is preferable to determine the ink capacity of the ink cartridge based on the information of the above.

In the ink jet recording apparatus constructed as described above, first and second ink remaining amount detecting means are provided, and the first ink remaining amount detecting means is provided for detecting ink remaining in the ink cartridge. Hardware detection means for detecting physical displacement accompanying consumption is used. As the second ink remaining amount detecting means, a software detecting means for detecting the remaining ink amount by counting the consumed ink amount is used. Then, when the first ink remaining amount detecting means detects the ink low state, it switches to the detecting function of the second ink remaining amount detecting means to detect the ink end state of the ink cartridge.

Here, it is possible to detect the ink end state of the mounted cartridge by only the second ink remaining amount detecting means using the software detecting means. However, the second ink remaining amount detecting means cannot determine the ink remaining amount of the newly installed ink cartridge which is already in use when the ink cartridge is used after being exchanged as described above. Becomes Therefore, when an ink cartridge having a low remaining ink amount is mounted, a situation occurs in which the ink cartridge is used until the ink becomes empty, which causes a problem that bubbles are mixed in the ink flow path.

Therefore, the first ink remaining amount detecting means utilizing the above-mentioned hardware detecting means is also used, and the first ink remaining amount detecting means determines whether or not the newly mounted ink cartridge is in the ink-low state. Is detected, and it is determined according to the detection result whether or not to use the second ink remaining amount detecting means. With such a configuration, even when an operation is performed in which the ink cartridge is replaced and used, it is possible to avoid a problem that the ink in the cartridge becomes empty and bubbles are mixed in the ink flow path.

In this case, the first ink remaining amount detecting means includes:
The physical displacement of the ink pack housed in the cartridge case and filled with the ink inside is recognized as the ink-low state by turning on the micro switch. Therefore, there is a technical problem that the state in which the microswitch is turned on or off is repeated in the transition period. Therefore, when the ON state of the microswitch is detected, control is performed so as to set a detection flag, and by using the state of this flag, stable ink end detection can be performed.

When the first ink remaining amount detecting means detects the ink low and switches to the detecting function by the second ink remaining amount detecting means, the ink count value by the second ink remaining amount detecting means is obtained. Is offset (rewritten) to a predetermined value. By performing such an offset operation, the amount of ink that can be used in the ink cartridge is managed so as to be uniformly constant, and the problem of emptying the ink in the cartridge can be effectively avoided. Is made.

On the other hand, in order to cope with a case where an ink cartridge having a different ink capacity is replaced, the count value of the ink by the second ink remaining amount detecting means is set to a predetermined value corresponding to the ink cartridge capacity. An offset is provided. By executing such an offset operation, the remaining ink amount that can be used in the ink cartridge can be managed in accordance with the ink capacity of the cartridge. Therefore, regardless of the size of the ink capacity of the cartridge, the remaining capacity of the ink can be maximized without leaving the ink in the cartridge empty.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a recording apparatus main body to which the present invention is applied. In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes a carriage. The carriage 1 is provided with a guide member 4 via a timing belt 3 driven by a carriage motor 2.
And is reciprocally driven along the longitudinal direction of the paper feed member 5.

A recording head 6 is mounted on the surface of the carriage 1 facing the paper feed member 5, and a sub-tank unit 7 having a damper function is mounted on the upper surface of the carriage 1. A cartridge holder 8 is provided at a side end (right end in FIG. 1) of the recording apparatus. The cartridge holder 8 includes a black ink cartridge 9B for supplying black ink, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Each of the color ink cartridges 9C, 9M and 9Y for supplying ink is detachably mounted.

An ink supply tube 10 made of a flexible material is connected to the sub-tank unit 7 from the cartridge holder 8 in which each of the cartridges is mounted, and the ink from each cartridge is supplied to the sub-tank unit. 7 is provided. Then, the recording head 6 receiving the print command ejects ink droplets to a recording paper (not shown) conveyed on a paper feeding member, and prints.

