JP2013099863A - Printing apparatus and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save ink.SOLUTION: A printing apparatus includes: a head unit having a nozzle through which a plurality of types of ink can selectively pass and ejecting the ink to a medium from the nozzle; and a controller receiving print jobs and performing print processes a plurality of times for executing the print jobs to perform printing, by causing the head unit to eject one type of ink out of the plurality of types of ink from the nozzle on the basis of ink type information indicated by the print jobs. The controller changes an execution order of the print jobs from a reception order of the print jobs so that the plurality of print jobs in which the same type of ink is ejected are executed successively.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method.

  A head unit that has a nozzle through which a plurality of types of ink can selectively pass, ejects ink from the nozzle to a medium, and receives a print job; and the plurality of types of ink based on ink type information indicated by the print job 2. Description of the Related Art A printing apparatus that includes a controller that performs printing processing for performing printing by executing the print job by causing the head unit to eject one of the inks from the nozzles is already well known. Yes. Examples of the plurality of types of inks include matt black (Mk) ink and photo black (Pk) ink.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-6527

  By the way, when switching between a plurality of types of ink (for example, mat black (Mk) ink and photo black (Pk) ink), the ink may be consumed without being used for printing. Therefore, it is required to suppress the wasteful ink consumption as much as possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to realize ink saving.

The main present invention is a head unit having nozzles through which a plurality of types of ink can selectively pass, and ejecting ink from the nozzles to a medium;
When a print job is received and one of the plurality of types of ink is ejected from the nozzle to the head unit based on the ink type information indicated by the print job, the print job is executed and printed. The printing process to be performed
A controller that runs multiple times,
A printing apparatus comprising:
The controller is configured to change the execution order of the print jobs from the reception order of the print jobs so that a plurality of the print jobs in which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed. Device.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording apparatus 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image recording apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a black ink supply unit 36. FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a state of a black ink supply unit 36 before a switching process is executed. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a state of a black ink supply unit 36 immediately after valve switching. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a state of a black ink supply unit when a suction process is being performed. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a transition of a print job in a memory 63. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining where to place a print job when it is received. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a difference from the first embodiment of a print job destination in the second embodiment.

  At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A head unit having a nozzle through which a plurality of types of ink can selectively pass, and ejecting the ink from the nozzle onto a medium;
When a print job is received and one of the plurality of types of ink is ejected from the nozzle to the head unit based on the ink type information indicated by the print job, the print job is executed and printed. The printing process to be performed
A controller that runs multiple times,
A printing apparatus comprising:
The controller is configured to change the execution order of the print jobs from the reception order of the print jobs so that a plurality of the print jobs in which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed. apparatus.
According to such a printing apparatus, it is possible to realize ink saving.

In addition, the controller
Receiving availability information on whether to change the execution order from the receiving order;
The change may be performed only when the availability information indicates that the information is to be performed.
In such a case, user convenience is improved.

In addition, the controller
Each time the print job is received, the execution order of the print jobs is changed from the reception order of the print jobs so that a plurality of the print jobs in which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed. Also good.
In such a case, it is possible to carefully change the execution order of print jobs from the reception order.

In addition, the controller
Based on the medium type information indicated by the print job,
The order of execution of the print jobs may be changed from the order of receipt of the print jobs so that a plurality of the print jobs in which ink is ejected onto the same type of medium are continuously executed.
In such a case, the user's trouble can be reduced.

Next, a head unit that has a nozzle through which a plurality of types of ink can selectively pass, and ejects ink from the nozzle onto a medium;
When a print job is received and one of the plurality of types of ink is ejected from the nozzle to the head unit based on the ink type information indicated by the print job, the print job is executed and printed. The printing process to be performed
A controller that runs multiple times,
Preparing a printing device comprising:
Changing the execution order of the print jobs from the reception order of the print jobs so that a plurality of the print jobs from which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed;
A printing method characterized by comprising:
According to such a printing method, ink can be saved.

=== About Configuration Example of Image Recording Apparatus 1 ===
A configuration example of an image recording apparatus 1 (an ink jet printer in the present embodiment) as an example of a printing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of the image recording apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image recording apparatus 1.
In the following description, when referring to “up and down direction” and “left and right direction”, the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1 is used as a reference. In addition, the “front-rear direction” refers to a direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG.
In the present embodiment, a description will be given using a sheet wound in a roll shape (hereinafter referred to as a roll sheet (continuous sheet)) as an example of a medium on which the image recording apparatus 1 records an image.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a transport unit 20 and a transport path through which the transport unit 20 transports the roll paper 2 (in FIG. 1, the transport path is A feed unit 10, a platen 29, a take-up unit 90, and a take-up unit 90. The head unit 30 that performs image recording by discharging a plurality of types of ink in the image recording region R on the transport path, the ink supply unit 35, the carriage unit 40, the cleaning unit 43, the heater unit 70, and the platen 29 A blower unit 80 for sending air to the upper roll paper 2, and a controller 60 for controlling these units and controlling the operation as the image recording apparatus 1. It has a detector group 50, a.

  The feeding unit 10 feeds the roll paper 2 to the transport unit 20. The feeding unit 10 includes a winding shaft 18 around which the roll paper 2 is wound and rotatably supported, a relay roller 19 for winding the roll paper 2 fed from the winding shaft 18 and guiding the roll paper 2 to the transport unit 20; have.

