JP2004358734A - Image forming apparatus, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which safety of the apparatus and convenience of a user are secured when a user performs loading/unloading operation of a cartridge when the apparatus is in failed state or abnormal state. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus performs printing by supplying ink from a removable ink cartridge to a subtank mounted on a print head and performing main scanning of the print head and subscanning of a recording medium. Ink filling operation of the subtank is stopped automatically even if the ink cartridge is attached when continuous operation is impossible, restart of the apparatus is required after some restoration processing and the ink cartridge is drawn out. Furthermore, ink filling operation of the subtank is stopped automatically even if the ink cartridge is attached when the apparatus is in abnormal state or in preparation for operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a program, and a recording medium, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus that supplies ink from a removable ink cartridge to a sub-tank mounted on a print head, in which the apparatus is malfunctioning, malfunctioning, or performing a preparation operation. In the case where the installation of the ink cartridge is detected at the time of (1).
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, ink jet printers that eject ink from nozzles of a recording head have become widespread as output devices of computers.
In this inkjet printer, paper is supported on a platen so as to face the recording head, and ink droplets are ejected from nozzles on the recording head at predetermined positions on the paper while moving the recording head in the horizontal direction (main scanning direction). When the main scanning is completed, a predetermined amount of paper is conveyed in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction), and the main scanning and the sub-scanning are alternately repeated to perform predetermined printing.
[0003]
As the speed of the inkjet recording apparatus is increased, not only individual users and private businesses in ordinary households but also offices are rapidly spreading.
The use of the office is characterized by a large number of print requests (paper size, image size, etc.) and the number of prints, compared with the use of an individual user, and accordingly, productivity and reliability are required.
[0004]
In particular, since there is a high demand for high-speed printing of a large amount, a technology capable of holding a large amount of ink is required together with a technology for increasing the printing speed. As one of the technologies for holding this large amount of ink, printing is possible by having a mechanism to supply ink from the ink cartridge to the subtank, having a detachable ink cartridge and a subtank mounted on the print head separately. A large amount of ink can be held without increasing the size of the carriage on which the head is mounted.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a printer having a mechanism for supplying ink from a removable ink cartridge to a sub-tank as described above, since the ink cartridge and the print head are located at different positions, even if the apparatus is in a failure state or an abnormal state, the ink cartridge is It is configured so that it can be attached and detached.
Further, in a conventional printer, when an ink cartridge is mounted, an operation of filling the sub tank with ink is automatically performed.
[0006]
In such a printer, when the ink cartridge is inserted, even if the printer is in a failure state, an abnormal state, or a preparation operation, the ink filling operation is automatically performed even when the printer is in a state where the ink cartridge is pulled out. In this case, the ink is wasted.
In addition, if the ink filling operation is automatically performed, the operator may be prevented from recovering from a failure or an abnormal state.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and when the image forming apparatus is in a failure state, an abnormal state, or during a preparation operation, when the operator performs a cartridge removal operation, the apparatus is operated. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a program, and a recording medium that ensure the safety of a computer and the convenience of an operator.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a first aspect of the present invention is to supply ink from a removable ink cartridge to a sub-tank mounted on a print head, to cause a main scan of the print head and a sub-scan of a recording medium. Means for detecting the attachment or detachment of the ink cartridge, and a state in which the operation cannot be continued and the apparatus needs to be restarted after performing some recovery measures (hereinafter, a failure state) Means for detecting that the sub-tank is not automatically filled even when the ink cartridge is mounted, when the apparatus is in a failure state and the ink cartridge is pulled out. It is characterized in that.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus which supplies ink from a removable ink cartridge to a sub-tank mounted on a print head, performs main scanning of the print head, and performs sub-scanning of the recording medium to perform printing. A means for detecting the attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge, and a state in which the operation cannot be continued and the apparatus can automatically become operable after performing some recovery measures (hereinafter, abnormal state) Means for detecting that the sub-tank is not automatically filled even when the ink cartridge is mounted when the apparatus is in an abnormal state and the ink cartridge is pulled out. It is characterized by the following.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, when the apparatus is in an abnormal state and the ink cartridge is removed, and when the ink cartridge is mounted, the abnormal state is set. It is characterized in that an operation of filling the sub-tank with ink is automatically performed upon release.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus which supplies ink from a removable ink cartridge to a sub-tank mounted on a print head, performs main scanning of the print head and sub-scans a recording medium to perform printing. , Means for detecting attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge, and means for detecting a state in which a printing operation is being prepared (hereinafter, a preparation state), wherein the apparatus is in a preparation state and the ink cartridge is removed. In the state, even if the ink cartridge is mounted, the sub-tank is not automatically filled with ink.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, when the apparatus is in the preparation state and the ink cartridge is pulled out, and when the ink cartridge is mounted, the preparation state is changed to the preparation state. It is characterized in that an operation of filling the sub-tank with ink is automatically performed upon release.
