JP2006198969A - Inkjet printing machine and inkjet printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inkjet printing machine and an inkjet printing method, which avoid a decrease in productivity. <P>SOLUTION: Data on the next page of manuscripts are analyzed when the remaining quantity of ink in a sub-tank falls short of a threshold during a printing operation. The printing operation is continued when the remaining quantity of the ink in the sub-tank is enough for printing. The printing operation is suspended when the remaining quantity of the ink in the sub-tank is not enough for printing, and restarted after the ink is refilled into the sub-tank from an ink cartridge. This enables a reduction in the number of ink refilling operations during the printing operation, and the avoidance of the decrease of the productivity. More specifically, the inkjet printing machine with the sub-tank can avoid the decrease of the productivity by adjusting the timing of refilling the ink. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an inkjet printer and an inkjet printing method.

In an ink jet printing apparatus (ink jet printer), optimization control of ink filling operation timing is performed.
For example, a print head (also referred to as a head unit) provided with a plurality of nozzles for ejecting dots of ink supplied from an ink cartridge storing ink is provided, and the print head is scanned in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording paper. Inkjet printers that perform printing by ejecting ink from a print head while performing the same are disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1) that can predict an ink out condition according to the type of print data and the print rate. ing. Also disclosed is a toner or ink charge calculation method, program, and apparatus (for example, see Patent Document 2) in image formation that can provide a customer with an appropriate price suitable for printing results.
JP 2002-347231 A JP 2003-114596 A

By the way, if the conventional ink jet printer described above tries to use ink to the end, in the former case, if the ink out condition is not predicted, the ink may run out during printing. Was not considered about running out of ink during printing.
For this reason, in order to prevent the ink from running out in the middle of printing, the present inventor is provided with a sub tank for temporarily storing the ink from the ink cartridge and supplying the ink to the head unit in the head unit. Tried.

However, although the ink in the ink cartridge can be used to the end by providing a sub tank, when a large amount of printing is performed, the printing operation must be interrupted during printing on the recording paper and the sub tank must be filled with ink. There is a concern that the productivity will decrease.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printing machine and an ink jet printing method which avoid a decrease in productivity.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an ink cartridge that is detachably provided on an ink jet printer main body and a head that is fixed to a head for printing on recording paper, and temporarily receives ink from the ink cartridge. And a sub tank for supplying the ink to the head, and an ink remaining amount detecting sensor for detecting a remaining amount of ink in the sub tank, and an ink in the sub tank during a printing operation. When the remaining amount falls below the threshold, the data on the next page of the document is analyzed, and if it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is continued, and the remaining ink amount in the sub tank is When it is determined that printing is impossible, the printing operation is interrupted and ink filling from the ink cartridge to the sub tank is performed. Characterized in that the printing operation after Tsu and a resume control unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the sub-tank and the cartridge are provided for a plurality of colors, and the control means is configured to print the next page of the document when the ink remaining amount of at least one sub-tank falls below a threshold value. When it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is continued, and when it is determined that printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank. Is characterized in that the printing operation is interrupted and the printing operation is resumed after ink filling from the ink cartridge to the sub tank.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a size detection sensor for detecting the size of the recording paper according to the first aspect of the invention, and the control means is configured to perform ink filling from the size of the recording paper before page printing. When the necessity threshold is determined, the threshold is compared with the ink remaining amount in the sub tank to determine whether ink can be filled, and when it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank If the printing operation is continued and it is determined that printing is impossible due to the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank, the printing operation is interrupted and the sub-tank is filled with ink from the ink cartridge, and then the printing operation is performed. It is characterized by restarting.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an irregular shape detection sensor for detecting whether or not the recording paper is irregular and a size setting value for the irregular irregular recording paper. The control means obtains the area of the irregular recording paper from the size setting value, and sets the ink filling threshold of the recording paper to be larger than the area and most of them. When it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank by determining whether ink filling is possible by comparing the threshold with the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank and making the same value as the threshold of the near standard paper Continues the printing operation, and when it is determined that printing is impossible due to the residual ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted and the ink is filled from the ink cartridge into the sub tank, and then the printing operation is performed. Resume It is characterized in.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, an interface is provided that allows a user to set a maximum ink usage amount on the standard paper.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, ink from an ink cartridge detachably provided in the ink jet printer main body is temporarily stored in a sub tank fixed to a head for printing on recording paper, and the ink is stored in the sub tank. An ink jet printing method for supplying to a head, wherein when the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank falls below a threshold value during a printing operation, data on the next page of the document is analyzed, and printing can be performed with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank. In this case, the printing operation is continued. When printing is impossible due to the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted and the ink is filled from the ink cartridge to the sub tank. It is characterized by restarting.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, when the remaining amount of ink in at least one of the subtanks and cartridges for a plurality of colors falls below a threshold, the data on the next page of the document is analyzed, When printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is continued, and when printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted and the sub tank is removed from the ink cartridge. The printing operation is resumed after the ink is filled into the ink.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, before printing a page, a threshold value for determining whether or not to fill ink is determined from the size of the recording paper, and the threshold value and the ink remaining amount in the sub tank are determined. In comparison, it is determined whether or not ink can be filled. If printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is continued. If printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, The printing operation is resumed after the printing operation is interrupted and ink is filled from the ink cartridge to the sub tank.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when the size setting value of the irregular recording paper is inputted in the invention of the eighth aspect, an area of the irregular recording paper is obtained from the size setting value, and the recording paper is obtained. The ink filling threshold is equal to the threshold of the closest standard paper among the areas, and the threshold is compared with the ink remaining amount in the sub-tank to determine whether ink filling is possible, When printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank, the printing operation is continued, and when printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank, the printing operation is interrupted to remove the ink cartridge from the ink cartridge. The printing operation is restarted after the ink is filled in the sub tank.

