JP2011068033A - Method for checking valve operation of liquid supply device, liquid supply device, and ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for checking the valve operation of a liquid supply device, whereby the operations of a plurality of valves can be checked by a simple measuring system, and to provide a liquid supply device, and an ink jet recorder. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid supply device includes a supply individual channel and a recovery individual channel, which are individually connected to a plurality of liquid jetting means; a supply valve provided for the supply individual channel; a recovery valve provided for the recovery individual passage; a supply channel for supplying a liquid to the plurality of liquid jetting means; a recovery channel for recovering the liquid from the plurality of liquid jetting means; a supply pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the supply channel; a recovery pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the recovery channel; and a pressure control means for controlling the pressures of the supply channel and the recovery channel. The method includes: giving a valve opening command to at least the supply valve or recovery valve connected to one liquid discharging means; and determining, based on changes in the pressures of the supply channel and the recovery channel, whether the valve given the valve opening command operates normally or not. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a valve operation confirmation method, a liquid supply apparatus, and an ink jet recording apparatus for a liquid supply apparatus, and more particularly to a valve operation confirmation method, a liquid supply apparatus, and an ink jet recording for a liquid supply apparatus for confirming the operation of a supply system valve and a recovery system valve. Relates to the device.

  In Patent Document 1, in an electromagnetic valve, vibrations that occur when a valve body that is a control valve that controls the flow of fluid flowing in a fluid flow path is driven to open and close is detected, and whether or not the valve body is driven to open and close is inspected. Technology is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, a drive signal is given to a solenoid valve at a predetermined diagnosis cycle, and abnormality diagnosis of the solenoid valve is performed based on a sound or vibration generation interval caused by a collision with the fully open end / fully closed end generated by the solenoid valve. Technology is disclosed.

JP 2005-273835 A JP 2007-138851 A

  A valve such as an electromagnetic valve is used to control the flow of fluid flowing in the pipe, and plays a role of controlling water flow / stop of the fluid flowing through the pipe by opening and closing the valve, for example. However, valve malfunctions may occur due to differences in driving conditions due to differences in energization standards due to fluid sticking and individual differences.

  Therefore, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose techniques for confirming the operation of the electromagnetic valve.

  However, when assembled as a device, attaching a measuring instrument leads to an increase in size, complexity, and cost of the device. In addition, inspection that is possible with a single valve such as a solenoid valve is difficult or impossible when a plurality of valves are close to each other. Furthermore, in the case of an apparatus using a plurality of valves, it is necessary to check whether the valve to be controlled is operating correctly in order to prevent the control target from being switched due to incorrect wiring or the like.

  Then, in order to check the operation of a valve such as an electromagnetic valve using the technique of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for detecting vibration during valve operation for each valve. As a result, the apparatus becomes large and complicated, and costs increase. In addition, when there are a large number of valves, a large number of measurement systems are required, which complicates the measurement system itself and leads to inspection errors.

  In order to confirm the operation of a valve such as a solenoid valve using the technique of Patent Document 2, it is difficult to determine whether the sound during valve operation is from a controlled valve or from other valves. It is not possible to find a change in the control target due to wiring or the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a valve operation confirmation method, a liquid supply apparatus, and an ink jet recording apparatus for a liquid supply apparatus capable of confirming the operation of a plurality of valves with a simple measurement system. It aims at that.

  In order to achieve the above object, the method for confirming the valve operation of the liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a supply individual flow channel and a recovery individual flow channel individually connected to a plurality of liquid ejection means, and a supply provided in the supply individual flow channel. A valve, a recovery valve provided in the individual recovery channel, a supply channel for supplying liquid to the plurality of liquid ejection units via the individual supply channel, and the individual recovery from the plurality of liquid ejection units A recovery flow path for recovering the liquid via the flow path, supply pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the supply flow path, recovery pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the recovery flow path, and pressure of the supply flow path And a pressure control means for controlling the pressure of the recovery flow path, wherein the supply valve is connected to one liquid ejection means of the plurality of liquid ejection means. And the recovery bar A valve opening command is given to open at least one of the valves, and the supply flow path obtained based on the detection result of the pressure of the supply flow path detected by the supply pressure detection means Based on the result of pressure change and the result of pressure change of the recovery flow path obtained based on the detection result of the pressure of the recovery flow path detected by the recovery pressure detecting means The operation of the valve is confirmed by determining whether or not the valve operates normally.

  According to the present invention, the target of the valve opening command is based on the pressure change in the supply channel and the recovery channel when the valve opening command is given to the valve connected to one of the plurality of liquid discharging units. Therefore, it is possible to check the operation of a plurality of valves with a simple measurement system. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the liquid supply device. Further, it is possible to identify a valve that is not operating normally from a plurality of valves.

  As one aspect of the present invention, all the supply valves and all the recovery valves are closed, and the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow paths are set to be higher than the pressures inside the plurality of liquid discharge means. The supply valve connected to one of the plurality of liquid discharge means and the recovery are provided with a predetermined pressure difference between the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path while increasing The valve opening command is given so that the valve is opened simultaneously, and the supply that is the target of the valve opening command is based on the pressure change between the supply flow path and the recovery flow path when the valve opening command is given. A combination check is performed to determine whether or not the valve and the recovery valve operate normally.