[0013]
A sixth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the functions of the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to the sixth aspect.
[0014]
With the above configuration, when the ink cartridge is mounted while the ink cartridge is in the pulled-out state, the following effects can be achieved.
(1) Since the ink filling operation is not automatically performed even if the ink cartridge is mounted while the apparatus is in failure, the safety of the apparatus can be maintained and unnecessary ink consumption can be eliminated.
(2) Even if an ink cartridge is mounted while the apparatus is in an abnormal state, the ink filling operation is not automatically performed, so that the operator does not hinder the recovery operation from the abnormal state such as a jam clearance operation, and wastes ink consumption. Can be eliminated.
Also, when an ink cartridge is installed, the ink filling operation is automatically performed as soon as the abnormal state is released, so the order of the operation to return from the abnormal state and the replacement operation of the ink cartridge is specified. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with good operability that does not require special operations.
[0015]
(4) Since the ink filling operation is not automatically performed even when the ink cartridge is mounted while the apparatus is in the ready state, even if the power is cut off immediately after the power is turned on or the ink cartridge is erroneously attached / removed, the ink is not charged. No waste.
In addition, when the ink cartridge is installed, the ink filling operation is automatically performed as soon as the ready state is released, so that the order of completion of the preparation of the apparatus and the replacement operation of the ink cartridge is not specified, and An image forming apparatus with good operability that does not require any special operation can be provided.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a printing mechanism of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the printing mechanism.
[0017]
Here, the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described as an ink jet recording apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration, and an image forming apparatus that performs printing by supplying ink from an ink cartridge to a sub tank is described. Applicable.
[0018]
The image forming apparatus includes a carriage 13 movable in the main scanning direction inside a main body 1 of the image forming apparatus, a recording head 14 including an inkjet head mounted on the carriage 13, an ink cartridge for supplying ink to the recording head 14, and the like. And a paper feed cassette (or a paper feed tray) in which a large number of recording media (sheets) 3 can be loaded from the front side under the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus. ) 4 can be freely inserted and removed.
[0019]
In the following description, “recording medium” means a medium on which dots are formed by a recording head, and typically includes printing paper, recording paper, cut paper, continuous paper, roll paper, and the like. However, the recording medium does not need to be paper, but may be formed of another material such as cloth, resin, ceramics, and a metal plate, and may be one that can receive ink ejected by the recording head.
[0020]
Further, the manual feed tray 5 for manually feeding the recording medium 3 can be opened, the recording medium 3 fed from the sheet feed cassette 4 or the manual feed tray 5 is taken in, and the printing mechanism unit 2 performs a required operation. After recording the image, the sheet is discharged to a sheet discharge tray 6 mounted on the rear side.
[0021]
The printing mechanism 2 holds a carriage 13 slidably in a main scanning direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2) by a main guide rod 11, which is a guide member laterally mounted on left and right side plates (not shown). Mounts a recording head 14 composed of inkjet heads for ejecting ink droplets of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (Bk) with the ink droplet ejecting direction downward, and the carriage 13 Each sub-tank 12 for supplying each color ink to the recording head 14 is mounted on the upper side.
[0022]
The sub-tank 12 corresponding to each color of ink is connected to an ink cartridge 15 that is mounted in a replaceable manner via an ink supply tube 16, and the ink of the corresponding color is supplied from the ink cartridge 15.
[0023]
The carriage 13 is slidably fitted on the main guide rod 11 on the rear side (downstream side in the sheet conveying direction). In order to move and scan the carriage 13 in the main scanning direction, a timing belt 20 is stretched between a driving pulley 18 and a driven pulley 19 that are driven to rotate by a main scanning motor 17. It is fixed to.
[0024]
Although the heads of the respective colors are used here as the recording heads 14, a single head having nozzles for ejecting ink droplets of the respective colors may be used.
The ink jet head used as the recording head 14 is a piezo type which presses ink through a vibration plate which forms a liquid chamber (ink flow path) wall by an electromechanical transducer such as a piezoelectric element, or a film made of a heating resistor. A bubble type in which bubbles are generated by boiling to pressurize the ink, or a static pressure in which the diaphragm is displaced by an electrostatic force between a diaphragm forming an ink flow path wall surface and an electrode opposed thereto to pressurize ink. Although an electric type or the like can be used, an electrostatic type ink jet head is used here.