  The invention described in claim 10 is characterized in that in the invention described in claim 8 or 9, it has an interface that allows the user to set the maximum ink use amount on the standard paper.

  According to the first or sixth aspect of the invention, when the ink remaining amount in the sub tank falls below the threshold during the printing operation, the data on the next page of the document is analyzed, and printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank. In this case, the printing operation is continued, and if printing is impossible due to the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted and the ink is filled from the ink cartridge to the sub tank, and then the printing operation is resumed. The number of ink filling operations during the printing operation can be reduced, and a decrease in productivity is avoided. That is, in ink jet printing having a sub-tank, it is possible to avoid a decrease in productivity by adjusting the ink filling timing.

  According to the second or seventh aspect of the invention, even when color printing is performed, the number of ink filling operations during the printing operation can be reduced, and a decrease in productivity is avoided. That is, for each color, by comparing the data amount of the next page and the ink remaining amount in the sub tank and determining whether or not the filling operation is necessary, it is possible to cope with a system having a color printing function.

  According to the invention described in claim 3 or 8, the analysis procedure of the data of the next page can be omitted, and the timing of the ink filling operation during the printing operation can be made appropriate, so that the productivity can be improved. Reduction is avoided. That is, the system can be simplified by determining whether or not ink filling between pages is necessary based on simpler criteria.

  According to the invention described in claim 4 or 9, even if the size of the recording paper is irregular, the number of ink filling operations during the printing operation can be reduced, and a decrease in productivity is avoided. The That is, in the case of an irregular size paper, the area of the recording paper can be obtained from the paper width and paper length input by the user, and the threshold value for necessity of filling can be determined according to the area.

  According to the fifth or tenth aspect of the present invention, the user can reduce the frequency of the ink filling operation by reducing the maximum value of the printing rate, thereby improving the productivity.

  The ink jet printer according to the present embodiment includes an ink cartridge that is detachably provided in the ink jet printer main body, a head that is fixed to a head for printing on recording paper, temporarily stores ink from the ink cartridge, and the ink head. An ink jet printer having a subtank to be supplied to the ink, and an ink remaining amount detection sensor for detecting the ink remaining amount in the subtank, and when the ink remaining amount in the subtank falls below a threshold value during a printing operation, If the data is analyzed and it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is continued, and if it is determined that printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is performed. And a control means for restarting the printing operation after the ink is filled from the ink cartridge to the sub tank. The features.

As the ink remaining amount detection sensor, for example, an electrical resistance value between a pair of electrodes brought into contact with ink may be detected, and reflected light obtained by irradiating the ink in the sub tank is used as an optical sensor. You may make it detect by.
As the control means, for example, a microcomputer is used.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the ink jet printing machine according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of sub tanks and cartridges, and the control unit analyzes the data of the next page of the document when the remaining ink amount of at least one sub tank falls below a threshold value. If it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is continued. If it is determined that printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted. The printing operation may be resumed after the ink is filled from the ink cartridge to the sub tank.
Examples of the ink color include magenta, cyan, yellow, and black.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the ink jet printing machine according to the present embodiment includes a size detection sensor that detects the size of the recording paper, and the control unit calculates a threshold value for determining whether ink filling is necessary from the size of the recording paper before page printing. The threshold value is compared with the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank to determine whether ink can be filled. If it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank, the printing operation is continued. If it is determined that printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount, the printing operation may be interrupted and the printing operation may be resumed after the ink cartridge is filled with ink from the ink cartridge.
An example of the size detection sensor is an optical sensor.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the ink jet printing machine according to the present embodiment includes an irregular detection sensor that detects whether or not the recording paper is irregular, and an input unit that inputs a size setting value of the irregular recording paper. The control means obtains the area of the irregular recording paper from the size setting value, and sets the ink filling threshold of the recording paper to the same value as the threshold of the nearest standard paper among the areas. And comparing the threshold value with the ink remaining amount in the sub-tank to determine whether ink filling is possible. If it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank, the printing operation is continued, When it is determined that printing is impossible due to the remaining ink amount, the printing operation may be interrupted and the printing operation may be resumed after the ink is filled from the ink cartridge to the sub tank.
The irregular detection sensor can be realized by arranging the optical sensor at a position different from the size detection sensor.
In addition to the above configuration, the ink jet printing machine according to the present embodiment may include an interface that allows the user to set the maximum ink usage amount on the standard paper.

