JP2011180246A - Electronic printer control device and preparatory operation method for electronic printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress degradation in the printing quality of an electronic printer. <P>SOLUTION: The control device 70 controls the operations of a liquid toner pump 25c, recovery pump 25d, and another recovery pump 25e. The control device 70 executes a pre-printing preparatory operation, before printing by means of the electronic printer 10 when the control device 70 has determined either that a prescribed amount of time has passed since the electronic printer 10 has finished printing, or that a passage cleaning operation, in which a carrier is run through a supply passage F04, another supply passage F05, a recovery passage F06, and another recovery passage F07, has finished. For the preparatory operation, the control device 70 runs the liquid toner pump 25c, the recovery pump 25d, and the other recovery pump 25e. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic printing press control apparatus and a method for preparing an electronic printing press.

  Conventionally, an electronic printer using liquid toner has been proposed. The liquid toner is a toner in which a solid toner composed of a thermoplastic resin and a pigment (dye) is dispersed in a carrier. Among such electronic printing machines, there is an electronic printing machine that performs a preparatory operation after the start of power supply and before the start of printing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of stirring liquid toner as a preparation operation.

JP 2002-296905 A

  Liquid toner gradually precipitates in the carrier due to gravity. Therefore, if printing is not performed for a long period of time, the toner may precipitate and aggregate in the passage through which the liquid toner flows. When the agglomerated toner is guided to the developing unit, the printing quality of the electronic printer is lowered. The stirring roller described in Patent Document 1 promotes stirring of liquid toner, and the old liquid toner in the passage cannot be replaced with new toner. Therefore, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the old liquid toner in the passage may be guided to the developing unit. Therefore, the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 may not be able to suppress a decrease in print quality of the electronic printing machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to suppress a decrease in print quality of an electronic printing machine.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an electronic printing machine control device according to the present invention includes a liquid toner containing a carrier and toner from a tank capable of storing the liquid toner to a developing unit of the electronic printing machine. The liquid toner supply means capable of supplying the liquid toner, and the liquid recovery means capable of recovering the liquid toner from the developing unit. If it is determined, the liquid recovery means and the liquid toner supply means are operated as a preparatory operation before the start of printing by the electronic printer.

  When a predetermined time elapses after printing by the electronic printing machine, the toner in the supply passage and the collection passage is precipitated and aggregated. When the agglomerated toner is guided to the developing unit, the printing quality of the electronic printer is lowered. However, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention collects the liquid toner in the passage before the start of printing, and supplies new liquid toner to the developing unit. Thereby, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can promote replacement of the old liquid toner and the new liquid toner in the passage. Therefore, the electronic printing machine control apparatus according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in printing quality of the electronic printing machine.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an electronic printer control device according to the present invention provides a supply passage from a tank capable of storing a liquid toner containing a carrier and toner to a developing unit of the electronic printer. The liquid toner supply means capable of supplying the liquid toner via the recovery unit, and the liquid recovery means capable of recovering the liquid toner and the carrier via the recovery passage from the developing unit, When it is determined that the passage cleaning operation for flowing the carrier into the recovery passage is completed, the liquid recovery means and the liquid toner supply means are operated as a preparatory operation before the start of printing by the electronic printer. It is characterized by making it.

  When the passage cleaning operation is executed last time, the liquid toner in the supply passage and the collection passage is replaced with a carrier. Therefore, when the electronic printing machine performs printing in this state, the printing quality is deteriorated (printing is practically impossible). However, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention collects the liquid toner in the collection passage before the start of printing, and supplies new liquid toner to the developing unit through the supply passage. As a result, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can promote replacement of the carrier in the supply passage with new liquid toner. Therefore, the electronic printing machine control apparatus according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in printing quality of the electronic printing machine.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the operation of a carrier supply means capable of supplying the carrier to the developing unit via the supply passage is controlled, and the carrier supply means is operated as the passage cleaning operation, and It is desirable that the carrier is recovered from the developing unit by liquid recovery means.

  With the above configuration, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can promote replacement of the liquid toner and the carrier in the supply passage. Therefore, the electronic printing machine can reduce the possibility that the supply passage is clogged with toner due to the precipitation and aggregation of the toner in the supply passage.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to control the operation of the carrier direct supply means capable of directly supplying the carrier to the recovery passage and to operate the carrier direct supply means as the passage cleaning operation.

  With the above configuration, the electronic printing machine control apparatus according to the present invention can supply the carrier directly to the collection passage. Therefore, the electronic printing press control apparatus according to the present invention can reduce the possibility that the collecting passage is clogged with toner.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the liquid toner is recovered from the developing unit by the liquid recovery means as the passage cleaning operation.

  With the above configuration, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can first collect the liquid toner from the developing unit and then supply the carrier to the developing unit. Thereby, the electronic printing press control apparatus according to the present invention can more suitably promote the replacement of the liquid toner and the carrier in the passage.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to operate the liquid toner supply means as the passage cleaning operation.

  With the above configuration, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can push out old liquid toner with new liquid toner. Thereby, the electronic printing press control apparatus according to the present invention can more suitably promote the discharge of the old liquid toner.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to control the operation of a temperature adjusting means capable of adjusting the temperature of the liquid toner in the tank and to operate the temperature adjusting means as the preparatory operation.

  The temperature of the liquid toner affects the print quality of the electronic printer. However, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can adjust the temperature of the liquid toner to an appropriate temperature in advance. Therefore, the electronic printing machine control apparatus according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in printing quality of the electronic printing machine.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, each operation of a stirring unit capable of stirring the liquid toner in the tank and a dispersion unit capable of dispersing the aggregated toner contained in the liquid toner in the tank is controlled. As the preparatory operation, it is desirable to operate the stirring means and the dispersing means.

  With the above configuration, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can disperse the aggregated toner in advance and reduce the concentration deviation of the liquid toner in advance. Therefore, the electronic printing machine control apparatus according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in printing quality of the electronic printing machine.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, each operation of a liquid toner adding unit capable of supplying new liquid toner to the tank and a carrier adding unit capable of supplying the carrier to the tank is controlled, and the preparation operation is performed. Preferably, the concentration of the toner with respect to the carrier of the liquid toner in the tank is adjusted by at least one of the liquid toner adding means and the carrier adding means.

  With the configuration described above, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can appropriately adjust the concentration of the liquid toner in advance. Therefore, the electronic printing machine control apparatus according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in printing quality of the electronic printing machine.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, as the preparatory operation, it is desirable to adjust the amount of the liquid toner in the tank by at least one of the liquid toner adding means and the carrier adding means.

  With the above configuration, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can appropriately adjust the amount of liquid toner in the tank in advance.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the electronic printing machine controls each operation of a liquid toner adding unit capable of supplying new liquid toner to the tank and a carrier adding unit capable of supplying the carrier to the tank. In the printing liquid toner adjustment operation executed during printing by the above, it is preferable that the concentration of the toner with respect to the carrier of the liquid toner in the tank is adjusted by at least one of the liquid toner addition unit and the carrier addition unit. .

  With the above configuration, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can appropriately adjust the density of the liquid toner during printing. Therefore, the electronic printing machine control apparatus according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in printing quality of the electronic printing machine.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, as the liquid toner adjustment operation during printing, it is desirable to adjust the amount of the liquid toner in the tank by at least one of the liquid toner adding means and the carrier adding means.

