JP2017065124A - Ink jet recording device and method for controlling recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an ink residual amount in a sub tank from being erroneously detected in a supply system for supplying ink to a recording head by using a main tank and the sub tank of an ink jet recording device.SOLUTION: An ink jet recording device includes: a recording head for discharging ink; a main tank which can store ink inside; a sub tank arranged in a perpendicular lower side of the main tank to have an atmosphere communication port so as to be able to store ink; and an ink introduction part for filling ink in a first communication passage by moving the ink in the sub tank into the main tank through the first communication passage. The ink jet recording device detects whether the amount of the ink stored in the sub tank is less than a prescribed amount, and performs control so as to store main tank empty information showing that there is no usable ink amount in the main tank in storage means in the case of detecting that the amount of the ink is less than the prescribed amount by detecting the ink amount except within a prescribed time after an ink introduction operation by the ink introduction part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus and a control method for the recording apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for detecting the ink remaining amount in a main tank in a configuration in which ink stored in a main tank is supplied to a recording head via a sub tank. .

  As an example of a configuration in which a main tank and a sub tank are provided to supply ink to a recording head, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228688 has an air communication port below a main tank configured to be detachable from an ink jet recording apparatus. A configuration is described in which a sub-tank is provided and the sub-tank and the recording head communicate with each other via a tube. Here, the main tank and the sub tank communicate with each other by two hollow needles. Then, the ink in the main tank moves into the sub tank by the action of gravity through one of the two hollow needles, and passes through the other second hollow needle to pass through the sub tank. The air inside moves into the main tank. That is, the first hollow needle non-connection side opening of the first cylinder provided in the sub tank side opening of the first hollow needle is more than the same opening of the second cylinder provided in the sub tank side opening of the second hollow needle. It is configured to be positioned vertically downward. Due to the water head difference due to the vertical position difference, the ink in the main tank moves through the first hollow needle into the sub tank, and the air in the sub tank moves through the second hollow needle into the main tank. Gas-liquid exchange is performed. Therefore, when the ink level in the sub tank rises to the position of the second hollow needle non-connecting side opening of the second cylinder as the ink moves from the main tank to the sub tank, air flows from the sub tank to the main tank. Ink movement from the main tank to the sub tank stops.

  Further, in the configuration in which the gas-liquid exchange type ink supply as described above is performed, the ink liquid surface position (hereinafter also referred to as the feed liquid surface position) of the sub tank where the ink movement from the main tank to the sub tank stops is described. For example, a liquid level position detection mechanism is provided at a slightly lower position. The detection mechanism detects that the ink level of the sub tank is lower than the feed liquid level position, thereby detecting that there is substantially no ink in the main tank, assuming that no ink is being supplied from the main tank. Can do. Thus, in the gas-liquid exchange method, when ink is present in the main tank, the ink liquid level of the sub tank is maintained at the feed liquid level position.

JP 2007-261160 A

  By the way, in the ink supply configuration using the sub tank as described in Patent Document 1, the liquid level position detection mechanism of the sub tank described above is configured so that the liquid level is the feed liquid regardless of the remaining amount of ink in the main tank. It may detect that the position is lower than the surface position. As a result, problems such as giving wrong information to the user may occur.

  For example, a main tank filled with ink is newly installed, and an ink introduction operation is performed to enable the movement of ink and air by gas-liquid exchange. Thereafter, the ink liquid level of the sub tank is changed to the feed liquid level position. Before reaching the level, the liquid level position detection mechanism may detect that the liquid level is lower than the feed liquid level position. Further, in the configuration in which the ink introduction operation and the ink stirring operation between the main tank and the sub tank as described in Patent Document 1 are performed, the ink may move from the sub tank to the main tank by those operations. In this case, the liquid level of the sub-tank is lowered by this movement, while ink is present in the main tank by the movement. However, the liquid level position detection mechanism causes the liquid level to be fed by the liquid level. It detects that it is lower than the surface position.

  The present invention solves such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus and a control method for the recording apparatus that can prevent erroneous detection of the remaining ink amount in a sub tank.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ink jet recording apparatus including a main tank capable of storing ink therein, a sub tank disposed vertically below the main tank, and having an air communication port. A sub tank capable of storing ink, communicated with the main tank and the sub tank, a first communication path for moving ink in the main tank into the sub tank, and communicated with the main tank and the sub tank. A second communication path for moving the air in the sub tank into the main tank, an ink flow path for communicating the recording head and the sub tank, and ink in the sub tank for the first communication path or To fill the first communication path with ink by moving it into the main tank through the second communication path. Except for ink introduction means, detection means for detecting whether the amount of ink stored in the sub tank is less than a predetermined amount, and within a predetermined time after the ink introduction operation by the ink introduction means, Control means for controlling the storage means to store main tank empty information indicating that there is no usable ink amount in the main tank when the detection means detects that the amount is less than the predetermined amount; It is characterized by having.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank in the supply system that supplies ink to the recording head using the main tank and the sub tank of the ink jet recording apparatus.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an ink supply system provided in the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the recording apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the ink introduction trigger sequence which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the sequence at the time of the power-on which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence implemented at the time of main tank replacement | exchange (desorption) based on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the recording head 1000 includes an ejection port array 1001 for ejecting ink onto the ejection port surface 1002. The ejection port array 1001 has 1280 ink ejection ports arranged in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1, and the arrangement pitch of the ejection ports is equivalent to 1200 dpi (dots / inch). Each discharge port is provided with an electrothermal converter. By applying an electric signal based on the drive signal to the electrothermal converter, bubbles are generated in the ink, and the ink is discharged by the pressure of the bubbles. Discharge from the outlet.

