JP2006150611A - Recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the inside of a system control section to be shifted to a low power consumption mode even when a recording device is under an error state or a warning state in such a manner that a power feeding or a display control is made unnecessary in order to maintain a display content in a displaying means of the recording device. <P>SOLUTION: The displaying means is constituted of a belt and a driving shaft for rotating the belt. The display content is written on the belt in advance, and when the display content is changed, the changing is performed by rotating the belt by the driving shaft. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording apparatus which performs a predetermined operation by connecting to a host computer through an interface and performing bidirectional data communication.

  As an output device of a host computer, a recording device such as thermal transfer, LBP, dot impact, and ink jet is used.

  Among these, the ink jet method using the foaming of liquid by heating has excellent characteristics such as easy density increase, excellent quietness, easy coloration, and withstand high-speed printing.

  First, the configuration of a control system in a conventional ink jet recording apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system in the ink jet recording apparatus.

  In this block diagram, reference numeral 100 denotes a host computer. A system program manages the execution state of various application programs based on a predetermined OS, and a printer control program (printer driver) for transmitting print data to a printer is shown in FIG. Operates on system programs.

  Reference numeral 101 denotes an interface cable for connecting the host computer 101 and the inkjet recording apparatus 102 for taking print data from the host computer 101 into the inkjet recording apparatus 102, and a parallel (Centro I / F) or serial (USB I / F) interface. Is used.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes an ink jet recording apparatus, and reference numeral 103 denotes a system control unit of the ink jet recording apparatus 102.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes an interface unit for taking in print data from the host computer 101, and a parallel (Centro I / F) or serial (USB I / F) interface is used. The print data captured by the interface unit 104 is transferred to and stored in the DRAM 108 serving as a data reception buffer.

  Reference numeral 105 denotes an operation unit on which two types of light emitting LEDs are mounted so that a start switch for making the printer ready for printing and a printable standby state and an error state can be visually recognized. For example, the printable standby state is indicated by a green LED, and the error state is indicated by an orange LED.

  106 is a CPU, 107 is a program ROM for storing a control program executed by the CPU 106, 108 is a dynamic RAM (DRAM) for temporarily storing various data, and the print data is transferred to the recording head as a reception buffer. The actual print data to be used functions as a print buffer.

  A system 109 converts print data from the host computer 101 into actual print data for the recording head to actually perform printing, transfers the actual print data to the recording head 110, controls various motors, and controls operations. Control IC.

  Reference numeral 111 denotes a carrier motor for transporting the recording head 110, and 112 denotes a paper transport motor for transporting the recording paper.

  Reference numerals 113 and 114 denote motor drivers for driving the carrier motor 111 and the paper transport motor 112, which are controlled by the system control IC 210 together with print data processing so that an image is formed on the paper surface when performing print control.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes a main power supply for supplying power for driving the system control unit 113, the recording head 110, and the motor drivers 113 and 114.

  The main power source 115 may be a battery power source or an AC power source. In the case of an AC power source, not only power is supplied to the entire recording apparatus 102 but also power is supplied to the battery power source so that the power is charged. Become.

  In such a conventional ink jet recording apparatus 102, a main power source 115 drives a logic power source necessary for driving the system control unit 113, a head driving power source for performing ejection driving of the recording head 110, and various motors. All of the motor drive power and the like are supplied to the ink jet recording apparatus 102, and when print data is sent from the host computer 101, each part in the ink jet recording apparatus 102 performs a predetermined operation for performing print control. I am doing so.

  The inkjet recording apparatus 102 shifts to a low power consumption mode for reducing power consumption when no print data is sent from the host computer 101 for a certain period of time after the power is turned on or after printing is completed. The system control unit 113 stops the head drive power supply and motor drive power supply from the main power supply 115, and controls to supply only the logic power necessary to drive the system control unit 113. Also in the CPU 106 and the system control IC 109, the internal control clock frequency is switched from the normal frequency to a low frequency or stopped so that the system control unit 113 is switched to the power consumption reduction mode.

In such a low power consumption mode, the system control unit 113 turns on the green LED of the operation unit 105 in order to make it possible to determine that the recording apparatus 101 is in a standby state in which printing is possible. It also enables key input detection. (See Patent Document 1)
JP 09-36995 A

  However, when the ink jet recording apparatus 102 is in an error state, the system control unit 113 controls the operation unit 105 to blink the orange LED or the green LED so that the cause is the error. Therefore, there is a problem that the system control unit 113 does not shift to the low power consumption mode.

