JP2005169673A - Inkjet recording apparatus, its controlling method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inkjet recording apparatus which surely executes protection of an inkjet recording head, and in addition, which can suppress a decrease in the number of printable sheets at the use time of a battery power source, and to provide its controlling method and a program. <P>SOLUTION: A battery residual quantity of a battery is detected. A power consumption necessary for carrying out the maintenance action of the inkjet recording head is acquired. The detected battery residual quantity and the acquired power consumption are compared with each other. Processing contents of the maintenance action are controlled based on the comparison result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus that controls driving of an ink jet recording head using a battery as a driving power source, a control method therefor, and a program.

  Among the ink jet recording apparatuses, there are portable small machines. In such a small machine, a rechargeable internal battery such as a battery is used as a power source for driving, and it can be used outdoors.

  Conventionally, various proposals have been made regarding control of an ink jet recording apparatus when a battery power source is used.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes to determine whether recording can be started based on the remaining battery level, and to prevent loss of recording data due to recording interruption due to power shortage.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus that accompanies the recording operation is made variable depending on the charging method of the battery and the battery capacity, the control not to drive a plurality of motors at the same time, and the case where the battery capacity is below a specified value Proposals have been made to control the recording head to be kept in the capping state.

Patent Document 3 proposes a control for preventing vehicle battery consumption with respect to the control of an in-vehicle inkjet recording apparatus. In this patent document 3, when the battery capacity becomes a specified value or less, the normal power-off operation of the ink jet recording apparatus is performed to prevent the car battery from being consumed and to protect the ink jet recording head. Proposals have been made.
JP-A-10-105295 JP-A-6-183103 JP 2002-166561 A

  However, normally, in the above-described prior art, it is possible to optimize the recording operation when the inkjet recording apparatus is driven by a battery power source and to ensure the capping state of the inkjet recording head, but the input recording data amount is a calculated value, When the power consumption is larger than the predicted value, the conventional technique performs a normal capping operation of the inkjet recording head or a normal power-off operation. Therefore, in the worst case, the operation for protecting the ink jet recording head to the capping state may not be completed.

  In addition, in order to avoid the above-mentioned state, a large amount of power required for various operations of the ink jet recording apparatus is estimated and predicted, or a threshold value for determining that the capacity of the battery power supply is low is set early, so that the battery power supply can be spared. It is necessary to carry out the protection sequence of the ink jet recording head in a state where the ink is held, and the number of printable prints intended by the user who uses the ink jet recording apparatus by battery driving outdoors will be reduced. .

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and reliably protects an ink jet recording head, and in addition, controls an ink jet recording apparatus capable of suppressing a reduction in the number of printable sheets when using a battery power source. The object is to provide a method and a program.

In order to achieve the above object, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
An ink jet recording apparatus that drives and controls an ink jet recording head using a battery as a power supply source,
Detecting means for detecting a remaining battery level of the battery;
Control means for controlling the processing content of the maintenance operation of the ink jet recording head based on the remaining battery level detected by the detecting means.

  Preferably, the control means executes a simplified maintenance operation in which the specified maintenance operation is simplified when the remaining battery level is less than the power consumption necessary for executing the specified maintenance operation.

  Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the maintenance operation of the inkjet recording head is necessary.

Preferably, the ink jet recording head further includes recording means for performing recording on a recording medium,
The determination by the determination means is performed at the end of recording by the recording means, during recording by the recording means, or at each time point of at least one time point when a recording execution command is input by the recording means, or any combination thereof. Execute.

  Preferably, the control means simply performs the prescribed maintenance operation based on the level of the remaining battery level when the remaining battery level is less than the power consumption required for executing the prescribed maintenance operation. Select and execute one of the simplified types of simplified maintenance operations.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes storage means for storing information indicating whether or not the simplified maintenance operation is performed.

  Preferably, the control unit executes a maintenance operation that is stronger than the maintenance strength of the prescribed maintenance operation when the power is turned on next time or when the next maintenance operation is requested, based on information stored in the storage unit. .

  Preferably, an external power supply can be used as a power supply source in addition to the battery.

  Preferably, when external power connection and battery connection are performed simultaneously, priority is given to power supply from the external power supply.

  Preferably, the external power source and the battery are connected at the same time. When the external power source is disconnected from the state where the power supply from the external power supply is prioritized, the battery is simultaneously supplied. Switch as a source.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A detection step of detecting a remaining battery level of the battery;
And a control step of controlling the processing content of the maintenance operation of the ink jet recording head based on the remaining battery level detected in the detection step.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
A program that realizes control of an ink jet recording apparatus that drives and controls an ink jet recording head using a battery as a power supply source,
A program code of a detection step for detecting a remaining battery level of the battery;
And a control process program code for controlling processing contents of the maintenance operation of the inkjet recording head based on the remaining battery level detected in the detection process.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an ink jet recording apparatus that can reliably protect an ink jet recording head, and in addition, can suppress a reduction in the number of printable sheets when using a battery power source, and a control method and program thereof.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  In this specification, “printing” (hereinafter, also referred to as “recording”) is not only for forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also for human beings regardless of significance. Regardless of whether or not it has been made obvious so that it can be perceived visually, it can also be used to form a wide range of images, patterns, patterns, etc. by applying liquid on the recording medium, or to process the medium. Shall.

