JP2007015298A - Apparatus equipped with ink jet printer mechanism, method for controlling the same and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the quantity of ink in a tank to be accurately detected using an ink residual-quantity detecting sensor which operates as an oscillator. <P>SOLUTION: When a resonance frequency (f) of the ink residual-quantity detecting sensor 61 is in an unfixed state that the frequency is neither within the first frequency band (frequency band representing that the ink stored in the tank of an ink cartridge 46 remains only with the quantity necessary for reaching the position of the ink residual-quantity detecting sensor 61) nor within the second frequency band (frequency band representing that the ink stored in the tank of the ink cartridge 46 is not remained with the quantity necessary for reaching the position of the ink residual-quantity detecting sensor 61), a multifunction printer 10 carries out an unstable-state cancellation processing capable of canceling the unstable state. Thereafter, the printer determines whether the resonance frequency f of the ink residual-quantity detecting sensor 61 is within either the first or the second frequency band, if it is within the second frequency band, information on the shortage of ink is reported by the printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet printer mechanism-equipped device that attaches an ink remaining amount detection sensor to a tank capable of supplying ink to an ink jet type print head and determines the presence or absence of ink in the tank based on the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor It has been known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 discloses a sensor that uses an ink remaining amount detection sensor in which a piezoelectric element is bonded to one side of a diaphragm. This ink remaining amount detection sensor is designed so that when the ink in the tank remains in a predetermined amount or more, the diaphragm of the ink remaining amount detection sensor and the ink are in contact with each other, and the ink in the tank is less than the predetermined amount. In such a case, the diaphragm is attached to the tank so that the vibration plate of the ink remaining amount detection sensor and the ink are not in contact with each other. Here, the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor when the ink in the tank remains more than a predetermined amount and the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor when the ink in the tank becomes less than the predetermined amount are large. Because of the difference, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount of ink remains in the tank by comparing the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor with a predetermined threshold value.
WO01 / 087627 FIGS. 7 to 13

  By the way, as a result of intensive studies by the present inventors in this kind of ink remaining amount detection sensor, the resonance frequency when the ink in the tank exceeds a predetermined amount falls within a predetermined low frequency band, and the ink in the tank is located. The resonance frequency when it is less than the fixed amount falls within a predetermined high-frequency band, but the resonance frequency may not fall within any frequency band depending on the state of the ink in the tank and the environment around the ink level detection sensor. I understood. Thus, when the resonance frequency does not fall in any frequency band, there arises a problem that it is impossible to accurately determine whether the ink in the tank is greater than or less than a predetermined amount.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus capable of accurately detecting the amount of ink in a tank using an ink remaining amount detection sensor acting as an oscillator, and a control method thereof And it aims at providing the control program.

  The present invention adopts the following means in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

The inkjet printer mechanism mounting device of the present invention is
An ink jet print head;
A tank capable of supplying ink to the print head;
An ink remaining amount detection sensor that is attached to the tank and acts as an oscillator and changes a contact state with the ink according to the amount of ink in the tank;
The resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor also has a first frequency band indicating that the amount of ink stored in the tank remains to reach the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor. This indicates that the stored ink does not remain in an amount that reaches the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor, and in the undefined state that does not enter a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. A process execution means for executing a resolvable indeterminate state cancellation process;
It is determined whether or not the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor falls into either the first frequency band or the second frequency band after the execution of the indefinite state by the processing execution unit. Information notifying means for notifying information about ink running out when the frequency enters the first frequency band, and notifying information about ink running out when the resonance frequency enters the second frequency band; and
It is equipped with.