  The transport unit 20 transports the roll paper 2 sent by the feeding unit 10 along a preset transport path. As shown in FIG. 1, the transport unit 20 includes a relay roller 21 that is positioned horizontally to the right of the relay roller 19, a relay roller 22 that is positioned obliquely downward to the right when viewed from the relay roller 21, and the relay roller 22. A first conveyance roller 23 located obliquely right above (as viewed from the platen 29 in the conveyance direction), and a steering unit (steering unit) 20a positioned between the relay roller 22 and the first conveyance roller 23, A second transport roller 24 positioned on the right side (downstream in the transport direction as viewed from the platen 29) as viewed from the first transport roller 23, a reversing roller 25 positioned vertically downward as viewed from the second transport roller 24, A relay roller 26 located on the right side when viewed from the reversing roller 25, a delivery roller 27 positioned above when viewed from the relay roller 26, It has.

  The relay roller 21 is a roller that winds the roll paper 2 sent from the relay roller 19 from the left side and loosens it downward.

  The relay roller 22 is a roller that winds the roll paper 2 sent from the relay roller 21 from the left side and conveys it obliquely upward to the right.

  The first transport roller 23 includes a first drive roller 23a driven by a motor (not shown), and a first driven roller 23b arranged to face the first drive roller 23a with the roll paper 2 interposed therebetween. have. The first transport roller 23 is a roller that pulls up the roll paper 2 slacked downward and transports it to the image recording region R facing the platen 29. The first conveyance roller 23 temporarily stops conveyance during a period in which image printing is performed on the portion of the roll paper 2 on the image recording region R. In addition, the conveyance amount of the roll paper 2 positioned on the platen 29 is adjusted by rotating the first driven roller 23b in accordance with the rotational drive of the first drive roller 23a by the drive control of the controller 60.

  As described above, the transport unit 20 has a mechanism for transporting the portion of the roll paper 2 wound between the relay rollers 21 and 22 and the first transport roller 23 by slacking it downward. The slackness of the roll paper 2 is monitored by the controller 60 based on a detection signal from a slack detection sensor (not shown). Specifically, when a portion of the roll paper 2 slackened between the relay rollers 21 and 22 and the first transport roller 23 is detected by the slack detection sensor, a tension of an appropriate magnitude is applied to the portion. Therefore, the transport unit 20 can transport the roll paper 2 in a relaxed state. On the other hand, when the portion of the roll paper 2 that has been loosened is not detected by the slack detection sensor, an excessive amount of tension is applied to the portion, so that the roll paper 2 is transported by the transport unit 20. It is temporarily stopped and the tension is adjusted to an appropriate magnitude.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the steering unit 20a is positioned on the conveyance path in an inclined state, and rotates to roll paper 2 in the width direction position (width direction (front-back direction shown in FIG. 1)) of the roll paper 2. This is for changing the position at which is located. That is, when the roll paper 2 is conveyed along the conveyance path, the tension applied to the roll paper 2 fluctuates due to an axial deviation or an assembly error of a relay roller or the like. The position may be displaced. The steering unit 20 a is for adjusting the position in the width direction of the roll paper 2.

  The second transport roller 24 includes a second drive roller 24a driven by a motor (not shown), and a second driven roller 24b disposed so as to face the second drive roller 24a with the roll paper 2 interposed therebetween. have. The second transport roller 24 is a roller that transports the portion of the roll paper 2 on which the image is recorded by the head unit 30 in the horizontal right direction along the support surface of the platen 29 and then transports it vertically downward. Thereby, the conveyance direction of the roll paper 2 is changed. The second driven roller 24b rotates as the second drive roller 24a is driven to rotate by the drive control of the controller 60, whereby a predetermined amount given to the portion of the roll paper 2 located on the platen 29 is obtained. Tension is adjusted.

  The reversing roller 25 is a roller that wraps the roll paper 2 sent from the second conveying roller 24 from the upper left side and conveys it diagonally upward to the right.

  The relay roller 26 is a roller that winds the roll paper 2 sent from the reversing roller 25 from the lower left side and conveys it upward.

  The delivery roller 27 winds the roll paper 2 sent from the relay roller 26 from the lower left side and sends it to the take-up unit 90.

  As described above, the roll paper 2 moves sequentially through the rollers, whereby a transport path for transporting the roll paper 2 is formed. The roll paper 2 is intermittently transported along the transport path by the transport unit 20 in units of regions corresponding to the image recording regions R.

  The head unit 30 is for recording an image on a portion of the roll paper 2 located in the image recording region R on the transport path. In other words, the head unit 30 forms an image by ejecting ink from the nozzles onto the portion of the roll paper 2 that has been fed by the transport unit 20 into the image recording region R (on the platen 29) on the transport path. In the present embodiment, the head unit 30 has 15 heads 31.

  Each head 31 has a nozzle row in which nozzles are arranged in the row direction on the lower surface thereof. In the present embodiment, each of the colors such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) has a nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles # 1 to #N. The nozzles # 1 to #N in each nozzle row are linearly arranged in a crossing direction that intersects the transport direction of the roll paper 2 (that is, the crossing direction is the above-described row direction). Each nozzle row is arranged in parallel with a space between each other along the transport direction.

  Each nozzle # 1 to #N is provided with a piezo element (not shown) as a drive element for ejecting ink droplets. When a voltage having a predetermined time width is applied between the electrodes provided at both ends of the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element expands according to the voltage application time and deforms the side wall of the ink flow path. As a result, the volume of the ink flow path contracts according to the expansion and contraction of the piezo element, and the ink corresponding to the contraction is ejected from the nozzles # 1 to #N of the respective colors as ink droplets.