  In the ink jet printing method of the present embodiment, ink from an ink cartridge provided in a detachable manner on the ink jet printer main body is temporarily stored in a sub tank fixed to a head for printing on a recording paper, and the ink is supplied to the head. If the ink remaining in the sub-tank falls below the threshold during the printing operation, the data on the next page of the document is analyzed and printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank. The printing operation is continued, and when printing is impossible due to the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted and the printing operation is resumed after filling the ink from the ink cartridge to the sub tank. To do.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the inkjet printing method of the present embodiment analyzes the data on the next page of the document when the remaining ink level of at least one of the subtanks and cartridges for a plurality of colors falls below the threshold, and When printing is possible with the remaining ink amount, the printing operation is continued, and when printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted and ink filling from the ink cartridge to the sub tank is performed. After performing the printing operation, the printing operation may be resumed.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the ink jet printing method of the present embodiment determines a threshold value for necessity of ink filling from the size of the recording paper before page printing, and compares the threshold value with the ink remaining amount in the sub tank to fill the ink. If printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank, the printing operation is continued. If printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank, the printing operation is interrupted and ink is The printing operation may be resumed after the ink is filled from the cartridge to the sub tank.

  In addition to the above-described configuration, the inkjet printing method of the present embodiment obtains the area of the irregular recording paper from the size setting value when the size setting value of the irregular recording paper is input, and the ink filling threshold of the recording paper Is equal to the threshold value of the standard paper that is larger than the area and closest to that area, and compares the threshold value with the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank to determine whether ink can be filled, and the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank. If printing is possible, the printing operation is continued. If printing is not possible due to the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted and ink is filled from the ink cartridge to the sub tank. The printing operation may be resumed.

  In addition to the above configuration, the inkjet printing method of the present embodiment may have an interface that allows the user to set the maximum ink usage amount on the standard paper.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the amount of print data on the next page is sufficiently smaller than the amount of remaining ink in the sub tank when the amount of remaining ink in the sub tank falls below a predetermined threshold, filling of the sub tank is delayed. And giving priority to printing.

[Example 1]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of an ink jet printer to which an ink jet printing method according to the present invention is applied.
An ink jet printer 1 as an ink jet printer includes a paper feed unit 2 that stores paper (recording paper) P, a manual paper feed unit 3, a paper discharge unit 4, a double-side unit 5, and the like, and is connected via a network. When a print request is received from a connected external PC (personal computer), the paper P stored in the paper feed unit 2 is separated one by one by the paper feed roller 10 and conveyed upward in the drawing.
The sheet P is temporarily stopped at the position of the registration sensor 9, and after the leading end (upper end) of the sheet P is aligned by the registration roller 18, the sheet P is again fed by the registration roller 18 at a predetermined timing according to the output timing of the image data. Be started.
After reaching the transport belt 13, the paper P is further transported to the left in the drawing by the transport belt 13, and a flat portion on the transport belt 13 is provided for each color of cyan, yellow, magenta, and black. 6 is printed.
The printed paper P is conveyed by the spur 14a and the horizontal conveying roller 14b, and after the time necessary for the ink to dry has elapsed, the path of the paper discharge unit 4 and the path of the double-sided unit 5 are switched by the switching claw 8. It is done.

Here, when performing single-sided printing, by setting the switching claw 8 to the solid line side, the paper P is sent to the paper discharge roller 15, and the paper P is reversed and discharged to the paper discharge unit 4.
When performing double-sided printing, the switching claw 8 is set on the wavy line side so that the paper P is fed to the reverse roller 16 side and then reversed to be reversed, and the double-sided paper feed roller 17 inside the double-sided part 5 and Through the path of the vertical conveying roller 12, the registration roller 18 proceeds again upward in the figure, and the image is also formed on the back surface of the paper P in the same procedure as that for forming the front image.
After the image on the back side of the paper P is formed, the switching claw 8 is set to the solid line side to feed the paper P to the paper discharge roller 15 side and discharge it to the paper discharge unit 4.
In addition, 11 is a manual feed roller, and 12 is a vertical conveyance roller.