  “Recording medium” refers to not only paper used in general recording apparatuses, but also materials that can accept ink ejected by a recording head, such as cloth, plastic film, metal plate, and the like. And

  Further, the term “ink” should be broadly interpreted in the same way as the definition of “printing”, and can be used for forming an image, a pattern, a pattern, etc., or processing the recording medium by being applied on the recording medium. Say liquid.

  Moreover, the same code | symbol shows the same or corresponding part through each drawing.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a partially broken ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the wiping portion of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

  1 and 2, an ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes a battery X as a driving power source for the ink jet recording apparatus 1, a drive motor M as a driving source, and an ink jet recording head 3 (hereinafter abbreviated as a recording head 3). And a transmission mechanism 4 that reciprocally moves the carriage 2 along the rail 4b by the endless belt 4a.

  In addition, a paper feed mechanism (paper feed mechanism) 5 that conveys (paper feed) the recording paper P that is a recording medium, a cap C that hermetically covers the ink discharge port surface of the recording head 3, and a pressure reduction that communicates with the cap C. A wiping operation in which ink is introduced from the ink tank 9 into the recording head 3 by the function, and the pump part B that removes bubbles, dust, etc. in the recording head 3 and the ink discharge port surface of the recording head 3 are in contact sliding (wiping). In order to perform this, a wiping unit 10 (FIG. 2) that slides (wipes) the ink discharge port surface is provided.

  A recording head 3 can be detachably mounted on the carriage 2. An ink tank 9 can be detachably attached to the recording head 3. Ink stored in the ink tank 9 is supplied to the recording head 3. In this case, the carriage 2 and the recording head 3 can achieve and maintain a required electrical connection by properly contacting the joint surfaces of both members. It is also possible to detect the presence or absence of the recording head 3 by detecting this electrical connection.

  In addition, a plurality of ink tanks 9 that respectively store a plurality of types of ink can be attached to and detached from the recording head 3 in order to realize color recording / monochrome recording. Examples of the ink type include color ink (Y (yellow), M (magenta) C (cyan)), and black ink (Bk (black)).

  The recording head 3 is an ink jet recording unit that uses an ink jet recording method in which ink is discharged using thermal energy, and includes an electrothermal transducer for generating thermal energy. The recording head 3 performs recording by ejecting ink from an ink ejection port using a pressure change caused by bubble growth and contraction caused by film boiling caused by thermal energy applied by an electrothermal transducer. .

  The ink jet recording method is not limited to the above-described thermal energy, but may be an ink jet recording method using a piezoelectric element.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 1 can use an external power source in addition to the battery X as a power supply source. In particular, when external power connection and battery connection are made simultaneously, priority is given to power supply from the external power supply. In the case where the external power supply connection and the battery connection are made simultaneously, the battery is switched as the power supply source at the same time as the external power source is disconnected from the state where the power supply from the external power supply is prioritized.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the recording head 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

  3A and 3B are diagrams showing a detailed configuration of the recording head according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the recording head 3 mounted on the carriage 2 has an ink discharge port surface facing the recording sheet P during recording by the resin molding portion 21, and a plurality of discharge ports are formed on the ink discharge port surface. A discharge port array 23 in which 24 are arranged is arranged.

  The discharge ports 24 are arranged side by side in a direction (sub-scanning direction) that intersects the moving direction (main scanning direction) of the carriage 2. The resin molding portion 21 is disposed on a wiring substrate 22 provided with contact pads (not shown) that serve as electrical contacts with the carriage 2. The vicinity of the ejection port array 23 is liquid-repellent and prevents ejection failure due to adhesion of unnecessary ink or dust.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, the discharge ports 24 are arranged on the ink discharge port surface 29 at a predetermined pitch. The ink is held in the common liquid chamber 26, flows into the flow path 27 from the common liquid chamber 26, and is discharged from the discharge port 24 by the energy generating element 25 provided on the wall surface of the flow path 27. In order to maintain the ink ejection stability, a heat retaining electrothermal transducer 28 is disposed in the common liquid chamber 26 to keep the ink warm.

  The recording head 3 or the ink tank 9 can be attached or replaced when the front cover of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is opened or a replacement key (not shown) disposed on the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is pressed. In this case, the carriage 2 is moved to the center of the ink jet recording apparatus or the apparatus opening.

  In addition, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a storage unit that holds power consumption required for its own various operations as a specified value, a calculation unit that calculates power consumption, a detection unit that detects a remaining battery level, and a remaining battery level and inkjet recording. A determination unit that compares and determines the power required for the operation of the apparatus 1, a determination unit that determines an operation suitable for various situations of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, and a storage unit that stores the type of the previous protection sequence of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. This is realized on a control circuit F (FIG. 1) equipped with a so-called CPU (or CPU), IC, and memory.