  Then, 15 such heads 31 are arranged in the intersecting direction (the row direction), thereby forming the head unit 30. Therefore, the head unit 30 has 15 × N nozzles for each color.

  In this embodiment, mat black (Mk) ink (hereinafter also referred to as Mk ink) and photo black (Pk) ink (hereinafter also referred to as Pk ink) are selectively selected from nozzles corresponding to the black color. Discharge is possible. That is, the head unit 30 is provided with 15 × N nozzles through which a plurality of types of ink can selectively pass. Therefore, the ink flow path in the head unit 30 for guiding the ink to each nozzle is also a common flow path for the Mk ink and the Pk ink (that is, this flow path is used for both the Mk ink and the Pk ink. Can pass through).

  The ink supply unit 35 is for supplying ink to the head unit 30 when the amount of ink in the head unit 30 decreases due to ink ejection by the head 31. The ink supply unit 35 will be described in detail later (a mechanism relating to switching between Mk ink and Pk ink will also be described here).

  The carriage unit 40 is for moving the head unit 30 (head 31). The carriage unit 40 is supported by a carriage guide rail 41 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) extending in the transport direction (left-right direction) and reciprocally movable along the carriage guide rail 41 in the transport direction (left-right direction). A carriage 42 and a motor (not shown).

  The carriage 42 is provided with a head unit 30, that is, 15 heads 31. More specifically, the carriage 42 is divided into four sub-carriages (first sub-carriage to fourth sub-carriage), and each of the first sub-carriage to third sub-carriage has four heads 31. Three heads 31 are provided on the fourth sub-carriage.

  In other words, the fifteen heads 31 have four head groups, that is, a first head group 302 to which the first to fourth heads belong, a second head group 304 to which the fifth to eighth heads belong, and a ninth head. A third head group 306 to which the head to the twelfth head belong and a fourth head group 308 to which the thirteenth head to the fifteenth head belong are configured. The first head group 302 is the first sub-carriage, the second head group 304 is the second sub-carriage, the third head group 306 is the third sub-carriage, the fourth head group 308 is the fourth sub-carriage, Each is provided.

  The carriage 42 composed of four sub-carriages is integrated with the head unit 30 (in other words, the four head groups or the fifteen heads 31) by driving a motor (not shown) in the conveyance direction (left and right). Direction).

  The cleaning unit 43 (not shown in FIG. 1) is for cleaning the head 31. The cleaning unit 43 is provided at a home position (hereinafter referred to as HP, see FIG. 1), and has a cap (not shown), a suction pump 43a (see FIG. 3 and the like), and the like. When the head 31 (carriage 42) moves in the transport direction (left-right direction) and is positioned on the HP, a cap (not shown) comes into close contact with the lower surface (nozzle surface) of the head 31. When the suction pump 43a operates in such a state that the cap is in close contact, the ink in the head 31 is sucked together with the thickened ink and paper powder. In this way, the clogged nozzle recovers from the non-ejection state, thereby completing the head cleaning.

  A flushing unit 44 is provided between the HP and the platen 29 in the transport direction (left-right direction), and the head 31 (carriage 42) moves in the transport direction (left-right direction) to face the flushing unit 44. When the head 31 is positioned, the head 31 performs a flushing operation for performing flushing by ejecting ink from each nozzle belonging to the nozzle row.

  The platen 29 supports the part of the roll paper 2 located in the image recording region R on the conveyance path and heats the part. As shown in FIG. 1, the platen 29 is provided corresponding to the image recording area R on the conveyance path, and is an area along the conveyance path between the first conveyance roller 23 and the second conveyance roller 24. Is arranged. The platen 29 can heat the portion of the roll paper 2 by receiving supply of heat generated by the heater unit 70.

  The heater unit 70 is for heating the roll paper 2 and has a heater (not shown). This heater has a nichrome wire, and the nichrome wire is arranged inside the platen 29 so as to be at a fixed distance from the support surface of the platen 29. For this reason, when the heater is energized, the nichrome wire itself generates heat, and heat can be conducted to the portion of the roll paper 2 located on the support surface of the platen 29. Since this heater is configured by incorporating a nichrome wire in the entire area of the platen 29, heat can be uniformly conducted to the portion of the roll paper 2 on the platen 29. In the present embodiment, the portion of the roll paper 2 is uniformly heated so that the temperature of the portion of the roll paper 2 on the platen is 45 ° C. Thereby, the ink landed on the part of the roll paper 2 can be dried.

  The blower unit 80 is for sending wind to the roll paper 2 on the platen 29. The blower unit 80 includes a fan 81 and a motor (not shown) that rotates the fan 81. The fan 81 rotates to send wind to the roll paper 2 on the platen 29 and dry the ink landed on the roll paper 2. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of fans 81 are provided on an openable / closable cover (not shown) provided on the main body. Each fan 81 is positioned above the platen 29 when the cover is closed, and faces the support surface of the platen 29 (the roll paper 2 on the platen 29).

  The take-up unit 90 is for taking up the roll paper 2 (roll paper on which an image has been recorded) sent by the transport unit 20. This take-up unit 90 is fed from the relay roller 91 that is rotatably supported by the relay roller 91 for winding the roll paper 2 sent from the feed roller 27 from the upper left side and conveying it to the lower right side. And a take-up drive shaft 92 for taking up the roll paper 2.