FIG. 2A is a configuration diagram for showing a relationship between the large-capacity ink cartridge 20, the head unit 6, and the sub tank 21 used in the ink jet printer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B illustrates the operation of the carriage. It is explanatory drawing for doing.
In FIG. 2A, the number of sub-tanks and large-capacity ink cartridges 20 is five because there are two sets of black that are used in large amounts among yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The numbers of the sub tanks and the large capacity ink cartridges 20 are not limited.

The operation of filling ink from the large-capacity ink cartridge 20 into the sub tank 21 will be described below with reference to FIG.
The large-capacity ink cartridge 20 is a cartridge that is actually replaced by an operator (also referred to as a user) when ink runs out, and can be replaced for each color. Ink is sent from the large-capacity ink cartridge 20 to the sub tank 21 by the ink supply pump 32 through the ink filling tube 31.
There is a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink (not shown) inside the large-capacity ink cartridge 20, and the presence or absence of ink in the large-capacity ink cartridge 20 is determined based on the output of the sensor. When it is determined that there is no ink in the large-capacity ink cartridge 20, the fact that the ink has run out is displayed on a display unit (not shown) to prompt the operator to replace the large-capacity ink cartridge 20 with a new one.

Further, by printing a predetermined amount (density and number of data), the ink stored in the sub tank 21 is lost. In this case, the carriage 30 is moved to the filling work position 60. This is because a sensor (not shown) for checking the amount of ink in the sub tank 21 is arranged at the filling operation position 60, and a suction mechanism (for example, a suction pump) (not shown) for eliminating clogging of the head unit 6. In order to prevent the head unit 6 from being cleaned at the filling operation position 60 at the time of ink filling or to prevent the head unit 6 corresponding to a color that has not been used for a predetermined period from clogging. This is for performing a wiping operation for discharging or wiping the head unit 6 by a mechanism (not shown).
After performing the above operation, the sub tank 21 is filled with ink from the large capacity ink cartridge 20.

The operation of the head unit when printing on the paper P will be described with reference to FIG.
When performing image formation, the paper P is transported in the transport direction (arrow 62 direction), and the carriage 30 in which the head unit 6 and the sub tank 21 are integrated with respect to the transport direction of the paper P (arrow 62 direction). And scan in the direction perpendicular to (the direction of arrow 61). Image formation is performed by ejecting ink onto the paper P from the head unit 6 based on print data for each color.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the ink jet printer shown in FIG.
All the operations of the present invention described by the flowcharts described later are realized by this control block.
The control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42 for storing a program for operating the CPU 41, and a work RAM (Random Access Memory) for program. Memory) 43, a non-volatile RAM 44 that stores adjustment values such as control and timing, and can retain data even when the power is turned off, and a sensor such as the registration sensor 9 shown in the image forming apparatus 1 (see FIG. 1) Based on the input 57, it comprises a transport motor (not shown) that drives each transport roller, an IO control 45 that controls each load 58 such as the separation claw 8, the carriage 30, and the ink supply pump 31.
In addition, a network control unit (NCU) 50 for connecting to an external PC and receiving print data and control data is provided.

On the other hand, the image data is temporarily stored in the image data RAM 53 after being received from the external PC via the NCU 50. Thereafter, the data is developed as print data by the CPU 41 and then stored in the HDD 52 via an HDD controller 51 for controlling an HDD (Hard Disk Driver) 52.
The image data stored in the HDD 52 is read from the HDD 52 at a predetermined timing according to the conveyance state of the paper P, and is input to the print control unit 60.
The print control unit 60 performs printing on the fed paper P by converting the ink discharge operation of the head unit 6 based on the input image data.

Next, the operation of the ink jet printer shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the ink jet printing method according to the present invention.
The ink jet printer is an ink jet recording type printing apparatus, and has a sub tank in a head portion. The sub tank is supplied with ink from a large-capacity ink cartridge that is separately mounted.
During printing, the CPU of the inkjet printer determines the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank (step S1), and determines whether the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than a threshold value (step S2).
When the CPU determines that the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank is equal to or less than the threshold value (if it has decreased, step S2 / YES), it analyzes the print data of the next page (step S3) and determines whether ink is sufficient. If it is determined (step S4) and it is determined that there is not enough ink (step S4 / NO), printing between pages is temporarily stopped, and the sub tank is filled with ink from the large capacity ink cartridge (step S5). When filling of the sub tank is completed, printing of the next page is resumed (step S6).