  With the above configuration, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can appropriately adjust the amount of liquid toner in the tank during printing.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to control the operation of a temperature adjusting unit capable of adjusting the temperature of the liquid toner in the tank and to operate the temperature adjusting unit as the liquid toner adjustment operation during printing.

  The temperature of the liquid toner affects the print quality of the electronic printer. However, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can adjust the temperature of the liquid toner to an appropriate temperature during printing. Therefore, the electronic printing machine control apparatus according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in printing quality of the electronic printing machine.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, each operation of a stirring unit capable of stirring the liquid toner in the tank and a dispersion unit capable of dispersing the aggregated toner contained in the liquid toner in the tank is controlled. As the liquid toner adjustment operation during printing, it is desirable to operate the stirring unit and the dispersing unit.

  With the above-described configuration, the electronic printer control device according to the present invention can disperse the agglomerated toner during printing, and can reduce the uneven density of the liquid toner during printing. Therefore, the electronic printing machine control apparatus according to the present invention can suppress a decrease in printing quality of the electronic printing machine.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the electronic printer preparatory operation method according to the present invention is based on the electronic printer when a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of printing by the electronic printer. A procedure for supplying the liquid toner to a developing unit of the electronic printing machine from a tank capable of storing a liquid toner containing a carrier and toner before starting printing, and a procedure for recovering the liquid toner from the developing unit; , Including.

  When a predetermined time elapses after printing by the electronic printing machine, the toner in the supply passage and the collection passage is precipitated and aggregated. When the agglomerated toner is guided to the developing unit, the printing quality of the electronic printer is lowered. However, if the preparatory operation method of the electronic printing machine according to the present invention is used, the liquid toner in the passage can be collected before the start of printing, and new liquid toner can be supplied to the developing unit. As a result, if the preparatory operation method for the electronic printing machine according to the present invention is used, the replacement of the old liquid toner and the new liquid toner in the passage can be promoted. Therefore, if the preparatory operation method for the electronic printing machine according to the present invention is used, it is possible to suppress a decrease in printing quality of the electronic printing machine.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a preparatory operation method for an electronic printing machine according to the present invention is a path cleaning operation in which a carrier is supplied to a supply path for supplying liquid toner to a developing unit of an electronic printing machine. The liquid toner is supplied to the developing unit of the electronic printing machine from a tank capable of storing the liquid toner containing the carrier and the toner before the printing by the electronic printing machine is started. And a procedure for recovering the liquid toner from the developing unit.

  When the passage cleaning operation is executed last time, the liquid toner in the supply passage and the collection passage is replaced with a carrier. Therefore, when the electronic printing machine performs printing in this state, the printing quality is deteriorated (printing is practically impossible). However, if the preparatory operation method of the electronic printing machine according to the present invention is used, the liquid toner in the collection passage is collected before the start of printing, and new liquid toner is supplied to the developing unit through the supply passage. Accordingly, the use of the electronic printer preparatory operation method according to the present invention can facilitate replacement of the carrier in the supply passage with new liquid toner. Therefore, if the preparatory operation method for the electronic printing machine according to the present invention is used, it is possible to suppress a decrease in printing quality of the electronic printing machine.

  The present invention can suppress a decrease in print quality of an electronic printing machine.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an electronic printing machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the liquid toner adjusting device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functions included in the control device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the preparation operation procedure. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting the liquid toner during printing. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the passage cleaning operation procedure.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following description. In addition, constituent elements in the following description include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those in a so-called equivalent range.

(Embodiment)
The electronic printing machine of this embodiment is a liquid development electrophotographic printing machine. The electronic printing machine includes a paper feeding unit, a printing unit, and a paper discharge unit. The paper feed unit can supply, for example, sheet-by-sheet print sheets one by one from the paper feed tray to the printing unit. The printing unit can perform printing on one side or both sides of the supplied printing sheet. The paper discharge unit can discharge a printed sheet printed on one or both sides by the printing unit to a paper discharge tray.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an electronic printing machine. Hereinafter, the electronic printing machine 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing unit 11 includes an intermediate transfer body 12, a backup roller 13, a plurality (four in this embodiment) of developing units 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, and 14 d, and a liquid toner supply device 20. And a cleaning device 30, a liquid toner recovery device 40, a solid content separation device 50, and a control device 70 as an electronic printer control device. Although not shown, the printing unit 11 includes a print sheet conveying device, a toner fixing device, and the like. In this case, the printing unit 11 is configured to perform process color printing. The developing units 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d correspond to the process colors of C (blue), M (red), Y (yellow), and K (black).

  The printing unit 11 performs printing with the liquid toner T. The liquid toner T is a mixture of toner dispersed in a carrier. The toner is in the form of particles formed of a thermoplastic material and a pigment (pigment or dye). The carrier is a petroleum solvent (for example, nonpolar, paraffinic solvent, mineral oil, etc.). The liquid toner T is a toner in which particulate toner having an average particle diameter of about 1 to 2 μm is contained in a carrier at a concentration of about 10 to 40 percent by weight.

  The intermediate transfer member 12 is in contact with the backup roller 13. The intermediate transfer body 12 forms a nip portion (transfer position) N1 at the contact portion. The intermediate transfer body 12 has a blanket 12a wound around an outer peripheral surface. The blanket 12a is made of urethane conductive rubber. The intermediate transfer body 12 has a bias voltage with the photosensitive drum 15.

  The backup roller 13 is arranged to apply a pressure to the intermediate transfer body 12 at a predetermined pressure, for example, about 1 to 13 kg / cm. The backup roller 13 forms the above-described nip portion N <b> 1 at the contact portion with the intermediate transfer body 12. For this reason, the print sheet S is conveyed between the intermediate transfer body 12 and the backup roller 13, whereby a predetermined nip pressure is applied. For example, a transfer bias of about −800 V is applied to the backup roller 13. As a result, the printing unit 11 gives the liquid toner T an attractive force from the intermediate transfer body 12 to the backup roller 13 due to the difference between the intermediate transfer body 12 and the bias voltage of the backup roller 13. In this way, the printing unit 11 promotes electrostatic transfer of the liquid toner T from the intermediate transfer body 12 to the print sheet S.

  The developing units 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are arranged around the intermediate transfer body 12 along the rotation direction. The developing units 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are different in the color of the liquid toner T guided to the intermediate transfer body 12, but the configuration is the same. Therefore, in the following, the developing unit 14a will be described in detail.

  The developing unit 14a includes a photosensitive drum 15, a supply pan 16a, and a liquid toner conveying roller 16b. The photosensitive drum 15 has a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface. The photosensitive layer is formed including a photosensitive agent such as amorphous silicon (a-Si) or a photosensitive polymer. The photosensitive drum 15 contacts the intermediate transfer body 12 at the nip portion N2. The supply pan 16a is a container for storing the liquid toner T. The liquid toner transport roller 16 b transports the liquid toner T from the supply pan 16 a to the photosensitive drum 15. With the above configuration, the developing unit 14a can transfer the liquid toner T guided from the supply pan 16a to the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 15 to the intermediate transfer body 12 by the liquid toner conveying roller 16b.