  The controller 60 is a control unit for controlling the image recording apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 60 includes an interface unit 61, a CPU 62, a memory 63, and a unit control circuit 64. The interface unit 61 is for transmitting and receiving data between the host computer 110 as an external device and the image recording apparatus 1. The CPU 62 is an arithmetic processing device for controlling the entire image recording apparatus 1. The memory 63 is for securing an area for storing a program of the CPU 62, a work area, and the like. The CPU 62 controls each unit by a unit control circuit 64 according to a program stored in the memory 63.

  The detector group 50 is for monitoring the situation in the image recording apparatus 1. For example, a rotary encoder that is attached to the above-described slack detection sensor and the conveyance roller and is used for controlling the conveyance of the roll paper 2. A paper detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the roll paper 2 being conveyed, a linear encoder for detecting the position of the carriage 42 (or head 31) in the conveyance direction (left and right direction), and the paper edge in the width direction of the roll paper 2 There are a paper edge position detection sensor for detecting an (edge) position, a sub tank sensor described later, and the like.

=== Regarding the Ink Supply Unit 35 ===
<<< Regarding Configuration Example of Ink Supply Unit 35 >>>
Next, the ink supply unit 35 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the black ink supply unit 36.

  As described above, the ink replenishment unit 35 is for replenishing (supplying) ink to the head unit 30 when the amount of ink in the head unit 30 decreases due to ink ejection by the head 31. .

  The ink supply unit 35 is provided for each ink color. That is, a yellow ink supply unit for supplying yellow ink, a magenta ink supply unit for supplying magenta ink, a cyan ink supply unit for supplying cyan ink, and a black ink supply For this purpose, a black ink supply unit 36 is provided.

  As described above, the matte black (Mk) ink and the photo black (Pk) ink can be selectively ejected from the nozzle corresponding to the black color. For this reason, the black ink supply unit 36 has a configuration different from the configuration of the ink supply units of other colors (while the configuration of the ink supply units of other colors is common). In the following description, the black ink replenishment unit 36 among the plurality of ink replenishment units 35 will be mainly described, and the ink replenishment units of the other colors will be described later only in the configuration difference from the black ink replenishment unit 36. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the black ink replenishment unit 36 includes an ink cartridge 362, a sub tank 364, a large number of tubes serving as ink flow paths (passages), and a large number of valves for opening and closing the tubes (this embodiment). In this embodiment, the valve is a solenoid valve, but is not limited thereto. The locations where the ink cartridge 362 and the sub tank 364 are installed are indicated by reference numerals 35 and 36 in FIG.

  The ink cartridge 362 contains ink to be supplied to the head unit 30. The ink cartridge 362 is configured to be detachable from the image recording apparatus main body. As the ink cartridge 362, an ink cartridge for Mk ink (Mk ink cartridge 362a) and an ink cartridge for Pk ink (Pk ink cartridge 362b) are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 362 is connected to the sub tank 364 via a tube connecting the ink cartridge 362 and the sub tank 364 (the tube is referred to as an IC-ST tube 370 for convenience). .

  The sub tank 364 temporarily stores ink supplied from the ink cartridge 362 to the head unit 30. The sub tank 364 is fixed to the image recording apparatus main body. That is, unlike the ink cartridge 362, the sub tank 364 has a configuration that cannot be attached to and detached from the image recording apparatus main body. Further, as the sub tank 364, a sub tank for Mk ink (Mk sub tank 364a) and a sub tank for Pk ink (Pk sub tank 364b) are provided.

  In addition, as described above, the sub tank 364 is connected to the ink cartridge 362 via the IC-ST tube 370. However, as shown in FIG. (This valve is referred to as an IC-ST valve 390 for convenience). Further, the sub tank 364 is provided with a sub tank sensor (not shown) that detects when the amount of ink in the sub tank 364 is less than a threshold value.

  When the controller 60 receives the detection signal from the sub tank sensor and grasps that the amount of ink in the sub tank 364 is less than the threshold, the closed IC-ST valve 390 is opened and the ink cartridge 362 is opened. Ink is allowed to flow into the sub-tank 364. Thus, in the sub tank 364, the amount of ink is controlled so that an amount of ink equal to or greater than the threshold is always present (stored).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sub tank 364 is connected to the head unit 30 via four supply tubes that connect the sub tank 364 and the head unit 30. These four supply tubes (first supply tube 372, second supply tube 374, third supply tube 376, and fourth supply tube 378) serve as supply flow paths for supplying ink from the sub tank 364 to the head unit 30. Play a role.

  That is, when image recording (printing) or the like is performed, ink is ejected from the head unit 30 (head 31), and ink in the head unit 30 (head 31) is consumed, the consumed ink is supplemented. As described above, the ink in the sub tank 364 flows into the head unit 30 (head 31) through the first supply tube 372 to the fourth supply tube 378.

  In addition, as already described, the head unit 30 according to the present embodiment has 15 heads 31, and the 15 heads 31 include four head groups, that is, the first head group 302 to the fourth head group. Although the head group 308 is provided, each of the four supply tubes is connected to each of the four head groups as shown in FIG. In other words, each of the four supply tubes supplies ink to the head group corresponding to each of the four supply tubes.