However, when the threshold value for determining whether or not the sub tank needs to be filled is a fixed value, the value needs to guarantee the maximum value of the ink amount that can be used on the next page.
For this reason, for example, even if the next page is the last page and the page consumes very little ink, the ink filling operation will be performed if the remaining ink level in the sub-tank falls below the threshold immediately before that. After performing the above, printing of the last page is resumed.
In the present invention, when the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank falls below the threshold value, the ink is not necessarily filled, but the print data of the next page is analyzed (step S4), and printing can be performed with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank. If it is determined (step S4 / YES), the ink filling is postponed and the printing operation is continued (step S6). If the filling operation is not performed until the final page printing is completed as a result of the postponement, the filling operation is performed thereafter.
Here, for example, if the next page is an image in which only the page number is recorded in the footer part, the amount of data that can be sufficiently printed by analyzing the data of the next page when printing of the page is finished If this is the case, the ink filling operation is postponed. As a result of such a chain of controls, it is possible to print to the final page.
The above control is shown in the flowchart of FIG. This completes the operation of the first embodiment.

[Example 2]
Next, a case where the inkjet printer has a plurality of color sub-tanks for color printing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the ink jet printing method according to the present invention.
The configuration of the ink jet printer is the same as that of the first embodiment, but color printing is possible, and a threshold value for ink filling is determined for each color. When it falls below, the control similar to the inkjet printer of Example 1 is implemented with respect to a corresponding sub tank.
That is, the CPU determines the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank (step S10), and when determining that the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S10 / YES), analyzes the print data of the next page (step S12). Then, it is determined whether or not the ink is sufficient (step S13). If it is determined that the ink is insufficient (step S13 / NO), the corresponding color ink filling flag is set (step S14).
After setting, the CPU determines whether or not all sub tanks have been checked (step S15). If it is determined that all sub tanks have been checked (step S15 / YES), the CPU determines whether or not there are sub tanks that need to be filled. If it is determined that there is a sub tank that needs to be filled (step S16 / YES), the printing operation is interrupted and ink is filled from the large-capacity ink cartridge into the corresponding sub tank (step S17).
After ink filling, printing of the next page is resumed (step S18).
If the CPU determines that the ink remaining amount in the sub-tank is not less than the threshold (step S11 / NO) and if the ink is determined to be sufficient (step S13 / YES), the process proceeds to step S15.
Thus, the operation of the second embodiment is completed.

Example 3
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the ink jet printing method according to the present invention.
The ink jet printer has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the size of the fed recording paper can be identified from information on the paper source tray.
Prior to page printing, the CPU of the ink jet printer acquires the size of the paper P of the next page (step S20), determines a threshold value for necessity of ink filling from the size of the paper P (step S21), and the threshold value and the sub tank. Is compared with the remaining ink amount (step S22), and it is determined whether or not the remaining ink amount is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S23).
When the CPU determines that the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S23 / YES), the printing operation is interrupted and the sub tank is filled with ink from the large-capacity ink cartridge (step S24), and the post-filling printing operation is resumed. Then, the next page is printed (step S25). If the CPU determines that the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank is not equal to or less than the threshold value (step S23 / NO), the printing operation is continued without performing ink filling and the next page is printed.
Thus, for example, if the next page is A4 printing and the ink remaining amount in the sub-tank is, for example, an amount that cannot be guaranteed if the next page is A3 recording paper, If it can be guaranteed, the ink filling operation can be postponed.
Thus, the operation of Example 3 was completed.

Example 4
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the ink jet printing method according to the present invention.
The ink jet printer has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the size of the fed recording paper can be identified from information on the paper source tray.
Prior to page printing, the CPU of the inkjet printer acquires the size of the paper P of the next page (step S30), and determines the ink remaining amount in the sub tank (step S31).
When the CPU determines that the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank is less than or equal to the threshold (step S32 / YES), the CPU sets the corresponding color ink filling execution flag (step S33), and determines whether all the sub-tanks have been checked. (Step S34), it is determined whether there is a sub-tank that needs to be filled (Step S35).
The CPU determines whether or not all the sub tanks have been checked (step S34), and if it is determined that there is a sub tank that needs to be filled (step S34 / YES, step S35 / YES), the printing operation is interrupted and applicable. The sub tank is filled with ink from the large capacity ink cartridge (step S36). After ink filling, the CPU resumes the printing operation and prints the next page (step S37).
Similar to the third embodiment, for example, even when the next page is A4 printing and the ink remaining amount in the sub tank is an amount that cannot be guaranteed if the next page is A3 recording paper, for example, A4. If the recording paper can be guaranteed, the ink filling operation can be postponed.
Thus, the operation of Example 4 was completed.