[0025]
On the other hand, in order to convey the recording medium 3 set in the paper feed cassette 4 to a lower side of the recording head 14, a paper feed roller 21 and a friction pad 22 for separating and supplying the recording medium 3 from the paper feed cassette 4, A guide member 23 for guiding the recording medium 3, a conveying roller 24 for inverting and conveying the fed recording medium 3, a conveying roller 25 pressed against the peripheral surface of the conveying roller 24, and a recording medium 3 from the conveying roller 24. A tip roller 26 that defines the sending angle is provided. The transport roller 24 is driven to rotate by a sub-scanning motor 27 via a gear train.
[0026]
Further, an electrostatic transport belt (platen) 29 for guiding the recording medium 3 sent out from the transport rollers 24 to the lower side of the recording head 14 in accordance with the moving range of the carriage 13 in the main scanning direction is provided. The electrostatic transport belt 29 plays a role of adsorbing the recording medium 3 conveyed by being charged by the charger 30 and keeping the recording medium surface and the head surface parallel. Discharge rollers 33 for sending the recording medium 3 to the discharge tray 6 are disposed downstream of the electrostatic transport belt 29 in the sheet transport direction.
[0027]
A reliability maintenance / recovery mechanism (hereinafter, referred to as a subsystem) 37 for maintaining and recovering the reliability of the recording head 14 is disposed on the right end side in the moving direction of the carriage 13. The carriage 13 is moved to the subsystem 37 side during printing standby, and the recording head 14 is capped by capping means or the like.
[0028]
Figure 3 is a view of the image forming apparatus from the front, the carriage 13 is mounted two recording heads ₍₁₄ 1, 14 _2), further to the recording head 14 ₁ 2 nozzle rows (51, 52 ) and two nozzle rows (53, 54) is arranged in the recording head 14 _2, ink droplets from the nozzle row of the each is injected.
[0029]
When the carriage 13 is in the capping position as shown in FIG. 3, the recording head 14 ₁ Cap 55, the recording head 14 ₂ is covered with the suction combined cap 56, the head surface moisturizes, clogging of the ink in the nozzle row Is protected from happening.
The sheet detection sensor 57 is installed on the left side when viewed from the front of the carriage 13, has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and detects the presence or absence of a sheet from light reflection.
[0030]
FIG. 4 shows a case where the carriage 13 has moved from the capping position in the main scanning positive direction for the printing operation, and the ink ejected from each nozzle row (51, 52, 53, 54) adheres to the recording medium. Then, an image is formed on the recording medium.
At this carriage position, the paper detection sensor 57 detects the presence of a recording medium.
When the carriage 13 moves from the capping position, the suction cap 56 and the cap 55 are lowered from the capping position, and the carriage is free to move.
[0031]
FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the printing mechanism unit 2 of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 5, the CPU 500 controls each unit of the printing mechanism unit 2 by giving a command. When a command is given to the sub-scanning motor operation command circuit 509 and the sheet feeding clutch driver 511, the sub-scanning motor 27 and the sheet feeding clutch 512 are driven via the sub-scanning motor driver 510, and the sheet feeding cassette 4 (see FIG. 2). The recording medium 3 is fed and transported.
[0032]
Further, when a command is given to the main scanning motor operation command circuit 506, the main scanning motor 17 is driven via the main scanning motor driver 507 to move the carriage 13 in the main scanning direction. At this time, the CPU 500 can know the position of the carriage 13 by reading the output signal of the main scanning encoder 513 via the main scanning motor operation command circuit 506.
Further, the CPU 500 drives the ink supply motor 545 via the ink supply motor driver 544 by giving a command to the ink supply motor operation command circuit 543, so that the sub tank 12 (see FIG. (See Reference).
[0033]
The operation unit 503 includes six LEDs 1 to 6 (161 to 166) and three keys 1 to 3 (167 to 169) as shown in FIG. It has a role of notifying and notifying the CPU 500 of a key input from the operator.
As shown in FIG. 7, the display of the LED indicates the state of the apparatus by a combination of lighting, turning off, and blinking states of one or more LEDs.
For example, when the black ink is in the near-end state, the LED 1 is turned on or blinking and the LED 3 is blinking. When the black ink is in the end state, the LED 1 is turned on or blinking and the LED 3 is turned on. In the case of the failure state, all the LEDs 1 to 6 blink to indicate the state.
[0034]
The nonvolatile memory 501 is a memory that can hold written data even when the power is turned off, and is configured by, for example, an SRAM or an E2PROM with a built-in battery.
The image memory 502 is a memory in which image data to be printed is stored, and is configured by, for example, an SDRAM.