  That is, the first supply tube 372 is connected to the first head group 302 (first head to fourth head) and supplies ink to the first head to fourth head. The second supply tube 374 is connected to the second head group 304 (fifth head to eighth head), and supplies ink to the fifth head to eighth head. The third supply tube 376 is connected to the third head group 306 (the ninth head to the twelfth head) and supplies ink to the ninth head to the twelfth head. The fourth supply tube 378 is connected to the fourth head group 308 (the thirteenth head to the fifteenth head) and supplies ink to the thirteenth head to the fifteenth head.

  As is clear from FIG. 1, the sub tank 364 of the ink supply unit 35 and the head unit 30 are located far away from each other. Therefore, each of the first supply tube 372 to the fourth supply tube 378 is a very long tube, and the length thereof is 5 to 6 meters. As shown in FIG. 3, a cable bear 400 is provided for arranging the first supply tube 372 to the fourth supply tube 378, and the first supply tube 372 to the fourth supply tube 378 are connected to the cable bear 400. Is housed inside.

  Further, each of the first supply tube 372 to the fourth supply tube (hereinafter, the first supply tube 372 will be described as an example, but the same applies to other supply tubes), as shown in FIG. Only the Mk ink flow path 382 through which only the Pk ink flows, and the common flow path 386 through which both the Mk ink and the Pk ink flow are connected. ing. Then, the ink in the Mk sub tank 364a flows into the head unit 30 (head 31) through the Mk ink channel 382, the connection portion 388, and the common channel 386 of the first supply tube 372 in this order. In addition, the ink in the Pk sub tank 364b passes through the Pk ink flow path 384, the connection portion 388, and the common flow path 386 of the first supply tube 372 in this order, and flows into the head unit 30 (head 31). It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each of the four supply tubes has two valves, that is, an Mk ink channel valve 382a provided in the Mk ink channel 382 and a Pk provided in the Pk ink channel 384. An ink flow path valve 384a is provided, and a total of eight valves are provided in the supply tube. When the Mk ink is ejected from the nozzle corresponding to the black color of the head unit 30, the controller 60 opens the Mk ink flow path valve 382a and closes the Pk ink flow path valve 384a. Only Mk ink is allowed to flow into the head unit 30. On the other hand, when ejecting Pk ink from the nozzle corresponding to the black color of the head unit 30, the controller 60 closes the Mk ink flow path valve 382a and opens the Pk ink flow path valve 384a. Only Pk ink is allowed to flow into the head unit 30.

  In the present embodiment, the ink replenishment unit 35 for colors other than black ink is not configured to selectively eject a plurality of types of ink. Therefore, each of the first supply tube 372 to the fourth supply tube is not provided with the common flow path 386 and the connection portion 388 described above, and only one of the ink cartridge 362 and the sub tank 364 is provided. Is provided.

<<< Switching process >>>
Here, switching processing between Mk ink and Pk ink, that is, a state in which Mk ink can be ejected from the nozzle (hereinafter referred to as an Mk ejectable state for convenience) and a state in which Pk ink can be ejected from the nozzle (hereinafter referred to as convenience) The mutual switching process (referred to as “Pk discharge enabled state”) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 by taking the switching process from the Mk discharge enabled state to the Pk discharge enabled state as an example. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a state of the black ink supply unit 36 before the switching process is executed. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a state of the black ink supply unit 36 immediately after the valve is switched. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a state of the black ink supply unit 36 when the suction process is being executed.

  As described above, FIG. 4 shows the state of the black ink supply unit 36 before the switching process is executed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the Mk ink flow path valve 382a is in an open state (“O” indicates “valve open state”), and the Pk ink flow path valve 384a is in an open state. ("C" represents "valve closed state"). That is, when the ink in the head unit 30 (head 31) is consumed, the ink in the Mk sub-tank 364a passes through the Mk ink flow path 382, the connection portion 388, and the shared flow path 386, and passes through the head unit 30 (head head). 31).

  In this state, the valve is switched by the controller 60. That is, the controller 60 switches the Mk ink flow path valve 382a from the open state to the closed state, and switches the Pk ink flow path valve 384a from the closed state to the open state. As shown in FIG. 5, when the ink in the head unit 30 (head 31) is consumed, the black ink replenishment unit 36 causes the ink in the Pk sub tank 364b to flow into the Pk ink flow path 384 and the connection portion 388. Then, the state flows through the common flow path 386 to the head unit 30 (head 31).

  As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, in this state, the controller 60 operates the suction pump 43a of the cleaning unit 43 to cause the suction pump 43a to suck ink (shown in FIG. 6). Although not performed, in the switching process, the head unit 30 (head 31) is positioned at the HP, and the cap is in close contact with the lower surface (nozzle surface) of the head 31).

  That is, since the black ink replenishment unit 36 is in an Mk dischargeable state before the switching process is executed, the ink flow path (including nozzles) in the common flow path 386 and the head unit 30 includes Mk. Ink is present. Then, after the black ink replenishment unit 36 is in a Pk dischargeable state, only the Pk ink needs to be discharged from the nozzle, so that the Mk ink is used as the common flow path 386 and the ink flow path in the head unit 30. It is inconvenient to exist (residual).

  Therefore, the controller 60 according to the present embodiment causes the suction pump 43a to suck ink so as to discharge the remaining Mk ink from the common flow path 386 and the ink flow path in the head unit 30. Therefore, the sucked Mk ink is consumed without being used for printing (becomes wasteful ink).

  As a result of the suction process, the ink flow paths in the supply tube and the head unit 30 are filled with Pk ink, and only Pk ink can be ejected from the nozzles, and the switching process is completed.