  In this inkjet printer mechanism mounting device, the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor is set to the first frequency band (the frequency band indicating that the ink stored in the tank remains in an amount that reaches the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor). ) And the second frequency band (frequency band indicating that the ink stored in the tank does not remain in an amount that reaches the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor) is in an indefinite state, the indefinite state is When cancelable indefinite state elimination processing is executed, it is then determined whether the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor falls in one of the first and second frequency bands, and when entering the first frequency band Information regarding ink out is not notified, but information regarding ink out is notified when entering the second frequency band. As described above, since the indeterminate state elimination process is executed when the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor is in an indefinite state, the resonance frequency of the remaining ink level detection sensor becomes the first and first resonance frequencies after the indefinite state elimination process is executed. There is a high possibility of entering one of the two frequency bands. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect whether or not the ink in the tank remains in an amount that reaches the position of the remaining ink detection sensor.

  Here, the “ink remaining amount detection sensor” may be any sensor that resonates by applying a voltage of an appropriate frequency and outputs a signal having a specific resonance frequency. For example, a piezoelectric element is joined to a diaphragm. The ink may be attached so that the contact state between the ink and the diaphragm changes according to the amount of ink in the tank, or the first electrode and the second electrode of the spring structure are spaced apart from each other. The capacitor-type element may be arranged so that the contact state between the ink and the second electrode changes according to the amount of ink in the tank. Further, the “information about running out of ink” includes, for example, a notice that ink is about to run out, a notice that ink has run out, and the like.

  In the apparatus for mounting an ink jet printer mechanism according to the present invention, the process execution means may be disposed on the ink surface or inside the ink when the resonance frequency enters an intermediate band between the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The bubble countermeasure process may be executed to reduce the influence of the generated bubbles (including the case where the influence of the bubbles is eliminated). Empirically, when a bubble is generated in the liquid level or inside of the ink in the tank and the bubble is in contact with the remaining ink level detection sensor, the resonance frequency of the remaining ink level detection sensor often enters the intermediate band. . Therefore, when the resonance frequency enters the intermediate band, the bubble countermeasure process is executed to reduce the influence of the bubbles, so that the subsequent resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor enters the first frequency band or the second frequency band. The possibility can be increased.

  In the inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus capable of executing the bubble countermeasure processing as described above, flushing or head cleaning may be employed as the bubble countermeasure processing. In this way, for example, when bubbles generated on the ink surface are in contact with the ink remaining amount detection sensor, the ink is discharged by performing flushing for ejecting ink from the print head or head cleaning for sucking ink in the print head. Since the liquid level of the ink drops or bubbles inside the ink disappear, the influence of the bubbles can be reduced. Or you may employ | adopt the process which shakes the ink in a tank as a bubble countermeasure process. By so doing, bubbles generated in the ink in the tank may disappear by shaking, so that the influence of the bubbles can be reduced.

  In the inkjet printer mechanism mounting device of the present invention, when the processing execution unit sets a third frequency band as an intermediate band between the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the resonance frequency is When the frequency band does not fall within any of the first, second, and third frequency bands, noise countermeasure processing that reduces the influence of noise (including the case where the influence of noise is eliminated) may be executed. Empirically, the frequency of noise generated by the operation of other mechanisms provided in the inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus or other electronic devices arranged around the inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus is first and second. Often, it does not fall into any of the third frequency bands. Accordingly, when the resonance frequency does not fall within any of the first, second, and third frequency bands, the noise countermeasure process is executed to reduce the influence of the noise, so that the resonance frequency of the remaining ink remaining amount detection sensor is increased. The possibility of entering the first frequency band or the second frequency band can be increased.

  Thus, in the inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus capable of executing the noise countermeasure processing, the tank is configured to be movable, and the processing execution means is configured so that the resonance frequency is any of the first, second, and third frequencies. When it does not enter the band, a process of moving the tank to a position where the influence of noise is small may be executed. In this way, the influence of noise can be reduced relatively easily. At this time, a noise shielding box for shielding noise may be provided at a position where the influence of noise is small. In this way, the influence of noise can be made smaller than when the tank position is simply changed.