  The recording head 1000 is mounted on the carriage 1100. This carriage is guided by a guide shaft 1110 and can be reciprocated in the direction of arrow X in FIG. 1 and the opposite direction by the driving force of a carriage motor (not shown). It is possible to scan the recording medium. On the other hand, the recording medium is intermittently conveyed in the Y direction on the platen 1200 by a conveyance roller (not shown) that is rotated by a driving force of a conveyance motor (not shown). The recording head 1000 is scanned with respect to the recording medium, and during the scanning, ink or the like is ejected from the ejection port of the recording head 1000 according to recording data, thereby recording an image or the like.

  The cap 1010 is provided at the home position of the recording head 1000 and covers the ejection port surface 1002 of the recording head 1000, thereby suppressing evaporation of the solvent in the ink from the ejection port. The cap 1010 can reciprocate in the Z direction and in the opposite direction between the capping position and the separated position away from the discharge port surface 1002 by a mechanism (not shown). The cap 1010 is connected to the suction pump 1030 via the pump tube 1011. By driving the suction pump 1030, the ink held by the ink absorber in the cap can be sucked and discharged. . The sucked and discharged ink is stored in a maintenance cartridge (not shown) configured to be detachable from the ink jet recording apparatus.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment is a main tank and a sub tank, which will be described later with reference to FIG. The structure is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an ink supply system provided in the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the common liquid chamber in the recording head 1000 is connected to a sub tank 2050 through a supply tube 2001 so as to communicate with each other. The sub tank 2050 includes an atmosphere communication port 2051, whereby the air pressure in the sub tank 2050 can be the same as the atmosphere. The flow path of the sub tank 2050 connected to the supply tube 2001 is provided with an opening / closing valve 2052, and the common liquid chamber of the recording head 1000 and the sub tank 2050 communicate with each other when the opening / closing valve 2052 is opened. be able to. Hereinafter, the on-off valve 2052 is also referred to as a supply valve 2052.

  The sub tank 2050 also includes two hollow needles 2061 and 2062, and these two hollow needles 2061 and 2062 are provided in the main tank 2010 when the main tank 2010 is mounted on the recording apparatus of the present embodiment. Each rubber plug 2011 and 2012 is penetrated. Thereby, the sub tank 2050 and the main tank 2010 can communicate. The main tank 2010 is mounted on the sub tank 2050 from above in the vertical direction in FIG. That is, the sub tank 2050 is disposed below the main tank 2010 in the vertical direction. The capacity of the main tank 2010 of this embodiment is about 700 ml. Hereinafter, the hollow needle 2061 may be referred to as a first hollow needle (first communication path), and the hollow needle 2062 may be referred to as a second hollow needle (second communication path).

  A first flow path 2071 (first communication path) is connected to the sub tank 2050 side opening 2061s of the first hollow needle 2061, and the first flow path 2071 extends to the bottom of the sub tank 2050. Further, the first flow path 2071 is provided with a first on-off valve 2081 and a second on-off valve 2082, and a variable volume ink reservoir made of a flexible member between these valves. A portion 2083 is provided. The variable volume of the ink reservoir 2083 of this embodiment is about 1.5 ml. Hereinafter, the first on-off valve 2081 is also referred to as a main-side valve 2081, and the second on-off valve 2082 is also referred to as a sub-side valve 2082. Each of these valves is opened and closed by a driving mechanism (not shown). The volume of the ink reservoir 2083 is changed by operating a flexible member that forms the ink reservoir 2083 by a drive mechanism (not shown). Furthermore, the second flow path 2072 is connected to the sub tank 2050 side opening 2062s of the second hollow needle 2062, and the second hollow needle 2062 non-connection side opening position of the second flow path 2072 is shown in FIG. It is the vertical position B shown.

  The sub tank 2050 also includes two electrodes 2091 and 2092. Whether or not the liquid level of the ink in the sub tank 2050 is below the vertical position E shown in FIG. 2 by detecting the voltage value when a weak current is passed between the two electrodes. Can be detected. Specifically, when the liquid level of the ink in the sub tank 2050 is at the same position as or higher than the position E, if a weak current flows between the two electrodes, a current flows through the ink. The detected voltage value at that time is low. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink in the sub tank 2050 is below the position E, no current flows through the ink, so that the detection voltage value when a weak current flows is high. In this way, it is possible to detect whether or not the liquid level of the ink in the sub tank 2050 is below the position E of FIG. Also called. Further, when the detection voltage value is low, that is, when the liquid level is the same position as or higher than the position E, “residual detection ON”, and when the detection voltage value is high, that is, the liquid level is lower than the position E Is also referred to as “residual off”.

  In this embodiment, the position E shown in FIG. 2 is configured to be slightly lower than the position B shown in FIG. 2, and the ink capacity in the sub-tank from the position E to the position B is equal to or lower than the position B. About 20 ml. Hereinafter, the position E is also referred to as a residual detection position.