  The liquid toner supply device 20 includes a concent tank 21, a carrier tank 22, a liquid toner adjusting device 60, a switching valve 23a, a switching valve 23b, a passage group, a concent pump 25a as a liquid toner adding means, and a carrier. A pump 25b, a liquid toner pump 25c as liquid toner supply means, a recovery pump 25d and recovery pump 25e as liquid recovery means, a recovery blade 26, a concentration sensor 27a, a level sensor 27b, and a temperature sensor 27c Including. The concentrated tank 21 is a container for storing liquid toner T1 having a higher concentration than the liquid toner T guided to the photosensitive drum 15. When the capacity of the high-concentration liquid toner T1 is insufficient, the concentrated tank 21 is replenished with the high-concentration liquid toner T1 from the bottle toner 21a. The carrier tank 22 is a container for storing a carrier. The carrier tank 22 is replenished with carriers from the carrier can 22a when the carrier capacity is insufficient.

  The liquid toner adjusting device 60 includes a dispersion tank 61 and a stirring tank 65. A more detailed configuration of the liquid toner adjusting device 60 will be described later. The dispersion tank 61 is a container for storing the liquid toner T collected from the liquid toner conveying roller 16b. The agitation tank 65 is a container for storing a liquid mixture of the high-concentration liquid toner T1 and the carrier, that is, the liquid toner T. The liquid toner T in the dispersion tank 61 is guided to the stirring tank 65 by overflowing from the dispersion tank 61, for example.

  The switching valve 23 a is an electromagnetic valve that can switch the carrier supply destination in the carrier tank 22. The switching valve 23b is an electromagnetic valve that can switch the supply source of the liquid supplied to the supply pan 16a. The passage group includes a passage F01 to a passage F09. The passage F01 connects the concrete tank 21 and the plurality of stirring tanks 65 for each developing unit. The passage F02 connects the carrier tank 22 and the switching valve 23a. The passage F03 connects the switching valve 23a and the stirring tank 65. The supply passage F04 connects the stirring tank 65 and the switching valve 23b. The supply passage F05 connects the switching valve 23b and the supply pan 16a. The recovery passage F06 connects the supply pan 16a and the stirring tank 65. The collection passage F07 connects the collection blade 26 and the dispersion tank 61. The passage F08 connects the switching valve 23a and the switching valve 23b. The passage F09 connects the switching valve 23a and the recovery passage F07. The passage F09 opens to the blade 26.

  The concrete pump 25a is provided in the passage F01. The concentrated pump 25 a guides the high-concentration liquid toner T <b> 1 in the concentrated tank 21 to the stirring tank 65. The carrier pump 25b realizes functions as a carrier supply means, a carrier direct supply means, and a carrier addition means. The carrier pump 25b is provided in the passage F02. The carrier pump 25b guides the carrier in the carrier tank 22 to the switching valve 23a. When the switching valve 23a communicates the passage F02 and the passage F03, the carrier pump 25b guides the carrier to the stirring tank 65. When the switching valve 23a communicates the passage F02 and the passage F08 and the switching valve 23b communicates the passage F08 and the supply passage F05, the carrier pump 25b guides the carrier to the supply pan 16a. When the switching valve 23a communicates the passage F02 and the passage F09, the carrier pump 25b guides the carrier to the collection passage F07.

  The liquid toner pump 25c is provided in the supply passage F04. The liquid toner pump 25c guides the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 to the switching valve 23b. When the switching valve 23b communicates between the supply passage F04 and the supply passage F05, the liquid toner pump 25c guides the liquid toner T to the supply pan 16a. The recovery pump 25d is provided in the recovery passage F06. The recovery pump 25d returns the excess liquid toner T in the supply pan 16a to the stirring tank 65.

  The collection blade 26 is in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the liquid toner conveying roller 16b. The collection blade 26 collects excess liquid toner T on the outer peripheral portion of the liquid toner transport roller 16b. The excess liquid toner T here is the liquid toner T that has not been transferred to the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 15. Specifically, the excess liquid toner T is the liquid toner T in the non-image area on the outer peripheral portion of the liquid toner transport roller 16b. The recovery pump 25e is provided in the recovery passage F07. The recovery pump 25 e guides the liquid toner T recovered by the recovery blade 26 to the dispersion tank 61.

  The concentration sensor 27a is provided in the supply passage F04, for example. The density sensor 27a detects the density of the liquid toner T guided to the supply pan 16a. The level sensor 27b is provided in the stirring tank 65. The level sensor 27b detects the height of the liquid level M of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 (the distance between the bottom surface 65a of the stirring tank 65 and the liquid level M). The temperature sensor 27 c is provided in the stirring tank 65. The temperature sensor 27 c detects the temperature of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65.

  The conc tank 21, the dispersion tank 61, the agitation tank 65, the conc pump 25a, the liquid toner pump 25c, the recovery pump 25d, the recovery pump 25e, the recovery blade 26, the concentration sensor 27a, and the level sensor 27b The temperature sensor 27c is provided for each developing unit of the developing units 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. The carrier tank 22 and the carrier pump 25b are shared by each developing unit. The carrier pump 25b guides the carrier from the carrier tank 22 to the stirring tank 65 for each developing unit. One carrier tank 22 and one carrier pump 25b may be provided for each developing unit. With the above configuration, the liquid toner supply device 20 guides the liquid toner T to the outer peripheral portion of the photosensitive drum 15.

  The cleaning device 30 includes a carrier nozzle 31, a carrier pump 32, a first cleaning roller 33a, a second cleaning roller 33b, a collection blade 34a, a collection blade 34b, and a collection blade 34c. The carrier nozzle 31 is provided to face the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12. Specifically, the carrier nozzle 31 is provided between the nip portion N1 of the intermediate transfer member 12 and the backup roller 13 and the nip portion N2 of the intermediate transfer member 12 and the photosensitive drum 15 for the first color. The carrier nozzle 31 discharges the carrier and guides the carrier to the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12.

  The carrier pump 32 is provided in a passage connecting the carrier tank 22 and the carrier nozzle 31. The carrier pump 32 guides the carrier in the carrier tank 22 to the carrier nozzle 31. The first cleaning roller 33 a and the second cleaning roller 33 b are provided in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12. The first cleaning roller 33a is provided between the photosensitive drum 15 of the developing unit 14b and the photosensitive drum 15 of the developing unit 14c. The second cleaning roller 33b is provided between the photosensitive drum 15 of the developing unit 14d and the backup roller 13. The first cleaning roller 33 a and the second cleaning roller 33 b come into contact with the intermediate transfer body 12 during printing on the print sheet S, and collect a part of the liquid toner T on the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12. Accordingly, the first cleaning roller 33a and the second cleaning roller 33b prepare the liquid toner T on the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12.

  The collection blade 34a is provided to face the outer periphery of the first cleaning roller 33a. The collection blade 34a collects the liquid toner T on the outer periphery of the first cleaning roller 33a. The collection blade 34b is provided to face the outer peripheral portion of the second cleaning roller 33b. The collection blade 34b collects the liquid toner T on the outer periphery of the second cleaning roller 33b. The collection blade 34 c is provided to face the outer peripheral portion of the intermediate transfer body 12. Specifically, the collection blade 34c is provided between the carrier nozzle 31 and the photosensitive drum 15 of the developing unit 14a. The collection blade 34c collects the liquid toner T diluted by the carrier discharged from the carrier nozzle 31.

  The liquid toner recovery device 40 includes a liquid toner recovery pump 41a, a liquid toner recovery pump 41b, and a liquid toner recovery pump 41c. The liquid toner recovery pump 41a is provided in a path connecting the recovery blade 34c and the solid content separation device 50. The solid content separation device 50 promotes the separation of the toner as the solid content contained in the guided liquid toner T and the carrier, and collects the liquid toner T (mainly the carrier) in which the contained toner is reduced. It is. The solid content separation device 50 includes, for example, a filter capable of collecting the toner and allowing the carrier to pass therethrough.