In the non-printing area (right side in the figure) of the recording apparatus, a capping means 11 which can be raised when the carriage 1 moves to the relevant position and seals the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6 is arranged. ing. The capping means 11 receives ink droplets by idle discharge facing the recording head 6 with a certain gap during the flushing operation, and seals the nozzle forming surface of the recording head 6 during the idle period of the apparatus. It is designed to function as a lid. Further, at the time of the cleaning operation, the ink is forcibly discharged from the recording head 6 by receiving a negative pressure from a suction pump described later.

A wiping member 12, which is formed of an elastic material such as rubber in a strip shape, is disposed on the printing area side adjacent to the capping means 11, and is used when the carriage 1 reciprocates toward the capping means 11. The wiping operation is performed so as to enter the movement locus of the recording head and wipe the nozzle forming surface of the recording head as needed.

FIG. 2 shows an external configuration of a cartridge holder mounted on the above-described recording apparatus and an ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder. In the recording apparatus according to the embodiment, four types of ink cartridges are used as described above.
Shows the configuration of one of the cartridges as a representative. In the drawing, the ink cartridge is represented by reference numeral 9 as a representative.

First, the cartridge holder 8 is mainly composed of a pair of frames 22 each formed in an L-shape and arranged vertically in parallel with each other. 22a are formed. The upper frame 22 is integrally formed with a lock arm 22b having a U-shaped lock portion via a neck portion.

A tongue piece 23b is formed on the shutter 23, one of which is pivotally supported on a rotating shaft (indicated by a chain line 23a).
Is configured to be engaged with a U-shaped lock portion of the lock arm 22b and held in a closed state. Further, when the ink cartridge 9 is inserted in the direction of arrow A, which will be described in detail later, the lock arm 22b is moved to the position indicated by arrow B by the functional rib 31f formed on the cartridge case 31.
The shutter 23 is pushed in by the cartridge 9 to release the lock.
The shutter 23 is configured to be released against the urging force of a torsion spring (not shown) wound around 3a.

A movable lever 24 is disposed so as to face the upper frame 22. A microswitch (not shown) is disposed at the base end of the lever 24. The ink cartridge attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting that the ink cartridge is attached is formed by the movement of the lever 24 pushed out by the side surface of the ink cartridge. On a side plate (not shown), a movable lever constituting first ink remaining amount detecting means 25 is arranged. A micro switch (not shown) is provided at the base end of the movable lever. When the capacity of ink stored in the ink cartridge 9 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value (hereinafter also referred to as an ink low state), the micro switch is activated. It is configured to be turned on.

Further, a pair of guide shafts 26 are arranged on an end plate (not shown) so as to protrude into the holder, and a hollow ink lead-out needle 27 is provided at a substantially intermediate point of the guide shafts 26. Are arranged so as to protrude into the holder. At the entrance of the holder in the upper frame 22, a movable lever 28 for detecting discrimination information of the cartridge to be mounted is disposed so as to protrude into the holder. A microswitch (not shown) is provided.

The ink cartridge 9 is mounted on the cartridge holder 8 configured as described above in the direction of arrow A. As shown in an exploded view in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 9 includes a case main body 31 having an open surface,
It is composed of a lid 32 that covers the opening of the case main body 31, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The lid 3
As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of L-shaped projections 32a are formed on the case body 31. The L-shaped projections 32a engage with a pair of holes 31a formed in the case body 31, and The lid 32 is coupled to the case main body 31 by engaging the pair of claw portions 32b formed on the inner surface of the case main body 31 with the pair of concave portions 31b.

The ink pack 3 is made of a flexible material and has ink sealed therein.
3 is accommodated, and an ink outlet port 34 is attached to a part of the ink pack 33. The ink outlet 34 is formed with an annular groove 35 having a smaller diameter than the outer shape of the ink outlet 34 by one step.
5 is an engagement rib 31 formed in an arc shape on the case body 31.
It is configured to be positioned with respect to the case main body 31 by being fitted into c.