  Further, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment includes a well-known attachment / detachment detection mechanism that can grasp the attachment / detachment state of the main tank 2010 with respect to the sub tank 2050 depending on the presence / absence of energization. Note that the ink liquid surface position in the sub tank 2050 is configured to be located below the ink discharge port surface 1002 of the recording head 1000 in the gravitational direction, so that the pressure in the recording head 1000 is negative due to a so-called water head difference. Kept under pressure. Further, the meniscus formed at the ink discharge port is not destroyed by the water head difference.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, a host computer 3500 is connected to the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment by, for example, a USB interface. A printer driver 3510 in the form of software in the host computer 3500 generates print data from image data such as a document or a photo in response to a print instruction from the user, and transmits the print data to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment.

  The reception buffer 3010 of the inkjet recording apparatus holds print data transmitted from the host computer 3500. Print data or the like held in the reception buffer 3010 is transferred to the RAM 3030 and temporarily stored under the management of the CPU 3020. The ROM 3040 stores programs, fixed data, and the like necessary for various controls of the inkjet recording apparatus executed by the CPU 3020, such as the control described later with reference to FIGS. The CPU 3020 also performs control based on the count of the number of ink ejections by a dot counter, which will be described later, and the count value. The nonvolatile memory NVRAM 3050 stores information that should be stored even when the power of the inkjet recording apparatus is turned off.

  The head driver 3060 drives the electrothermal converter of the recording head 1000 according to the recording data to eject ink. The motor driver 3070 drives various motors 3075 such as a carriage motor, a conveyance motor, a motor for moving the cap up and down, a motor for opening and closing the above-described on-off valve, and a motor for changing the volume of the ink reservoir 2083. To control. The sensor controller 3080 controls detection by various sensors 3085. Further, the display unit operation unit controller 3090 controls the display unit and operation unit 3095 of the ink jet recording apparatus.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above, the ink flow when ink is ejected from the recording head 1000 and recording on a recording medium will be mainly described below with reference to FIG. To do. Note that when ink is ejected and recording is performed on the recording medium, the open / close valves of the supply valve 2052, the main-side valve 2081, and the sub-side valve 2082 are opened.

  When ink is ejected from the ejection port of the recording head, the inside of the ink flow path of the recording head 1000 is depressurized, and the ink in the sub tank 2050 moves into the recording head 1000 due to the depressurization. The subtank 2050 is depressurized by the movement of the ink, but the depressurization is canceled by the inflow of air from the atmosphere communication port 2051, and the ink level in the subtank 2050 is lowered. When the ink liquid level in the sub tank 2050 is lowered and the liquid surface position is lower than the position B, the air in the sub tank 2050 enters the main tank 2010 via the second flow path 2072 and the second hollow needle 2062. And move. At the same time, the ink in the main tank 2010 moves into the sub tank 2050 via the first hollow needle 2061 and the first flow path 2071. That is, gas-liquid exchange is performed. As described above, the ink liquid level in the main tank 2010 is lowered with the consumption of the ink in the recording head, but the ink liquid level in the sub tank is substantially kept at the position B. This position B is the aforementioned feed liquid level position.

  As described above, while ink is present in the main tank 2010, the ink liquid level position in the sub tank 2050 is substantially maintained at the feed liquid level position. However, as the ink is further consumed, the ink in the main tank 2010 disappears. When the ink in the main tank 2010 runs out, the ink level in the sub tank 2050 descends and becomes lower than the residual detection position (position E). When the ink liquid level in the sub tank 2050 is below the residual detection position, the residual detection OFF is detected by the residual ink detection performed at regular intervals during the recording operation. When the residual detection OFF is detected, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment stores main tank empty information. When the main tank empty information is stored, the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment ends the recording for one recording medium and executes the recovery process associated therewith, and then uses the display unit 3095 to display the main tank. Notification that 2010 is empty. Hereinafter, notifying that the main tank 2010 is empty using the display unit 3095 is also referred to as main tank empty notification.

  In the above description, the case where ink is discharged from the recording head and consumed is described. However, the ink is discharged by suction through the discharge port using the suction pump 1030 and others. The same applies to the case where ink is consumed.

  The ink jet recording apparatus of this embodiment is a known dot that counts the amount of ink ejected or sucked and discharged from the ink ejection port array 1001 from the value obtained by multiplying the number of ejected ink droplets by the volume per droplet or the amount of suction and ejection. A counter is provided. After the ink is consumed and the residual detection OFF is detected by the residual ink detection, this dot counter is used to count the ink consumption from the residual detection OFF. Even after the main tank empty notification is performed, the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment performs recording, a known recovery operation, and the like when the dot count value of the dot counter reaches a predetermined threshold value. Control to continue the operation with ink consumption. That is, the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment performs control so that recording or the like can be continued using the ink in the sub tank 2050 even after the main tank 2010 is empty. The predetermined threshold is set to a value such that the ink liquid level in the sub tank 2050 is lowered too much and air does not enter the supply tube 2001. In the present embodiment, a specific value of the predetermined threshold is set. Is 40 ml.