=== About changing the order of print jobs ===
As described above, in the switching process between the matte black (Mk) ink and the photo black (Pk) ink, that is, in the switching process between the Mk dischargeable state and the Pk dischargeable state, ink consumed without being used for printing ( Wasteful ink) occurs. That is, in the switching process from the Mk discharge enabled state to the Pk discharge enabled state, the Mk ink is consumed by the suction process without being used for printing, and in the switching process from the Pk discharge enabled state to the Mk discharge enabled state. In this case, the Pk ink is consumed without being used for printing due to the suction process.

  In addition, useless ink can be generated even if the suction process (in other words, the process for forcibly discharging ink) is not performed during the switching process. That is, when such processing is not performed, an image is formed in a state in which mat black (Mk) ink and photo black (Pk) ink are mixed in printing immediately after the switching processing. Since such an image is not usable, it is necessary to re-form the same image. In such a case, ink used for an image that is not usable is wasted.

  On the other hand, printing using black ink in the image recording apparatus 1 is performed by the controller 60 as follows. That is, the controller 60 receives the print job, and executes the print job by causing the head unit 30 to eject one of the plurality of types of ink from the nozzles based on the ink type information indicated by the print job. The printing process for printing is performed a plurality of times.

  More specifically, the controller 60 receives a print job from the host computer 110 or the like, analyzes the content included in the print job, and determines whether the print job is ink type information indicated by the print job, that is, printing with Mk ink. It is ascertained whether printing is performed with Pk ink. Then, based on the ink type information, one of a plurality of types of ink (that is, Mk ink or Pk ink) is ejected from the nozzles by the head unit 30, thereby executing a print job and performing printing. . That is, if the ink type information is “Mk ink”, the controller 60 performs printing by causing the head unit 30 to eject Mk ink. On the other hand, if the ink type information is “Pk ink”, the controller 60 performs printing by causing the head unit 30 to eject Pk ink.

  Then, the controller 60 performs such print job unit print processing a plurality of times for each print job.

  That is, the print job includes a print job corresponding to printing using Mk ink (hereinafter referred to as an Mk job for convenience) and a print job corresponding to printing using Pk ink (hereinafter referred to as a Pk job for convenience). And the controller 60 receives one of the print jobs. When an Mk job is received, a printing process (hereinafter referred to as an Mk printing process for convenience) is performed in which the Mk job is executed and printing is performed using Mk ink. On the other hand, when a Pk job is received, a printing process (hereinafter referred to as a Pk printing process for convenience) is performed in which the Pk job is executed and printing is performed using Pk ink.

  As described above, wasteful ink is generated during the switching process between the Mk discharge enabled state and the Pk discharge enabled state. Therefore, the execution of the Pk job (Pk print process) follows the execution of the Mk job (Mk print process). ), Or when the execution of the Mk job (Mk printing process) is performed after the execution of the Pk job (Pk printing process) (these cases are called job change for convenience). The switching process is performed during the execution of the job, and therefore the useless ink is generated.

  Therefore, the controller 60 according to the present embodiment sequentially executes a plurality of print jobs in which the same type of ink is ejected in order to prevent the wasteful ink from being generated as much as possible. As described above, the print job reception order is changed.

  A specific example will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the transition of the print job in the memory 63. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining where to place a print job when the print job is received.

  Here, the controller 60 sets the Mk job (first Mk job) at time t1, the Pk job (first Pk job) at time t2, and the Pk job (second Pk job) at time t3. Will be described based on a specific example of receiving an Mk job (second Mk job) at time t4.

  When the controller 60 receives the first Mk job at time t1, the destination of the first Mk job in the memory 63 is determined based on FIG. 8, but since there is still nothing in the memory 63, the first determination is made. N, and the first Mk job enters the memory 63 as it is (see the first row in FIG. 7). Note that the execution order of the print jobs at time t1 is as shown in the first row of FIG. 7. Naturally, when receiving a print job at time t1, the execution order of the print jobs starts from the reception order. Will not be changed.

  Next, when the controller 60 receives the first Pk job at time t2, the controller 60 determines the destination of the first Pk job in the memory 63 based on FIG. Since there are only Mk jobs in the memory 63, the first determination is N, and the first Pk job enters the end of the memory 63 (after the first Mk job) (second stage in FIG. 7). (The solid line square in the figure indicates a print job that has entered the memory 63 at time t2, and the broken line square indicates a print job that has already been in the memory 63 at time t2.) Note that the execution order of the print jobs at time t2 is as shown in the second row of FIG. 7. When the print job is received at time t2, the execution order of the print jobs (first Mk job → first (Pk job) is not changed from the receiving order (first Mk job → first Pk job).

  Next, when the controller 60 receives the second Pk job at time t3, the controller 60 determines the destination of the second Pk job in the memory 63 based on FIG. Since there are both Mk jobs and Pk jobs in the memory 63, the first determination is Y, and the received print job and the last print job have the same ink type (both are Pk inks). Y. Therefore, the second Pk job enters the end of the memory 63 (after the first Pk job) (see the third row in FIG. 7). The execution order of the print jobs at time t3 is as shown in the third row of FIG. 7, and when the print job is received at time t3, the execution order of the print jobs (first Mk job → first No change is made from the order of receipt of (Pk job → second Pk job) (first Mk job → first Pk job → second Pk job).