  The display unit D (FIG. 1) for displaying various states of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 such as a state in which the recording head 3 and the ink tank 9 are not mounted may be a liquid crystal display device or a light emitting element such as an LED. Further, an operation panel such as an exchange key for exchanging the recording head 3 or the ink tank 9 or an operation key for executing a maintenance operation may be provided in the display unit D.

  In the present embodiment, this maintenance operation indicates a recovery operation for recovering the state of the recording head 3 to a state suitable for recording, among the components of the ink jet recording apparatus 1. Includes a recovery operation for the paper feed / discharge mechanism, a recovery operation for the drive mechanism of the recording head 3, and the like.

  Further, the maintenance operation for the recording head 3 includes, for example, an ink suction recovery operation, a wiping operation, an ink preliminary ejection operation, and the like, and these operations also function as operations for cleaning the recording head 3. Sometimes called a cleaning operation.

  In such an ink jet recording apparatus 1, the recording paper P is fed by the paper supply roller 6 of the paper supply mechanism 5, and predetermined recording is performed on the recording paper P by the recording head 3 on the platen 7.

  In addition, the maintenance operation of the recording head 3 is performed when the recording head 3 is installed, the ink tank 9 is installed, the ink tank 9 is replaced, and after a specified time has passed in the non-recording state, and the specified number of ink dots is ejected. After that, when the user makes a key operation or requests for maintenance from a printer driver on a host device (for example, a personal computer connected to the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to generate and output a recording signal to the inkjet recording apparatus) Etc. are executed.

  In such a case, as the maintenance operation, first, the recording head 3 is sealed by the cap C, and the pressure is reduced by driving the pump unit B, and ink introduction, ink filling, bubble removal, and dust removal in the recording head 3 are performed. Ink suction recovery operation for performing the above is performed.

  Further, after the ink suction recovery operation is performed, as the wiping operation, the wiping unit 10 moves in the T direction, so that the ink, dust, etc. remaining on the ink discharge port of the recording head 3 are brought into contact sliding. Removed. Thereafter, preliminary ink ejection is performed, ink other than the predetermined color is removed from the ink liquid chamber (common liquid chamber 26) of each recording head 3 by the ink suction recovery operation and the wiping operation, and the maintenance operation is completed.

  The maintenance operation is performed when the user intends to print and turns on the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 or when a recording signal is received, or when the specified number of ink dots discharged exceeds the specified time. To be implemented. In addition, the above-described maintenance operation is performed according to necessity when the ink tank 9 is replaced, the recording head 3 is replaced, or the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is not used for a long period of time. The maintenance operation is performed with variable.

  The unused time of the recording head 3 can be managed by counting the time with a timer realized by a CPU or the like disposed on the control circuit F when the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is powered on. In particular, when time management is performed regardless of whether the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is turned on or off, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 has an internal battery for time management or can receive time information from a host device that inputs a recording signal. The unused time is calculated by comparing the last use time (final suction time) and the input time. These methods may be used in combination.

  Further, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 executes a strong maintenance operation when two or more maintenance requests having different intensities are duplicated, and performs control to clear the maintenance request state at that time. This prevents unnecessary maintenance from being duplicated.

  Next, an operation after paper discharge of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 will be described.

  The inkjet recording apparatus 1 continues preliminary ink ejection for a predetermined waiting time so that the next recording signal can be input immediately after the end of recording (paper discharge) during recording standby so that the recording operation can be immediately started. ing. After a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the wiping operation is performed, and after the preliminary ejection for wiping is performed, the recording head 3 is covered with the cap C (capping operation). In this case, unlike the case of the ink suction recovery operation, the cap C is opened to the atmosphere except for the joint portion with the recording head 3 in order not to change the pressure on the recording head 3.

  The above is a series of operations of a general ink jet recording apparatus.

  Next, the main configuration of the control circuit F will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a main configuration of the control circuit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 38 denotes a CPU that controls various components of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. Reference numeral 31 denotes an I / F which is connected to an external device such as the host device 10 and transmits / receives various data. As the form of this I / F, either a serial interface or a parallel interface can be used. For example, a serial interface includes a USB interface. A parallel interface includes a Centronics interface.

  Reference numeral 35 denotes a RAM. A plurality of dedicated storage areas are secured in the RAM 35. In particular, in the present embodiment, a reception buffer 32, a work buffer 33, a print buffer 34, a specified value table 413, and a calculation value buffer 414 are secured. The reception buffer 32 temporarily stores print data (print control information, image data, etc.) received from the host device 10. The work buffer 33 functions as a work area for processing executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1. The print buffer 34 stores print image data that is actually used for printing.

  Further, the prescribed value table 413 manages power consumption necessary for executing each maintenance operation when performing a plurality of types of maintenance operations described later. In addition to the power consumption, the specified value table 413 includes various specified values (specified ink ejection number (preliminary discharge amount), specified standby time, etc.) relating to processing executed in the flowchart described below. I manage.