  Even if the main tank 2010 is removed from the apparatus by replacement or the like while the power is turned off before the power is turned on, the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment cannot detect it. This is because the above-described attachment / detachment detection mechanism cannot be operated while the power is off. When the main tank 2010 is removed from the sub tank 2050, for example, by exchanging the main tank, air flows into the sub tank 2050 from the main tank 2010 side openings 2061m and 2062m of the first hollow needle 2061 and the second hollow needle 2062. That is, due to the action of gravity, the ink located in the first hollow needle 2061 and the second hollow needle 2062 and in the upper part of the first flow path 2071 and the second flow path 2072 is lowered, and the portion is air. (Accordingly, the ink level in the sub tank 2050 is raised accordingly). In this embodiment, when the main tank 2010 is removed from the sub tank 2050, the amount of ink descending from the first hollow needle 2061 and the upper portion of the first flow path 2071, that is, the amount of air flowing in from the opening 2061m is About 1.5 ml. However, this value is a value when the ink liquid surface position in the sub tank 2050 is located at the feed liquid surface position. After that, even if the main tank 2010 storing the ink inside is attached to the sub tank 2050, the ink does not necessarily drop to the part newly filled with the air. This is because there is no water head difference between the first hollow needle 2061 and the second hollow needle 2062. This phenomenon is the same when the ink liquid surface position in the sub tank 2050 is below the feed liquid surface position. That is, gas-liquid exchange is not performed unless the inside of the first hollow needle 2061 and the first flow path 2071 (in the first communication path) are substantially filled with ink.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main tank 2010 may be replaced. When the power is turned on, as will be described later with reference to FIG. An ink introduction trigger sequence for filling is performed. As will be described later, this ink introduction trigger sequence may cause the liquid level of the sub tank to fall and cause the above-described erroneous detection of the remaining ink amount. On the other hand, this embodiment will be described later with reference to FIG. Execute the power-on sequence.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an ink introduction trigger sequence according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the ink introduction trigger sequence of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 2. Prior to the start of the ink introduction trigger sequence, the main side valve 2081 and the sub side valve 2082 are opened, and the volume of the variable volume ink reservoir 2083 is maximized.

  In FIG. 4, when the ink introduction trigger sequence (ink introduction operation) is started (step S4000), first, the value of the cycle counter N is reset. That is, the counter value is set to 0 (step S4001). Next, the sub-side valve 2082 is closed (step S4002). Then, the ink reservoir 2083 is driven to minimize its volume (step S4003). As a result, the ink in the sub tank 2050 is pushed out toward the first hollow needle 2061. At this time, the amount of ink pushed out in the direction of the first hollow needle 2061 is about 1.5 ml, which is the variable volume of the ink reservoir 2083. As the ink is pushed out, the air is pushed into the main tank 2010 when the upper portion of the first flow path 2071 and the inside of the first hollow needle 2061 are air, and when the ink is the ink. Along with this, the pressure in the main tank 2010 increases.

  When a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the main tank 2010 due to this pressure increase, the ink in the main tank 2010 is transferred to the sub tank 2050 via the second supply needle 2062 and the second flow path 2072. To reflux. When a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the main tank 2010, the amount of the ink to be refluxed is about 1.5 ml. However, as the amount of ink stored in the main tank 2010 decreases, that is, as the amount of air in the main tank 2010 increases, the amount of ink that recirculates decreases. This is because the force of pushing the ink in the main tank 2010 into the sub tank 2050 is weakened by the damper effect of air existing in the main tank 2010 and the slight expansion of the main tank 2010 whose volume is almost unchanged. Further, when there is substantially no ink in the main tank 2010, that is, when the main tank 2010 is empty (no usable ink), the amount of the ink that recirculates is approximately 0 ml. This is because the ink pushed out into the main tank 2010 does not reach the main tank 2010 side opening 2062 m of the second hollow needle 2062. At this time, it is air that recirculates. That is, when the volume of the ink reservoir 2083 is minimized when the main tank 2010 is empty (step S4003), if the upper part of the first flow path 2071 and the inside of the first hollow needle 2061 are ink, the ink is It moves into the main tank 2010.

  Referring to FIG. 4 again, after minimizing the volume of the ink reservoir 2083 (step S4003), in step S4004, the sub-side valve 2082 is opened, and then the main side valve 2081 is closed (step S4005). Next, in step S4006, the ink reservoir 2083 is driven to maximize its volume. As the volume is maximized, the ink in the sub tank 2050 is sucked into the ink reservoir 2083. Next, in step S4007, the main side valve 2081 is opened.

  Then, the value of the cycle counter N is incremented (step S4008), and the process proceeds to step S4009. In step S4009, it is determined whether or not the value of the cycle counter N is 10 or more. If the determination result is negative, the process returns to step S4002. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S4999. End the introduction trigger sequence. That is, the operation from step S4002 to step S4007 is repeated 10 times, and this ink introduction trigger sequence ends.

  By this ink introduction trigger sequence, the first hollow needle 2061 and the first flow path 2071 can be substantially filled with ink even when the ink liquid level in the sub tank 2050 is at the lowest position. Therefore, when the ink introduction trigger sequence is completed, the ink stored in the main tank 2010 can be moved into the sub tank 2050 by the gas-liquid exchange method. When the main ink introduction trigger sequence is executed when the main tank 2010 is empty, a maximum of about 15 ml of ink moves from the sub tank 2050 to the main tank 2010.

  By the way, when the ink introduction trigger sequence is executed when the main tank 2010 is empty and the ink level in the sub tank 2050 is equal to or higher than the residual detection position (E), the residual ink detection is turned off. May be detected. That is, the ink introduction trigger sequence may cause a little less than 15 ml of ink to move from the sub tank 2050 to the main tank 2010, and the ink liquid surface position in the sub tank may be lowered below the residual detection position. It is. At this time, if the main tank empty notification is given to the user in response to the residual detection OFF detection, the main tank 2010 is replaced even though less than 15 ml of ink remains in the main tank. Will prompt.