Example 5
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the ink jet printing method according to the present invention.
The ink jet printer has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the size of the fed recording paper can be identified from information on the paper source tray.
Prior to page printing, the CPU acquires the size of the paper P of the next page (step S40), determines whether or not the paper size of the next page is indefinite (step S41), and the size of the paper P is When it is determined that the sheet P is irregular (step S41 / YES), the area of the irregular sheet P is obtained from the size setting value, and the ink filling threshold of the sheet P is larger than that area and is the largest among them. The threshold value of the near standard paper is set to the same value, the threshold value is compared with the ink remaining amount in the sub-tank to determine whether or not ink filling is possible, and the threshold value for necessity of filling is calculated (step S42), and the threshold value for necessity of filling is determined. (Step S43). The CPU determines the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank (step S44).
When the CPU determines that the ink in the sub-tank is equal to or lower than the threshold (step S45 / YES), the CPU interrupts the printing operation and fills the corresponding sub-tank with ink (step S46). The page is printed (step S47).
If the CPU determines in step S41 that the size of the paper P is not indefinite (step S41 / NO), the CPU determines a threshold for necessity of filling (step S43), and in step S45, the amount of ink in the sub-tank is the threshold. If it is not below (step S45 / NO), the printing operation is continued as it is, and the next page is printed (step S47).

According to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the number of ink filling operations during the printing operation can be reduced even when the recording paper size is indefinite. A decrease in productivity is avoided.
This completes the operation of the fifth embodiment.

Example 6
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the ink jet printing method according to the present invention.
The ink jet printer has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the size of the fed recording paper can be identified from information on the paper source tray.
Prior to page printing, the CPU acquires the size of the paper P of the next page (step S50), determines whether or not the paper size of the next page is irregular (step S51), and the paper size is irregular. Is determined (step S51 / YES), a threshold value for necessity of filling is calculated (step S52), a threshold value for necessity of filling is determined (step S53), and the remaining ink amount in the sub tank is determined (step S53). Step S54).
If the CPU determines that the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank is less than or equal to the threshold (step S55), the CPU sets a filling execution flag for filling ink of the corresponding color (step S56), and checks all sub tanks. If it is determined whether or not all sub tanks have been checked (step S57 / YES), it is determined whether or not there is a sub tank that needs to be filled (step S58). If it is determined (YES in step S58), the printing operation is interrupted and the corresponding sub tank is filled with ink (step S59), and after the ink is filled, the printing operation is resumed to print the next page (step S60). ).
If the CPU determines in step S51 that the paper size is not indefinite (step S51 / NO), the CPU determines a threshold for necessity of filling (step S53), and determines in step S57 that all sub tanks are not checked. If this is the case (step S57 / NO), the process returns to step S54 to determine the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank (step S54). If it is determined in step S58 that there is no sub tank that needs to be filled (step S58 / NO), immediately. The next page is printed (step S60).
According to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the number of ink filling operations during the printing operation can be reduced even when the recording paper size is indefinite. A decrease in productivity is avoided.
Thus, the operation of Example 6 was completed.

Example 7
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the ink jet printing method according to the present invention.
The ink jet printer has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the size of the fed recording paper can be identified from information on the paper source tray.
Prior to page printing, the CPU acquires the size of the paper P of the next page (step S70), acquires a threshold value when the printing rate is 100% (step S71), and acquires the printing rate of the user set value (step S71). In step S72, a threshold value for necessity of filling is calculated (step S73), and the remaining ink level in the sub tank is determined (step S74).
When the CPU determines that the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank is equal to or less than the threshold (step S75 / YES), the CPU interrupts the printing operation and fills the corresponding sub tank with ink (step S76). The page is printed (step S77).
If the CPU determines in step S75 that the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank is not less than the threshold (step S75 / NO), the CPU immediately prints the next page (step S77).

  The ink jet printer of the present embodiment is a printer similar to the ink jet printer shown in the first embodiment, and has an interface that allows the user to set the maximum ink usage amount on the standard paper. The threshold for determining that the sub tank needs to be filled with ink is guaranteed even if the next page is solid printing, that is, the sub tank is not emptied in the middle of the page. It is a numerical value set to.

However, normally, solid printing (printing rate 100%) is not performed, and in a normal business document, even if there is a little solid printing, it is extremely rare that the printing rate exceeds 80%.
Therefore, in this system, the user can set the maximum printing rate in this system to a value lower than 100% (for example, 80% or the like). The user in this case may be a human or a PC application. As in the above example, when 80% is set, the system normally fills ink when the remaining ink level reaches 100, whereas it fills ink until the remaining ink level reaches 80. Do not do. As a result, the frequency of the ink filling operation is reduced, and a reduction in productivity can be avoided.
According to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the user can reduce the frequency of the ink filling operation by reducing the maximum value of the printing rate, thereby improving the productivity. it can.
This completes the operation of the seventh embodiment.