  The calculated value buffer 414 stores a power consumption value (calculated value) necessary for executing a predetermined maintenance operation calculated by the CPU 38. This calculated value is calculated by the CPU 38 based on, for example, power consumption defined in advance for each type of processing executed in the maintenance operation.

  A motor driver 36 drives various motors such as a drive motor M for driving the recording head 3 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 and a motor for conveying the recording paper P under the control of the CPU 38. A recording head driver 37 drives the recording head 3 under the control of the CPU 38.

  Reference numeral 39 denotes a DMA, which executes data transfer between a plurality of dedicated storage areas on the RAM 35. Reference numeral 310 denotes a ROM that stores programs for executing various controls executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1 and programs for executing various flowcharts described below.

  Reference numeral 311 denotes an EEPROM that stores data such as various parameters necessary for processing executed by the inkjet recording apparatus 1. Further, instead of the EEPROM 311, another memory capable of temporarily storing data, such as DRAM and SRAM, may be used according to the purpose and purpose.

  Reference numeral 312 denotes a detection unit which detects various states of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 and is a battery remaining amount detection unit for the remaining amount (capacity) of the battery X. In addition to this, for example, the recording head 3 A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the recording paper P, a paper detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the recording paper P, a head detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the recording head 3, and the like.

  Reference numeral 313 denotes a timer, which measures time for executing various processes. In the present embodiment, the timer 313 is described with an independent configuration as shown in FIG. 4, but it may be provided individually, for example, configured to measure time by the CPU 38, You may comprise so that the function of timekeeping may be given to another structure.

  The count value is stored in, for example, the EEPROM 311. Thereby, the CPU 38 can acquire various times such as processing time in various processes by reading the count value stored in the EEPROM 311.

  The host device 10 generates a recording signal for enabling recording control in the control circuit F, and controls output of the recording signal to the inkjet recording device 1. The generation and output control of the recording signal is realized by, for example, a dedicated program such as a printer driver corresponding to the ink jet recording apparatus 1 mounted on the host device 10, and is dedicated for realizing processing executed by the dedicated program. It may be realized by hardware.

  The host device 10 is a standard component (for example, CPU, RAM, ROM, hard disk, external storage device, etc.) mounted on a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer (including various types such as a notebook computer and a desktop computer). Network interface, display, keyboard, mouse, etc.).

  In addition to the personal computer, the host device 10 may be a mobile terminal such as a digital camera, a mobile phone, or a PDA.

  In the present embodiment, various maintenance operations are controlled based on the remaining battery level of the battery X.

  Here, the maintenance operation indicates an operation for recovering the state of the recording head 3 to a state suitable for recording, such as an ink suction recovery operation, a wiping operation, and an ink preliminary ejection operation.

  Next, processing executed by the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the ink jet recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Each step in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is executed under the control of the CPU 38 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

  First, in step S401, the remaining battery level of the battery X is detected at the end of printing (after paper discharge). This detection is realized by detecting the voltage of the battery X, and is executed by the detection unit 312 on the control circuit F. The detection value by the detection unit 312 is processed by an A / D converter or the like and transmitted to the CPU 38 on the control circuit F.

  In step S402, the maintenance status required for the recording head 3 after paper discharge is determined.

  Note that the maintenance operation of the recording head 3 after paper discharge varies depending on various use conditions.

  For example, when printing is performed, bubbles are accumulated in the recording head 3 due to the ink ejection operation. When the maintenance operation of the recording head 3 is not performed for the bubbles and the printing operation and the ink discharging operation are continued, the common liquid chamber 26 or the flow path 27 (ink discharging nozzle) in the recording head 3 is finally obtained. ), The ink runs out, and normal ink ejection becomes impossible.

  In order to avoid such a situation, in ink jet recording, there is an ink discharge number of a certain specified value, and when the actual ink discharge number exceeds the specified value, the ink suction recovery operation of the recording head 3 after paper discharge is performed. Execute.

  If the specified value is not exceeded, the recording head 3 maintains the standby state for a specified time while performing preliminary ink ejection in preparation for the next recording signal input.

  In the present embodiment, particularly, in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 having the battery X with a limited battery capacity, a configuration for realizing an appropriate maintenance operation according to the remaining battery capacity will be described.

  In realizing this configuration, in the present embodiment, first, roughly two types of maintenance operations are executed according to the maintenance situation. One is a normal (regular) maintenance operation, and the other is a simplified maintenance operation in which the processing content of the normal maintenance operation is simplified according to the remaining battery level.

  Therefore, when it is determined in step S402 that the maintenance operation is unnecessary (NO in step S402), the process waits until it is determined that the maintenance operation is necessary. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maintenance operation is necessary (YES in step S402), the process proceeds to step S403.