The image data read from the image memory 502 is expanded from the compressed state by the expansion circuit 520, and the image mask circuit 521 determines a mask as to which nozzle row the ink droplet is to be ejected. The ink is sent to the recording head 14 via the circuit 522, and ejects ink droplets from a nozzle row that is not masked.
Here, the expansion circuits 520, the image mask circuits 521, and the I / F circuits 522 are prepared by the number of nozzle rows, and process data of each nozzle row in parallel.
[0035]
Also, an output signal of the main scanning encoder 513 is input to the I / F circuit 522, and image data is sent to the recording head in synchronization with the main scanning position of the carriage 13.
Further, the CPU 500 can mask an output image at an arbitrary timing by giving a command to the image mask circuit 521.
The CPU 500 can know the current date and time by reading data from the clock / calendar IC 540.
The CPU 500 communicates with a PC (personal computer) externally connected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) via a USB I / F (interface) circuit 530.
[0036]
The cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 is a circuit for judging attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge, and its output signal is inputted to the CPU 500.
Figure 8 is a diagram showing a mounted state of the ink cartridge, four ink cartridges _{(15 1,} 15 _2, 15 3, 15 _4), respectively, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink cartridges, it is attached FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state as viewed from the front of a main body 1 of the apparatus.
Switch (101, 102, 103, 104) in the state at switch to shut off / circulating current, the ink cartridge _{(15 1,} 15 _2, 15 3, 15 ₄₎ is attached to the main body 1, switch (101, 102, 103, and 104) are in a pressed state.
[0037]
Figure 9 is a state in which remove the black cartridge ₁₅₁ from the state of FIG. In this state, the switch 101 is open. The switches 102, 103, and 104 have the same circuit configuration. In this circuit configuration, the output signal indicating the depression / release state of the switch (101, 102, 103, 104) are each independently an ink cartridge _{(15 1} in FIG. 8, 15 _2, 15 3, 15 ₄ ) Can be independently detected.
[0038]
FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 for detecting the attachment / detachment of the cartridge. One end of the switch 101 is connected to Vcc via a resistor R1. Vcc is set to, for example, 5V or 3.3V. The other end of the switch 101 is connected to GND via a resistor R2 and serves as an output of a cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 via a driver element 110.
The output signal of the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 is obtained as a constant level voltage output of, for example, about 2.5 V when the switch 101 is pressed (closed), and when the switch 101 is open, a ground level voltage is output. Obtained as output.
The same applies to the other switches (102, 103, 104).
[0039]
FIG. 11 is another circuit diagram example of the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 for detecting the attachment / detachment of the cartridge. In this circuit, the switches (101, 102, 103, 104) are connected in series, one end of which is connected to Vcc via a resistor R1, the other end is connected to GND via a resistor R2, and a driver is connected. The signal is output from the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 via the element 110.
In the circuit configuration of FIG. 11, when all the switches (101, 102, 103, 104) are pressed (closed), the output signal of the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 has a constant level of, for example, about 2.5V. It is obtained as a voltage output, and when any one of the switches (101, 102, 103, 104) is open, it is obtained as a ground level voltage output.
[0040]
Thus, whether in the circuit configuration of FIG. 11, detachment state of the ink cartridge _{(15 1,} 15 _2, 15 3, 15 ₄₎ in FIG. 8, can not be detected independently, all is mounted, Only whether at least one of them has been removed can be detected.
[0041]
Returning to FIG. 5, the full tank detection circuit 542 detects whether or not the ink in the sub tank 12 is full, and the output signal is input to the CPU 500.
FIG. 12 shows a state where the ink in the sub-tank is full, as viewed from the front of the main body 1 of the apparatus. When the sub-tank 12 is filled with the ink 154 up to near full, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 151 of the full tank detection circuit 542 is absorbed by the ink color, and the reflected light enters the light receiving unit 152. Never.
Thus, the full tank detection circuit 542 detects that the tank is full.
[0042]
FIG. 13 shows a state in which the ink in the sub-tank 12 is not full, as viewed from the front of the main body 1 of the apparatus. When the sub-tank 12 is not filled with the ink 154 up to near full, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 151 of the full tank detection circuit 542 is transmitted through the transparent part 155 of the sub-tank 12 and then provided on the inner wall of the sub-tank 12. The light is reflected by the white portion 156 and is incident on the light receiving portion 152.
Thus, the full tank detection circuit 542 detects that the tank is not full.
[0043]
Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart for detecting the state of the remaining amount of ink and performing the ink near end and the ink end determination. In the following description, it is assumed that the remaining three states of the ink include the following three states.