  Especially when a battery power source is used as the main power source of the recording device, if the state that does not shift to the low power consumption mode continues for a long time, the power level of the battery power source decreases and the recording device operates. The battery level that can no longer supply the required power will be reached quickly.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. In order to change the display contents as the display means of the operation unit of the recording apparatus, the mechanical mechanism is driven to drive the power for maintaining the display contents. By using display means that does not require supply and does not require special display control for maintaining display contents, the system control unit 113 can be put into a low power consumption mode even in an error state. It makes it possible to migrate.

  Further, when the recording apparatus shifts to the low power consumption mode, the power consumption in the display means is eliminated, so that the power consumption can be further reduced.

  The present invention intends to achieve the above object by providing a recording apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9) below.

  (1) In the recording apparatus, a power consumption control means for performing control for reducing power consumption of the recording apparatus and a display means capable of maintaining display contents without requiring power supply or display control. And when the recording apparatus is in an error state, the error content is displayed on the display means, and the power consumption control means shifts to a low power consumption state in which power consumption is reduced. To do.

  (2) In the recording apparatus according to (1), the recording apparatus is a recording apparatus driven by the battery power source, and when the recording apparatus is in an error state, the error content is displayed on the display means, and the battery In order to suppress power consumption even a little, the power consumption control means immediately shifts to a low power consumption state in which power consumption is reduced.

  (3) In the recording apparatus described in (1) or (2), when the display content is changed by the display means, a mechanical mechanism is driven.

  (4) In the recording apparatus according to (1) or (2), the low power consumption mode is such that the power supplied to the recording apparatus supplies only power that allows the system control unit to operate. It is a standby mode in which power consumption is reduced by switching the internal operation clock frequency of the system control unit (especially CPU, system control IC, etc.) operating in the recording device from a normal frequency to a low frequency. It is characterized by.

  (5) In the recording apparatus according to (1) or (2), the display means displays that the recording apparatus is in a standby state, and that the recording apparatus such as an initial operation mode or a printing operation mode is in operation. It is also possible to do this.

  (6) In the recording apparatus according to (1) or (2), the recording apparatus includes a second display unit capable of maintaining display contents even when power is not supplied. Warning) The content is displayed.

  (7) The recording apparatus according to (6), further including a battery remaining amount detecting unit for detecting a current remaining amount, wherein the remaining amount level from the battery remaining amount detecting unit is set in advance. When the predetermined predetermined level is reached, the battery remaining amount warning display is displayed on the second display means, and when the predetermined non-printable predetermined level is reached, the battery remaining amount error display is displayed on the second display means. It is characterized by being displayed.

  (8) In the recording apparatus according to (6), the recording apparatus is a recording apparatus that performs a printing operation using ink, and includes ink remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of ink. If the remaining amount level from the ink remaining amount detecting means reaches a predetermined printable predetermined level, an ink remaining amount warning display is displayed, and a predetermined predetermined nonprintable level is set. In this case, an ink remaining amount error display is displayed on the second display means.

  (9) In the recording apparatus described in (6), the second display means can display two types of warning contents at the same time.

  As described above, the present invention provides the following effects.

  (1) In the case where the recording apparatus is in an error state or a warning state by not requiring power supply to maintain the display contents in the display means of the recording apparatus and not requiring display control. In addition, the system control unit can be shifted to the low power consumption mode.

  (2) Since the display means of the recording apparatus does not require power supply to maintain the display contents, when the recording apparatus shifts to the low power consumption mode, the power consumption in the display means is eliminated, and thus further lower power consumption Can be realized.

  (3) Since the display means of the recording apparatus does not require power supply to maintain the display content, it is possible to suppress consumption of the battery power supply when power is supplied to the recording apparatus from the battery power supply. Thus, it is possible to extend the life of the battery power supply even a little.

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

  First, the configuration of the control system in the ink jet recording apparatus related to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system in the host computer and the inkjet recording apparatus related to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 200 denotes a host computer in which the system program manages the execution state of various application programs based on a predetermined OS. The printer driver 201 operating on this system program prints corresponding to the color of the ink used to actually print the image data of the files created on the various application programs, such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. This is for converting to data and outputting to the recording device 210.

  Reference numeral 202 denotes an interface that physically connects the host computer 200 and the recording apparatus 210 and is necessary for transferring the print data processed by the printer driver 201 to the recording apparatus 210.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes a recording device.

  A system control unit 211 controls each part in the recording apparatus 210.

  Reference numeral 212 denotes an interface controller that performs bidirectional data communication control with the host computer, and is configured to be controlled by either the USB I / F or the Centro I / F. For example, the interface controller 212 transfers the captured print data to the DRAM 108 serving as a data reception buffer, and transmits status information indicating the internal state in the recording apparatus 210 to the printer driver 201 on the host computer 200.