The control method of the inkjet printer mechanism mounting device of the present invention is as follows.
Ink jet print head, tank capable of supplying ink to the print head, ink remaining amount attached to the tank, acting as an oscillator, and changing the contact state with the ink according to the amount of ink in the tank A method of controlling an inkjet printer mechanism-equipped device including a detection sensor by computer software,
(A) The resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor is also in a first frequency band indicating that the amount of ink stored in the tank remains to reach the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor. This means that the ink stored in the tank does not remain in an amount that reaches the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor, and in an indefinite state where the ink does not enter a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. Executing an indeterminate state cancellation process capable of canceling the indeterminate state;
(B) After the step (a), it is determined whether or not the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor is in one of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the resonance frequency is Notifying information about ink shortage when entering the first frequency band, notifying information about ink shortage when the resonance frequency enters the second frequency band; and
Is included.

  In the control method of the ink jet printer mechanism mounting device, the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor is set to the first frequency band (the amount of ink stored in the tank is left to reach the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor). In the indefinite state that does not enter neither the second frequency band (the frequency band indicating that the amount of ink stored in the tank reaches the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor) nor the second frequency band. An indeterminate state elimination process capable of eliminating the indeterminate state is executed, and then it is determined whether the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor falls in one of the first and second frequency bands, and the first frequency band Information regarding ink out is not notified when entering, and information regarding ink out is notified when entering the second frequency band. As described above, since the indeterminate state elimination process is executed when the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor is in an indefinite state, the resonance frequency of the remaining ink level detection sensor becomes the first and first resonance frequencies after the indefinite state elimination process is executed. There is a high possibility of entering one of the two frequency bands. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect whether or not the ink in the tank remains in an amount that reaches the position of the remaining ink detection sensor.

  In the method for controlling an ink jet printer mechanism mounting apparatus according to the present invention, in the step (a), when the resonance frequency enters an intermediate band between the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the ink liquid is used. A bubble countermeasure process that reduces the influence of bubbles generated on the surface or inside (including the case of eliminating the influence of bubbles) may be executed. Empirically, when a bubble is generated in the liquid level or inside of the ink in the tank and the bubble is in contact with the remaining ink level detection sensor, the resonance frequency of the remaining ink level detection sensor often enters the intermediate band. . Therefore, when the resonance frequency enters the intermediate band, the bubble countermeasure process is executed to reduce the influence of the bubbles, so that the subsequent resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor enters the first frequency band or the second frequency band. The possibility can be increased.

  In the control method of the inkjet printer mechanism mounting device of the present invention, in the step (a), when an intermediate band between the first frequency band and the second frequency band is set as a third frequency band, When the resonance frequency does not fall in any of the first, second, and third frequency bands, noise countermeasure processing that reduces the influence of noise (including the case where the influence of noise is eliminated) may be executed. Empirically, the frequency of noise generated by the operation of other mechanisms provided in the inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus or other electronic devices arranged around the inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus is first and second. Often, it does not fall into any of the third frequency bands. Accordingly, when the resonance frequency does not fall within any of the first, second, and third frequency bands, the noise countermeasure process is executed to reduce the influence of the noise, so that the resonance frequency of the remaining ink remaining amount detection sensor is increased. The possibility of entering the first frequency band or the second frequency band can be increased.

  In the method for controlling an ink jet printer mechanism mounting apparatus according to the present invention, steps for realizing the functions of the ink jet printer mechanism mounting apparatus described above may be added.

  The control program of the present invention is a control program for causing one or a plurality of computers to realize each step of the above-described control method of the inkjet printer mechanism device. The control program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a hard disk, ROM, FD, CD, DVD, etc.), or a computer via a transmission medium (communication network such as the Internet or LAN). May be distributed to another computer, or may be exchanged in any other form. If this program is executed by a single computer or each step is shared and executed by a plurality of computers, the same effect as the control method described above can be obtained.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction printer 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of the multifunction printer 10, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a printer mechanism 41 of an inkjet printing unit 40. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 46.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction printer 10 of the present embodiment includes a lid cover 13 that is attached to one side on the back side of the upper surface of the housing 11 through hinges 12, 12, and a housing 11. The scanner unit 30 that scans an object placed on the upper surface of the glass plate 14 through the glass plate 14 fitted on the upper surface, and the paper is fed from the back surface of the housing 11 that is disposed below the scanner unit 30. In addition to the inkjet printing unit 40 that prints on the paper P by the inkjet method and discharges the printed paper P from the discharge port 15 provided on the front surface of the housing 11, a display 72 that displays various information, a power switch and a copy And an operation panel 70 provided with a button group 74 such as a button, a scanner button, and a print button.