  In order to prevent such inconvenience, the present embodiment performs the power-on sequence shown in FIG. Note that the power-on sequence according to the present embodiment is activated by pressing a power key provided on the operation unit 3095. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a power-on sequence according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, when the power-on sequence is started (step S5000), first, the dot count value of the dot counter described above is read from the NVRAM 3050 (step S5001). It is determined whether or not the ink liquid level in the sub tank 2050 is below the remaining detection position when the power is turned off immediately before the power-on sequence is started based on whether or not the dot count value is zero. be able to. Next, in step S5002, the above-described ink introduction trigger sequence is executed. With this ink introduction trigger sequence, even if the main tank 2010 is replaced while the power is turned off immediately before the start of the main power-on sequence, the first hollow needle 2061 and the first flow path 2071 can be substantially filled with ink. it can. Accordingly, when the ink liquid level position in the sub tank 2050 is lower than the feed liquid level position and ink is stored in the main tank 2010, after the ink introduction trigger sequence is completed, the gas liquid replacement is performed. Ink supply is started. When the ink introduction trigger sequence (step S5002) is finished, in step S5003, the timer T that indicates the elapsed time from the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence (after the ink introduction operation) is started.

  In step S5010, the above-described ink residual detection is executed, and it is determined whether or not the result is residual detection ON. If the determination in step S5010 is affirmative, that is, if the result of the residual ink detection is ON, the process proceeds to step S5050 to reset the dot count value of the dot counter to zero. That is, the ink liquid surface position in the sub tank 2050 is at the same position as or above the residual detection position, and ink can be supplied by gas-liquid exchange. Then, after step S5050, in step S5090, the timer T finishes counting, and the power-on sequence ends (step S5999).

  On the other hand, if the determination result (remaining amount detection result) in step S5010 is negative, that is, if the result of the residual ink detection is OFF, the process proceeds to step S5011 and waits for 2 seconds. The fact that the residual ink detection result is OFF residual ink means that the ink liquid level position in the sub tank 2050 after the ink introduction trigger sequence is lower than the residual inspection position. Therefore, at this time, if there is ink in the main tank 2010, ink is supplied for 2 seconds to the sub tank. Thereafter, in step S5020, it is determined whether or not the dot count value of the dot counter is zero.

  If the determination result in step S5020 is negative, that is, if the dot count value of the dot counter is not zero, the process proceeds to step S5030, where it is determined whether the time measured by the timer T is equal to or greater than the predetermined time T1. If the determination result in step S5030 is negative, that is, if the elapsed time T after the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence is less than the predetermined time T1, the process returns to step S5010, and the remaining ink detection is performed again. . On the other hand, if the determination result in step S5030 is affirmative, that is, if the elapsed time T after the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to step S5060. That is, even if the elapsed time T from the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence becomes the first predetermined time T1 (even after the predetermined time), the result of the residual ink detection is not turned on, and the flow proceeds to step S5060. The main tank empty information described above is stored, and then in step S5070, main tank empty information is notified. That is, except for the first predetermined time, when the result of the residual ink detection is OFF, the main tank empty information is stored and the main tank empty notification is performed. Thereafter, in step S5090, the timer T finishes counting, and the power-on sequence ends (step S5999).

  In step S5020, the determination that the dot count value is not zero means that the ink liquid level position in the sub tank 2050 is already set to the residual detection position when the power is turned off immediately before the power-on sequence is started. It was lower. That is, the main tank empty notification has already been performed. Therefore, if the main tank 2010 is not replaced while the power supply is turned off immediately before the start of the power-on sequence, the result of the residual ink detection will be obtained no matter how much waiting time is provided after the completion of the ink introduction trigger sequence. There will never be a residual check on. However, as described above, the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment cannot detect the replacement of the main tank 2010 while the power is off. Therefore, in the main power-on sequence, a standby time that takes into account the case where the main tank 2010 is replaced during the power-off immediately before the main power-on sequence is started, that is, the predetermined time T1 is provided. Therefore, the value of the first predetermined time T1 is longer than the time until the ink level in the sub tank 2050 rises to the residual detection position due to the ink supply after the ink introduction trigger sequence ends. It is time, and its specific value is 150 seconds. Note that the above value is longer than the time until the ink liquid level position in the sub tank 2050 rises to the residual detection position even when the ink liquid level position in the sub tank 2050 is at the lowest position. It is.

  In the present embodiment, by performing the above-described control, even when the main tank 2010 is replaced while the power is off, the main tank empty notification is performed even though there is ink in the main tank 2010. Can be prevented.

  If it is determined in step S5030 that the elapsed time T after the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence is less than the first predetermined time T1, that is, before the predetermined time T1, the residual ink detection result is the residual detection. If it is turned on, the above steps S5050 and S5090 are executed, and the power-on sequence is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S5020 is affirmative, that is, if the dot count value of the dot counter is zero, the process proceeds to step S5040. Then, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the timer T is equal to or longer than a second predetermined time T2, which is shorter than the predetermined time T1. If the determination result in step S5040 is negative, that is, if the elapsed time T after the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence is less than the second predetermined time T2, the process returns to step S5010 and the remaining ink detection is performed again. Do. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S5040 is affirmative, that is, if the elapsed time T after the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence is equal to or longer than the second predetermined time T2, the process proceeds to step S5060. That is, even if the elapsed time T from the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence becomes the second predetermined time T2, if the result of the residual ink detection does not turn on, the main tank described above is obtained in step S5060. The empty information is stored, and then the main tank empty notification is performed in step S5070. Thereafter, in step S5090, the timer T finishes counting, and the power-on sequence ends (step S5999).