Example 8
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the ink jet printing method according to the present invention.
The ink jet printer has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the size of the fed recording paper can be identified from information on the paper source tray.
Prior to page printing, the CPU acquires the size of the paper P of the next page (step S80), acquires a threshold value when the printing rate is 100% (step S81), and acquires the printing rate of the user set value (step S81). In step S82, a threshold value for necessity of filling is calculated (step S83), and the ink remaining amount in the sub tank is determined (step S84).
When the CPU determines that the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank is less than or equal to the threshold (step S85 / YES), the CPU sets an execution flag for filling the ink of the corresponding color (step S86) and checks all the sub tanks. If it is determined that all the sub tanks have been checked (step S87 / YES), it is determined whether there is a sub tank that needs to be filled (step S88), and the sub tank that needs to be filled If it is determined that there is an ink (step S88 / YES), the printing operation is interrupted and the corresponding sub tank is filled with ink (step S89), and after the ink is filled, the printing operation is resumed to print the next page (step S89). S90).
If the CPU determines in step S85 that the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank is not less than the threshold (step S85 / NO), the CPU determines whether all the sub-tanks have been checked, and if the CPU determines that they have not been checked (step S85 / NO). In step S87 / NO), the process returns to step S84 to determine the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank. If it is determined in step S88 that there is no sub-tank that needs to be filled (step S88 / NO), the printing operation is continued. Print the page.
According to the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the user can reduce the frequency of the ink filling operation by reducing the maximum value of the printing rate, thereby improving the productivity. it can.
This completes the operation of the eighth embodiment.

In the above, according to the present embodiment,
1) In an ink jet printing apparatus having a sub-tank, a decrease in productivity can be avoided by adjusting the timing of ink filling.
2) When the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank falls below a predetermined threshold, if the amount of print data on the next page is sufficiently smaller than the remaining amount of ink in the sub-tank, the sub-tank filling is postponed to give priority to printing. As a result, the number of ink filling operations during the printing operation can be reduced, and a decrease in productivity can be avoided.
3) For each color, by comparing the data amount of the next page and the ink remaining amount of the sub tank and determining whether or not the filling operation is necessary, it is possible to cope with a system having a color printing function.
4) When the amount of ink remaining in the subtank falls below a predetermined threshold, the amount of data for the next page is calculated for each color, and if the amount of data is sufficiently smaller than the amount of ink remaining in the subtank, filling the subtank By deferring the operation, even in the case of a color printing system having a plurality of colors of ink, the number of ink filling operations during the printing operation can be reduced, and a decrease in productivity is avoided.
5) The system can be simplified by determining whether or not ink filling between pages is necessary based on simpler criteria.
6) The threshold value of the remaining amount of ink that needs to be filled in the sub-tank is set to be different depending on the paper size of the next page. For example, when the next page is A3 recording paper, the threshold value of necessity of filling is set. If the next page is A5 recording paper, the threshold of whether or not filling is required is set low, so that the analysis procedure for the next page data can be omitted, and the ink filling operation during the printing operation The timing can be made appropriate, and a decrease in productivity is avoided.
7) In the case of an irregular size paper, the area of the recording paper can be obtained from the paper width and paper length input by the user, and the threshold value for necessity of filling can be determined according to the area.
8) When a non-standard paper is set, the area of the printable area is calculated from the paper width and paper length input by the user, and whether or not ink filling is necessary for a standard paper larger than that and the nearest standard paper By applying the determination threshold value, the control of the ink filling operation during the printing operation can be applied even in the case of the irregular shape paper.
9) It assumes the worst case that can withstand even the data that the next page is printed on the entire surface, and the threshold value can be changed by user setting, and means for further reducing the ink filling frequency is provided. can do.
10) Since the user has an interface that allows the user to set the maximum ink usage amount on the standard paper, and has a means for invalidating this setting, the user normally assumes that the case of performing full-color printing is 100%, When printing is not performed, the maximum printing rate is set to 50% or the like. As a result, the ink jet printer lowers the threshold value for determining whether or not the sub tank needs to be filled with ink. When the user wants to perform printing close to 100%, this function can be disabled at the time of use.
11) When the user decreases the maximum value of the printing rate, the frequency of the ink filling operation can be decreased, and the productivity can be improved.