  Reference numeral 213 denotes a CPU, and reference numeral 214 denotes a program ROM for storing each control program executed by the CPU 213.

  A DRAM 215 temporarily stores various data, and functions as a reception buffer for print data sent from the host computer 200 and as a print buffer for actual print data transferred to the recording head. Furthermore, it also serves as a work buffer for the CPU 213.

  Reference numeral 216 denotes a system control IC, which mainly prints data sent from the host computer 200 through the interface 206 to cause the recording head 220 to actually eject ink and execute printing (hereinafter referred to as actual marking data). Print data processing to be converted to print data, print data transfer control to transfer the converted actual print data to the recording head, and ink such as black, cyan, magenta and yellow in the recording head 220 is applied to the paper surface from each nozzle. Heater drive control in each nozzle for discharging, motor drive control for controlling a driver IC for driving various motors in the recording apparatus 210, and time management in the system (set a predetermined time, For performing interrupt processing on the CPU 213 every time) The system control IC 216 performs all the control of each block necessary for executing the print control such as the imager interrupt control.

  The operation unit 217 is equipped with a power key serving as a start switch for setting the printer to a printable state (ON LINE) and a resume key for canceling the print operation.

  Reference numeral 218 denotes a first display means which can change the display content by a mechanical mechanism. For example, the recording device 210 is in a standby state, or in an initial operation (initial) mode, printing operation mode, or the like. In the case of an error, the contents are displayed, and in the case of an error, the cause of the error is displayed.

  Reference numeral 219 denotes a second display means which is the same display means as the first display means, but displays the contents when the recording apparatus 210 enters a warning (warning) state.

  Reference numeral 220 denotes a recording head.

  Reference numeral 230 denotes a carrier motor for transporting the recording head 220, and reference numeral 231 denotes a paper transport motor for transporting the recording paper.

  Reference numerals 232 and 233 denote motor drivers for driving the carrier motor 230 and the paper transport motor 231.

  A battery power source 240 serves as a main power source in the recording apparatus 210 and supplies driving power to each part in the recording apparatus 210.

  An AC power source 241 can also be connected to the recording device 210. When the AC power source 241 is connected, power is supplied to the recording device 210 via the battery power source 240, and at the same time, the battery power source 240 is charged. Do.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a specific model diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus related to the embodiment of the present invention.

  On the left side of the recording apparatus 210 are the first display means 218 and the second display means 219.

  Below the first display means 218 and the second display means 219 is an operation unit 217 with two keys, a power key and a resume key.

  FIG. 4 shows a specific configuration of the first display means and the second display means.

  Here, both the first display means 218 and the second display means 219 are constituted by a belt and a shaft for rotating the belt, and the contents displayed on the belt surface are described.

  The display content of the first display means 218 can be changed by rotating the drive shaft 1, and the display content of the second display means 219 can be changed by rotating the drive shaft 2.

  Next, the operation of the first display means and the second display means of the ink jet recording apparatus related to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

  First, an operation until the recording apparatus 210 is in a printable state (ON LINE state) will be described.

  First, until the power key on the operation unit 217 is pressed, the first display unit 218 and the second display unit 219 display “portion not described”.

  When the power key on the operation unit 217 of the recording apparatus 210 is pressed, an ON signal is output from the operation unit 217 and input to the system control IC 216. When the system control IC 216 detects a power key ON input, the system control IC 216 initializes the recording head 220, the carriage motor 230, and the paper transport motor 231. At this time, the system control IC 216 controls the drive shaft 1 and causes the first display means 218 to display a portion described as “initialize”.

  When the initialization is completed, the recording apparatus 210 is in a standby state, and the display content of the first display means 218 is changed to a portion described as “standby”.

  The recording apparatus 210 shifts to the low power consumption mode when print data is not sent from the host computer 200 even after a preset time has elapsed since entering the standby state. At this time, the CPU 213 and the system control IC 216 in the system control unit 211 also switch the internal control clock frequency from the normal frequency to a low frequency, or stop the system control unit 211 in the power consumption reduction mode. is there. However, in this power consumption reduction mode, the input of the power key and resume key of the operation unit 217 can be detected.

  In such a low power consumption mode, the display of the first display means 218 is kept at “standby” in order to make it possible to determine that the recording apparatus 210 is in a printable standby state.

  When print data is sent from the host computer 200 while the recording apparatus 210 is on standby, the system control IC 216 detects it and performs print data processing, print data transfer control, heater drive control, and motor drive control. Then, the recording head 220, the carriage motor 230, and the paper transport motor 231 are driven to start printing. At this time, the display of the first display means 218 displays a portion describing “printing operation”.