  Next, when the controller 60 receives the second Mk job at time t4, the controller 60 determines a destination in the memory 63 of the second Mk job based on FIG. Since there are both Mk jobs and Pk jobs in the memory 63, the first judgment is Y, and the received print job and the last print job have different ink types (the former is Mk ink and the latter is Pk ink). , N in the second determination. Therefore, the second Mk job is the last one (that is, the first Mk job) among the print jobs (that is, the Mk job) in which the same type of ink is ejected as the received print job (that is, the second Mk job). ) (See the fourth row in FIG. 7).

  The execution order of the print jobs at time t4 is as shown in the fourth row of FIG. 7 as a result of the second Mk job interrupting between the first Mk job and the first Pk job. Therefore, when a print job is received at time t4, the order of reception of the print job (first Mk job → second Mk job → first Pk job → second Pk job) (first Mk job → second Mk job) 1 Pk job → second Pk job → second Mk job).

  That is, the controller 60 sets the execution order of the print jobs so that a plurality of print jobs (that is, the first Mk job and the second Mk job) in which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed. The order of receipt will be changed. More specifically, it is divided into two job groups, a job group to which all Mk jobs belong (hereinafter referred to as Mk job group) and a job group to which all Pk jobs belong (hereinafter referred to as Pk job group). The second Mk job is put into the Mk job group.

  Thus, in the specific example described above, the print job reception order is the first Mk job → first Pk job → second Pk job → second Mk job, whereas the execution order of the print job is the first Mk job → Second Mk job → first Pk job → second Pk job. Therefore, when the print job is executed in the order in which the print job is received (in the case of the comparative example), the above-described job change that generates useless ink occurs twice. Job change will occur only once.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the controller 60 determines the order of execution of print jobs, and a plurality of print jobs (that is, the first Mk job and the second Mk job) in which the same type of ink is ejected are consecutive. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of job changes that generate useless ink by one, and thus it is possible to save ink.

=== Other Embodiments ===
Although the above embodiments are mainly described with respect to a printing apparatus, disclosure of a printing method and the like is also included. The above-described embodiments are for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the roll paper 2 was mentioned as an example and demonstrated as a medium, it is not limited to this, For example, a cut paper, a film, and cloth may be sufficient.

  In the above embodiment, the head unit 30 has a plurality (15) of the heads 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the head unit 30 may be composed of one head 31.

  In the above embodiment, the Mk ink and the Pk ink have been described as examples of the plurality of types of ink. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of ink may be used. The plurality of types of inks may not be the same type of ink such as Mk ink and Pk ink. Further, the plurality of types of inks are not necessarily two types of inks, and may be three or more types of inks.

  In the above embodiment, the ink is discharged by the suction process during the switching process between the Mk dischargeable state and the Pk dischargeable state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the ink may be discharged by a flushing process.

  In addition, if the controller 60 receives availability information on whether or not to change the execution order from the receiving order and indicates that the availability information indicates that the change is to be made, the user's This is more effective from the viewpoint of convenience. For example, the image recording apparatus 1 includes an ink saving mode in which the execution order is changed from the reception order and a normal mode in which the change is not performed (that is, a print job is executed in the order of reception as in the comparative example). The controller 60 receives information about whether or not to implement the ink saving mode via the host computer or the like (that is, the availability information) from the user and executes the ink saving mode. If there is (only when the information indicates the execution of the ink saving mode), the execution order may be changed from the reception order.

  In such a case, when the user places importance on cost (ink saving), the ink saving mode is selected, and when the user does not want to change the execution order of the print jobs from the receiving order, the normal mode is selected. be able to. Therefore, it has an advantage in terms of improving user convenience.

  Further, in the above embodiment, every time the controller 60 receives a print job, the print job is executed in order of execution so that a plurality of print jobs in which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed. Changed from the job receiving order (Note that “every print job is received” means that a plurality of print jobs in which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed. It does not mean that the change is made even when there is no way to change, but it means that the change is made when there is such a change method). However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, such a change may be performed every predetermined time instead of every time a print job is received. However, the above embodiment is preferable in that the execution order of print jobs can be changed from the reception order.

  In the above embodiment, an example has been given in which a print job directly indicates ink type information. That is, the print job indicates whether the print job is printing with Mk ink or Pk ink. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the print job may indirectly indicate the ink type information.

  For example, it is normal to use Mk ink for fine paper and Pk ink for other media, so if the print job indicates printing on fine paper, the controller 60 is interpreted as printing with Mk ink, and if the print job indicates printing on another medium, the controller 60 interprets as printing with Pk ink and operates. Is possible. In such a case, if the print job indicates printing on high-quality paper or printing on another medium, whether the printing job is printing with Mk ink or printing with Pk ink indirectly. Will be shown. And such a case may be sufficient.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the controller 60 changes the execution order of the print jobs from the reception order of the print jobs so that a plurality of print jobs in which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed. In addition to this, based on the medium type information indicated by the print job, the execution order of the print jobs is changed so that a plurality of print jobs in which ink is ejected onto the same type of medium are continuously executed. In addition, the print job reception order may be changed.

  That is, in this example (hereinafter, the above embodiment is referred to as the first embodiment, and this example is referred to as the second embodiment), not only the ink type information indicated by the print job but also the medium type information is considered. Change the print job execution order from the receipt order.

  A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the difference from the first embodiment in the print job destination in the second embodiment.