  Among these, as shown in FIG. 2, the scanner unit 30 includes a scanner mechanism 31 that executes a scanner function and a scanner ASIC 32 that controls the scanner mechanism 31. Note that “ASIC” is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. The scanner mechanism 31 is a so-called flat bed type, and a line image sensor 34 for optically reading the object M placed on the glass plate 14 through the glass plate 14 and a line image sensor for reading the object M. And a moving mechanism 36 that scans 34. The scanner ASIC 32 is an IC chip having a function of controlling the scanner mechanism 31, and stores scan data read by the line image sensor 34 of the scanner mechanism 31 in a scanner buffer 26 a provided in the RAM 26 of the controller 20. This line image sensor 34 is a well-known color image sensor that separates the reflected light after being emitted toward the object M into red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors to obtain scan data. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ink jet printing unit 40 includes a printer mechanism 41 and a printer ASIC 42. The printer mechanism 41 is configured as an ink jet full color printer. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer mechanism 41 includes a carriage 45 that reciprocates left and right along a guide 44 by a timing belt 43 spanned between a driving wheel 41a and a driven wheel 41b. An ink cartridge 46 that individually contains ink of each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, light magenta, and black, a print head 47 that applies pressure to each ink supplied from each ink cartridge 46, and this print head A nozzle 48 that discharges the ink droplets pressurized by 47 onto the paper P that is a printing medium, and a transport roller 49 that transports the paper P are provided. Here, the print head 47 employs a method in which a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element to deform the piezoelectric element and pressurize the ink. However, a voltage is applied to a heating resistor (for example, a heater) to heat the ink. A method of pressurizing the ink with the generated bubbles may be employed. The printer ASIC 42 is an IC chip having a function of controlling the printer mechanism 41. The printer ASIC 42 develops print data in the print buffer 26b provided in the RAM 26 into a bitmap image for each page, and develops the developed data into a sheet P. The printer mechanism 41 is controlled so as to perform printing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printer mechanism 41 further includes a flushing region 52 formed in the vicinity of the left end of the guide 44 and a cap 54 formed in the vicinity of the right end of the guide 44. The flushing area 52 is used when performing a so-called flushing operation in which ink droplets are ejected periodically or at a predetermined timing regardless of print data in order to prevent the ink from drying and solidifying at the tip of the nozzle 48. It is what is done. The flushing region 52 is provided to face the nozzle 48 of the print head 47 when the print head 47 moves to the left end together with the carriage 45. For this reason, the flushing operation is performed after the print head 47 is moved to the left end together with the carriage 45. Further, the cap 54 is used when the nozzle 48 is sealed in order to prevent the nozzle 48 from being dried during a printing pause or the like. The cap 54 is operated so as to cover the nozzle formation surface of the print head 47 when the print head 47 moves together with the carriage 45 to the right end (referred to as a home position). The cap 54 is connected to a suction pump (not shown). If necessary, the negative pressure of the suction pump is applied to the nozzle formation surface of the print head 47 sealed with the cap 54 to suck and discharge the clogged ink from the nozzle 48. Note that the waste ink discharged and used and the waste ink used in flushing are stored in a waste liquid tank (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 4, each ink cartridge 46 includes a tank 46 a that stores ink, and an ink supply passage 46 b that supplies ink from the tank 46 a to the print head 47. The ink supply passage 46 b extends in the vertical direction. A sensor assembly 60 that penetrates the passage wall in a liquid-tight state is attached midway. The sensor assembly 60 includes an ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 in which a piezoelectric element 61b is bonded to one surface of a vibration plate 61a made of a metal plate, and electrodes 61c and 61c are attached to the piezoelectric element 61b. And a resonance frequency detection circuit 62 that converts the amplitude of the oscillation signal near the resonance frequency into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal to the controller 20. Among these, the resonance frequency detection circuit 62 includes an ink remaining amount detection sensor 61, and applies a drive voltage to the electrodes 61c and 61c of the piezoelectric element 61b to excite the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 near the natural resonance frequency. An oscillation circuit 63, a bandpass filter 64 that emphasizes frequency components near the resonance frequency and attenuates frequency components other than the resonance frequency in the oscillation signal obtained from the oscillation circuit 63, and an alternating current that has passed through the bandpass filter 64 The detection rectification circuit 65 converts the oscillation signal of the signal into a DC voltage signal, and the A / D conversion circuit 66 converts the analog voltage signal that has passed through the detection rectification circuit 65 into a digital signal and outputs it to the controller 20. ing.