  Next, in step S403, the remaining battery level is compared with the power consumption of the maintenance operation to be performed. At this time, in accordance with the determination in step S402, for example, the required power consumption in the maintenance operation is read from the specified value table 413 stored in the RAM 35, or the calculated value of the required power consumption in the maintenance operation is read from the calculated value buffer 414. Read and compare the remaining battery power and power consumption. This calculated value is calculated by the CPU 38, for example.

  As a result of the comparison, when the remaining battery level is equal to or higher than the power consumption necessary for executing the desired maintenance operation (YES in step S403), the process proceeds to step S411, and the normal maintenance operation is executed.

  Here, details of a normal maintenance operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

  6A and 6B are flowcharts showing details of a normal maintenance operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in step S802, a Bk suction operation is executed. Thereafter, in step S803, a wiping operation is performed in which the ink discharge port surface 29 of the recording head 3 is slid and wiped. This is to prevent waste ink remaining on the ink discharge port surface 29 from dripping onto the suction mechanism or the platen 7 due to ink suction and contaminating the periphery.

  Next, in step S804, an idle suction operation is executed.

  Here, the idle suction operation is an operation in which waste ink in the cap C is removed and moved to a waste ink reservoir in a state where suction pressure (decompression degree) is not applied so as not to suck ink from the recording head 3. The waste ink in the cap C is prevented from being retransferred to the recording head 3 and contaminated at the next capping. The idle suction operation is to initialize the space volume in the cap C, and has the purpose of not affecting the degree of decompression at the next suction.

  Next, in step S805, a color suction operation is performed. This color suction operation is performed when suction is required for both the Bk ink discharge nozzle and the color (C, M, Y) ink discharge nozzle. Further, the suction operation for the ink discharge nozzles determined to be unnecessary after the paper discharge is skipped.

  In addition, the suction intensity in step S802 and step S805 is variable, and maintenance is performed at a strength suitable for the situation other than after paper discharge. That is, a strong maintenance operation is performed in accordance with the processing performed when the above-described normal maintenance operation execution requests are duplicated.

  Next, in step S806, a preliminary discharge operation is executed. This preliminary discharge operation is a color mixture prevention preliminary discharge operation for preventing mixed color inks mixed with each color after being sucked by the color ink discharge nozzle from being drawn into the ink discharge nozzle and printing a color different from a desired color. It is. Particularly, the reason why the preliminary ejection operation is performed immediately after the suction of the color ink ejection nozzle is that the occurrence of color mixing is significant in the color ink ejection nozzle. At this time, the Bk ink discharge nozzle also performs preliminary discharge for the same reason.

  Thereafter, in step S807, a wiping operation is executed. This has the same meaning as in step S803.

  Next, in step 808, a color preliminary ejection operation is executed. This color preliminary ejection operation is for discharging the mixed color ink that has entered the ink ejection nozzle in the wiping operation in step S807. In particular, the reason why this color preliminary ejection operation is executed immediately after the wiping operation in step S807 is that color mixing at the color ink ejection nozzles is remarkable.

  Next, in step S809, an idle suction operation is executed. This idle suction operation is for moving the waste ink staying in the cap C to the waste ink reservoir by the preliminary ejection operations in Steps S806 and 808, and the intention is the same as the idle suction operation in Step S804. is there.

  Next, in step S810, a preliminary discharge operation of the Bk ink discharge nozzle is executed. The intended purpose of this preliminary ejection operation is the same as in step S808.

  Next, an empty suction operation is executed in step S811. The purpose of this idle suction operation is the same as in step S809.

  Note that the preliminary ejection amount in each preliminary ejection operation in steps S806, S808, and S810 is selected from the specified value table 413, and the number of ink ejections varies depending on the situation.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds from step S811 in FIG. 6A to step S902 in FIG. 6B.

  As a normal maintenance operation of the recording head 3 at the end of printing (after paper discharge), if it is determined in step S402 that the ink suction recovery operation is unnecessary, the processing in FIG. 6A is omitted, and FIG. Only the process 6B is executed.

  In step S902, standby for a predetermined time t seconds is executed. The predetermined time t is determined from a time during which the ink discharge nozzle can maintain normal ink discharge without preliminary discharge.

  Next, in step S903, a preliminary discharge operation is executed. This preliminary discharge operation is intended to discharge ink that has dried and increased in viscosity on the surface of the ink discharge nozzle and maintain the ink discharge performance, and is usually compared with the preliminary discharge operation after the ink suction recovery operation. The number of ink ejections is small.

  Next, in step S904, it is determined whether or not the specified standby time T has been exceeded. If the specified standby time T has not been exceeded (NO in step S904), the processing in step S902 and step S903 is repeated until it exceeds.

  On the other hand, if the specified standby time T is exceeded (YES in step S904), the process proceeds to step S905.

  Note that this specified waiting time T is intended to immediately start the recording operation when the recording signal is next input, and the cap open operation is executed every time the recording signal is input, so that the convenience of the user is not lowered. doing.

  In step S904, when the specified standby time T is exceeded, the operation (cap closing operation) shown in the following steps S905 to S908 is started. First, in step S905, a winding operation is executed, and the ink ejection nozzle surface is cleaned before the recording head 3 is protected by the capping operation.