The lower surface of the ink pack 33 in which the ink is sealed, that is, the surface of the ink pack 33 on the case body 31 side is adhered and fixed to the case body 31 by an adhesive substance (not shown). Has been
A flat detection plate 36 is adhered and fixed to the upper surface of the ink pack 33 with a double-sided tape (not shown).
A detection projection 37 projecting in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the detection plate is integrally formed on a part of the detection plate 36, and the tip of the projection 37 has an ink amount in the ink pack 33. Is configured to be able to protrude while moving in the direction of the detection window 31d formed in the case main body 31 with the decrease in the height.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A concave portion 31e for identifying ink cartridges having different ink capacities is formed at the rear end portion as necessary. That is, for example, in a cartridge having a large ink capacity, the concave portion 31e is not formed, and in a cartridge having a small ink capacity, the concave portion 31e is formed as shown in the drawing. That is, a large-capacity cartridge and a small-capacity cartridge can be detected by changing the outer shape of a part of the cartridge case.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of functional ribs 31f are provided at the upper and lower ends of the ink cartridge 9 configured as described above on the ink outlet port 34 side.
When the lock arm 22b is released, the functional rib 31f abuts on a leaf spring (not shown) and performs a click function together with the release of the lock arm 22b. When the cartridge 9 is to be mounted on the holder 8, the pair of guide shafts 26 arranged on the holder 8 are fitted into the positioning holes 31 g formed on the front end surface of the cartridge 9. At the same time, the ink lead-out needle 27 on the holder 8 penetrates the ink lead-out port 34, so that the ink sealed in the ink pack can be led out to the recording device side.

As described above, when the ink cartridge 9 is mounted on the holder 8 side, the lever 28 for detecting the discrimination information of the cartridge detects the presence or absence of the concave portion 31e formed at the rear end of the cartridge 9. I do. In this case, in the case of a large-capacity cartridge, since the concave portion 31e does not exist as described above, the lever 28 is pushed up, and the microswitch arranged at the base end of the lever 28 is turned on. In the case of a small-capacity cartridge, since the concave portion 31e exists, the distal end of the lever 28 enters the concave portion 31e, and the microswitch disposed at the base end of the lever 28 is turned off.

When the consumption of the ink in the cartridge progresses in such a mounted state of the cartridge 9, the protrusion 37 of the detection plate 36 mounted in the cartridge 9 is formed.
Acts so as to push out the end of the movable lever constituting the first ink remaining amount detecting means 25. Therefore, the microswitch disposed at the base end of the movable lever is turned on, and it is detected that the mounted cartridge has reached the ink-low state.

Next, FIG. 4 shows an external configuration of another ink cartridge which can be used in the above-described recording apparatus. The entire ink cartridge 9 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. On the side surface of the cartridge 9, areas where marks M1 to M3 are provided as shown in FIG. 4 are set. For example, a black mark is appropriately printed on a white background of a material constituting an outer case of the cartridge. Performed by

The mark is not limited to printing, but may be formed by attaching a label. Then, using any of the marks M1 to M3 described above,
Whether the cartridge contains a large amount of ink,
Alternatively, it is possible to identify whether or not a small volume of ink is sealed.

In the cartridge 9 shown in FIG. 4 as well, the ink pack 33 is housed in the cartridge 9 similarly to the structure shown in FIG. An ink outlet 34 is formed to be connected to the arranged ink outlet needle 27. Then, the physical change of the ink pack 33 is
The first ink remaining amount detecting means 25 shown in FIG. 2 detects the ink low state and detects the low ink state.

FIG. 5 shows a part of the structure of a cartridge holder 8 in which the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 4 is mounted and the information of the marks M1 to M3 can be read. The mark reading means 41 provided in the cartridge holder 8 is arranged on the inner side surface of the holder 8 and is arranged corresponding to the area of each of the marks M1 to M3 in the ink cartridge 9 mounted on the holder 8. . Optical units 42 to 44 are arranged corresponding to the respective marks M1 to M3, and each unit has a light emitting element 42 for projecting light to a corresponding mark position.
a, 43a, and 44a are arranged, and light receiving elements 42b, 43b, and 44 receive reflected light from respective mark positions.
b is provided.