  Here, the vibration plate 61a of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 is in contact with ink according to the amount of ink in the tank 46a because the surface to which the piezoelectric element 61b is not joined faces the inside of the tank 46a. There is no contact. When the diaphragm 61a is in contact with ink, that is, when the ink in the tank 46a remains in an amount that reaches the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61, and when the diaphragm 61a is not in contact with ink, that is, the tank 46a. Since the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 is different from when the amount of ink in the ink remaining at the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 does not remain, the remaining amount of ink is grasped based on the resonance frequency. Can do.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 20 is configured as a microprocessor centered on a CPU 22, and includes a ROM 24 that stores various processing programs, a RAM 26 that temporarily stores data and stores data, And a counter 28 used when counting the number of times. The controller 20 is connected to a scanner ASIC 32, a printer ASIC 42, a resonance frequency detection circuit 62, and an operation panel 70 via a bus 29. The RAM 26 includes a plurality of areas. In these areas, the scanner buffer 26 a that temporarily stores image information read by the scanner unit 30 and the image information to be printed by the inkjet printing unit 40 are temporarily stored. There is a print buffer 26b to store.

  Next, the operation of the multi-function printer 10 of this embodiment configured as described above, particularly the ink remaining amount detection processing routine executed by the controller 20 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a remaining ink amount detection processing routine executed by the CPU 22 of the controller 20. This routine is stored in the ROM 24 and is repeatedly executed by the CPU 22 at predetermined timings. The predetermined timing may be, for example, a point in time when ink is consumed (a point in time when flushing or head cleaning is completed, a point in time when the print head 47 during the printing operation is reciprocated along the guide 44 with the carriage 45, or the like). In addition, it may be the time when a predetermined time (several seconds) has passed.

  When the ink remaining amount detection processing routine of FIG. 5 is started, the CPU 22 first sets 1 to the value n of the counter 28 (step S110), and then sets the resonance frequency f of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 to the resonance frequency. Input from the detection circuit 62 (step S120).

  Here, it is known that the relationship between the remaining amount of ink and the resonance frequency is as shown in the graph of FIG. In this graph, when there is ink, that is, when the amount of ink in the tank 46a remains to reach the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61, the first frequency band (f1-f2, for example, 100-200 kHz) is entered, and no ink, that is, the tank When the ink in 46a does not remain in an amount that reaches the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61, the second frequency band (f3 to f4, for example, 300 to 400 kHz) is entered. The resonance frequency may enter an intermediate band between the first frequency band and the second frequency band. However, since the remaining amount of ink at that time is in a very narrow range, the resonance frequency normally enters this intermediate band. There is hardly anything. However, when bubbles are generated in the liquid level or inside of the ink in the tank 46a and are in contact with the vibration plate 61a, the bubbles adhere to the vibration plate 61a of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 and are in the middle band. Resonance frequency may occur. In addition, when the scanner unit 30 located near the ink cartridge 46 is driven or when other electronic devices installed around the multifunction printer 10 are driven, the scanner unit 30 and other electronic devices are driven. Due to noise from the device, the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 may be lower than the first frequency band or higher than the second frequency band. Here, when the resonance frequency enters the intermediate band, becomes lower than the first frequency band, or becomes higher than the second frequency band, the presence / absence of ink cannot be determined.