[0044]
Normal state: A state in which the ink cartridge has a remaining amount of ink.
Ink near-end state: A state in which the ink in the ink cartridge is empty, but the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank is equal to or more than a certain amount, and printing can be performed.
Ink end state: The state where the ink in the ink cartridge is empty and the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank is less than a certain value, and printing cannot be performed.
[0045]
After the power of the apparatus is turned on, an ink supply operation from the ink cartridge 15 to the sub tank 12 is performed (step S101).
If a full state is detected (YES in step S102), the ink near end flag and the C1 counter are cleared to 0 (step S104), and the display of the ink end and the ink near end is not displayed (step S105). The ink supply operation is stopped (Step S108).
[0046]
On the other hand, if it is not full (NO in step S102), it is checked whether a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the ink supply operation. If not (NO in step S103), the ink supply is continued as it is. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S103), the ink near end flag is set to 1, the C2 counter is cleared to 0 (step S106), and the ink near end is displayed on the operation unit (step S107). The ink supply operation is stopped (Step S108).
[0047]
After the ink supply operation is stopped, the process enters a wait state for a scan (main scan) request. If there is a scan request (YES in step S109), the scan operation is performed (step S110).
After the end of the scanning operation, the ink near-end flag is checked. If the flag is 0 (that is, if the ink is not in the near-end state) (YES in step S111), the ink consumption ls consumed in the previous scanning operation is added to the C1 counter (step S111). S112). Here, ls is the amount of ink used given together with the scan start command from the PC when performing the scan.
[0048]
At this time, if the C1 counter does not exceed the predetermined amount Ln (NO in step S113), the process returns to step S109 and waits for the next scan request.
If Ln has been exceeded (YES in step S113), the process returns to step S101 and shifts to the ink supply operation.
Here, Ln is a predetermined threshold value at the time of starting the ink supply operation, and when the used amount of the used ink becomes equal to or more than Ln from the state where the sub tank is full, the ink supply operation is started. .
[0049]
If the check result of the ink near-end flag after the end of the scan operation is 1 (that is, the ink near-end state is reached) (NO in step S111), the amount of ink used ls consumed in the previous scan operation is added to the C2 counter. (Step S114). At this time, if the C2 counter does not exceed the predetermined amount Le (NO in step S115), the process returns to step S109 and waits for the next scan request.
Here, Le is a predetermined threshold value for determining the ink end, and when the used amount of the ink used after the ink near-end state transition exceeds this Le, it is determined that the ink is out.
[0050]
On the other hand, if it has exceeded Le (YES in step S115), it is displayed that the ink has run out using the LED of the operation unit (step S116). When monitoring is started and the cartridge is once removed (step S117) and then reinserted (step S118), it is determined that the cartridge has been replaced, and the process returns to step S101 to start the ink supply operation. I do.
[0051]
When the user gives a print instruction from a personal computer (PC), the image forming apparatus configured as described above operates as follows (see FIG. 15).
First, the user specifies the size and type of paper to be printed and the quality of an image to be printed, if necessary.
Next, when a print instruction is given to the user, a job start instruction is first sent from the PC to the image forming apparatus. The job start command includes information such as the total number of printed pages included in the job.
Next, a start command for page 1 is sent. The page start command includes information such as the paper size and paper type of the page to be printed.
Subsequently, a command to start the first scan of page 1 and print data are sent. The scan start command includes information such as the amount of ink consumed for each color printed as a result of the scan.
Subsequently, when the second scan of page 1 and all the scans of page 1 are completed, the start command of page 2, then the first scan of page 2,... After the transmission, a job end is notified, and a series of print commands is completed.
[0052]
Next, a description will be given of a measure to be taken when the ink cartridge is removed when the image forming apparatus is in a failure state, an abnormal state, or a ready state, and then the ink cartridge is mounted.
[0053]
(1) When the device is in a failure state FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process when detecting a failure in the device.
The driving of the main scanning motor 17 is started (step S201), and at this time, the time counter t is reset to 0 (step S202).
Thereafter, until the main scanning encoder 513 receives an input (step S203), the time t counter continues to be counted (step S204). When the time counter t exceeds a predetermined time T (step S205), the time t counter is originally entered. Since there is no input from the main scanning encoder to be performed, it is determined that the apparatus has failed, the motor is stopped, and the occurrence of the failure is displayed by blinking the LEDs 1 to 6 of the operation unit 503, and the process is terminated (step S206). At this time, the failure state is stored in the nonvolatile memory 501.