  According to this aspect, the operation of the valve can be confirmed by combining the supply valve and the recovery valve connected to one liquid ejecting means.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the combination check is a target of the valve opening command when the pressure of the supply flow channel and the pressure of the recovery flow channel approach when the valve opening command is given. The supply valve and the recovery valve are determined to be operating normally.

  According to this aspect, it can be determined that the combination of the supply valve and the recovery valve is operating normally with a simple measurement system.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the combination check is a target of the valve opening command when both the pressure of the supply channel and the pressure of the recovery channel decrease when the valve opening command is given. An error that one of the supply valve and the recovery valve connected to the liquid discharge means, which is different from the liquid discharge means connected to the supply valve and the recovery valve, is erroneously opening. Making a determination.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to confirm that the valve opening command is erroneously controlled for one of the supply valve and the recovery valve that are not subject to the valve opening command.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the combination check is performed when a pressure change does not occur in at least one of the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path when the valve opening command is given. It is characterized in that an error determination is made that there is a problem with the valve itself connected to the flow path that does not occur.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to confirm the malfunction of the valve itself with a simple measurement system.

  As one aspect of the present invention, all the supply valves and all the recovery valves are closed, and the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path are determined by the pressure inside the plurality of liquid discharge means. When the valve opening command is given so as to open one of the supply valves, the valve opening is based on the pressure change in the supply channel and the recovery channel when the valve opening command is given. A supply check is performed to determine whether or not the supply valve that is the target of the command operates normally.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to determine whether or not the supply valve operates normally with a simple measurement system.

  As one aspect of the present invention, in the supply check, when the valve opening command is given and the pressure in the supply flow path decreases, the supply valve that is the target of the valve opening command is operating normally. When the pressure in the recovery flow path decreases, an error determination is made that the recovery valve that is not subject to the valve opening command is operating in error.

  According to this aspect, it can be confirmed that the valve opening command is erroneously given to the recovery valve connected to the same liquid discharge means as the supply valve that is the target of the valve opening command.

  As one aspect of the present invention, all the supply valves and all the recovery valves are closed, and the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path are determined by the pressure inside the plurality of liquid discharge means. When the valve opening command is given to open one of the recovery valves, the valve opening is based on the pressure change in the supply channel and the recovery channel when the valve opening command is given. A recovery check is performed to determine whether or not the recovery valve that is the target of the command operates normally.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to determine whether or not the recovery valve operates normally with a simple measurement system.

  As one aspect of the present invention, in the recovery check, when the pressure of the recovery passage decreases when the valve opening command is given, the recovery valve that is the target of the valve opening command is operating normally. When the pressure in the supply flow path decreases, an error determination is made that the supply valve that is not subject to the valve opening command is operating in error.

  According to this aspect, it can be confirmed that the valve opening command is erroneously given to the supply valve connected to the same liquid discharge means as the recovery valve intended to give the valve opening command.

  As one aspect of the present invention, after performing the combination check, all the supply valves and all the recovery valves are closed, and the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow paths are set to the plurality of The supply flow path and the recovery flow path when the valve opening command is given when the valve opening command is given so as to be larger than the pressure inside the liquid discharge means and open to one of the supply valves A supply check for determining whether or not the supply valve that is the target of the valve opening command operates normally based on the pressure change of the valve, and closing all the supply valves and all the recovery valves, When the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path are made larger than the pressure inside the plurality of liquid discharge means, and a valve opening instruction is given to open one of the recovery valves, Before giving the valve opening command Performing at least one of determining recovery check whether the recovery valve wherein a target of the valve-opening command based on the pressure change in the recovery flow path and the supply flow path is working correctly, and wherein.

  According to this aspect, it can be confirmed that the target of the valve opening command to the supply valve and the recovery valve connected to the same liquid ejecting means as the operation confirmation target has been switched.

  As one aspect of the present invention, the determination result of the operation check of the valve is notified.

  According to this aspect, the confirmer can easily know the determination result of the valve operation confirmation.

  In order to achieve the above object, a liquid supply apparatus of the present invention includes a supply individual flow path and a recovery individual flow path individually connected to a plurality of liquid ejection means, a supply valve provided in the supply individual flow path, and the recovery A recovery valve provided in the individual flow path, a supply flow path for supplying the liquid to the plurality of liquid discharge means via the supply individual flow path, and a plurality of liquid discharge means from the plurality of liquid discharge means via the recovery individual flow path A recovery flow path for recovering the liquid; supply pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the supply flow path; recovery pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the recovery flow path; pressure of the supply flow path; and the recovery flow path A pressure control means for controlling the pressure of the liquid supply means, and at least one of the supply valve and the recovery valve connected to one liquid discharge means among the plurality of liquid discharge means. Give a directive The supply flow path and the recovery obtained based on the detection result of the pressure of the supply flow path detected by the supply pressure detection means and the detection result of the pressure of the recovery flow path detected by the recovery pressure detection means Valve operation confirmation means for confirming the operation of the valve by determining whether or not the valve that is the target of the valve opening command operates normally based on the result of the pressure change of the flow path. Features.