  Next, in step S906, a preliminary discharge operation is executed. This preliminary discharge operation is intended to discharge mixed color ink that enters through the wiping operation from the recording head 3, and is performed for both the Bk ink discharge nozzle and the color ink discharge nozzle.

  Next, in step S907, an idle suction operation is executed. This empty suction operation is an operation for discharging the waste ink in the cap C and moving it to the waste ink reservoir before the cap closing operation.

  Next, a capping operation is executed in step S908. In this capping operation, the cap C and the surface on which the ink discharge nozzle surface of the recording head 3 is arranged are combined to protect the ink discharge nozzle of the recording head 3 and the face surface in the vicinity of the ink discharge nozzle, thereby suppressing ink evaporation, dust, etc. The purpose is to prevent intrusion.

  6A and 6B is a normal maintenance operation in step S411 when the remaining battery power exceeds the power consumption of the maintenance operation to be performed in step S403 in FIG. After the process of FIG. 6B is executed, the process of FIG. 5 is terminated.

  Returning to the description of FIG.

  Next, a description will be given of the case where the remaining battery level is lower than the maintenance power consumption to be performed in step S403. In this case, the process proceeds from step S403 to step S404.

  In step S404, the CPU 38 determines the remaining battery level. Here, level 1, level 2, and level 3 are determined as specified range values as the remaining battery level, and these values are stored in the RAM 35, for example. Note that the remaining battery level is set to a high level 1 and a low level 3.

  If it is determined in step S404 that the remaining battery level is in the range of level 1, the process proceeds to step S406, and the first simplified maintenance operation is performed in which the normal maintenance operation is simplified according to the level 1.

  Details of the first simplified maintenance operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the first simplified maintenance operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

  When the remaining battery level is in the range of level 1, the first simplified maintenance operation is started.

  The first simplified maintenance operation finally performs a cap closing operation as shown in FIG. 6B.

  First, in step S505, a wiping operation is performed, and the ink ejection nozzle surface is cleaned before the recording head 3 is protected by the capping operation. Next, in step S506, a preliminary ejection operation (small) in which the number of ink ejections is smaller than the normal preliminary ejection operation is executed. The purpose of this is to discharge mixed-color ink that enters through the wiping operation from the recording head 3 while suppressing power consumption.

  Next, in step S507, an idle suction operation is executed. This empty suction operation is an operation for discharging the waste ink in the cap C before the cap closing operation and moving it to the waste ink reservoir. Next, in step S508, a capping operation is executed. In this capping operation, the cap C and the surface on which the ink discharge nozzle surface of the recording head 3 is arranged are combined to protect the ink discharge nozzle of the recording head 3 and the face surface in the vicinity of the ink discharge nozzle, thereby suppressing ink evaporation, dust, etc. The purpose is to prevent intrusion.

  The processing in FIG. 7 is a sequence in which the processing from step S902 to step S904 in FIG. 6B is substantially omitted. Level 1 is a state in which the remaining battery level is relatively high in the low battery state in which the remaining battery level is lower than the predetermined remaining battery level.

  For this reason, the first simple maintenance operation performs the same control as the normal maintenance operation except that the number of ink ejections in the preliminary ejection operation is reduced, and maintains the priority of ensuring the reliability when the recording head 3 is left capped. On the other hand, the capping operation due to the shortage of the remaining battery power cannot be completed, and the recording head 3 is prevented from being left exposed.

  Returning to the description of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S404 that the remaining battery level is in the range of level 2, the process proceeds to step S405, and a second simplified maintenance operation is performed in which the normal maintenance operation is simplified according to the level 2.

  Here, details of the second simplified maintenance operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the second simplified maintenance operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

  When the remaining battery level is in the range of level 2, the second simplified maintenance operation is started.

  The second simplified maintenance operation is a further simplification of the cap closing operation, and executes the minimum maintenance operation of the recording head 3 while giving the highest priority to the capping operation of the recording head 3.

  First, in step S602, a preliminary ejection operation (small) in which the number of ink ejections is smaller than that of normal preliminary ejection is executed. This preliminary discharge operation (small) is intended to discharge ink in the ink discharge nozzles while suppressing power consumption and to refresh the ink discharge nozzles as much as possible.

  Next, in step S603, a capping operation is executed. This is because the cap C and the surface on which the ink ejection nozzle surface of the recording head 3 is arranged are combined to protect the ink ejection nozzle of the recording head 3 and the face surface in the vicinity of the ink ejection nozzle, to suppress ink evaporation, and to enter dust, etc. The purpose is prevention.

  In the processing of FIG. 8, level 2 is a state in which the remaining battery level is medium in the low battery state in which the remaining battery level is lower than the predetermined remaining battery level.

  For this reason, the second simplified maintenance operation is performed only for the minimum preliminary ejection operation, and the capping operation due to the shortage of the remaining battery power cannot be completed while considering the reliability of the recording head 3 when capping is left unattended. The top priority is to prevent 3 from being left exposed.