  After the printing operation is completed, the display on the first display means 218 is changed to “standby”.

  When the recording device 210 is in an error state during the initial operation or the printing operation, the “part where the error content is described” at that time is displayed. For example, “paper jam error” is displayed when a paper jam occurs, and “no ink error” is displayed when ink runs out.

  At this time, the system control unit 211 shifts to the power consumption reduction mode, waits in a state where power consumption is not wasted, and waits for the error to be released.

  When the system control IC 216 starts the return operation by pressing the resume key and determines that the error state of the recording apparatus has been canceled and has entered the standby state, the display on the first display means 218 is set to “standby” and the system control unit again. 211 is shifted to the power consumption reduction mode.

  Next, a case where the recording apparatus 210 is in a warning (warning) state will be described.

  For example, when there is an ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting the ink remaining amount in the recording apparatus, the system control IC 216 determines that the remaining amount of ink has reached a level where printing cannot be performed due to the information from the ink remaining amount detecting means. When the determination is made, a warning is issued. At this time, the system control IC 216 controls the drive shaft 2 to display the portion indicated as “ink level warning” on the second display means 219.

  The main power supply 240 is a battery power supply, but when there is a battery power remaining amount detecting means capable of detecting the remaining amount of battery power in the recording apparatus 210, the battery power remaining power is detected by information from the battery remaining amount detecting means. When the system control IC 216 determines that the battery has reached a level where it cannot operate any more, a warning is issued. At that time, a “battery level warning” is displayed on the second display means 219. To do.

  When the system control IC 216 determines that both the ink remaining amount and the battery power remaining amount are low, it is possible to display a portion describing both contents.

  The second display means 219 can be controlled independently of the first display means 218. Therefore, regardless of the display content of the first display means 218, when the recording device 210 enters a warning (warning) state, the warning content can be displayed on the second display means 219.

  The first display unit 218 and the second display unit 219 drive the mechanical mechanism to change the display content, but do not require power supply to maintain the display content, and display the display content. Since no special display control is required for maintenance, the system control unit 211 can be shifted to the low power consumption mode even when the recording apparatus 210 is in an error state or a warning state. .

  Further, when the recording apparatus shifts to the low power consumption mode, the power consumption in the display means is eliminated, so that the power consumption can be further reduced.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system configuration in an inkjet recording apparatus related to a conventional example of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system configuration in an ink jet recording apparatus related to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a model diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus related to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram of a 1st display means and a 2nd display means.

Explanation of symbols

200 Host Computer 210 Inkjet Printer 211 System Control Unit 213 CPU
216 System control IC
217 Operation section 218 First display means 219 Second display means 240 Battery power supply 241 AC power supply

Claims (9)

  The recording apparatus includes power consumption control means for performing control for reducing power consumption of the recording apparatus and display means capable of maintaining display contents without requiring power supply or display control. A recording apparatus, wherein when the apparatus is in an error state, the error content is displayed on the display means, and the power consumption control means shifts to a low power consumption state in which power consumption is reduced.   The recording device is a recording device that can be driven by the battery power source, and when the recording device is in an error state, the error content is displayed on the display means to suppress consumption of the battery power source as much as possible. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus immediately shifts to a low power consumption state in which power consumption is reduced by the power consumption control means.   3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display content is changed by driving the mechanical mechanism when the display means is changed.   The low power consumption mode refers to a system controller (especially a CPU that operates a clock in the recording apparatus) that supplies only power that allows the system controller to operate. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is in a standby mode in which an internal operation clock frequency of a system control IC or the like is switched from a normal frequency to a low frequency to reduce power consumption.   3. The display means can display that the recording apparatus is in a standby state and that the recording apparatus is in operation such as an initial operation mode and a printing operation mode. Recording device.   3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising second display means capable of maintaining display contents even when no power is supplied, wherein the second display means displays warning (warning) contents. The recording device described.   Battery remaining amount detecting means for detecting the current remaining amount, and if the remaining amount level from the battery remaining amount detecting means reaches a predetermined printable predetermined level, the battery The remaining amount warning display is displayed on the second display means when a predetermined level at which printing cannot be performed reaches a predetermined level. 6. The recording device according to 6.   The recording apparatus is a recording apparatus that performs printing operation using ink, and has ink remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of ink, and the remaining amount level from the ink remaining amount detecting means is When the predetermined printable predetermined level is reached, the remaining ink level warning display is displayed. When the predetermined non-printable predetermined level is reached, the remaining ink level error display is displayed. 7. A recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein display is performed by the second display means.   7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second display means can simultaneously display two types of warning contents.

Images