In the above configuration, when the ink cartridge is mounted, the optical reading means 41
Marks M1 to M3 applied to each cartridge
Is read, it is identified whether the ink capacity of the mounted cartridge is large or small, and the identification information is transmitted to the recording apparatus. In this embodiment, since three marks are provided, a total of eight types of identifications can be made by combining ink cartridges in addition to the size of the installed ink cartridge.

When the ink volume stored in the cartridge is
The identification information of the large-capacity type or the small-capacity type can be obtained without employing the above-mentioned means, for example, as shown by a broken line in FIG. Can also be read from the information stored in. As the storage element 45, for example, EEPRO
M is used, and a connection terminal 46 is arranged as shown in FIG. 4 in order to derive read information from the storage element 45 to the recording device side.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit mounted on the above-mentioned recording apparatus.
In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts, and the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 6 shows a suction pump 15 for suctioning the internal space of the capping means 11 to a negative pressure. The discharge side of the suction pump 15 is connected to a waste liquid tank 16 and is discharged by a cleaning operation or the like. The used ink waste liquid is configured to be absorbed and held by the waste liquid absorbing material 17 stored in the waste liquid tank 16.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 50 denotes a host computer. A printer driver 51 is mounted on the host computer 50, and a known paper size, monochrome / color image is input by an input device 52 on a utility of the printer driver. The user can select printing, select a recording mode, input data such as fonts, and print commands. Further, on the utility, an ink capacity of the ink cartridge mounted on the recording apparatus, for example, a data of a large capacity or a small capacity can be inputted.

A display 53 is connected to the host computer 50. As is well known, the input state of the input device 52 can be checked, and the status of the recording device, for example, The information such as the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge can be visually displayed.

On the other hand, the print control means 55 shown in FIG. 6 generates bitmap data based on the print data from the host computer 50, generates a drive signal by the head drive means 56 based on this data, and performs recording. The head 6 is configured to be able to eject ink droplets. The head driving means 56 has a flushing control means 5 in addition to the ink drop ejection action based on the print data.
In response to a command from the printer 7, the ink droplets are ejected in idle.

The flushing control means 57 is configured to execute flushing when the printing operation is continued for a certain period of time by counting the time of the print timer 58.
In this case, the carriage 1 is transferred to a flushing position, for example, a position where the capping means 11 is disposed. And
In order to prevent clogging of the nozzle opening and to eliminate clogging,
Control is performed so that a predetermined number of ink droplets are ejected from all the nozzle openings of the recording head 6.

The cleaning control means 59 receives a command from the host computer 50, for example, and
5 is activated when a control signal is received via the control unit 5 or when a cleaning switch 62 arranged on an operation panel of the recording apparatus is operated. Then, in a state where the recording head 6 is sealed by the capping unit 11, a control signal is output to the pump driving unit 60,
At the time set in the suction timer 61, the suction pump 15 is driven, whereby the operation of sucking and discharging ink from the nozzle openings of the recording head 6 is performed.

The consumption calculating means 63 constitutes a measuring means for measuring the ink consumption.
Reference numeral 3 has a function of counting the number of ink droplets ejected by a printing operation or a flushing operation, and multiplying this by the amount of ink per droplet stored in the coefficient setting means 64 to calculate the amount of consumed ink. ing. Further, at the stage when the suction command is output to the pump driving means 60 during the cleaning operation, the amount of ink discharged from the recording head 6 is also calculated.

The data relating to the ink consumption calculated by the ink consumption calculating means 63 is sent to an ink consumption counter 65 constituting the second ink remaining amount detecting means.
The ink consumption counter 65 manages the remaining ink amount of each installed ink cartridge. The ink consumption counter 65 communicates with the arithmetic control unit 66.
It is configured so that data can be exchanged in both directions.
The arithmetic control unit 66 is configured to be supplied with control signals from the first ink remaining amount detecting unit 67, the ink cartridge attachment / detachment detecting unit 68, and the ink capacity determining unit 69.