  In order to achieve the above object, an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention comprises: a transport unit that transports a recording medium; and an ink ejection head that includes a plurality of head blocks that eject ink onto the recording medium transported by the transport unit; Supply individual flow paths and recovery individual flow paths individually connected to the plurality of head blocks, supply valves provided in the supply individual flow paths, recovery valves provided in the recovery individual flow paths, and the plurality of head blocks. In contrast, a supply flow path for supplying ink via the supply individual flow path, a recovery flow path for recovering ink from the plurality of head blocks via the recovery individual flow path, and a pressure of the supply flow path are detected. Supply pressure detection means, recovery pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the recovery flow path, and pressure control means for controlling the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path , Giving a valve opening command to open at least one of the supply valve and the recovery valve connected to one head block of the plurality of head blocks, and detecting by the supply pressure detecting means The pressure change of the supply flow path and the recovery flow path obtained based on the detection result of the pressure of the supply flow path and the detection result of the pressure of the recovery flow path detected by the recovery pressure detecting means. An ink supply unit comprising: a valve operation confirming unit configured to confirm operation of the valve by determining whether or not the valve that is a target of the valve opening command operates normally based on a result. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, the operation of a plurality of valves can be confirmed with a simple measurement system.

1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration around a drawing unit in an ink jet recording apparatus to which a liquid supply device of the present invention is applied as an ink supply unit of a drawing unit. It is a plane perspective view which shows the structural example of a head. It is a flow-path block diagram which shows the flow-path structure inside a head block. It is a principal part block diagram which shows the control system of an inkjet recording device. It is a schematic block diagram of the ink supply part corresponded to the liquid supply apparatus of this invention. It is a whole flowchart of valve operation check. It is a flowchart of a combination check. It is a figure which shows the pressure fluctuation at the time of a combination check. It is a figure which shows the determination content at the time of a combination check. It is a flowchart of a supply valve check. It is a figure which shows the pressure fluctuation at the time of supply valve check. It is a figure which shows the determination content of a supply valve check. It is a flowchart of a collection valve check. It is a figure which shows the pressure fluctuation at the time of a collection valve check. It is a figure which shows the determination content of a collection valve check. It is a flowchart of the valve check at the time of a periodic inspection.

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

[Configuration of Inkjet Recording Device (Drawing Unit)]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration around a drawing unit in an ink jet recording apparatus to which a liquid supply device of the present invention is applied as an ink supply unit of a drawing unit.

  The present invention is not limited to a drum conveyance type inkjet recording apparatus that directly draws on a sheet conveyed by a drum as shown in FIG. 1, but also a belt conveyance that directly draws on a sheet conveyed by a belt. The present invention is also applicable to a type inkjet recording apparatus, an intermediate transfer type inkjet recording apparatus that draws on a sheet through an intermediate transfer member, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment, a paper (recording medium) 12 is sucked and held on the peripheral surface of a drawing drum 14 in a drawing unit 10 and is rotated and conveyed.

  The four heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K arranged around the drawing drum 14 with the nozzle surface (ejection surface) facing the sheet 12 rotated and conveyed by the drawing drum 14 to C (cyan). ), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) ink droplets are ejected to draw a color image on the recording surface of the paper 12.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K are each provided with a liquid supply device as an ink supply unit 18 for supplying each color ink. The details of the liquid supply device will be described later.

  The drawing drum 14 that rotates and conveys the paper 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a rotary shaft 20 that protrudes from both ends of the drawing drum 14 is supported by a bearing provided in a main body frame (not shown) of the inkjet recording apparatus. Is installed horizontally. A motor is connected to the rotary shaft 20 via a rotation transmission mechanism (not shown), and the drawing drum 14 is driven to rotate by the motor.

  Further, grippers 22 are provided on the peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 (installed at two locations on the outer peripheral surface in this example). The paper 12 is held on the outer peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 by gripping the leading end thereof with the gripper 22.

  In addition, a large number of suction holes (not shown) are formed in a predetermined arrangement pattern on the peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14, and air is sucked toward the inside. The paper 12 wound around the peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 is sucked and held on the outer peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14 by sucking air from the suction holes toward the inside.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, the paper 12 is fed from the preceding process (for example, a process of applying a treatment liquid having a function of aggregating the coloring material in the ink to the recording surface of the paper 12). Through the drawing drum 14. The transport drum 24 is arranged in parallel with the drawing drum 14, and delivers the paper 12 to the drawing drum 14 at the same timing.

  In addition, the drawn paper 12 is transferred to a subsequent process (for example, a process of drying ink) through the transport drum 26. The transport drum 26 is arranged in parallel with the drawing drum 14 and receives the paper 12 from the drawing drum 14 at the same timing.

  The four heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are formed corresponding to the sheet width, and are arranged radially at a constant interval on a concentric circle with the rotation axis 20 of the drawing drum 14 as the center.

  The heads 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> M, 16 </ b> Y, and 16 </ b> K arranged in this way are arranged with their nozzle surfaces facing the outer peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14.

  Then, from each of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K arranged in this manner, ink droplets are ejected vertically from the nozzle row formed on the nozzle surface toward the outer peripheral surface of the drawing drum.

  As described above, the periphery of the drawing unit 10 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is configured. The drawing unit 10 operates as follows.