  The liquid toner recovery pump 41a guides the liquid toner T recovered by the recovery blade 34c to the solid content separation device 50. The liquid toner recovery pump 41b is provided in a path connecting the recovery blade 34a and the solid content separation device 50. The liquid toner recovery pump 41 b guides the liquid toner T recovered by the recovery blade 34 a to the solid content separation device 50. The liquid toner recovery pump 41 c is provided in a path connecting the recovery blade 34 b and the solid content separation device 50. The liquid toner recovery pump 41 c guides the liquid toner T recovered by the recovery blade 34 b to the solid content separation device 50.

  Here, the electronic printer 10 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 reuses the carrier in which the toner contained is reduced by the solid content separation device 50. As a configuration for this purpose, the electronic printing machine 10 includes a recycled carrier supply pump 17. The recycle carrier supply pump 17 is provided in a passage connecting the solid content separation device 50 and the carrier tank 22. In the present embodiment, the recycled carrier supply pump 17 is provided between the solid content separation device 50 and the carrier tank 22. Thereby, the recycled carrier supply pump 17 guides the carrier in which the contained toner is reduced by the solid content separation device 50 to the carrier tank 22. Next, a more detailed configuration of the liquid toner adjusting device 60 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the liquid toner adjusting device. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid toner adjusting device 60 includes a dispersion tank 61, a dispersion motor 62, an impeller impeller 63 as a dispersion means, a discharge unit 64, a stirring tank 65, and a stirring motor 66. And an anchor type impeller 67 and a temperature adjusting device 68 as temperature adjusting means. As described above, the dispersion tank 61 is a tank to which the liquid toner T collected from the liquid toner conveyance roller 16b is guided. That is, the agglomerated toner is guided to the dispersion tank 61.

  The dispersion motor 62 is, for example, a device that generates rotational force when supplied with electricity. The dispersing motor 62 may be a device that generates a rotational force by being guided by a fluid such as air or liquid. The dispersion motor 62 is attached to the dispersion tank 61 by a support body 62a, for example. The dispersion motor 62 may not be attached to the dispersion tank 61, and may be supported by the support body 62a on the frame of the electronic printing machine 10, for example.

  The impeller type impeller 63 is an impeller that can apply a shearing force to the aggregated toner in the dispersion tank 61. The impeller-type impeller 63 has, for example, a shape in which a blade is formed on the periphery of a disk-shaped base. The impeller-type impeller 63 rotates by obtaining a rotational force from the dispersing motor 62 shown in FIG. The impeller-type impeller 63 is not an impeller intended to generate a vortex in the liquid toner T in the dispersion tank 61, but an impeller intended to disperse the toner by tearing a lump of agglomerated toner. It is. The impeller type impeller 63 is provided in the dispersion tank 61. The rotation axis of the impeller type impeller 63 of the present embodiment is, for example, along the vertical direction. However, the rotation shaft of the impeller type impeller 63 may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction or may be along the horizontal direction.

  The discharge part 64 is formed in the dispersion tank 61. The discharge unit 64 communicates the inside and the outside of the dispersion tank 61. The discharge part 64 is a hole, for example. However, the discharge part 64 is not limited to a hole, and may be a notch formed in the upper opening 61b of the dispersion tank 61, for example. The discharge part 64 of the present embodiment is formed on the upper side in the vertical direction of the dispersion tank 61 (on the upper opening 61b side of the dispersion tank 61). In addition, the site | part in which the discharge part 64 is formed is not limited to the vertical direction upper side among the dispersion tanks 61, For example, you may provide in the center part in the vertical direction of the dispersion tank 61. However, the height of the liquid level M (distance from the bottom surface 61 a) decreases as the portion where the discharge portion 64 is formed approaches the bottom surface 61 a, that is, the liquid toner T that can be stored in the dispersion tank 61. The liquid volume decreases. Therefore, the discharge part 64 is preferably formed on the upper opening 61b side. Thereby, the dispersion tank 61 can store more liquid toner T.

  The stirring tank 65 is provided at a position where the liquid toner T in the dispersion tank 61 can be guided through the discharge unit 64. The liquid toner adjusting device 60 of the present embodiment guides the liquid toner T from the dispersion tank 61 to the stirring tank 65 by gravity. Therefore, the stirring tank 65 is disposed directly below the dispersion tank 61 in the vertical direction. The liquid toner adjusting device 60 guides the liquid toner T to the stirring tank 65 by causing the liquid toner T to overflow from the discharge unit 64. The liquid toner adjusting device 60 may have a passage that connects the discharge unit 64 and the stirring tank 65. In this case, the agitation tank 65 does not need to be disposed directly below the dispersion tank 61 in the vertical direction, and may be disposed, for example, obliquely below the dispersion tank 61 as long as it is below the dispersion tank 61 in the vertical direction.

  Further, the liquid toner adjusting device 60 may guide the liquid toner T from the discharge unit 64 to the stirring tank 65 by a pump. In this case, the agitation tank 65 may be disposed at the same height as the dispersion tank 61 or on the upper side in the vertical direction from the dispersion tank 61. However, it is preferable that the stirring tank 65 is disposed directly below the dispersion tank 61 in the vertical direction. Thereby, the liquid toner adjusting device 60 can omit a passage (pipe) or a component such as a pump.

  The stirring motor 66 is, for example, a device that generates rotational force when supplied with electricity. The stirring motor 66 may be, for example, a device that generates a rotational force when a fluid such as air or liquid is guided. The stirring motor 66 is attached to the stirring tank 65 by a support 66a, for example. The stirring motor 66 may not be attached to the stirring tank 65, and may be supported by the support 66a on the frame of the electronic printing machine 10, for example.

  The anchor type impeller 67 is an impeller capable of generating a vortex in the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65. The anchor type impeller 67 rotates by obtaining a rotational force from the stirring motor 66 shown in FIG. The anchor type impeller 67 is not an impeller intended to disperse the toner by cutting the aggregated toner lump. Therefore, the anchor type impeller 67 is formed to have a larger area that can apply force to the liquid toner T than the impeller type impeller 63. Specifically, the anchor type impeller 67 is formed larger than the impeller type impeller 63. The shape of the anchor type impeller 67 includes a portion 67a orthogonal to the rotation axis of itself (anchor type impeller 67) and a portion 67b parallel to the rotation axis. The anchor type impeller 67 may rotate at a lower speed than the impeller type impeller 63. In the present embodiment, the impeller-type impeller 63 rotates at, for example, 200 rpm, while the anchor-type impeller 67 rotates, for example, at 100 rpm.

  The temperature adjusting device 68 is provided in the stirring tank 65. The temperature adjustment device 68 is, for example, a Peltier element. The temperature adjusting device 68 moves the heat of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 to the outside by being supplied with electric power. Thereby, the temperature adjusting device 68 adjusts (cools) the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 to an appropriate temperature. Next, the control device 70 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating functions included in the control device. The control device 70 is a computer. The control device 70 includes a plurality of functions described below. In the control device 70, one computer may have a plurality of functions, or a plurality of computers each having an individual function may be combined. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 70 includes a storage unit 71, an input / output unit 72, and a processing unit 73.