  In the above, in step S5020, the dot count value being zero means that when the power is turned off immediately before the power-on sequence is started, the ink liquid level in the sub tank 2050 is at the above-described residual detection position or above. It was that. On the other hand, this determination is based on the assumption that the remaining test is OFF in step S5010. This is because the ink level in the sub tank 2050 is moved below the residual detection position as a result of the ink in the sub tank 2050 being moved into the main tank 2010 by the ink introduction trigger sequence in the power-on sequence. This is considered to be a result of the decline. In the present embodiment, for this situation, by providing a predetermined time T2 that is equal to or longer than the time until the ink moved into the main tank 2010 by the ink introduction trigger sequence returns to the sub tank 2050 by the supply by gas-liquid exchange, It is to check the situation. Therefore, the value of the second predetermined time T2 is longer than the time until the ink of a little less than 15 ml that has moved into the main tank 2010 by the ink introduction trigger sequence returns to the sub tank 2050 by the feed. Set to value. In the present embodiment, the specific value of the second predetermined time T2 is 25 seconds.

  If the determination result in step S5020 is affirmative, that is, if the dot count value is zero, the determination result in step S5040 is affirmative, that is, the time measured by the timer T is equal to or greater than a second predetermined time T2. There is little to be. This is because the ink moved into the main tank 2010 by the ink introduction trigger sequence only returns to the sub tank 2050 by the feed as described above.

  If the result of the residual ink detection is turned on before the elapsed time T from the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence reaches the second predetermined time T2, the above steps S5050 and S5090 are performed. Execute this to end this power-on sequence. In addition, notification that prompts replacement of the main tank is controlled to be notified using a notification unit at a predetermined timing. This predetermined timing is a timing at which an operation involving ink ejection or ink discharge is completed from the recording head. It is.

  As described above, by performing the control according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the main tank empty notification from being performed even though there is ink in the main tank 2010.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the processing sequence when the power is turned on is given. However, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is applied to the processing sequence when the main tank is replaced (removed). It relates to the applied form. Note that the configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. However, the ink discharge port surface 1002 of the recording head 1000 is provided with four columns of ink discharge port rows 1001 of 1001C, 1001M, 1001Y, and 1001K. Here, the ink ejection port array 1001C is an ink ejection port array that ejects cyan ink (C ink), and the ink ejection port array 1001M is an ink ejection port array that ejects magenta ink (M ink), and an ink ejection port array 1001Y. Is an ink discharge port array for discharging yellow ink (Y ink). Furthermore, the ink discharge port array 1001K is an ink discharge port array that discharges black ink (K ink). Each ink discharge port array 1001 includes 1280 discharge ports as in the first embodiment.

  In addition, the ink supply system of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has only four systems independently for cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink. Is omitted. However, there is one recording head 1000 as described above. Also, the four supply valves 2052, the four main side valves 2081, the four sub side valves 2082, and the four ink reservoirs 2083 are operated by the same drive source in order to reduce cost and downsize the apparatus. Therefore, a plurality of ink colors are operated simultaneously.

  Further, the control system of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment is also the same as the block diagram shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence performed when the main tank is replaced (removed) according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The main tank replacement sequence according to this embodiment is started when the main tank desorption detection mechanism detects desorption of at least one main tank 2010 among Y, M, C, and K inks.

  In FIG. 6, when the main tank replacement sequence is started (step S6000), first, the dot count value of the sub tank is read from the NVRAM (step S6001). Next, the ink introduction trigger sequence described above with reference to FIG. 4 is executed (step S6002). This ink introduction trigger sequence is executed for all four color ink supply systems. By this ink introduction trigger sequence, the inside of the first hollow needle 2061 and the upper part of the first flow path 2071 where the ink has been lowered by the action of gravity when the main tank 2010 is removed are substantially filled with ink. When the ink introduction trigger sequence is completed, the timer T starts measuring in step S6003. In step S6010, the residual ink detection is performed, and it is determined whether there is a residual detection-off ink color.

  If the result of determination in step S6010 is negative, that is, if there is no residual detection OFF color, the process proceeds to step S6050, and the dot count value of the dot counter is reset to zero for all ink colors. This is because, when there is no residual inspection OFF color, the ink liquid level position in the sub tank 2050 for all ink colors is at the same position as or above the residual detection position. When step S6050 is completed, the timer T stops counting in step S6090, and the main tank replacement sequence ends (step S6999).

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S6010 is affirmative, that is, if there is an ink color with residual detection off even with one color, the process proceeds to step S6011, and waits for 2 seconds. Note that when there is an ink color with the residual detection OFF even with one color, the ink level in the sub tank 2050 of that ink color after the ink introduction trigger sequence is below the residual detection position. . Therefore, at this time, if there is ink in the main tank 2010 of that ink color, the ink is supplied to the sub tank by gas-liquid exchange for 2 seconds. When step S6011 is completed, it is determined in step S6020 whether or not there is an ink color whose dot count value of the dot counter is not zero.