  In the drawing unit 10, the paper 12 is transferred from the preceding process to the drawing drum 14 via the conveyance drum 24, and is rotated and conveyed while being sucked and held on the peripheral surface of the drawing drum 14. In the transport process, ink droplets that pass under the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K and are ejected from the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K during the passage are ejected onto the recording surface to record. A color image is formed on the surface. The paper 12 on which image recording has been completed is transferred from the drawing drum 14 to the transport drum 26 and transported to the subsequent process.

[Description of head]
Next, the structure of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K will be described. Since the structures of the heads 16C, 16M, 16Y, and 16K are common, the head is represented by the reference numeral 30 in the following.

  FIG. 2 is a plan perspective view showing a structural example of the head 30. FIG. 3 is a flow path configuration diagram showing the flow path structure inside the head block.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the head 30 of this example has a plurality of head blocks (head chips) 40, which are short liquid discharge means in which a plurality of nozzles 42 are two-dimensionally arranged, arranged in a zigzag pattern and joined together. Thus, a line head having a nozzle row having a length corresponding to the entire width of the paper 12 is configured. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, you may comprise a line head by arranging the short head block 40 in a line.

  In order to increase the dot pitch formed on the recording paper surface, it is necessary to increase the nozzle pitch in the head block 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the head block 40 of this example includes a plurality of ink chamber units 47 including nozzles 42 serving as ink droplet ejection holes, a pressure chamber 44 corresponding to each nozzle 42, an ink inlet 46, and the like. Substrate having nozzles arranged in a staggered matrix (two-dimensionally), so that the substantial nozzle spacing projected along the longitudinal direction of the head (main scanning direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction) High density (projection nozzle pitch) is achieved. The pressure chamber 44 provided corresponding to each nozzle 42 has a substantially square planar shape, and nozzles 42 and ink inlets 46 are provided at both corners on a diagonal line.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each pressure chamber 44 communicates with a common channel 48 through an ink inlet 46 and an individual channel 49. Each pressure chamber 44 is connected to a circulation common channel 54 via an individual channel 52. The head block 40 is provided with a supply port 56 and a discharge port 58, the supply port 56 communicates with the common flow channel 48, and the discharge port 58 communicates with the circulation common flow channel 54.

  In other words, the supply port 56 and the discharge port 58 of the head block 40 are inks including the common flow channel 48, the individual flow channel 49, the ink inlet 46, the pressure chamber 44, the individual flow channel 52, and the circulation common flow channel 54. It is the structure connected via the flow path. For this reason, a part of the ink supplied to the supply port 56 from a supply flow path 102 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later, is ejected from each nozzle 42, and the remaining ink is supplied to the individual flow path 52 and the circulation common flow path 54. Are sequentially discharged from a discharge port 58 to a recovery flow path 104 (see FIG. 5).

[Description of control system]
FIG. 4 is a principal block diagram showing a control system of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. The inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a communication interface 70, a system controller 72, a memory 74, a print control unit 76, an image buffer memory 78, a head driver 80, a pump driver 82, a valve driver 84, and the like.

  The communication interface 70 is an interface unit that receives image data sent from the host computer 86.

  The image data sent from the host computer 86 is taken into the inkjet recording apparatus 1 via the communication interface 70 and temporarily stored in the memory 74. The memory 74 is a storage unit that temporarily stores an image input via the communication interface 70, and data is read and written through the system controller 72.

  The system controller 72 is a control unit that controls each unit such as the communication interface 70, the memory 74, and each driver. The system controller 72 is composed of a central processing unit (CPU) and its peripheral circuits, etc., and performs control of communication with the host computer 86, read / write control of the memory 74, etc., and control of the transport system motor and the like. Generate a signal.

  Further, the system controller 72 acquires the detection results of the supply pressure sensor 90 and the recovery pressure sensor 92 of the ink supply unit 18.

  The memory 74 stores programs executed by the CPU of the system controller 72 and various data necessary for control. Note that the memory 74 may be a non-rewritable storage means or a rewritable storage means such as an EEPROM. The memory 74 is used as a temporary storage area for image data, and is also used as a program development area and a calculation work area for the CPU.

  The pump driver 82 is a driver that drives the supply pump 94 and the recovery pump 96 of the ink supply unit 18 in accordance with an instruction from the pressure control unit 72 a of the system controller 72.

  The valve driver 84 is a driver that drives the supply valve 98 and the collection valve 99 of the ink supply unit 18 in accordance with instructions from the system controller 72. Then, the operation check of a supply valve 98 and a recovery valve 99 described later is performed by a valve operation check unit 100 in the system controller 72.

  The print control unit 76 has a signal processing function for performing various processes and corrections for generating a print control signal from the image data in the memory 74 according to the control of the system controller 72, and the generated print control. A control unit that supplies a signal (dot data) to the head driver 80. Necessary signal processing is performed in the print control unit 76, and the ejection amount and ejection timing of the ink droplets of the head 30 are controlled via the head driver 80 based on the image data. Thereby, a desired dot size and dot arrangement are realized.

  The print control unit 76 includes an image buffer memory 78, and image data, parameters, and other data are temporarily stored in the image buffer memory 78 when image data is processed in the print control unit 76.

  Various control programs are stored in the program storage unit 95, and the control programs are read and executed in accordance with instructions from the system controller 72.