  The storage unit 71 stores a computer program in which a procedure executed by the control device 70 is written, information necessary for executing the computer program, and information calculated when the computer program is executed. The input / output unit 72 is an I / O (Input / Output), and each device is electrically connected. Specifically, the input / output unit 72 switches between a concentric pump 25a, a carrier pump 25b, a liquid toner pump 25c, a recovery pump 25d, a recovery pump 25e, a dispersion motor 62, and a stirring motor 66. The valve 23a, the switching valve 23b, the concentration sensor 27a, the level sensor 27b, the temperature sensor 27c, and the temperature adjustment device 68 are electrically connected. Note that the input / output unit 72 may be electrically connected to other devices.

  The processing unit 73 includes an information acquisition unit 74, a calculation unit 75, and an operation control unit 76. The information acquisition unit 74 acquires information from the storage unit 71. Thereby, the information acquisition unit 74 acquires a computer program, information necessary for executing the computer program, and information calculated when the computer program is executed. The information acquisition unit 74 acquires various signals from the concentration sensor 27a, the level sensor 27b, and the temperature sensor 27c via the input / output unit 72. Thereby, the information acquisition unit 74 acquires the concentration of the liquid toner T, the height of the liquid level M in the stirring tank 65, and the temperature of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65.

  The calculation unit 75 performs a predetermined calculation based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 74. In addition, the calculation unit 75 determines a procedure to be executed next from a plurality of procedures based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 74. The operation control unit 76 generates a signal for controlling the operation of various devices. Then, the operation control unit 76 transmits the signal to various devices via the input / output unit 72. The various devices include, for example, a concentric pump 25a, a carrier pump 25b, a liquid toner pump 25c, a recovery pump 25d, a recovery pump 25e, a dispersing motor 62, a stirring motor 66, a switching valve 23a, The switching valve 23b and the temperature adjustment device 68.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the preparation operation procedure. Hereinafter, the control device 70 handles the elapsed time α1, the elapsed time α2, the temperature α3, the concentration α4, and the level α5 as numerical values. Further, the control device 70 handles a threshold value α10, a threshold value α20, a threshold value α30, a threshold value α40, and a threshold value α50 corresponding to each of the elapsed time α1 to the level α5. Initial values are set for the elapsed time α1 and the elapsed time α2. The initial value is 0, for example. For example, when the power to the electronic printing machine 10 is started (when the power switch is turned on), the control device 70 executes the following preparatory operation procedure. Alternatively, when an operation for starting printing is performed by the electronic printing machine 10, the control device 70 executes the following preparatory operation procedure before starting printing.

  In step ST101, the calculation unit 75 determines whether the preparatory operation start condition is satisfied. The preparatory operation start condition is that the controller 70 executes the passage cleaning operation procedure shown in FIG. 6 when the time elapsed from the completion of printing of the electronic printing machine 10 to the present time is a predetermined time or more. This is at least one of the cases (the passage cleaning operation procedure is completed). Here, when the time elapsed from when the electronic printing machine 10 performed the previous printing to the present increases, the liquid toner T in each passage precipitates due to its own weight. The predetermined time is a value with which it is possible to determine whether or not the toner precipitation amount is within an allowable range. Further, the term “immediately before” does not mean that the elapsed time is short, but means that printing has not been executed between the completion of the passage cleaning operation procedure shown in FIG. 6 and the execution of step ST101. Information on the time elapsed since the electronic printing machine 10 completed the previous printing and the information on whether or not the passage cleaning operation procedure shown in FIG. 6 has been completed immediately before is stored in the storage unit 71. Yes. The calculation unit 75 acquires these pieces of information from the storage unit 71 and determines whether or not the preparatory operation start condition is satisfied.

  When the calculation unit 75 determines that the preparatory operation start condition is not satisfied (step ST101, No), the control device 70 ends the execution of a series of procedures. When the calculation unit 75 determines that the preparatory operation start condition is satisfied (step ST101, Yes), the information acquisition unit 74 acquires the elapsed time α1 from the storage unit 71 in step ST102.

  In step ST103, the calculation unit 75 determines whether or not the elapsed time α1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value α10. The elapsed time α1 is a time that has elapsed since step ST104, which will be described later, was first completed. When executing step ST103 for the first time, the computing unit 75 treats the elapsed time α1 as 0, which is an initial value. The threshold value α10 is sufficient for the dispersion of the toner contained in the liquid toner T in the dispersion tank 61 by the impeller impeller 63 and the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 by the anchor impeller 67 is sufficiently agitated. It is a value that can be determined to exist.

  If the calculation unit 75 determines that the elapsed time α1 is smaller than the threshold value α10 (No in Step ST103), the operation control unit 76 starts the operation of the dispersion motor 62 and the stirring motor 66 in Step ST104, or Let it be maintained. Thereby, the control device 70 can disperse the aggregated toner in advance and reduce the density deviation of the liquid toner T in advance. Therefore, the control device 70 can suppress a decrease in print quality of the electronic printer 10. In the following description, the expression “start or maintain” is used. This means that the operation control unit 76 starts the operation of each device when executing the step for the first time, and maintains the operation of each device when executing the step after the second time.

  Next, in step ST105, the computing unit 75 adds 1 to the elapsed time α1. The time that 1 means depends on the processing speed of the processing unit 73. The new elapsed time α1 calculated by the calculation unit 75 is stored in the storage unit 71.

  If the calculation unit 75 determines that the elapsed time α1 is equal to or greater than the threshold α10 (step ST103, Yes) or executes step ST105, the information acquisition unit 74 stores the elapsed time α2 from the storage unit 71 in step ST106. get.

  Next, in step ST107, the computing unit 75 determines whether or not the elapsed time α2 is greater than or equal to the threshold value α20. The elapsed time α2 is a time that has elapsed since step ST108 described later is first executed. When executing step ST107 for the first time, the calculating part 75 handles elapsed time (alpha) 2 as 0 which is an initial value. The threshold α20 is a value with which it can be determined that the circulation of the liquid toner T by the liquid toner pump 25c, the recovery pump 25d, and the recovery pump 25e is sufficient.

  If the calculation unit 75 determines that the elapsed time α2 is smaller than the threshold α20 (No in Step ST107), in Step ST108, the operation control unit 76 controls the operation of the switching valve 23b to supply the supply passage F04 and the supply passage F04. The passage F05 is communicated.

  Next, in step ST109, the operation control unit 76 starts or maintains the operations of the liquid toner pump 25c, the recovery pump 25d, the recovery pump 25e, and the liquid toner transport roller 16b. Thus, the control device 70 collects the liquid toner T in each passage before starting printing, and supplies new liquid toner T to each developing unit. Thereby, the control device 70 can promote replacement of the old liquid toner T and the new liquid toner T in each passage. Therefore, the control device 70 can suppress a decrease in print quality of the electronic printer 10.

  Next, in step ST110, the calculation unit 75 adds 1 to the elapsed time α2. The time that 1 means depends on the processing speed of the processing unit 73. The new elapsed time α2 calculated by the calculation unit 75 is stored in the storage unit 71.

  If the calculation unit 75 determines that the elapsed time α2 is greater than or equal to the threshold α20 (step ST107, Yes) or executes step ST110, the information acquisition unit 74 stores the elapsed time α1 and the elapsed time α1 from the storage unit 71 in step ST111. The elapsed time α2 is acquired. Next, in step ST112, the calculation unit 75 determines whether or not the elapsed time α1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value α10 and the elapsed time α2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value α20. If the arithmetic unit 75 determines that at least one of the elapsed time α1 is not less than the threshold α10 and the elapsed time α2 is not less than the threshold α20 (step ST112, No), the control is performed. The apparatus 70 returns to step ST102.