The first ink remaining amount detecting means 67 is provided as shown in FIG.
Corresponds to the ink remaining amount detecting means 25 including the movable lever and the microswitch shown in FIG. 7, which physically detects the outer shape of the ink pack housed in the ink cartridge and detects the ink-low state. Further, the ink cartridge attachment / detachment detecting means 68 corresponds to an ink cartridge attachment / detachment detecting means constituted by the movable lever 24 shown in FIG. 2 and a microswitch arranged at the base end thereof. When the ink cartridge attachment / detachment detecting means 68 uses an ink cartridge equipped with the readable storage element 45 shown in FIG. 4, the connection terminal 46 provided on the cartridge is connected to the recording apparatus. By electrically detecting the fact, the attachment / detachment detecting means 68 for verifying whether or not the cartridge is mounted can be configured.

Further, the ink capacity discriminating means 69 is provided in FIG.
The ink capacity of the installed cartridge is grasped by whether or not the identification concave portion 31e formed at the rear end of the ink cartridge is detected. You. Further, the ink capacity determining means 69 also corresponds to the optical reading means 41 of the marks M1 to M3 provided in the cartridge holder 8 shown in FIG.

Further, the ink capacity discriminating means 69 is provided in FIG.
In the case where an ink cartridge equipped with the readable storage element 45 described in (1) above is used, it may be constituted by reading means for reading the ink capacity information from the storage element 45. Furthermore, the ink capacity determination means 69 can be constructed so as to use the information on the ink capacity of the cartridge input by the input device 52 on the utility of the printer driver 51 mounted on the host computer 50.

Although the detailed function of the arithmetic control means 66 will be described later, data from the ink consumption counter 65 is supplied to the arithmetic control means 66, and the control means 66 outputs a control signal to the display means 72. It is configured to display various messages and the like.
Further, the ink consumption counter 6 is provided via the arithmetic control unit 66.
5 is supplied to the verification means 70. The verification unit 70 is configured to be supplied with threshold information from the threshold setting unit 71, and various messages and the like are displayed on the display unit 72 according to the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge, as described later. Is configured.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show a routine for managing the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge performed by the recording apparatus having the above-described configuration. The routines shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 show an example in which the remaining ink amount of one ink cartridge is recognized and managed. First, in step S11 in FIG.
The capacity of the mounted ink cartridge is determined. Here, the ink capacity of the large-capacity ink cartridge is 200 ml, and the ink capacity of the small-capacity ink cartridge is 100 ml.

As the ink cartridge capacity information, the information obtained by the ink capacity discriminating means 69 as described above, or the information on the ink capacity of the cartridge inputted to the host computer by the input device 52 can be used. The case where the latter is used will be described as an example. In step S11, the ink capacity of the mounted cartridge is 100 ml (Ye
If determined to be s), it is determined in step S12 whether or not the ink cartridge is mounted.
This is determined based on information from the ink cartridge attachment / detachment detecting means 68.

If the determination in step S12 is that the ink cartridge is not mounted (No),
It is determined that there is no ink cartridge as shown in step S13. In this case, a control signal is sent from the arithmetic control means 66 to the display means 72, and step S14 is executed.
"Ink Out" indicating that the ink cannot be supplied is displayed on the display means 72 as shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when it is detected by the ink cartridge attachment / detachment detecting means 68 that the ink cartridge has been removed, the operation is controlled by the arithmetic control means 66 so as to set an ink cartridge replacement flag, and "Ink Out" is determined in step S14. Is displayed, an operation for resetting the ink cartridge replacement flag is performed in step S15, and the process returns.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the ink cartridge is mounted (Yes), it is determined that there is an ink cartridge as shown in step S16. Then, the process proceeds to step S17, where it is determined whether or not there is ink in the ink cartridge. The determination in step S17 is made based on information from the first ink remaining amount detecting means 67 which physically detects the capacity of the ink pack. If there is ink (Yes), step S18
As shown in (5), the arithmetic control means 66 controls the display means 72 to display a message indicating "Ink exists".

Then, as shown in step S19, "I
nk is determined, the ink status is set to "0" as shown in step S20, and the operation for resetting the ink cartridge replacement flag is performed in step S15 as described above, and the process returns. In S17, there is no ink (N
If it is determined as o), it is determined in step S21 whether or not there is an in-low flag.