[0054]
On the other hand, if there is a main scanning encoder input before the time counter t exceeds the predetermined time T, the time counter t is reset to 0, the failure state of the nonvolatile memory 501 is cleared, and the main scanning encoder input is performed again. Until there is, the time counter t is counted again. In this way, until the driving of the motor is completed (step S207), if the time counter t does not exceed the predetermined time T, it is determined that the device has normally terminated without any trouble, and the motor is stopped. (Step S208).
[0055]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the ink cartridge is removed / inserted in the fault state detected as described above.
The apparatus determines from the cartridge detachment detection circuit 541 that an ink cartridge has been inserted from the ink cartridge detached state (steps S301 and S302).
At this time, it is determined whether or not the device is in a failure state (step S303).
This determination is made based on whether the malfunctioning state of the device stored in the non-volatile memory 501 is ON or OFF.
[0056]
If the apparatus is not in a failure state (NO in step S303), an ink supply operation is performed and the corresponding sub tank is filled with ink from the mounted ink cartridge (step S304).
On the other hand, when the apparatus is in a failure state (YES in step S303), only the mounting of the ink cartridge is performed without performing the ink supply operation.
[0057]
(2) When the apparatus is in an abnormal state The following describes an abnormal state of the apparatus as an example when a jam occurs. FIG. 18 is a flowchart when a jam is detected as an abnormal state of the apparatus.
After the apparatus starts feeding paper (step S401), the counter c is reset to 0 (step S402).
Thereafter, until the registration sensor is turned ON (D in FIG. 2) (step S403), the counter c is kept counting (step S404), and when the counter c exceeds a predetermined count amount C (step S405), Since the ON of the registration sensor could not be detected, it is determined that the sheet was not conveyed correctly, the conveyance was stopped, and the occurrence of a jam was indicated by blinking the LEDs 1 and 2 of the operation unit 503, and the process was terminated (step S406). ). At this time, the fact that the jam has occurred and the state is abnormal is stored in the nonvolatile memory 501.
[0058]
On the other hand, if the registration sensor is turned on before the counter c exceeds the predetermined count amount C, the counter c is reset to 0, the abnormal state due to a jam in the nonvolatile memory 501 is cleared, and the registration sensor is re-started. Until is turned on, the counter c is counted again. As described above, if the counter c does not exceed the predetermined count amount C until the conveyance of the sheet is completed (step S407), it is determined that the apparatus has normally completed the operation without an abnormal state. Then, the conveyance of the sheet is stopped (step S408).
[0059]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the ink cartridge is removed / inserted in the abnormal (jam) state detected as described above.
The apparatus determines from the cartridge detachment detection circuit 541 that an ink cartridge has been inserted from the ink cartridge detached state (steps S501 and S502).
At this time, it is determined whether the apparatus is in an abnormal state (step S503).
This determination is made based on whether the abnormal state of the apparatus stored in the nonvolatile memory 501 is ON or OFF.
[0060]
If the apparatus is not in the abnormal state (NO in step S503), the corresponding sub tank is filled with ink from the installed ink cartridge by performing an ink supply operation (step S504).
On the other hand, when the apparatus is in the abnormal state (YES in step S503), only the mounting of the ink cartridge is performed without performing the ink supply operation.
[0061]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the abnormal state is released after the ink cartridge is removed / inserted in the abnormal state (jam) detected as shown in FIG. .
The apparatus determines that the ink cartridge has been inserted from the ink cartridge removal state by the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 (steps S601 and S602).
At this time, it is determined whether the abnormal state of the apparatus continues (step S603).
This determination is made based on whether the abnormal state of the apparatus stored in the nonvolatile memory 501 is ON or OFF. Since this abnormal state is constantly monitored, the contents of the nonvolatile memory 501 are updated when the abnormal state is released.
When the abnormal state of the apparatus is released (NO in step S603), the ink is supplied to the corresponding sub tank from the attached ink cartridge by performing the ink supply operation (step S604).
[0062]
(3) When the apparatus is in the preparation state The operation during the preparation of the apparatus will be described below by taking the example of driving the sub-scanning motor. The purpose of driving the sub-scanning motor as this preparatory operation is to discharge the staying paper that is not detected by the sensor on the transport path when the power is turned on, to the outside of the machine.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart when detecting that the sub-scanning motor is in the preparatory operation state.
The apparatus starts driving the sub-scanning motor by giving a command to the sub-scanning motor operation command circuit 509 (step S701).
The motor is driven by a predetermined amount (step S702).
At this time, the power is turned on, and the preparation state for driving the sub-scanning motor is set to ON and stored in the nonvolatile memory 501.