  When the calculation unit 75 determines that the elapsed time α1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value α10 and the elapsed time α2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value α20 (step ST112, Yes), in step ST113, the information acquisition unit 74 includes the temperature sensor 27c. The temperature α3 of the liquid toner T in the agitation tank 65 is obtained from the concentration sensor 27a, the concentration α4 of the liquid toner T in the agitation tank 65 is obtained from the concentration sensor 27a, and the level α5 of the liquid toner T in the agitation tank 65 is obtained from the level sensor 27b. (The height of the liquid level M) is acquired.

  Next, in step ST114, the calculation unit 75 determines that the temperature α3 is not less than the threshold value α31 and not more than the threshold value α32, the concentration α4 is not less than the threshold value α41 and not more than the threshold value α42, and the level α5 is not less than the threshold value α51 and not more than the threshold value α52. It is determined whether or not there is. Here, when the temperature of the liquid toner T rises, the function of dispersing the toner contained in the liquid toner T decreases. The threshold value α31 and the threshold value α32 are temperature ranges in which the reduction of the toner dispersion function in the agitation tank 65 is allowable. The threshold value α41 and the threshold value α42 are ranges of appropriate concentrations of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65. The threshold value α51 and the threshold value α52 are appropriate heights of the liquid level M in the stirring tank 65.

  At least one of the condition that the temperature α3 is the threshold value α31 or more and the threshold value α32 or less, the concentration α4 is the threshold value α41 or more and the threshold value α42 or less, and the level α5 is the threshold value α51 or more and the threshold value α52 or less is satisfied. If it is determined that the calculation unit 75 does not (No in step ST114), in step ST115, the calculation unit 75 determines whether or not the temperature α3 is not less than the threshold value α31 and not more than the threshold value α32.

  When the calculation unit 75 determines that the temperature α3 is not greater than or equal to the threshold value α31 or less than the threshold value α32 (step ST115, No), the operation control unit 76 starts or maintains the operation of the temperature adjustment device 68 in step ST116. Thereby, the operation control unit 76 starts or maintains the automatic adjustment of the temperature of the liquid toner T. Thereby, the control device 70 can adjust the temperature of the liquid toner T to an appropriate temperature in advance. Therefore, the control device 70 can suppress a decrease in print quality of the electronic printer 10.

  If the calculation unit 75 determines that the temperature α3 is not less than the threshold value α31 and not more than the threshold value α32 (step ST115, Yes) or if step ST116 is executed, in step ST117, the calculation unit 75 sets the concentration α4 to the threshold value α41 or more. It is determined whether or not α42 or less.

  When the calculation unit 75 determines that the concentration α4 is not greater than or equal to the threshold value α41 or less than the threshold value α42 (step ST117, No), in step ST118, the operation control unit 76 controls the operation of the switching valve 23a, and the passage F02. The passage F03 is communicated.

  Next, in step ST119, the operation control unit 76 controls the operation of at least one of the concentric pump 25a or the carrier pump 25b, and supplies the liquid toner T1 in the concentric tank 21 or the carrier tank 22 to the stirring tank 65. Let the inside carrier guide you. Thereby, the operation control unit 76 starts or maintains the adjustment of the concentration of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65. Thereby, the operation control unit 76 can appropriately adjust the concentration of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 in advance. Therefore, the control device 70 can suppress a decrease in print quality of the electronic printer 10.

  When the calculation unit 75 determines that the concentration α4 is greater than or equal to the threshold value α41 and less than or equal to the threshold value α42 (step ST117, Yes) or when step ST119 is executed, in step ST120, the calculation unit 75 determines that the level α5 is greater than or equal to the threshold value α51. It is determined whether or not α52 or less.

  When the calculation unit 75 determines that the level α5 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value α51 and not greater than the threshold value α52 (step ST120, No), in step ST121, the operation control unit 76 controls the operation of the switching valve 23a and sets the passage F02. The passage F03 is communicated.

  Next, in step ST122, the operation control unit 76 controls the operation of the concentric pump 25a and the carrier pump 25b to guide the liquid toner T1 in the conch tank 21 to the agitation tank 65 to the agitation tank 65, and the carrier. The carrier in the tank 22 is guided to the stirring tank 65. Thereby, the operation control unit 76 can start or maintain the level adjustment of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65.

  If the computing unit 75 determines that the level α5 is greater than or equal to the threshold value α51 and less than or equal to the threshold value α52 (step ST120, Yes), or executes step ST122, the control device 70 returns to step ST113. When the calculation unit 75 determines that the temperature α3 is not less than the threshold value α31 and not more than the threshold value α32, the concentration α4 is not less than the threshold value α41 and not more than the threshold value α42, and the level α5 is not less than the threshold value α51 and not more than the threshold value α52 (step) (ST114, Yes), the control device 70 ends the execution of a series of procedures.

  When the preparatory operation start condition is satisfied, the electronic printer 10 needs to adjust the liquid toner T. Specifically, when the time elapsed from the completion of printing by the electronic printer 10 to the present time is a predetermined time or more, the liquid toner T in each passage is precipitated by its own weight. Further, the liquid toner T may be agglomerated. On the other hand, when the passage cleaning operation procedure shown in FIG. 6 is completed immediately before, most of the liquid in each passage is a carrier.

  When the control device 70 of the present embodiment executes the above procedure, the control device 70 discharges the liquid toner T in each of the supply passage F04, the supply passage F05, the recovery passage F06, and the recovery passage F07, and Replacement with new liquid toner T can be promoted. Further, the control device 70 adjusts the temperature of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 to an appropriate temperature in advance before starting printing by the electronic printing machine 10 and sets the concentration of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 appropriately. Adjusting the level of the liquid toner T in the agitation tank 65, agitating the liquid toner T in the agitation tank 65 to reduce the concentration deviation of the liquid toner T, and dispersion The dispersion of the toner contained in the liquid toner T in the tank 61 can be promoted. Thereby, the electronic printer 10 can start printing quickly in a state where the adjustment of the liquid toner T is completed when the start of printing is requested next time. In addition, the control device 70 can suppress a decrease in print quality of the electronic printer 10.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting the liquid toner during printing. For example, when an operation for starting printing by the electronic printer 10 is performed, the control device 70 executes the following liquid toner adjustment operation procedure during printing. In step ST201, the information acquisition unit 74 acquires the elapsed time α1, the temperature α3, the concentration α4, and the level α5 from the storage unit 71.

  Next, in step ST202, the calculation unit 75 has an elapsed time α1 of not less than the threshold value α10, a temperature α3 of not less than the threshold value α31 and not more than the threshold value α32, and a concentration α4 of not less than the threshold value α41 and not more than the threshold value α42. In addition, it is determined whether or not the level α5 is not less than the threshold value α51 and not more than the threshold value α52.

  The elapsed time α1 is a threshold value α10 or more, the temperature α3 is a threshold value α31 or more and a threshold value α32 or less, the concentration α4 is a threshold value α41 or more and a threshold value α42 or less, and the level α5 is a threshold value α51 or more and a threshold value α52 or less. If the calculation unit 75 determines that there is (step ST202, Yes), the control device 70 ends the execution of a series of procedures. Then, the control device 70 returns to step ST201 and repeatedly executes the liquid toner adjustment operation procedure during printing while the electronic printer 10 is printing.