  Now, after inputting the resonance frequency f of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 in step S120, it is determined whether or not the resonance frequency f falls in the first frequency band (f1 to f2) (step S130). When the resonance frequency f enters the first frequency band, it is notified from the graph of FIG. 6 that the ink in the tank 46a remains in an amount that reaches the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61, so that the ink is about to run out. Without resetting, the value n of the counter 28 is reset to zero (step S160), and this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the resonance frequency f of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 does not enter the first frequency band in step S130, it is determined whether or not it enters the second frequency band (f3 to f4) (step S140). When the resonance frequency f enters the second frequency band, the operation panel indicates that the ink in the tank 46a does not remain in an amount that reaches the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 from the graph of FIG. 70 is displayed on the display 72 (step S150), then the value n of the counter 28 is reset to zero (step S160), and this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the resonance frequency f of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 does not enter the second frequency band in step S140, it is determined whether or not it enters the intermediate band (f2 to f3) (step S170). When the resonance frequency f enters the intermediate band, it is empirically found that bubbles may be generated on or in the ink surface of the tank 46a and the bubbles may be in contact with the diaphragm 61a. Processing is performed (step S180). This flushing process is a process in which the print head 47 is driven after the carriage 45 has moved to the left end in FIG. 3 and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles 48 to the flushing region 52. As a result of this flushing process, if bubbles are generated on the ink level in the tank 46a, the level of the liquid level decreases and the bubbles do not come into contact with the diaphragm 61a. Alternatively, when bubbles are generated inside the ink in the tank 46a, the bubbles may disappear as the ink droplets are ejected.

  On the other hand, when the resonance frequency f of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 does not enter the intermediate band (f2 to f3) in step S170, the resonance frequency f is lower than the first frequency band or higher than the second frequency band. It will be. In this case, empirically, the scanner unit 30 existing near the ink cartridge 46 is driven to cause noise or other electronic devices installed around the multifunction printer 10 are driven. Since there are many cases that cause noise, the carriage 45 is moved to a position that is not easily affected by such noise (step S190). The position where the influence of noise is small may be determined empirically in advance by experiments or the like.

  After step S180 or step S190, the value n of the counter 28 is incremented by 1 (step S200), and it is determined whether or not the value n has exceeded a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times) (step S210). When the value n is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number of times, the process returns to step S120, and the resonance frequency f of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 is input again (S120), and then the process of step S130 and subsequent steps is performed. In this case, since the flushing process or the carriage movement process is performed, there is a high possibility that the resonance frequency f falls in the first frequency band or the second frequency band. On the other hand, when the value n of the counter 28 exceeds the predetermined number in step S210, the indefinite state has not been solved even after the predetermined number of times of the flushing process and the carriage movement process, and it is assumed that some error has occurred. A message is displayed on the display 72 (step S220), and this routine is terminated.

  Here, the correspondence between the components of the present embodiment and the components of the present invention will be clarified. The multi-function printer 10 of the present embodiment corresponds to an apparatus equipped with an inkjet printer mechanism of the present invention, and the print head 47, the tank 46a, and the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 of the present embodiment, respectively, The CPU 22 of the controller 20 of the present embodiment corresponds to a quantity detection sensor, and corresponds to the processing execution unit and the information notification unit of the present invention. In the present embodiment, an example of the control method of the inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus of the present invention is also clarified by describing the operation of the multifunction printer 10.