The ink low flag is used as the movable lever 25 shown in FIG.
Operate to set a flag when the microswitch is turned on. That is, since the ink low flag is for the first ink remaining amount detecting means to detect the physical displacement of the ink pack, when the ink capacity is reduced to a certain extent, so-called chattering occurs, and It is used to prevent the management of the remaining amount from being disabled.

If it is determined in step S21 that the in-low flag is present (Yes), that is, it is determined that the flag is set, the process proceeds to step S23. If it is determined that there is no ink low flag (No), the process proceeds to step S22, the ink low flag is set, and the ink consumption counter 65 is offset (rewritten) to the counter value AAA. . This allows
The amount of ink corresponding to the counter value AAA is theoretically secured, and a reference for determining that the ink has run out when the predetermined amount of ink is consumed is created.

Subsequently, in step S23, it is determined whether or not there is an ink cartridge replacement flag.
If it is determined that the exchange flag is present (Yes), in step S24, a process of adding an ink consumption counter to the offset value AAA and the value of BBB is executed, and the display means is displayed as shown in step S25. 72
Displays "Ink Out", and the recording apparatus determines "Ink Out" as shown in step S26. Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

The processes in steps S24 to S26 are executed in a state where the replacement flag is set, for example, by pulling out the ink cartridge once as described above. In other words, in the state where the replacement flag is set, for example, the worst situation in which the ink cartridge is replaced with another ink cartridge in the ink-low state and mounted may be considered.
In this case, the processing is performed as “Ink Out”, that is, the ink end state. In a state where the replacement flag is set, the remaining ink amount is detected by the second ink remaining amount detecting means, so that the remaining ink amount cannot be accurately detected. By performing such a process, problems such as air bubbles entering the ink flow path are avoided.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that there is no exchange flag (No), step S27
As shown in the figure, the value of the ink consumption counter is AAA + BBB.
Is determined. In this case, the data of the ink consumption counter is sent to the verification means 70, and the data is compared with the value of AAA + BBB set in the threshold value setting means 71. Here, when the value is less than the above value (in the case of No)
Is displayed on the display means 72 as shown in step S28.
“Ink Low” is displayed, and “Ink Low” is determined as shown in step S29. Then, as shown in step S30, the ink status is set to "2", and the processing in step S15 is executed.

As described above, the ink status is set to “2”.
When the cleaning operation is performed by the user, “Ink Out” is displayed on the display unit 72 according to the ink status value, and “Ink Out” is displayed.
In this case, the cartridge is emptied of ink. In step S27, the value of the ink consumption counter is equal to or larger than AAA + BBB (Ye).
s), "Ink Out" is displayed on the display means 72 as shown in step S31, and
As shown at 32, “Ink Out” is determined. Then, the process of step S15 described above is performed.

As described above, the routine shown in FIG. 7 is performed when it is determined that the attached ink cartridge has a capacity of 100 ml. Here, a processing routine performed when it is determined in step S11 that the attached ink cartridge does not have the capacity of 100 ml (No) will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Note that, even when the information on the ink capacity of the cartridge is not input by the input device 52 as described above, the processing based on FIGS. 8 and 9 is executed.

Steps S41, S42, S4 shown in FIG.
Steps S12 and S44 shown in FIG.
Processes similar to those in S13, S14, and S15 are performed. Steps S45, S46, S4 shown in FIG.
7, S48, and S49 also correspond to step S shown in FIG.
16, S17, S18, S19, and S20 are performed in the same manner. Then, step S5 shown in FIG.
At 0, it is determined whether or not the value of the ink consumption counter 65 is equal to or greater than CCC.