[Description of ink supply unit]
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the ink supply unit 18 corresponding to the liquid supply apparatus of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the ink supply unit 18 includes an ink tank 101, a supply channel 102 and a recovery channel 104 that communicate with the ink tank 101, and a plurality of heads that communicate with the supply channel 102 and the recovery channel 104. The block 40 is mainly configured. The ink tank 101 is a base tank (ink supply source) that stores ink to be supplied to the head block 40.

  The ink tank 101 and the supply flow path 102 communicate with each other via a supply pump 94, and the ink tank 101 and the collection flow path 104 communicate with each other via a recovery pump 96.

By changing the rotation direction (driving direction) and rotation amount of the supply pump 94, ink movement is performed between the ink tank 101 and the supply flow path 102, and the inside of the supply flow path 102 is adjusted to a predetermined pressure. be able to. For example, when the supply pump 94 is driven to rotate forward, ink flows into the supply channel 102 from the ink tank 101 side, and the internal pressure of the supply channel 102 can be increased. On the other hand, when the supply pump 94 is driven in reverse, the ink in the supply channel 102 flows out to the ink tank 101 side, and the internal pressure of the supply channel 102 can be lowered. Also, the rotation direction (drive direction) of the recovery pump 96 ) Or by changing the rotation amount, the ink is moved between the ink tank 101 and the recovery channel 104, and the inside of the recovery channel 104 can be adjusted to a predetermined pressure.

For example, when the recovery pump 96 is driven to rotate forward, it can flow into the recovery channel 104 from the ink tank 101 side, and the internal pressure of the recovery channel 104 can be increased. On the other hand, when the recovery pump 96 is driven in reverse, the ink in the recovery flow path 104 flows out to the ink tank 101 side, and the internal pressure of the recovery flow path 104 can be lowered. A supply pressure sensor 90 serving as detection means is provided, and a recovery pressure sensor 92 serving as internal pressure detection means is provided in the recovery flow path 104. Further, the supply flow path 102 and the head block 40 communicate with each other via a supply individual flow path 103 including a supply valve 98, and the recovery individual flow path 105 including a recovery valve 99 is provided between the recovery flow path 104 and the head block 40. It communicates through. The supply individual flow path 103 is opened and closed by the supply valve 98, and the recovery individual flow path 105 is opened and closed by the recovery valve 99.

  Under such a configuration, the ink supply unit 18 operates as follows.

  The pressure controller 72a (see FIG. 4) of the system controller 72 controls the driving of the supply pump 94 based on the detection result of the supply pressure sensor 90 so that the inside of the supply channel 102 is adjusted to a predetermined pressure. Based on the detection result of the recovery pressure sensor 92, the drive of the recovery pump 96 is controlled so that the inside of the recovery flow path 104 is adjusted to a predetermined pressure.

  A predetermined pressure difference is set between the supply flow path 102 and the recovery flow path 104 so that the internal pressure of the supply flow path 102 is relatively higher than the internal pressure of the recovery flow path 104, and the head block The internal pressures of the supply flow path 102 and the recovery flow path 104 are adjusted by controlling the drive of the supply pump 94 and the recovery pump 96 so that a predetermined back pressure (negative pressure) is applied to the ink inside the 40 nozzles 42. To do.

  Thereby, while maintaining the back pressure (negative pressure) of the head block 40, ink circulation from the supply flow path 102 to the recovery flow path 104 via the head block 40 can be continuously performed at a predetermined speed. .

[Explanation of valve operation check method]
Next, a method for confirming the valve operation of the ink supply unit will be described. The following valve operation check is executed in the valve operation check unit 100 (see FIG. 4) by selecting the valve operation check mode in the user interface, for example.

<Overall flow>
FIG. 6 is an overall flowchart of valve operation confirmation. As shown in FIG. 6, the valve operation confirmation method is performed by first performing a combination check, then performing a supply valve check, and then performing a recovery valve check. Here, the combination check is a check for confirming the operation of both the supply valve 98 and the recovery valve 99. The supply valve check is a check for confirming the operation of the supply valve 98, and the recovery valve check is a check for confirming the operation of the recovery valve 99.

<Combination check>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the combination check. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing pressure fluctuations during the combination check, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing determination contents during the combination check.

  As shown in FIG. 7, with all supply valves 98 and all recovery valves 99 closed, the pressure values inside the supply flow path 102 and the recovery flow path 104 are the pressure values inside the head block 40, respectively. The pressure is increased to the above predetermined pressure value. At this time, a predetermined pressure difference is set between the supply channel 102 and the recovery channel 104 (step S1).

  As an example, when the inside of the head block 40 is open to the atmosphere, it is assumed that the pressure value in the head block 40 is atmospheric pressure, and the pressure values inside the supply channel 102 and the recovery channel 104 are Each is increased to a predetermined pressure value equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure.

  In FIG. 8, in step S <b> 1, the pressure value of the supply channel 102 is set higher than the pressure value of the recovery channel 104, and a predetermined pressure difference is set between the supply channel 102 and the recovery channel 104. An example that had been shown.

  Next, a valve opening command is given to simultaneously open the supply valve 98 and the recovery valve 99 in the same head block 40 to be checked for operation. (Step S2).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pressure values of the supply flow path 102 and the recovery flow path 104 are close (step S3).