  According to the multifunction printer 10 of the present embodiment described in detail above, when the resonance frequency f of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 does not enter either the first frequency band or the second frequency band, the indefinite state is eliminated. Since the possible flushing process or carriage movement process is executed, the resonance frequency f of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 is likely to fall into one of the first and second frequency bands. Therefore, the presence or absence of ink in the tank 46a can be detected with high accuracy.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 is the one in which the piezoelectric element 61b is joined to the vibration plate 61a. However, the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 is not limited to this, and is appropriate. Any structure may be used as long as it resonates by applying a voltage having a frequency and outputs a signal having a specific resonance frequency. For example, you may employ | adopt the capacitor | condenser type element (for example, refer Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2002-257616) which has arrange | positioned the 1st electrode and the 2nd electrode of a spring structure at intervals.

  In the above-described embodiment, the flushing process is adopted as the bubble countermeasure process. However, the bubble countermeasure process is not limited to this, and the influence of bubbles generated in the liquid surface or inside of the ink is reduced or eliminated. Any process can be used as long as the process can be performed. For example, a head cleaning process may be performed in which the carriage 45 is moved to the right end (home position) in FIG. 3 and the print head 47 is covered with the cap 54 and the ink in the nozzles 48 is sucked by a suction pump (not shown). Alternatively, the ink in the tank 46a may be shaken by moving the carriage 45 left and right along the guide 44 in small increments so that the bubbles disappear.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the carriage movement process is adopted as the noise countermeasure process. However, the noise countermeasure process is not limited to this, and the influence of noise generated around the ink cartridge 46 is reduced or eliminated. Any process can be used as long as the process can be performed. For example, a process of waiting for the operation of the scanner unit 30 to end may be executed, or a process of forcibly ending the operation of the scanner unit 30 may be executed. Alternatively, a sheet metal noise shielding box capable of accommodating the ink cartridge 46 may be provided at the home position, and the carriage 45 may be moved to the home position as a noise countermeasure process to accommodate the ink cartridge 46 in the noise shielding box. . In FIG. 3, a sheet metal noise shielding box that can accommodate the ink cartridge 46 may be provided in the entire region from the right end to the left end of the printer mechanism 41. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a noise shielding box 140 may be provided in the flushing region 52. In this case, after executing the flushing process, the resonance frequency f of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 is inputted on the spot and the noise shielding box 140 is inputted. The frequency band may be examined. The flushing process in this case is a process that serves both as a countermeasure against bubbles and a countermeasure against noise. For this reason, after the negative determination is made in step S150, the process may not be advanced to step S170, but the flushing process may be performed immediately in step S180, and then the process after step S200 may be performed.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the multifunction printer 10, but the present invention may be applied to an inkjet printer that does not include the scanner unit 30.

  In the embodiment described above, the case where the resonance frequency f enters the first frequency band when the ink is present and the resonance frequency f enters the second frequency band higher than the first frequency band when the ink is absent. Explained with an example. However, the relationship between the presence / absence of ink and the band of the resonance frequency f differs depending on, for example, the structure, shape, and dimensions of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61 and the properties of the ink remaining amount detection sensor 61. For this reason, the resonance frequency f may enter the second frequency band when ink is present, and the resonance frequency f may enter the first frequency band when ink is absent. The present invention can also be applied in such a case.

1 is a perspective view of a multifunction printer 10. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of the multifunction printer 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a printer mechanism 41 of the inkjet printing unit 40. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 46. 7 is a flowchart of an ink remaining amount detection processing routine. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of ink and the resonance frequency. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a printer mechanism 41 of the inkjet printing unit 40.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Multifunction printer, 11 Case, 12, 12 Hinge, 13 Cover cover, 14 Glass plate, 15 Outlet, 20 Controller, 22 CPU, 24 ROM, 26 RAM, 26a Scanner buffer, 26b Print buffer, 28 Counter, 29 Bus, 30 Scanner section, 31 Scanner mechanism, 32 Scanner ASIC, 34 Line image sensor, 36 Movement mechanism, 40 Inkjet printing section, 41 Printer mechanism, 41a Drive wheel, 41b Drive wheel, 42 Printer ASIC, 43 Timing belt, 44 Guide , 45 Carriage, 46 Ink cartridge, 46a Tank, 46b Ink supply passage, 47 Print head, 48 Nozzle, 49 Transport roller, 52 Flushing area, 54 Cap, 60 Sensor assembly 61, remaining ink detection sensor, 61a diaphragm, 61b piezoelectric element, 61c electrode, 62 resonance frequency detection circuit, 63 oscillation circuit, 64 bandpass filter, 65 detection rectification circuit, 66 A / D conversion circuit, 70 operation panel 72 display, 74 buttons, 140 noise shielding box.