  Returning to the description of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S404 that the remaining battery level is in the range of level 3, the process proceeds to step S407, and a third simplified maintenance operation in which the normal maintenance operation is simplified according to the level 3 is executed.

  Here, details of the third simplified maintenance operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the third simplified maintenance operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

  When the remaining battery level is in the range of level 3, the third simplified maintenance operation is started.

  In the third simplified maintenance operation, only the capping operation is performed, and only the capping of the cap C of the recording head 3 is surely performed.

  That is, in this case, a capping operation is executed in step S702. This is because the cap C and the surface on which the ink ejection nozzle surface of the recording head 3 is arranged are combined to protect the ink ejection nozzle of the recording head 3 and the face surface in the vicinity of the ink ejection nozzle, to suppress ink evaporation, and to enter dust, etc. The purpose is prevention.

  In the process of FIG. 9, level 3 is a state in which the remaining battery level is the lowest in the low battery state in which the remaining battery level is lower than the predetermined remaining battery level.

  Therefore, in the third simplified maintenance operation, the maintenance operation before the capping operation of the recording head 3 is omitted, and the execution of only the capping operation is given the highest priority. As a result, it is possible to prevent the capping operation due to insufficient battery power from being completed and preventing the recording head 3 from being left exposed.

  Returning to the description of FIG.

  Next, after execution of step S406 or simultaneously with step S406, a first flag (Flag) indicating that the first simplified maintenance operation has been executed is set in the RAM 35 disposed on the control circuit F in step S415. Then, the process ends.

  Alternatively, after execution of step S405 or simultaneously with step S405, a second flag (Flag) indicating that the second simplified maintenance has been executed is set in the RAM 35 disposed on the control circuit F in step S416. Then, the process ends.

  Alternatively, after step S407 or simultaneously with step S407, a third flag (Flag) indicating that the third simplified maintenance has been executed is set in the RAM 35 disposed on the control circuit F in step S417. Then, the process ends.

  These flags are displayed when the power is turned on next time (this is a power supply from an external power supply or battery power supply (however, it is not a low battery, that is, there is a sufficient remaining ionization capacity to perform a normal maintenance operation)) In either case), the state in which the recording head 3 is in a worse state than the state in which the normal maintenance operation was executed is recovered by executing the simplified maintenance operation in the previous time (recovery maintenance operation is executed). Use for.

  Therefore, an example of the recovery maintenance operation after the simplified maintenance will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the recovery maintenance operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

  This recovery maintenance operation is performed when the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned on next time, and any one of the first to third simplified maintenance operations shown in FIG. 5 is executed, and the first to third maintenance operations are executed. Executed when any of the three flags is set. That is, for example, the CPU 38 refers to the state of the flag of the RAM 35 when the power is turned on, and executes a recovery maintenance operation based on the result.

  Note that the recovery maintenance operation may be performed when the power is turned on or when a recording signal is input after the power is turned on. In addition, in accordance with the processing when the maintenance request of the general inkjet recording apparatus described above is duplicated, if there is a maintenance request with a strength stronger than the recovery maintenance operation, the maintenance operation with a higher strength is executed. Cancel the recovery maintenance operation.

  The basic flow of the recovery maintenance operation process shown in FIG. 10 is the same as that in FIG. 8, and the characteristic part is the strength of the ink suction recovery operation and the preliminary discharge operation according to the set flag. This is a point that is multiplied by n.

  For example, when the first flag is set, the first simplified maintenance operation omits maintaining the standby state at the end of printing (after paper discharge), reduces the number of preliminary ejections, and suppresses power consumption. Yes. For this reason, there is a possibility that the ink discharge nozzles of the recording head 3 are not sufficiently refreshed. Therefore, in step S1002 and step S1005, n = 1 is set and the ink suction recovery operation is executed to restore the ink discharge performance.

  When the second flag is set, the recording head 3 is capped by executing only the preliminary ejection operation (small). Therefore, there is a high possibility that the waste ink remains on the ink ejection surface, and there is a possibility that the remaining waste ink is dried and fixed depending on the leaving period. Therefore, in steps S1002 and S1005, n = 2 is set, and a sufficient recovery maintenance operation (ink suction recovery operation) of the recording head 3 is executed.

  When the third flag is set, the recording head 3 has not received any operation related to the maintenance operation. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the situation is worse than that after the second simplified maintenance operation. Accordingly, in steps S1002 and S1005, the recovery maintenance operation of the recording head 3 with higher strength is executed with n = 3.

  FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the maintenance strength (ink suction recovery strength and preliminary discharge strength) and the flag (maintenance strength management table) defined during the recovery maintenance shown in FIG.

  The maintenance intensity management table is stored in the RAM 35, for example. Alternatively, it may be configured as a part of the specified value table 414.