  In step S3, when it is determined that the pressure values of the supply flow path 102 and the recovery flow path 104 are close as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, the valve opening command is the target of the operation check. It is determined that the operations of the supply valve 98 and the recovery valve 99 are normal (step S4).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the pressure values of the supply channel 102 and the recovery channel 104 are not close to each other, it is determined whether or not both the supply channel 102 and the recovery channel 104 have decreased ( Step S5).

  If it is determined in step S5 that the pressure values of the supply flow path 102 and the recovery flow path 104 have both decreased as shown in FIGS. 8B and 9, a control error is caused by an incorrect wiring or a control error. An error determination is made that the control target valve is wrong (step S6).

  On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S5 that both the pressure values in the supply flow path 102 and the recovery flow path 104 have decreased, the valve on the side where the pressure does not change is operated due to a valve failure or incorrect wiring as a valve error. An error determination is performed (step S7). FIG. 8C and FIG. 9 show an example in which there is no pressure change in the pressure value of the recovery flow path 104, and it is determined that the recovery valve 99 to be checked for operation is not operating.

  After the determination as described above, the supply valve 98 and the recovery valve 99 connected to all the head blocks are finished when the check is completed, while when the check is not completed, the process goes to step S1. Return (step S8).

  The above is the content of the combination check.

  In the combination check described above, even when the operation commands to the supply valve 98 and the recovery valve 99 in the same head block 40 are switched, it is determined to be normal.

  Therefore, the following supply valve check and recovery valve check are further performed.

<Supply valve check>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the supply valve check. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing pressure fluctuations at the time of supply valve check, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing determination contents of the supply valve check.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, in a state where all the supply valves 98 and all the recovery valves 99 are closed, the inside of the supply flow path 102 and the recovery flow path 104 is a predetermined value equal to or higher than the pressure value in the head block 40. (Step S11).

  As an example, when the inside of the head block 40 is open to the atmosphere, it is assumed that the pressure value in the head block 40 is atmospheric pressure, and the pressure values inside the supply channel 102 and the recovery channel 104 are The pressure is increased to a predetermined pressure value equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure.

  Next, a valve opening command is given to open one supply valve 98 connected to the head block 40 to be checked for operation (step S12).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pressure value in the supply channel 102 has decreased (step S13).

  When it is determined in step S13 that the pressure value in the supply flow path 102 has decreased as shown in FIGS. 11A and 12, the supply valve 98 that is the target of the valve opening command and the operation confirmation target. Is determined to be normal (step S14).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the pressure value in the supply flow path 102 has not decreased, it is further determined whether or not the pressure value in the recovery flow path 104 has decreased (step S15).

  Then, if it is determined in step S15 that the pressure value in the recovery flow path 104 has decreased as shown in FIGS. 11B and 12, the target of the valve opening command is due to incorrect wiring or control error as a control error. An error determination is made that the recovery valve 99 that is outside has been opened by mistake (step S16). That is, it can be confirmed that the target of the opening command to the supply valve 98 and the recovery valve 99 has been switched.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that the pressure value in the recovery flow path 104 has not decreased as shown in FIGS. 11C and 12, the operation is confirmed as a valve error due to a defective valve or incorrect wiring. An error determination is made that the target supply valve 98 does not operate (step S17).

  After the determination as described above, the supply valves 98 connected to all the head blocks 40 are finished as they are when the check is completed, while when the check is not completed, the process returns to step S11 (step S11). S18).

  The above is the content of the supply valve check.

<Recovery valve check>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the recovery valve check. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing pressure fluctuations during the recovery valve check, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing determination contents of the recovery valve check.

  As shown in FIG. 13, first, in a state where all the supply valves 98 and all the recovery valves 99 are closed, both the inside of the supply flow path 102 and the recovery flow path 104 exceed the pressure value in the head block 40. Increase to a predetermined pressure value (step S21).

  As an example, when the inside of the head block 40 is open to the atmosphere, it is assumed that the pressure value in the head block 40 is atmospheric pressure, and the pressure values inside the supply channel 102 and the recovery channel 104 are The pressure is increased to a predetermined pressure value equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure.

  Next, a valve opening command is given to open one recovery valve 99 connected to the head block 40 to be checked for operation (step S22).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pressure value in the recovery channel 104 has decreased (step S23).

  When it is determined in step S23 that the pressure value in the recovery flow path 104 has decreased as shown in FIGS. 14A and 15, the recovery valve 99 that is the target of the valve opening command and the operation confirmation target is set. It is determined that the operation is normal (step S24).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the pressure value in the recovery flow path 104 has not decreased, it is further determined whether or not the pressure value in the supply flow path 102 has decreased (step S25).

  If it is determined in step S25 that the pressure value in the supply flow path 102 has decreased as shown in FIGS. 14B and 15, the control error is caused by an incorrect wiring or a control error. An error determination is made that the supply valve 98 which is outside is opened by mistake (step S26). That is, it can be confirmed that the target of the opening command to the supply valve 98 and the recovery valve 99 has been switched.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the pressure value of the supply flow path 102 has not decreased as shown in FIGS. 14C and 15, the operation is confirmed as a valve error due to a defective valve or incorrect wiring. An error determination is made that the target collection valve 99 does not operate (step S27).