Claims (11)

An ink jet print head;
A tank capable of supplying ink to the print head;
An ink remaining amount detection sensor that is attached to the tank and acts as an oscillator and changes a contact state with the ink according to the amount of ink in the tank;
The resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor also has a first frequency band indicating that the amount of ink stored in the tank remains to reach the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor. This means that the stored ink does not remain in an amount that reaches the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor, and is in an indefinite state that does not enter a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. A process execution means for executing a resolvable indeterminate state cancellation process;
It is determined whether or not the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor falls into either the first frequency band or the second frequency band after the execution of the indefinite state by the processing execution unit. Information notifying means for notifying information about ink running out when the frequency enters the first frequency band, and notifying information about ink running out when the resonance frequency enters the second frequency band; and
Inkjet printer mechanism equipped device. The processing execution means is a bubble countermeasure that reduces the influence of bubbles generated on or in the ink liquid surface when the resonance frequency enters an intermediate band between the first frequency band and the second frequency band. Execute the process,
The inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus according to claim 1. The bubble countermeasure processing is flushing or head cleaning.
The inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus according to claim 2. The bubble countermeasure process is a process of shaking the ink in the tank.
The inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus according to claim 2. The processing execution means sets the resonance frequency to any one of the first, second, and third when an intermediate band between the first frequency band and the second frequency band is a third frequency band. When it does not fall within the frequency band, the noise countermeasure processing to reduce the influence of noise is executed.
The inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus in any one of Claims 1-4. The tank is configured to be movable,
The process execution means executes a process of moving the tank to a position where the influence of noise is small when the resonance frequency does not fall in any of the first, second, and third frequency bands.
The apparatus for mounting an inkjet printer mechanism according to claim 5. A noise shielding box that shields noise is provided at a position where the influence of the noise is small.
The inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus according to claim 6. Ink jet print head, tank capable of supplying ink to the print head, ink remaining amount attached to the tank, acting as an oscillator, and changing the contact state with the ink according to the amount of ink in the tank A method of controlling an inkjet printer mechanism-equipped device including a detection sensor by computer software,
(A) The resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor is also in a first frequency band indicating that the amount of ink stored in the tank remains to reach the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor. This means that the ink stored in the tank does not remain in an amount that reaches the position of the ink remaining amount detection sensor, and in an indefinite state where the ink does not enter a second frequency band different from the first frequency band. Executing an indeterminate state cancellation process capable of canceling the indeterminate state;
(B) After the step (a), it is determined whether or not the resonance frequency of the ink remaining amount detection sensor is in one of the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the resonance frequency is Notifying information about ink out when entering the first frequency band, notifying information about ink out when the resonance frequency enters the second frequency band; and
A control method for an inkjet printer mechanism mounting device including: In the step (a), when the resonance frequency enters an intermediate band between the first frequency band and the second frequency band, bubbles that reduce the influence of bubbles generated on or inside the ink liquid surface Execute countermeasure processing,
The control method of the inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus of Claim 8. In the step (a), when the intermediate frequency band between the first frequency band and the second frequency band is a third frequency band, the resonance frequency is the first, second, third When it does not fall within any frequency band, execute noise suppression processing to reduce the influence of noise.
The method for controlling an inkjet printer mechanism mounting apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.   A control program for causing one or a plurality of computers to realize each step of the control method for an inkjet printer mechanism mounting device according to claim 8.

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