  If the determination result in step S6020 is affirmative, that is, if there is an ink color that has a dot count value that is not zero even for one color, the process proceeds to step S6030, and whether the time measured by the timer T is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time T1. Determine whether or not. If the determination result in step S6030 is negative, that is, if the elapsed time T after the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence is less than the predetermined time T1, the process returns to step S6010 to perform the remaining ink detection again.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S6030 is affirmative, that is, if the elapsed time T after the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence is equal to or longer than the predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to step S6060. In step S6060, the main tank empty information for the ink color whose residual check result is not turned on is stored, and in step S6070, the main tank empty notification is performed for the ink color. Thereafter, in step S6090, the timer T is stopped, and the main tank replacement sequence is ended (step S6999). That is, at this time, the main tank replacement sequence ends with the display recommending replacement of the main tank 2010 of the color in question.

  In the present embodiment, the value of the predetermined time T1 is longer than the time until the ink level in the sub tank 2050 rises to the residual detection position due to the ink supply after the ink introduction trigger sequence ends. The specific value is 150 seconds. Further, the above value is longer than the time until the ink liquid level position in the sub tank 2050 rises to the residual detection position even when the ink liquid level position in the sub tank 2050 is at the lowest position. It is.

  Here, in step S6020, the presence of a color with a non-zero dot count value means that the main tank empty notification for that ink color has already been performed before the main tank replacement sequence is started. That is. If the main tank 2010 is replaced with the main tank 2010 in which a sufficient amount of ink is stored in accordance with the main tank empty notification, the determination result in step S6030 is affirmative. There is no. That is, if a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the replaced main tank 2010, the main tank replacement sequence is performed in a state where the display recommending replacement of the main tank 2010 is performed as described above. It never ends.

  If the determination result is negative in step S6020, that is, if there is no ink color with a dot count value other than zero, that is, if the dot count value is zero for all ink colors, the process proceeds to step S6040 and the time measured by the timer T is reached. Is determined as to whether or not the second predetermined time T2 is shorter than the predetermined time T1.

  If the determination result in step S6040 is negative, that is, if the elapsed time T after the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence is less than the second predetermined time T2, the process returns to step S6010 and the remaining ink detection is performed again. On the other hand, if the determination result in step S6040 is affirmative, that is, if the elapsed time T after the end of the ink introduction trigger sequence is equal to or longer than the second predetermined time T2, the process proceeds to step S6060. In step S6060, the main tank empty information is stored for the ink color whose residual check result does not turn on, and then in step S6070, the main tank empty notification of the ink color is performed. Thereafter, in step S6090, the timer T finishes counting, and the main tank replacement sequence ends (step S6999). That is, also at this time, the main tank replacement sequence is terminated in a state where the display recommending replacement of the main tank 2010 of that color is performed.

  Here, the determination result in step S6020 being a negative determination means that the dot count value of the ink color for which the residual detection is off is zero. This is considered to be a result of the ink in the sub tank 2050 of the ink color being moved into the main tank 2010 by the ink introduction trigger sequence in the main tank replacement sequence. That is, since the ink in the sub tank 2050 of the ink color has moved into the main tank 2010 by the ink introduction trigger sequence, the ink level in the sub tank 2050 of the ink color is lowered below the residual detection position. This is considered to be a result of the decline. Therefore, the value of the second predetermined time T2 is the maximum of less than 15 ml of ink moved into the main tank 2010 by the ink introduction trigger sequence, and returned to the sub tank 2050 by ink supply by gas-liquid exchange. Set a value longer than the time until. In the present embodiment, the specific value of the second predetermined time T2 is 25 seconds as in the first embodiment.

  If the determination result in step S6020 is a negative determination, the determination result in step S6040 is affirmative, that is, the time measured by the timer T is hardly over the second predetermined time T2. This is because, as described above, the ink that has moved into the main tank 2010 by the ink introduction trigger sequence only returns to the sub tank 2050 by the ink supply.

  In the case of a negative determination in step S6040, that is, when the result of the ink residual detection is turned on before the elapsed time T after the completion of the ink introduction trigger sequence reaches the second predetermined time T2. , Step S6050 and Step S6090 are executed. Then, the main tank replacement sequence is terminated (step S6999).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the main tank empty notification from being performed even when there is ink in the main tank 2010 even in the processing sequence when the main tank is replaced. it can.

(Other embodiments)
In the first and second embodiments described above, in order to detect whether or not the amount of ink stored in the sub tank 2050 is less than a predetermined amount, a weak current is passed between the two electrodes. The voltage value at the time was detected. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to such a form, and a known optical sensor or the like can be used. Further, in the first and second embodiments, in order to grasp the attachment / detachment state of the main tank 2010 with respect to the sub tank 2050, the one based on the presence / absence of energization is used. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to such a form, and other well-known methods such as detecting the position of a mechanical pendulum can also be adopted.

  Further, in the ink introduction trigger sequence in the first and second embodiments, the ink in the sub tank 2050 is pushed out into the main tank 2010 through the first supply needle 2061 and the first flow path 2071. However, even if the ink in the sub tank 2050 is pushed out into the main tank 2010 via the second supply needle 2062 and the second flow path 2072, the present invention exhibits an effect.