  Then, after the determination as described above, the collection valves 99 connected to all the head blocks are finished as they are when the check is completed, while when the check is not completed, the process returns to step S21 (step S28). ).

  The above is the content of the recovery valve check.

<Valve operation confirmation timing>
The operation check of the valve as described above is performed when the flow path of the liquid supply device (ink supply unit 18) is assembled. If an abnormality is detected as a result of the operation check, the confirmer is notified that there is an abnormality in the device. As an abnormality notification means for informing an abnormality, it is conceivable to turn on a patrol light or display an error on a device operation monitor.

  Also, the confirmer can know the contents of the abnormality and the location of the abnormality by referring to the record (log) of the operation confirmation contents or displaying the details of the abnormality on the device operation monitor. it can. When there is an abnormality, the abnormality can be quickly resolved by replacing parts, reassembling, etc. based on the obtained information from these abnormality notification means.

  In the above description, after the combination check, both the supply valve check and the recovery valve check are checked. However, only one of the supply valve check and the recovery valve check may be performed.

<Valve check during periodic inspection>
The valve operation is also confirmed during the periodic inspection of the ink supply unit 18. However, since the operation of the valve is once confirmed when the liquid supply apparatus is assembled, the operation confirmation of the valve performed here is to check whether or not the valve itself is broken over time. Therefore, the inspection is as follows.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the valve check during the periodic inspection.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in a state where all the supply valves 98 and all the recovery valves 99 are closed, both of the inside of the supply flow path 102 and the recovery flow path 104 are equal to or higher than a pressure value in the head block 40. Increase to the pressure value (step S31).

  As an example, when the inside of the head block 40 is open to the atmosphere, it is assumed that the pressure value in the head block 40 is atmospheric pressure, and the pressure values inside the supply channel 102 and the recovery channel 104 are The pressure is increased to a predetermined pressure value equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure.

  Next, a valve opening command is given to open one supply valve 98 in the head block 40 to be checked for operation (step S32).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pressure value in the supply channel 102 has decreased (step S33).

  When it is determined in step S33 that the pressure value in the supply flow path 102 has decreased, it is determined that the operation of the supply valve 98 subject to operation confirmation is normal (step S34).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the pressure value in the supply flow path 102 has not decreased, the supply valve 98 subject to operation confirmation is not operating due to a valve failure or harness disconnection as a valve error. Error determination is performed (step S35).

  After the determination as described above, the supply valves 98 connected to all the head blocks are terminated if the check is completed, and on the other hand, if the check is not completed, the process returns to step S31 (step S36). ).

  As described above, the operation of the supply valve 98 is checked, but the operation of the recovery valve 99 is checked in the same manner.

  In addition, also in the valve check at the time of the periodic inspection, if an abnormality is found, the error is notified to the confirmer by the same abnormality notification means as at the time of assembly of the flow path.

  As described above, the valve operation confirmation method, the liquid supply apparatus, and the ink jet recording apparatus of the liquid supply apparatus according to the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above examples and is within the scope of the present invention. Of course, various improvements and modifications may be made.

  For example, the order in which the combination check, supply valve check, and recovery valve check are performed may be performed in an order other than the order shown in FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inkjet recording device, 14 ... Drawing part, 30 ... Head, 40 ... Head block,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 90 ... Supply pressure sensor, 92 ... Recovery pressure sensor, 98 ... Supply valve, 99 ... Recovery valve, 100 ... Valve operation confirmation part, 101 ... Ink tank, 102 ... Supply flow path, 104 ... Recovery flow path

Claims (13)