Thereafter, when the sub-scanning motor is driven by the predetermined amount, the sub-scanning motor is stopped, the sub-scanning motor driving preparation state of the nonvolatile memory 501 is turned off, and the preparation operation for the sub-scanning motor ends (step S703).
[0063]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the ink cartridge is removed / inserted while the sub-scanning motor is being prepared as described above.
The apparatus determines that the ink cartridge has been inserted from the ink cartridge detachment state by the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 (steps S801 and S802).
At this time, it is determined whether the apparatus is in the preparation state (step S803).
This determination is made based on whether the device preparation state stored in the nonvolatile memory 501 is ON or OFF.
[0064]
If the apparatus is not in the preparation state (NO in step S803), an ink supply operation is performed to fill the corresponding sub-tank from the attached ink cartridge (step S804).
On the other hand, when the apparatus is in the preparation state (YES in step S803), only the mounting of the ink cartridge is performed without performing the ink supply operation.
[0065]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the preparation state is canceled after the ink cartridge is removed / inserted in the preparation state of the sub-scanning motor as described above.
The apparatus determines that an ink cartridge has been inserted from the ink cartridge detachment state by the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 (steps S901 and S902).
At this time, it is determined whether the preparation state of the apparatus is continued (step S903). This determination is made based on whether the device preparation state stored in the nonvolatile memory 501 is ON or OFF.
[0066]
When the ready state of the apparatus is canceled (NO in step S903), the ink is supplied and the corresponding sub-tank is filled with ink from the installed ink cartridge (step S904).
[0067]
The present invention is not limited to only the embodiments described above. It goes without saying that the objects of the present invention can be achieved by programming each function constituting the above-described embodiment, writing the program in a ROM recording medium in advance, and executing the loaded ROM program by a microprocessor. No.
In this case, the state read and executed from the recording medium implements the function of the above-described embodiment, and the program and the recording medium on which the program is recorded also constitute the present invention.
[0068]
Note that programs for realizing such functions include semiconductor media (for example, ROM, non-volatile memory, etc.), optical media (for example, DVD, MO, MD, CD, etc.), magnetic media (for example, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). , Etc.).
Alternatively, a program stored in a storage device may be directly supplied from a server computer via a communication network such as a network. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is also included in the recording medium of the present invention.
[0069]
When provided on such a recording medium, the program is read from the recording medium, installed in an internal storage device or an external storage device, and the installed program is executed by a microprocessor, whereby the functions of the above-described embodiment are performed. Is realized. Alternatively, the program recorded on the recording medium may be directly executed.
[0070]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention as described above, when the ink cartridge is in the state of being pulled out,
(1) Since the ink filling operation is not automatically performed even if the ink cartridge is mounted while the apparatus is in failure, the safety of the apparatus can be maintained and unnecessary ink consumption can be eliminated.
(2) Even if an ink cartridge is mounted while the apparatus is in an abnormal state, the ink filling operation is not automatically performed, so that the operator does not hinder the recovery operation from the abnormal state such as a jam clearance operation, and wastes ink consumption. Can be eliminated.
Also, when an ink cartridge is installed, the ink filling operation is automatically performed as soon as the abnormal state is released, so the order of the operation to return from the abnormal state and the replacement operation of the ink cartridge is specified. It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with good operability that does not require special operations.
[0072]
(4) Since the ink filling operation is not automatically performed even when the ink cartridge is mounted while the apparatus is in the ready state, even if the power is cut off immediately after the power is turned on or the ink cartridge is erroneously attached / removed, the ink is not charged. No waste.
In addition, when the ink cartridge is installed, the ink filling operation is automatically performed as soon as the ready state is released, so that the order of completion of the preparation of the apparatus and the replacement operation of the ink cartridge is not specified, and An image forming apparatus with good operability that does not require any special operation can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a printing mechanism of an image forming apparatus in which the present invention is implemented.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a printing mechanism.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the image forming apparatus in a capping state.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the image forming apparatus during a printing operation.
FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a printing mechanism of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a layout example of LEDs and keys of an operation unit.
FIG. 7 is an example of LED display specifications of the operation unit.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a mounted state of the ink cartridge.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where the ink cartridge is detached.
FIG. 10 is an example of a circuit diagram of a cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit capable of individually detecting attachment / detachment of a cartridge.
FIG. 11 is another circuit diagram example of a cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit capable of detecting attachment / detachment of the entire cartridge.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the ink in the sub tank is full.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state where the ink in the sub tank is not full.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for detecting an ink remaining amount state and performing an ink near end and an ink end determination.