Here, the value of the ink consumption counter 65 is C
If it is determined that the amount of ink is less than CC (No), the first ink remaining amount detecting means already indicates an ink low state even though the ink consumption amount is small. It is determined that the ink capacity is 100 ml. In such a case, in step S51, the ink low flag is set, and the ink consumption counter 65 is offset (rewritten) to the counter value FFF + DDD. As a result, in a cartridge having a capacity of 100 ml, an ink amount corresponding to the counter value FFF + DDD is theoretically secured, and when a predetermined amount of ink is consumed thereafter, a criterion for deeming an ink end is created.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S50 that the value of the ink consumption counter 65 is equal to or more than CCC (Yes), it is verified in step S52 whether or not there is an ink low flag. Here, if it is determined that there is no ink low flag (No), step S53 is performed.
, The ink low flag is set and the ink consumption counter 65 is offset (rewritten) to the counter value DDD. By this, 200ml
In a cartridge having a capacity, an ink amount corresponding to the counter value DDD is theoretically secured, and when a predetermined amount of ink is consumed thereafter, a criterion to be regarded as an ink end is created.

Subsequently, steps S54, S55, S5
6 and S57 are executed, which are the same as steps S23, S24, S25 and S26 shown in FIG. In step S58, it is determined whether or not the value of the ink consumption counter has exceeded GGG + DDD. This is because the data of the ink consumption counter 65 is sent to the verification means 70, and the GGG +
A comparison is made with the value of DDD. Here, when the value is less than the above-mentioned value (in the case of No), "Ink Low" is displayed on the display means 72 as shown in step S59, and it is determined as "Ink Low" as shown in step S60. .

Further, in step S61, it is determined whether or not the value of the ink consumption counter exceeds HHH + DDD. Here, the value of the ink consumption counter is HH
If it is determined that it is H + DDD or more (Yes), the ink status is set to "2" as shown in step S62, and the processing in step S44 is executed. If it is determined in step S61 that the value of the ink consumption counter is less than HHH + DDD (No),
Further, in step S63, it is determined whether or not the value of the ink consumption counter exceeds JJJ + DDD. Here, the value of the ink consumption counter is JJJ + DDD.
If it is determined that this is the case (Yes), step S64
, The ink status is set to "1", and the process of step S44 is executed.

By setting the ink status to “1”, when a cleaning operation is performed by the user, control is performed such that the amount of ink suction from the recording head is reduced according to the ink status value. This allows
It tries to avoid emptying the ink in the cartridge. As described above, the 200 ml capacity cartridge is the first in comparison to the 100 ml capacity cartridge.
The amount of ink that can be used after the detection by the ink remaining amount detecting means is large. Therefore, the number of times of verification processing with the value set in the threshold setting unit after detecting the incrow is large.

On the other hand, in step S58, the value of the ink consumption counter exceeds GGG + DDD (Y
es), if it is determined that step S71 shown in FIG.
Then, it is determined whether or not the regular flushing is performed. If it is determined that the flushing is not the regular flushing (No), the display means 72 is displayed as shown in step S72.
"Ink Out" is displayed at step S7.
As shown in FIG. 3, "InkOut" is determined. Then, the process of step S44 shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

If it is determined in step S71 that the flushing is the regular flushing (Yes), the process proceeds to step S7.
4, the value of the ink consumption counter is EEE + DDD
Is determined. If it is determined in this step that the value of the ink consumption counter is equal to or more than the above value (Yes), the processing in and after step S72 is executed.

If it is determined in step S74 that the value of the ink consumption counter is less than the above value (No), as shown in step S75, "Ink Lo"
w ”and the display unit 7 as shown in step S76.
2 displays “Ink Low”. Then, the ink status is set to "2" as shown in step S77, and the processing in step S44 shown in FIG. 8 is executed. Thus, depending on whether or not the regular flushing is performed, the second
By changing the threshold value of the ink consumption counter of the ink remaining amount detecting means, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem that the printing operation stops due to an ink end during printing of a page.