Supply individual flow path and recovery individual flow path individually connected to a plurality of liquid discharge means, supply valve provided in the supply individual flow path, recovery valve provided in the recovery individual flow path, and the plurality of liquid discharge means Supply channel for supplying liquid via the supply individual channel, a recovery channel for recovering liquid from the plurality of liquid ejection means via the recovery individual channel, and pressure of the supply channel Supply pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure, recovery pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the recovery flow path, and pressure control means for controlling the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path The valve operation confirmation method of
A valve opening command is given to open at least one of the supply valve and the recovery valve connected to one of the plurality of liquid discharge means, and the supply pressure detection means Based on the result of the pressure change of the supply flow path obtained based on the detected result of the pressure of the supply flow path and the detection result of the pressure of the recovery flow path detected by the recovery pressure detecting means Checking the operation of the valve by determining whether or not the valve that is the target of the valve opening command normally operates based on the result of the pressure change of the recovery flow path obtained in
A method for confirming the valve operation of a liquid supply apparatus. All the supply valves and all the recovery valves are closed, and the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path are made higher than the internal pressures of the plurality of liquid discharge means. A predetermined pressure difference is provided between the pressure of the recovery flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path, and the supply valve and the recovery valve connected to one liquid discharge means among the plurality of liquid discharge means are simultaneously opened. The supply valve and the recovery valve that are the target of the valve opening command based on the pressure change between the supply channel and the recovery channel when the valve opening command is given Performing a combination check to determine whether or not to operate normally,
The valve operation confirmation method for a liquid supply apparatus according to claim 1. In the combination check, when the pressure of the supply flow channel and the pressure of the recovery flow channel approach when the valve opening command is given, the supply valve and the recovery valve that are targets of the valve opening command Make a normal judgment that it is operating normally,
The valve operation confirmation method for a liquid supply apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: In the combination check, when both the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path decrease when the valve opening command is given, the supply valve and the recovery valve that are targets of the valve opening command are Performing an error determination that any one of the supply valve and the recovery valve connected to the liquid discharge means different from the liquid discharge means connected to the valve is erroneously opening.
The method for confirming the valve operation of the liquid supply apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: In the combination check, when no pressure change occurs in at least one of the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path when the valve opening command is given, the combination check is connected to the flow path where no pressure change occurs. 5. The valve operation confirmation method for a liquid supply device according to claim 2, wherein an error determination is made that the valve itself is defective. All the supply valves and all the recovery valves are closed, and the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow paths are made larger than the internal pressures of the plurality of liquid discharge means, and the one supply When the valve opening command is given to open the valve, the supply that is the target of the valve opening command based on the pressure change of the supply channel and the recovery channel when the valve opening command is given Performing a supply check to determine if the valve operates normally,
The valve operation confirmation method of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5 characterized by these. In the supply check, when the pressure of the supply flow path decreases when the valve opening command is given, it is determined that the supply valve that is the target of the valve opening command is operating normally, When the pressure of the recovery flow path decreases, performing an error determination that the recovery valve that is not subject to the valve opening command is operating incorrectly,
The valve operation confirmation method for a liquid supply apparatus according to claim 6. All the supply valves and all the recovery valves are closed, and the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow paths are made larger than the internal pressures of the plurality of liquid discharge means, and one recovery is performed. When the valve opening command is given to open the valve, the recovery that is the target of the valve opening command based on the pressure change of the supply flow path and the recovery flow path when the valve opening command is given Performing a recovery check to determine if the valve is operating normally,
The valve operation confirmation method for a liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The recovery check performs normal determination that the recovery valve that is the target of the valve opening command is operating normally when the pressure of the recovery channel decreases when the valve opening command is given, When the pressure in the supply flow path decreases, performing an error determination that the supply valve that is not subject to the valve opening command is operating in error,
The valve operation confirmation method for a liquid supply apparatus according to claim 8. After performing the combination check,
All the supply valves and all the recovery valves are closed, and the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow paths are made larger than the internal pressures of the plurality of liquid discharge means, and the one supply When the valve opening command is given to open the valve, the supply that is the target of the valve opening command based on the pressure change of the supply channel and the recovery channel when the valve opening command is given Supply check for determining whether or not the valve operates normally, and closing all of the supply valves and all of the recovery valves, and adjusting the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path The supply flow path when the valve opening command is given when the valve opening command is given so as to be larger than the pressure inside the plurality of liquid discharge means and to open the one recovery valve, and Based on the pressure change in the recovery flow path, The recovery valve is to perform at least one of determining recovery checks whether to operate normally is,
The valve operation confirmation method for a liquid supply apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: Informing the determination result of the operation check of the valve,
The valve operation confirmation method of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10 characterized by these. A supply individual flow path and a recovery individual flow path individually connected to a plurality of liquid ejection means;
A supply valve provided in the individual supply flow path;
A recovery valve provided in the individual recovery channel;
A supply flow path for supplying a liquid to the plurality of liquid discharge means via the supply individual flow path;
A recovery flow path for recovering liquid from the plurality of liquid ejection means via the recovery individual flow path;
Supply pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the supply flow path;
Recovery pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the recovery flow path;
Pressure control means for controlling the pressure of the supply channel and the pressure of the recovery channel;
A valve opening command is given to open at least one of the supply valve and the recovery valve connected to one of the plurality of liquid discharge means, and the supply pressure detection means Pressure change in the supply flow path and the recovery flow path obtained based on the detection result of the detected pressure in the supply flow path and the detection result of the pressure in the recovery flow path detected by the recovery pressure detection means Valve operation confirmation means for confirming the operation of the valve by determining whether or not the valve that is the target of the valve opening command operates normally based on the result of
A liquid supply apparatus comprising: Conveying means for conveying the recording medium;
An ink ejection head comprising a plurality of head blocks for ejecting ink onto the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means;
Supply individual flow paths and recovery individual flow paths individually connected to the plurality of head blocks, supply valves provided in the supply individual flow paths, recovery valves provided in the recovery individual flow paths, and the plurality of head blocks. In contrast, a supply flow path for supplying ink via the supply individual flow path, a recovery flow path for recovering ink from the plurality of head blocks via the recovery individual flow path, and a pressure of the supply flow path are detected. Supply pressure detection means for detecting, recovery pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the recovery flow path, pressure control means for controlling the pressure of the supply flow path and the pressure of the recovery flow path, and the plurality of head blocks A valve opening command is given to open at least one of the supply valve and the recovery valve connected to one head block of the head block, and is detected by the supply pressure detecting means. Based on the detection result of the pressure of the supply flow path and the detection result of the pressure of the recovery flow path detected by the recovery pressure detection means, the result of the pressure change of the supply flow path and the recovery flow path is obtained. An ink supply unit comprising: valve operation confirmation means for confirming operation of the valve by determining whether or not the valve that is the target of the valve opening command operates normally based on
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising:

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