FIG. 15 is a command / data flow sent from the PC to the image forming apparatus when printing is performed.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process when detecting a device failure.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an ink cartridge is removed / inserted when the apparatus is in a failure state.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart when a jam is detected as an abnormal state of the apparatus.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an ink cartridge is removed / inserted in a detected abnormal (jam) state.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the abnormal state is canceled after the ink cartridge is removed / inserted in the detected abnormal state (jam).
FIG. 21 is a flowchart when detecting that the sub-scanning motor is in a preparatory operation state.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an ink cartridge is removed / inserted while the sub-scanning motor is being prepared.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when the preparation state is canceled after the ink cartridge is removed / inserted in the preparation state of the sub-scanning motor.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Body, 2 ... Printing mechanism part, 3 ... Recording medium, 4 ... Paper feed cassette, 5 ... Manual feed tray, 6 ... Discharge tray, 11 ... Main guide rod, 12 ... Sub tank, 13 ... Carriage, 14, 14 ₁ .., 14 ₂ : recording head, 15: ink cartridge, 15 ₁ : black cartridge, 15 ₂ : cyan cartridge, 15 ₃ : magenta cartridge, 15 ₄ : yellow cartridge, 16: ink supply tube, 17: main scanning motor, 18 ... Drive pulley, 19: driven pulley, 20: timing belt, 21: paper feed roller, 22: friction pad, 23: guide member, 24: transport roller, 25: transport roller, 26: tip roller, 27: sub-scanning motor, 29: electrostatic transport belt, 30: charger, 33: discharge roller, 37: reliability maintenance / recovery mechanism (subsystem), 1, 52, 53, 54: nozzle row, 55: cap, 56: suction / cap, 57: paper detection sensor, 101, 102, 103, 104: switch, 110: driver element, 151: light emitting unit, 152: light receiving Section, 154 ... ink, 155 ... transparent section, 156 ... white section, 161-166 ... LED, 167-169 ... key, 500 ... CPU, 501 ... non-volatile memory, 502 ... image memory, 503 ... operation section, 506 ... Main scanning motor operation command circuit, 507: Main scanning motor driver, 509: Sub scanning motor operation circuit, 510: Sub scanning motor driver, 511: Paper feed clutch driver, 512: Paper feed clutch, 513: Main scan encoder, 520 ... Expansion circuit, 521 ... Image mask circuit, 522 ... I / F circuit, 530 ... USB I / F circuit, 540 ... time / Calendar IC, 541: cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit, 542: full tank detection circuit, 543: ink supply motor operation command circuit, 544: ink supply motor driver, 545: ink supply motor, D: registration sensor ON position, E ... The position where the registration sensor is OFF.

Claims (7)

In an image forming apparatus that supplies ink from a removable ink cartridge to a sub-tank mounted on a print head and performs printing by main-scanning the print head and sub-scanning the recording medium, the detachment of the ink cartridge is detected. Means for detecting that the apparatus is in a state where the operation cannot be continued and the apparatus needs to be restarted after performing some recovery action (hereinafter referred to as a failure state). An image forming apparatus, wherein when the ink cartridge is pulled out and the ink cartridge is mounted, the operation of filling the sub tank with ink is not automatically performed. In an image forming apparatus that supplies ink from a removable ink cartridge to a sub-tank mounted on a print head and performs printing by main-scanning the print head and sub-scanning the recording medium, the detachment of the ink cartridge is detected. Means for detecting that the apparatus is in a state where operation cannot be continued and the apparatus can be automatically operated after performing some recovery action (hereinafter referred to as an abnormal state). An image forming apparatus, wherein when the ink cartridge is in an abnormal state and the ink cartridge is removed, an operation of filling the sub tank with ink is not automatically performed even when the ink cartridge is mounted. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the apparatus is in an abnormal state and the ink cartridge is pulled out, and the ink cartridge is mounted, the sub tank is automatically replaced as soon as the abnormal state is released. An image forming apparatus for performing an ink filling operation. In an image forming apparatus that supplies ink from a removable ink cartridge to a sub-tank mounted on a print head and performs printing by main-scanning the print head and sub-scanning the recording medium, the detachment of the ink cartridge is detected. Means for detecting a state in which a printing operation is being prepared (hereinafter referred to as a "preparing state"). When the apparatus is in a ready state and the ink cartridge is in a pulled-out state, the ink cartridge is mounted. An image forming apparatus characterized in that an operation of filling the sub-tank with ink is not automatically performed. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the apparatus is in the preparation state and the ink cartridge is pulled out, and the ink cartridge is mounted, the sub tank is automatically transferred to the sub tank as soon as the preparation state is released. An image forming apparatus for performing an ink filling operation. A program for causing a computer to execute the functions of the image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 6 is recorded.

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