  The elapsed time α1 is not less than the threshold α10, the temperature α3 is not less than the threshold α31 and not more than the threshold α32, the concentration α4 is not less than the threshold α41 and not more than the threshold α42, and the level α5 is not less than the threshold α51 and not more than the threshold α52. If the calculation unit 75 determines that even one of them is not satisfied (step ST202, No), in step ST203, the control device 70 executes each procedure from step ST203 to step ST205. Each procedure from step ST203 to step ST205 is the same as each procedure from step ST103 to step ST105 shown in FIG. Therefore, description of each procedure from step ST203 to step ST205 is omitted.

  When the calculation unit 75 determines that the elapsed time α1 is greater than or equal to the threshold α10 (step ST203, Yes) or when step ST205 is executed, the control device 70 executes each procedure from step ST206 to step ST213. Each procedure from step ST206 to step ST213 is the same as each procedure from step ST115 to step ST122 shown in FIG. Therefore, description of each procedure from step ST206 to step ST213 is omitted. If the calculation unit 75 determines that the level α5 is greater than or equal to the threshold value α51 and less than or equal to the threshold value α52 (step ST211, Yes), or executes step ST213, the control device 70 returns to step ST201.

  While the printing by the electronic printer 10 continues, the control device 70 according to the present embodiment repeatedly executes the above procedure, so that the control device 70 can remove the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 during the printing by the electronic printer 10. Maintaining the temperature at an appropriate temperature, maintaining the concentration of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 appropriately, maintaining the level of the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 appropriately, The liquid toner T can be agitated to maintain the state in which the concentration deviation of the liquid toner T is reduced, and the promotion of the dispersion of the toner contained in the liquid toner T in the dispersion tank 61 can be maintained. Thereby, the control apparatus 70 can suppress the deterioration of the printing quality of the electronic printer 10.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the passage cleaning operation procedure. When an operation for stopping the supply of electric power to the electronic printing machine 10 is performed (when the power button is operated), the control device 70 executes the following path cleaning operation procedure. Alternatively, for example, when an operation for starting execution of the following passage cleaning operation procedure is performed (when the pipe cleaning button is operated), the control device 70 executes the following passage cleaning operation procedure. The control device 70 handles the elapsed time α6, the elapsed time α7, and the elapsed time α8 as numerical values. Further, the control device 70 handles a threshold value α60, a threshold value α70, and a threshold value α80 corresponding to each of the elapsed time α6 to the elapsed time α8.

  In step ST301, the operation control unit 76 starts or maintains the operations of the recovery pump 25d and the recovery pump 25e. Accordingly, the recovery pump 25d discharges the liquid toner T in the supply pan 16a and the recovery passage F06 from the supply pan 16a and the recovery passage F06. The recovery pump 25e discharges the liquid toner T in the recovery passage F07 from the recovery passage F07. In step ST301, the operation control unit 76 may start or maintain the operation of the liquid toner pump 25c. However, in this case, the electronic printing machine 10 needs to include a solenoid valve in the supply passage F04, for example. The electromagnetic valve can switch the supply source of the fluid supplied to the liquid toner pump 25c between the stirring tank 65 and the atmosphere. When operating the liquid toner pump 25c in step ST301, the control device 70 switches the supply source of the fluid supplied to the liquid toner pump 25c to the atmosphere.

  Next, in step ST302, the computing unit 75 adds 1 to the elapsed time α6. The new elapsed time α6 calculated by the calculation unit 75 is stored in the storage unit 71.

  Next, in step ST303, the computing unit 75 determines whether or not the elapsed time α6 is greater than or equal to the threshold value α60. The threshold value α60 can determine that the liquid toner T in the supply pan 16a and the recovery passage F06 is sufficiently discharged by the recovery pump 25d, and the liquid toner T in the recovery passage F07 is sufficiently discharged by the recovery pump 25e. It is a value that can be determined.

  If the calculating part 75 determines that the elapsed time α6 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value α60 (No in step ST303), the operation control unit 76 returns to step ST301. When the calculation unit 75 determines that the elapsed time α6 is equal to or greater than the threshold value α60 (step ST303, Yes), in step ST304, the operation control unit 76 controls the operation of the switching valve 23b to supply the supply passage F04 and the supply passage F04. The passage F05 is communicated.

  Next, in step ST305, the operation control unit 76 starts or maintains the operations of the liquid toner pump 25c, the recovery pump 25d, the recovery pump 25e, and the liquid toner transport roller 16b. Accordingly, the liquid toner pump 25c causes the liquid toner T in the stirring tank 65 to flow in the supply passage F04 and the supply passage F05. In addition, the recovery pump 25d causes the liquid toner T newly introduced into the recovery passage F06 to flow in the recovery passage F06. The recovery pump 25e causes the new liquid toner T recovered from the liquid toner transport roller 16b to flow in the recovery passage F07. As a result, each of the liquid toner pump 25c to the recovery pump 25e pushes the toner in each of the supply passage F04, the supply passage F05, the recovery passage F06, and the recovery passage F07 with the liquid toner T. At this time, it is preferable that the flow rate at which each pump of the recovery pump 25e from the liquid toner pump 25c sends out the liquid toner T is faster than when the electronic printer 10 performs printing. Thereby, each pump of the liquid toner pump 25c to the recovery pump 25e can push out the accumulated toner more suitably.

  Next, in step ST306, the computing unit 75 adds 1 to the elapsed time α7. The new elapsed time α7 calculated by the calculation unit 75 is stored in the storage unit 71.

  Next, in step ST307, the calculation unit 75 determines whether or not the elapsed time α7 is equal to or greater than the threshold value α70. The threshold value α70 is a value with which it can be determined that the toner in each passage has been sufficiently discharged by the operation of each pump from the liquid toner pump 25c to the recovery pump 25e.

  If the calculating part 75 determines that the elapsed time α7 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value α70 (No in Step ST307), the operation control unit 76 returns to Step ST305. If the calculation unit 75 determines that the elapsed time α7 is equal to or greater than the threshold α70 (step ST307, Yes), in step ST308, the operation control unit 76 controls the operation of the switching valve 23a, and the passage F02 and the passage F08 and passage F09 are connected. In step ST308, the operation control unit 76 controls the operation of the switching valve 23b to connect the passage F08 and the supply passage F05. Here, the switching valve 23a of the present embodiment can simultaneously realize the communication between the passage F02 and the passage F08 and the communication between the passage F02 and the passage F09. However, the switching valve 23a may be one that can alternately realize communication between the passage F02 and the passage F08 and communication between the passage F02 and the passage F09. Alternatively, the passage F08 and the passage F09 may be directly connected in advance, and the switching valve 23a may switch between the passage connected to each other and communication between the passage F02 and non-communication.

  Next, in step ST309, the operation control unit 76 starts or maintains the operations of the carrier pump 25b, the recovery pump 25d, the recovery pump 25e, and the liquid toner transport roller 16b. Thereby, the carrier in the carrier tank 22 is guided to the supply pan 16a via the passage F02, the passage F08, and the supply passage F05. The carrier guided to the supply pan 16a is transported to the recovery blade 26 by the liquid toner transport roller 16b and is also guided to the recovery passage F07. The carrier in the carrier tank 22 is directly guided to the recovery passage F07 via the passage F02 and the passage F09. As a result, the liquid toner T is pushed out by the carrier in each passage through which the carrier is guided. That is, each passage is flushed.

  Next, in step ST310, operation unit 75 adds 1 to elapsed time α8. The new elapsed time α8 calculated by the calculation unit 75 is stored in the storage unit 71.