  As described above, print jobs include an Mk job corresponding to printing using Mk ink and a Pk job corresponding to printing using Pk ink, but there are two types of media (here, two types having different paper widths). In this case, the following four jobs are obtained. That is, a job for printing on narrow paper using Mk ink (referred to as a Mk narrow job), a job for printing on wide paper using Mk ink (referred to as a Mk wide job), and a width using Pk ink. A job for printing on narrow paper (referred to as a Pk narrow job) and a job for printing on wide paper using Pk ink (referred to as a Pk wide job).

  Then, when the execution order of these print jobs at a certain point in time is as shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the controller 60 receives the third Mk narrow job, the medium in the first embodiment Since the type is not taken into account, the third Mk narrow job is to enter after the second Mk wide job (see the broken line arrow in FIG. 9). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the medium type is taken into consideration, and the third Mk narrow job enters after the second Mk narrow job (see the solid arrow in FIG. 9).

  That is, in the first embodiment, the received print jobs are divided into two job groups, that is, an Mk job group to which all Mk jobs belong and a Pk job group to which all Pk jobs belong. I was going to put it at the end of either.

  On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the received print job is put into one of the Mk job group and the Pk job group so as to be divided into two job groups, an Mk job group and a Pk job group. The destination is determined in consideration of the medium type. In other words, when entering the Mk job group, the received print jobs are divided into two job groups: an Mk narrow job group to which all Mk narrow jobs belong and an Mk wide job group to which all Mk wide jobs belong. Is placed at the end of either the Mk narrow job group or the Mk wide job group. In addition, when entering a Pk job group, the received print jobs are divided into two job groups: a Pk narrow job group to which all Pk narrow jobs belong and a Pk wide job group to which all Pk wide jobs belong. Is placed at the end of either the Pk narrow job group or the Pk wide job group.

  And 2nd embodiment will have the advantage demonstrated below compared with 1st embodiment. In other words, when a narrow job is executed after the execution of a wide job, or when a wide job is executed after the execution of a narrow job (the second job is changed for convenience). Therefore, it is necessary to exchange paper between the execution of both jobs, which is troublesome for the user.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, in the first embodiment (that is, the case where the third Mk narrow job enters after the second Mk wide job), the second job that gives the user time and labor to replace the paper. The change occurs twice when executing the Mk job (group), whereas in the second embodiment (that is, when the third Mk narrow job enters after the second Mk narrow job), the first Two job changes will occur only once. As described above, the second embodiment has an advantage in that the user's trouble can be reduced.

  On the other hand, the first embodiment is superior to the second embodiment in that the control by the controller 60 is simpler.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image recording device, 2 roll paper 10 Feed unit, 18 winding axis, 19 Relay roller 20 Transport unit, 20a Steering unit, 21 Relay roller 22 Relay roller 23 First transport roller, 23a First drive roller, 23b First driven Roller 24 Second transport roller, 24a Second drive roller, 24b Second driven roller 25 Reverse roller, 26 Relay roller, 27 Delivery roller, 29 Platen 30 Head unit, 31 Head 35 Ink supply unit, 36 Black ink supply unit 40 Carriage Unit 41 guide rail 42 carriage 43 cleaning unit 43a suction pump 44 flushing unit 50 detector group 60 controller 61 interface unit 62 CPU 63 memory 64 Unit control circuit 70 Heater unit, 80 Blower unit, 81 Fan 90 Winding unit, 91 Relay roller, 92 Winding drive shaft 110 Host computer 302 First head group, 304 Second head group 306 Third head group, 308 First Four heads 362 Ink cartridge 362a Mk ink cartridge, 362b Pk ink cartridge 364 Sub tank 364a Mk sub tank, 364b Pk sub tank 370 IC-ST tube 372 First supply tube 374 Second supply tube 376 Third supply tube 378 Fourth Supply tube 382 Mk ink flow path, 382a Mk ink flow path valve 384 Pk ink flow path, 384a Pk ink flow path valve 386 Common flow path, 388 Connection part 390 IC-ST valve , 400 cable Bear

Claims (5)

A head unit having a nozzle through which a plurality of types of ink can selectively pass, and ejecting the ink from the nozzle onto a medium;
When a print job is received and one of the plurality of types of ink is ejected from the nozzle to the head unit based on the ink type information indicated by the print job, the print job is executed and printed. The printing process to be performed
A controller that runs multiple times,
A printing apparatus comprising:
The controller is configured to change the execution order of the print jobs from the reception order of the print jobs so that a plurality of the print jobs in which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed. apparatus. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The controller is
Receiving availability information on whether to change the execution order from the receiving order;
The printing apparatus, wherein the change is performed only when the availability information indicates that the information is to be performed. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
Each time the print job is received, the execution order of the print jobs is changed from the reception order of the print jobs so that a plurality of the print jobs in which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed. Characteristic printing device. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The controller is
Based on the medium type information indicated by the print job,
The printing apparatus, wherein the print job execution order is changed from the print job reception order so that a plurality of the print jobs in which ink is ejected onto the same type of medium are continuously executed. A head unit having a nozzle through which a plurality of types of ink can selectively pass, and ejecting the ink from the nozzle onto a medium;
When a print job is received and one of the plurality of types of ink is ejected from the nozzle to the head unit based on the ink type information indicated by the print job, the print job is executed and printed. The printing process to be performed
A controller that runs multiple times,
Preparing a printing device comprising:
Changing the execution order of the print jobs from the reception order of the print jobs so that a plurality of the print jobs from which the same type of ink is ejected are continuously executed;
A printing method characterized by comprising:

Images