It is a conceptual diagram of one Example of the inkjet printing machine to which the inkjet printing method which concerns on this invention is applied. (A) is a block diagram for showing the relationship between the large-capacity ink cartridge 20, the head unit 6 and the sub tank 21 used in the ink jet printer shown in FIG. 1, and (b) is an explanation for explaining the operation of the carriage. FIG. It is a block diagram of the inkjet printing machine shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows one Example of the inkjet printing method which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other Example of the inkjet printing method which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other Example of the inkjet printing method which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other Example of the inkjet printing method which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other Example of the inkjet printing method which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other Example of the inkjet printing method which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other Example of the inkjet printing method which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other Example of the inkjet printing method which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet printer 2 Paper feed part 3 Manual paper feed part 4 Paper discharge part 5 Double-sided part 6 Head part 7 Double-sided paper feed roller 8 Switching claw 9 Registration sensor 10 Paper feed roller 11 Manual paper feed roller 12 Vertical conveyance roller 13 Conveyance belt 14a Spur 14b Horizontal transport roller 15 Paper discharge roller 16 Reverse roller 17 Double-sided paper feed roller 18 Registration roller 20 Large capacity ink cartridge 21 Sub tank

Claims (10)

An ink cartridge that is detachably provided in the ink jet printer main body, and a sub tank that is fixed to a head for printing on recording paper and temporarily stores ink from the ink cartridge and supplies the ink to the head. An ink jet printing machine having
An ink level detection sensor for detecting the ink level in the sub tank;
If the remaining ink level in the sub tank falls below the threshold during the printing operation, the data on the next page of the document is analyzed, and if it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is continued. And a control means for interrupting the printing operation and refilling the ink from the ink cartridge into the sub tank when it is determined that printing is impossible due to the remaining ink amount in the sub tank. An ink jet printer characterized by comprising: The sub tank and the cartridge have a plurality of colors,
The control means analyzes the data of the next page of the document when the ink remaining amount of at least one sub tank falls below a threshold value, and performs a printing operation when it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank. If it is determined that printing is impossible due to the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted, and the ink is filled from the ink cartridge into the sub tank, and then the printing operation is resumed. The inkjet printer according to claim 1. A size detection sensor for detecting the size of the recording paper;
The control means determines a threshold value for necessity of ink filling from the size of the recording paper before page printing, compares the threshold value with the ink remaining amount in the sub-tank to determine whether ink filling is possible, When it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is continued, and when it is determined that printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted. 2. The ink jet printer according to claim 1, wherein the printing operation is resumed after the ink is filled from the ink cartridge to the sub tank. An irregular detection sensor for detecting whether or not the recording paper is irregular;
Input means for inputting a size setting value of the irregular recording paper,
The control means obtains the area of the irregular recording paper from the size setting value, and sets the ink filling threshold of the recording paper to the same value as the threshold of the closest standard paper among the areas. , Comparing the threshold value with the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank to determine whether ink can be filled, and if it is determined that printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is continued, When it is determined that printing is impossible due to the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted, and after the ink is filled from the ink cartridge into the sub tank, the printing operation is restarted. The ink jet printer according to claim 3.   5. The ink jet printer according to claim 3, further comprising an interface that allows a user to set a maximum ink usage amount on the standard paper. An ink jet printing method for temporarily storing ink from an ink cartridge detachably provided in an ink jet printer main body in a sub tank fixed to a head for printing on recording paper and supplying the ink to the head There,
When the ink remaining amount in the sub tank falls below the threshold during the printing operation, the data on the next page of the document is analyzed, and if printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is continued, and the sub tank An ink jet printing method, wherein printing is interrupted when the remaining ink amount in the ink is impossible, and the printing operation is resumed after filling the ink from the ink cartridge to the sub tank.   When the ink level of at least one of the sub-tanks and cartridges for multiple colors falls below the threshold, the data on the next page of the document is analyzed, and if printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank, printing is performed. The operation is continued, and when printing is impossible due to the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted and the printing operation is resumed after filling the sub tank with ink from the ink cartridge. The ink-jet printing method according to claim 6.   Prior to page printing, a threshold value for determining whether ink filling is necessary is determined from the size of the recording paper, and the threshold value is compared with the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank to determine whether ink filling is possible. If printing is possible with the ink amount, the printing operation is continued. If printing is impossible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank, the printing operation is interrupted and ink from the ink cartridge to the sub-tank is stopped. The inkjet printing method according to claim 6, wherein the printing operation is resumed after the filling.   When the size setting value of the irregular recording paper is input, the area of the irregular recording paper is obtained from the size setting value, and the ink filling threshold of the recording paper is larger than the area and In the case where printing is possible with the remaining ink amount in the sub-tank, the same value as the threshold value of the closest standard paper is compared, and the threshold value is compared with the ink remaining amount in the sub-tank to determine whether ink can be charged. If the printing operation is continued and printing is impossible due to the remaining ink amount in the sub tank, the printing operation is interrupted and the ink is filled from the ink cartridge into the sub tank, and then the printing operation is resumed. The ink-jet printing method according to claim 8.   10. The inkjet printing method according to claim 8, further comprising an interface that allows a user to set a maximum ink usage amount on the standard paper.

Images