  Next, in step ST311, the calculation unit 75 determines whether or not the elapsed time α8 is equal to or greater than a threshold value α80. The threshold value α80 is a value with which it can be determined that the flushing of each passage has been completed. If the calculation part 75 determines that the elapsed time α8 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value α80 (step ST311, No), the operation control unit 76 returns to step ST309.

  If the calculation unit 75 determines that the elapsed time α8 is equal to or greater than the threshold value α80 (step ST311, Yes), the operation control unit 76 stops supplying power to the liquid toner supply device 20 in step ST312. Note that the control device 70 may omit step ST311. When step ST311 is performed, the control apparatus 70 complete | finishes execution of a series of procedures.

  Here, if the printing is not performed with the liquid toner remaining in the passage, the liquid toner precipitates due to its own weight. Furthermore, if printing is not performed for a long time, the toner may aggregate and adhere to the passage. As a result, the electronic printer may be clogged with toner. However, by executing the above-described passage cleaning operation procedure, the control device 70 can discharge the liquid toner T in each passage and promote replacement of the liquid toner T and carrier in each passage. Therefore, for example, even if the period during which printing by the electronic printing machine 10 is not executed increases, the control device 70 can reduce the possibility that each passage is clogged with toner.

  As described above, the electronic printer control device and the preparation operation method according to the present invention are useful for a technique for causing the electronic printing machine to perform a preparation operation before the start of printing, and in particular, reduce the printing quality of the electronic printing machine. Suitable for suppression.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electronic printer 11 Printing part 12 Intermediate transfer body 13 Backup roller 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d Development unit 15 Photosensitive drum 16a Supply pan 16b Liquid toner conveyance roller 17 Recycle carrier supply pump 20 Liquid toner supply device 21 Conc tank 22 Carrier tank 23a, 23b Switching valve 25a Conc pump (liquid toner adding means)
25b Carrier pump (carrier supply means, carrier direct supply means, carrier addition means)
25c Liquid toner pump (liquid toner supply means)
25d, 25e Recovery pump (liquid recovery means)
26, 34a, 34b, 34c Recovery blade 27a Concentration sensor 27b Level sensor 27c Temperature sensor 30 Cleaning device 31 Carrier nozzle 32 Carrier pump 33a First cleaning roller 33b Second cleaning roller 40 Liquid toner recovery device 41a, 41b, 41c Liquid toner recovery Pump 50 Solid content separation device 60 Liquid toner adjustment device 61 Dispersion tank 62 Dispersion motor 63 Impeller type impeller (dispersing means)
64 Discharge unit 65 Stirring tank 66 Stirring motor 67 Anchor type impeller (stirring means)
67a, 67b part 68 temperature control device (temperature control means)
70 Control device (electronic printer control device)
71 Storage Unit 72 Input / Output Unit 73 Processing Unit 74 Information Acquisition Unit 75 Calculation Unit 76 Operation Control Unit F01 to F03, F08, F09 Passage F04, F05 Supply Passage F06, F07 Recovery Passage

Claims (16)

A liquid toner supply means capable of supplying the liquid toner from a tank capable of storing liquid toner including a carrier and toner to a developing unit of an electronic printing machine;
Liquid recovery means capable of recovering the liquid toner from the developing unit;
Control each operation of
When it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of printing by the electronic printer, the liquid recovery unit and the liquid toner supply unit are operated as a preparation operation before the printing by the electronic printer is started. An electronic printing machine control apparatus characterized by the above. Liquid toner supply means capable of supplying the liquid toner from a tank capable of storing liquid toner including a carrier and toner to a developing unit of an electronic printing machine via a supply passage;
A liquid recovery means capable of recovering the liquid toner and the carrier from the developing unit via a recovery path;
If the passage cleaning operation for flowing the carrier into the supply passage and the recovery passage is determined to be completed, the liquid recovery means is used as a preparatory operation before the start of printing by the electronic printer. And the liquid toner supply means.   The operation of a carrier supply means capable of supplying the carrier to the developing unit via the supply passage is controlled, and the carrier supply means is operated as the passage cleaning operation, and the carrier is removed by the liquid recovery means. The electronic printer control device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic printer control device is collected from the developing unit.   4. The electronic printer control device according to claim 3, wherein an operation of a carrier direct supply means capable of directly supplying a carrier to the recovery passage is controlled, and the carrier direct supply means is operated as the passage cleaning operation. .   The electronic printer control device according to claim 3, wherein the liquid toner is collected from the developing unit by the liquid collection unit as the passage cleaning operation.   The electronic printer control device according to claim 3, wherein the liquid toner supply unit is operated as the passage cleaning operation. Controlling the operation of temperature adjusting means capable of adjusting the temperature of the liquid toner in the tank;
The electronic printer control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the temperature adjusting unit is operated as the preparatory operation. Stirring means capable of stirring the liquid toner in the tank;
Dispersion means capable of dispersing the agglomerated toner contained in the liquid toner in the tank;
The electronic printing press control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the operations is controlled, and the stirring unit and the dispersing unit are operated as the preparatory operation. . A liquid toner adding means capable of supplying new liquid toner to the tank;
Carrier adding means capable of supplying the carrier to the tank;
And the concentration of the toner with respect to the carrier of the liquid toner in the tank is adjusted by at least one of the liquid toner adding means and the carrier adding means as the preparatory operation. The electronic printing machine control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The electronic printer control device according to claim 9, wherein as the preparation operation, the liquid toner amount in the tank is adjusted by at least one of the liquid toner addition unit and the carrier addition unit. A liquid toner adding means capable of supplying new liquid toner to the tank;
Carrier adding means capable of supplying the carrier to the tank;
Control each operation of
As the liquid toner adjustment operation during printing executed during printing by the electronic printer, the concentration of the toner with respect to the carrier of the liquid toner in the tank is adjusted by at least one of the liquid toner addition unit and the carrier addition unit. The electronic printing machine control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic printing machine control apparatus is configured to perform the control.   12. The electronic printing according to claim 11, wherein as the liquid toner adjustment operation during printing, the amount of the liquid toner in the tank is adjusted by at least one of the liquid toner addition unit and the carrier addition unit. Machine control device. Controlling the operation of temperature adjusting means capable of adjusting the temperature of the liquid toner in the tank;
13. The electronic printing press control apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the temperature adjusting unit is operated as the liquid toner adjustment operation during printing. Stirring means capable of stirring the liquid toner in the tank;
Dispersion means capable of dispersing the agglomerated toner contained in the liquid toner in the tank;
14. The electron according to claim 11, wherein the agitation unit and the dispersion unit are operated as the liquid toner adjustment operation during printing. Printer control device. When a predetermined time has elapsed after completing printing by the electronic printing machine, before starting printing by the electronic printing machine,
A procedure for supplying the liquid toner from a tank capable of storing a liquid toner including a carrier and toner to the developing unit of the electronic printing machine;
A procedure for recovering the liquid toner from the developing unit;
A preparatory operation method for an electronic printing machine, comprising: When the passage cleaning operation for flowing the carrier to the supply passage for supplying the liquid toner to the developing unit of the electronic printing machine is completed, before the start of printing by the electronic printing machine,
A procedure for supplying the liquid toner from a tank capable of storing a liquid toner including a carrier and toner to the developing unit of the electronic printing machine;
A procedure for recovering the liquid toner from the developing unit;
A preparatory operation method for an electronic printing machine, comprising:

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