[0078]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention, the physical displacement accompanying the consumption of the ink stored in the ink cartridge is detected, and the ink remaining in the ink cartridge is detected. Since the first ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting the ink amount and the second ink remaining amount detecting means for counting the consumed ink amount and detecting the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge are used together, the ink cartridge Even when an operation mode in which the cartridge is replaced and used is implemented, the problem of emptying the ink in the cartridge and leaving bubbles in the ink flow path can be avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a recording apparatus main body to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a cartridge holder mounted on the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and an ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ink cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing an external configuration of another ink cartridge that can be used in the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a part of a cartridge holder in which the cartridge illustrated in FIG. 4 is mounted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit mounted on the recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing routine such as ink end detection performed by a control circuit shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing routine following the routine shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing routine following the routine shown in FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 carriage 5 paper feed member 6 recording head 7 sub tank unit 8 cartridge holder 9 ink cartridge 10 ink supply tube 11 capping means 12 wiping member 24 movable lever (ink cartridge attachment / detachment detection means) 25 movable lever (first ink remaining amount detection means) 28 Movable lever (ink capacity determining means) 31e Recess (ink capacity determining means) 33 Ink pack 34 Ink outlet 41 Mark reading means (ink capacity determining means) 45 Storage element 46 Connection terminal 50 Host computer 51 Printer driver 52 Input device 53 Display 63 Ink consumption calculating means 64 Coefficient setting means 65 Ink consumption counter (second ink remaining amount detecting means) 66 Operation controlling means 67 First ink remaining amount detecting means 68 Ink cartridge Ledge attachment / detachment detection means 69 Ink capacity determination means 72 Display means

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: an ink jet recording head that discharges ink droplets in accordance with print data; and an ink cartridge that is exchangeably mounted to supply ink to the recording head. A first ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting a physical displacement accompanying consumption of the ink stored in the ink cartridge and detecting the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge, and counting a consumed ink amount. And a second ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting a physical displacement operates an electric switch when a predetermined displacement amount is reached with consumption of ink. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to 1. 3. When the electric switch of the first ink remaining amount detecting means operates, the ink end of the ink cartridge is detected based on the remaining amount detected by the second ink remaining amount detecting means. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording is performed. 4. The control according to claim 2, wherein when an electric switch in said first remaining ink amount detecting means is operated, a detection flag is set based on the operation of said switch. The ink-jet recording apparatus as described in the above. 5. An operation for offsetting an ink count value of said second ink remaining amount detecting means to a predetermined value when an electric switch of said first ink remaining amount detecting means is operated. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein 6. An ink-jet recording apparatus in which ink cartridges having different ink capacities are interchangeably mounted, wherein an electric switch provided in first ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting physical displacement. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when (2) operates, switching to the second ink remaining amount detecting means for counting the consumed ink amount is performed, and the ink end of the ink cartridge is detected.
The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4. 7. A cartridge replacement flag indicating the attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge is managed, and the flag indicates that the ink cartridge has been attached / detached, and when an electric switch in the first ink remaining amount detecting means operates. 7. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is controlled to set an ink end state irrespective of an ink count value of the second ink remaining amount detecting means. 8. When an electric switch of the first ink remaining amount detecting means operates, an operation of offsetting an ink count value by the second ink remaining amount detecting means to a predetermined value is performed. 7. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein 9. A printer according to claim 1, further comprising means for visually displaying the ink remaining amount based on the ink count value of said second ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge. An ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of the above. 10. After the electric switch of the first ink remaining amount detecting means operates or when the ink count value of the second ink remaining amount detecting means is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the ink low The ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising means for displaying the information of (1). 11. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the discrimination information of the ink cartridges having different ink capacities is obtained from an identification means provided in the ink cartridge.
0. The ink-jet recording apparatus according to any one of 0. 12. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the discrimination information is obtained from information read from a readable storage element mounted on the ink cartridge. 13. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the discrimination information is obtained by optical means for projecting detection light to a part of the ink cartridge. 14. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the discrimination information is obtained by means for judging an outer shape of at least a part of the ink cartridge. 15. The printer according to claim 6, wherein information for determining ink cartridges having different ink capacities is obtained from information set on a utility of a printer driver mounted on a host computer which controls a recording apparatus. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 14. 16. When the ink cartridge determination information is not set on a utility of a printer driver mounted on a host computer, the detection information of the first ink remaining amount detecting means and the second ink remaining amount detection means are provided.
16. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the ink capacity of the ink cartridge is determined based on the information of the ink count value of the ink remaining amount detecting means.