  In the example of FIG. 11, when the first flag is set, the suction intensity is 1 time and the preliminary discharge intensity is 1 time. Further, when the second flag is set, the suction intensity is doubled and the preliminary discharge intensity is 1 times. Further, when the third flag is set, the suction strength is tripled and the preliminary ejection strength is doubled. This is because the priority is given to the cap closing of the recording head 3, so that the normal maintenance operation of the recording head 3 is omitted, and the ink ejection performance of the recording head 3 is recovered by the maintenance operation after the simplified maintenance operation. It is.

  Then, at the end of the process of FIG. 10, the set flag is released and the recovery maintenance operation is ended.

  Note that, in the above-described ranges of the remaining battery levels 1, 2, and 3, the power consumption of each of the first to third simplified maintenance is defined for each inkjet recording apparatus 1, and stored in, for example, the RAM 35. Has been. Alternatively, it may be configured as a part of the specified value table 414.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a mode for executing a plurality of types of maintenance operations appropriate for the remaining battery level of the battery X is prepared. The maintenance operation corresponding to the remaining battery level is executed to prevent the maintenance operation itself from being interrupted due to insufficient battery level during the maintenance operation. Can be executed.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the operation content is set so that the capping operation can be completed in any of a plurality of types of maintenance operations, the capping operation due to insufficient battery power cannot be completed, and the recording head 3 Can be reliably prevented from being left exposed.

  Further, by performing a maintenance operation according to the remaining battery level, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the number of printable sheets when using a battery power source.

  In FIG. 5, the configuration in which the remaining battery level of the battery X is detected at the end of printing and various maintenance operations are executed based on the detection result has been described. However, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is printing or capping. Battery X of battery X as appropriate at the time of recording signal input during standby (cap closed), at least one time of recording standby (cap open) or any combination thereof You may make it perform detection of remaining amount. By increasing the number of detection opportunities in this way, the opportunity to determine whether or not a simplified maintenance operation is necessary is increased, and further, the recording head can be protected by reliable cap closing.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the figure) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is directly or remotely supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus Is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing a partially broken ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the typical perspective view which looked at the wiping part of the inkjet recording device of FIG. 1 of embodiment of this invention from upper direction. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a recording head according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a recording head according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which shows the main structures of the control circuit of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the inkjet recording device of embodiment of this invention performs. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the normal maintenance operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the normal maintenance operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the 1st simplification maintenance operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the 2nd simplification maintenance operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the 3rd simplification maintenance operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the recovery maintenance operation | movement of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the maintenance intensity | strength at the time of the recovery maintenance operation | movement of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording device 2 Carriage 3 Recording head 4 Transmission mechanism 4a Endless belt 4b Rail 5 Paper feed mechanism 6 Paper feed roller 7 Platen 9 Ink tank 10 Wiping part 11 Ink supply port B Pump part C Cap D Display part F Control circuit M Drive Motor P Recording medium X Battery

Claims (12)

An ink jet recording apparatus that drives and controls an ink jet recording head using a battery as a power supply source,
Detecting means for detecting a remaining battery level of the battery;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: control means for controlling a processing content of a maintenance operation of the ink jet recording head based on a remaining battery level detected by the detecting means. The control means performs a simplified maintenance operation that simplifies the specified maintenance operation when the remaining battery level is less than the power consumption required to execute the specified maintenance operation. Item 10. The ink jet recording apparatus according to Item 1. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not a maintenance operation of the inkjet recording head is necessary. The inkjet recording head further comprises recording means for performing recording on a recording medium,
The determination by the determination means is performed at the end of recording by the recording means, during recording by the recording means, or at each time point of at least one time point when a recording execution command is input by the recording means, or any combination thereof. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is executed. The control means, when the remaining battery level is less than the power consumption required to execute the prescribed maintenance operation, based on the level of the remaining battery level, a plurality of types of simplified maintenance operation The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one of simplified maintenance operations is selected and executed. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a storage unit that stores information indicating whether or not the simplified maintenance operation is performed. The control means, based on information stored in the storage means, executes a maintenance operation that is stronger than the maintenance strength of the prescribed maintenance operation when the power is turned on next time or when the next maintenance operation is requested. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 6. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an external power source can be used as a power source in addition to the battery. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein priority is given to power supply from an external power source when external power source connection and battery connection are made simultaneously. When external power supply connection and battery connection are made at the same time, when the external power source is disconnected from the state where power supply from the external power supply is prioritized, the battery is switched as the power supply source. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein A control method of an ink jet recording apparatus for driving and controlling an ink jet recording head using a battery as a power supply source,
A detection step of detecting a remaining battery level of the battery;
And a control step of controlling the processing content of the maintenance operation of the ink jet recording head based on the remaining battery level detected in the detecting step. A program that realizes control of an ink jet recording apparatus that drives and controls an ink jet recording head using a battery as a power supply source,
A program code of a detection step for detecting a remaining battery level of the battery;
And a control process program code for controlling processing contents of the maintenance operation of the inkjet recording head based on the remaining battery level detected in the detection process.

Images