  In addition, by repeating the ink introduction trigger sequence in the first and second embodiments a plurality of times, the sediment component of the ink that settles in the main tank 2010 can be eliminated. In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the present invention has been described with reference to an example in which a so-called thermal ink jet recording head is employed. However, other types of recording heads such as a piezo method are used. Even when it is adopted, the present invention is effective.

  Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the present invention has been described with reference to an example in which the present invention is applied to a so-called serial scan type ink jet recording apparatus. It is not limited to. For example, the present invention is also effective for a full-line type inkjet recording apparatus that uses a so-called full-line type recording head that is longer than the length in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium.

1000 Recording head 2001 Supply tube 2010 Main tank 2050 Sub tank 2051 Atmospheric communication port 2052 Supply valve 2061 First hollow needle 2062 Second hollow needle 2071 First flow path 2072 Second flow path 2081 Main side valve 2082 Sub side valve 2083 Ink reservoir 2091, 2092 electrode 3020 CPU

Claims (12)

A recording head for ejecting ink;
A main tank that can store ink inside,
A sub-tank disposed vertically below the main tank, having a communication port, and capable of storing ink;
A first communication path that communicates with the main tank and the sub tank, and moves ink in the main tank into the sub tank;
A second communication path that communicates with the main tank and the sub tank and moves air in the sub tank into the main tank;
An ink flow path for communicating the recording head and the sub tank;
An ink introducing means for filling the inside of the first communication path with ink by moving the ink in the sub tank into the main tank via the first communication path or the second communication path;
Detection means for detecting whether the amount of ink stored in the sub-tank is less than a predetermined amount;
A main tank indicating that there is no usable ink amount in the main tank when the detection unit detects that the amount is less than the predetermined amount except for a predetermined time after the ink introduction operation by the ink introduction unit. Control means for controlling to store the empty information in the storage means;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: Further comprising a counting means for counting the amount of ink ejected or discharged from the recording head,
The control means detects that the detection means is less than the predetermined amount after the ink introduction operation by the ink introduction means, and if the count value by the count means is not zero, after the ink introduction operation. 2. The main tank empty information is controlled to be stored when a detection result by the detection unit is less than the predetermined amount after the first predetermined time as the predetermined time. Inkjet recording apparatus. Further comprising a counting means for counting the amount of ink ejected or discharged from the recording head,
The control means detects that the detection means is less than the predetermined amount after the ink introduction operation by the ink introduction means, and if the count value by the count means is zero, after the ink introduction operation From the second predetermined time as the predetermined time, the main tank empty information is controlled to be stored when the detection result by the detection means is less than the predetermined amount. The ink jet recording apparatus described. Further comprising a counting means for counting the amount of ink ejected or discharged from the recording head,
The control means detects that the detection means is less than the predetermined amount after the ink introduction operation by the ink introduction means, and if the count value by the count means is not zero, after the ink introduction operation. , After the first predetermined time as the predetermined time, if the detection result by the detection means is less than the predetermined amount, control to store the main tank empty information,
After the ink introduction operation by the ink introduction unit, when the detection unit detects that the amount is less than the predetermined amount and the count value by the count unit is zero, the first introduction is performed after the ink introduction operation. The main tank empty information is controlled to be stored when the detection result by the detecting means is less than the predetermined amount after a second predetermined time as the predetermined time, which is shorter than the predetermined time. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1.   5. The main tank is configured to be detachable from the sub tank, and the ink introduction operation is executed when there is a possibility that the main tank is detached. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of the above.   Desorption detection means for detecting desorption of the main tank is further provided, and the ink introduction operation is performed when the desorption detection means detects desorption of the main tank and / or when the power supply of the ink jet recording apparatus is turned on. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is executed.   The first predetermined time is required until the ink in the main tank moves into the sub tank by the action of gravity after the ink introduction operation, and the detection means detects that it is not less than the predetermined amount. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus has a time equal to or longer than a time.   During the second predetermined time, the ink moved from the sub tank to the main tank by the ink introduction operation moves to the sub tank by the action of gravity, and the detection means is not less than the predetermined amount. 7. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the time is longer than the time required to detect this. It further comprises a notification means for performing notification,
9. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the main tank empty information is stored, a notification that prompts replacement of the main tank is notified using a notification unit at a predetermined timing. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of the above.   The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined timing is a timing at which an operation accompanied by ink ejection or ink discharge is completed from the recording head.   11. The ink introduction operation according to claim 1, wherein the ink introduction operation is also executed in order to eliminate agitation of a sedimentation component of ink in the main tank and / or the sub-tank. Inkjet recording apparatus. A recording head for ejecting ink, a main tank capable of storing ink therein, and a sub tank disposed vertically below the main tank and having an air communication port and capable of storing ink A first communication path for communicating the ink in the main tank into the sub tank, the main tank and the sub tank, and the air in the sub tank. A second communication path for moving the ink into the main tank, an ink flow path for communicating the recording head and the sub tank, and ink in the sub tank through the first communication path or the second communication path. And an ink introducing means for filling the first communication path with ink by moving the ink into the main tank through the ink tank. A method of controlling Kujetto recording apparatus,
A detection step for detecting whether or not the amount of ink stored in the sub-tank is less than a predetermined amount;
A main tank indicating that there is no usable ink amount in the main tank when it is detected that the amount is less than the predetermined amount in the detecting step except for a predetermined time after the ink introducing operation by the ink introducing means. A control step for controlling to store the empty information in the storage means;
A control method for a recording apparatus, comprising: