JP2021094810A - Inkjet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To accurately report residual time until predetermined operation ends.SOLUTION: An inkjet printer 10 notifies residual time until cleaning ends. A controller 190 of the inkjet printer 10 includes a measurement recording part 194 for measuring a period during which the cleaning is performed and recording the measured period in a storage part 191 when cleaning is performed. The controller 190 of the inkjet printer 10 includes a notification control part 195 for notifying time according to a length of at least the one period recorded in the storage part 191 as the residual time. The residual time is notified by a notification image, and is counted down.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet printer.

Inkjet printers that perform maintenance such as cleaning are known (for example, Patent Document 1). Some such inkjet printers notify the remaining time until the maintenance to be executed is completed.

JP-A-2018-92224

In a conventional inkjet printer, the remaining time is notified based on a fixed time prepared in advance, but when there is a discrepancy between the remaining time to be notified and the time until the actual end of maintenance. There is. There are various causes of this deviation. For example, the program and / or the set value used at the time of maintenance is changed, and the time required for maintenance is different from that before the change, so that the above-mentioned deviation occurs. Due to the above-mentioned deviation, the conventional inkjet printer cannot accurately notify the remaining time until the maintenance is completed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to accurately notify information related to the end of a predetermined operation.

In order to solve the above problems, the inkjet printer according to the present invention
A notification unit that notifies information related to the end of the predetermined operation based on the predicted operation time when the predetermined operation is performed.
Measurement that measures the time required for the predetermined operation when the predetermined operation is performed, and updates the predicted operation time based on at least one of the times measured after the predetermined operation is performed. Recording part and
To be equipped.

According to the above configuration, since the information related to the end of the predetermined operation is notified based on the actual time required for the predetermined operation, the information related to the end of the predetermined operation can be accurately notified.

The measurement recording unit measures the time each time the predetermined operation is performed.
You may do so.

According to the above configuration, information related to the end of a predetermined operation can be accurately notified.

The measurement recording unit measures the time only once each time the predetermined operation is performed n times (where n is an integer of 2 or more).
You may do so.

According to the above configuration, the time required for a series of operations can be saved.

The measurement recording unit updates the predicted operation time at the time last measured by the measurement recording unit for the predetermined operation.
You may do so.

According to the above configuration, information related to the end of a predetermined operation can be accurately notified.

The measurement recording unit updates the predicted operation time with an arithmetic mean value of two or more of the times measured by the measurement recording unit for the predetermined operation.
You may do so.

According to the above configuration, information related to the end of a predetermined operation can be accurately notified.

When at least one of the times measured by the measurement recording unit for the predetermined operation satisfies a predetermined condition, the notification unit indicates that the mechanism for performing the predetermined operation has a problem. Notify
You may do so.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily notify that a defect has occurred in the mechanism that performs a predetermined operation.

According to the present invention, information related to the end of a predetermined operation can be accurately notified.

The whole view of the inkjet printer of one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure in the apparatus main body of FIG. (A) is a diagram showing a notification image displayed by the input / output unit when the cleaning time has already been recorded. (B) is a diagram showing a notification image displayed by the input / output unit when the cleaning time is not recorded. Flowchart of cleaning process.

Hereinafter, embodiments in which the present invention is applied to an inkjet printer will be described.

(Configuration of Inkjet Printer 10)
The inkjet printer 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the appearance shown in FIG. 1 and prints an image on the medium M by an inkjet method. The media M is, for example, a sheet material such as paper or cloth. The inkjet printer 10 includes an apparatus main body 11 and a gantry 12. The apparatus main body 11 is a portion for printing an image on the media M, and is supported by a gantry 12.

The apparatus main body 11 includes a platen 110 that supports the media M. Further, the apparatus main body 11 includes an inkjet head 120, an ink supply mechanism 130, a head moving mechanism 140, a feeding mechanism 150, a cleaning mechanism 160, an input / output unit 180, and a controller 190 inside the apparatus main body 11. (See also Figure 2).

When printing an image, the inkjet head 120 ejects printing ink onto the media M by an inkjet method (either a piezo method or a thermal head method). The printing ink is, for example, each YMCK ink.

The ink supply mechanism 130 has an ink supply path, and supplies ink in, for example, an ink bottle or an ink cartridge (hereinafter, also referred to as an ink bottle) to the inkjet head 120 through the ink supply path.

The head moving mechanism 140 moves the inkjet head 120 in the left-right direction, that is, along the main scanning direction. The head moving mechanism 140 includes a carriage on which the inkjet head 120 is mounted and a guide rail that guides the movement of the carriage in the left-right direction. Further, the head moving mechanism 140 includes a drive belt to which a carriage is fixed, a drive pulley and a driven pulley around which the drive belt is hung, and a drive motor that rotates the drive pulley. Due to the rotation of the drive motor, the drive belt rotates and the carriage moves in the left-right direction.

The feed mechanism 150 is a mechanism for feeding the media M in the sub-scanning direction, which is the front-back direction. The feed mechanism 150 includes a drive motor, a drive roller rotated by the drive motor, and a plurality of pinch rollers. The media M is sandwiched between the drive roller and the plurality of pinch rollers, and the media M is fed in the sub-scanning direction by the rotation of the drive roller.

The cleaning mechanism 160 cleans the inkjet head 120. The cleaning is a kind of maintenance performed by the inkjet printer 10. The cleaning is performed on a regular basis.

The cleaning mechanism 160 includes a head cap 161, a first drive mechanism 162, a squeegee (may be a wiper; the same applies hereinafter) 163, a second drive mechanism 164, and a suction device 165.

The head cap 161 is arranged at one end in the left-right direction in the apparatus main body 11. The first drive mechanism 162 moves the head cap 161 and presses the head cap 161 against the lower surface of the inkjet head 120 or separates the head cap 161 from the lower surface of the inkjet head 120. The head cap 161 has a box shape with an upper opening, and when pressed against the lower surface of the inkjet head 120, covers the ejection nozzle (nozzle for ejecting ink) provided on the lower surface. The suction device 165 sucks the air in the head cap 161 to create a negative pressure in the head cap 161 in a state where the discharge nozzle is covered. Due to the negative pressure, the ink remaining in the ejection nozzle of the inkjet head 120 is sucked out.

The squeegee 163 wipes the ink adhering to the lower surface of the inkjet head 120. The second drive mechanism 164 moves the squeegee 163 along the lower surface of the inkjet head 120 and wipes the ink adhering to the lower surface.

The inkjet head 120 is cleaned by sucking out the ink and wiping the ink with the squeegee 163.

The input / output unit 180 displays various images under the control of the controller 190, and receives operation inputs from users (including operators). The input / output unit 180 includes, for example, a touch panel. The various images displayed by the input / output unit 180 include an image showing an operation unit (operation button, etc.) for receiving an operation input from the user, and a notification image (details will be described later) for notifying during maintenance. Is done. The input / output unit 180 may be composed of a display unit such as a liquid crystal monitor and an operation unit such as an operation switch.

The controller 190 controls the entire inkjet printer 10. The controller 190 is composed of various computers such as a microcomputer operated by a program. Further, the controller 190 can communicate with an external host computer or the like, and image data is supplied to the controller 190.

As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 190 includes a storage unit 191, a print execution unit 192, a cleaning execution unit 193, a measurement recording unit 194, and a notification control unit 195.

The storage unit 191 is composed of various storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 191 stores a program executed by the controller 190, and also stores various setting values used when performing maintenance. Further, the storage unit 191 stores the elapsed time measured by the measurement recording unit 194 when the cleaning is executed as the cleaning time (time required for cleaning) described later. If the cleaning has not been executed even once (such as immediately after the introduction of the inkjet printer 10), the cleaning time is not stored in the storage unit 191. The storage unit 191 may have a RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as the main memory of the processor described later.

Each of the print execution unit 192, the cleaning execution unit 193, the measurement recording unit 194, and the notification control unit 195 includes various processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in the storage unit 191. ..

The print execution unit 192 controls the inkjet head 120, the head moving mechanism 140, and the feed mechanism 150 based on the image data supplied from the outside of the inkjet printer 10 (host computer, etc.), and the image indicated by the image data. Is printed on the media M. The print execution unit 192 drives the head moving mechanism 140, and while moving the inkjet head 120, controls the inkjet head 120 to eject ink at a timing based on image data. By such a step, one line of the image represented by the image data is printed. After that, the print execution unit 192 drives the feed mechanism 150 to feed the media M in a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction. The image is printed on the media M by repeatedly printing one line of the image and feeding the media M by the feed mechanism 150.

The cleaning execution unit 193 controls the head moving mechanism 140 and the cleaning mechanism 160 to perform cleaning on the inkjet head 120. Specifically, the cleaning execution unit 193 drives the head moving mechanism 140 to move the inkjet head 120 to a predetermined position (one end portion). Further, the cleaning execution unit 193 presses the head cap 161 against the lower surface of the inkjet head 120 by the first drive mechanism 162, drives the suction device 165 to perform suction, makes the inside of the head cap 161 negative pressure, and makes the ink jet head 120 negative. Ink is sucked out from the ejection nozzle. After that, the cleaning execution unit 193 separates the head cap 161 from the inkjet head 120, drives the squeegee 163 by the second drive mechanism 164, and wipes the lower surface of the inkjet head 120. In this way, the inkjet head 120 is cleaned.

The cleaning execution unit 193 performs the above cleaning based on the program and the set value stored in the storage unit 191. For example, the suction by the suction device 165 is performed at a time corresponding to the set value. For example, the movement of the squeegee 163 is also performed at a speed or the like according to the set value.

The measurement recording unit 194 measures the elapsed time from the start timing of the cleaning when the cleaning is performed by the cleaning execution unit 193. At the end of cleaning, the measurement recording unit 194 records the measured elapsed time as the cleaning time in the storage unit 191. The cleaning time is a period from the start timing to the end timing of cleaning, and is the time required for cleaning.

During the execution of cleaning, the notification control unit 195 displays on the input / output unit 180 a notification image G that notifies that the cleaning is being executed and the remaining time of the cleaning. As shown in FIG. 3A, the notification image G notifies the image G1 that notifies that cleaning is currently being performed, such as “cleaning”, and the remaining time of the cleaning, such as “15 seconds remaining”. Includes image G2. The image G2 shows the remaining cleaning time at that time, is counted down, and finally becomes "0 seconds remaining". When the notification control unit 195 starts displaying the notification image G, the notification control unit 195 displays the image G2, which notifies the cleaning time recorded in the storage unit 191 as the remaining time, to the input / output unit 180. For example, if the cleaning time recorded in the storage unit 191 is 20 seconds, the notification control unit 195 will display the "remaining 20 seconds" image G2 (the image notifying the remaining time 20 seconds) at the start of displaying the notification image G. Is displayed. When the storage unit 191 does not store the cleaning time, the notification control unit 195 uses the notification image G including the image G3 of "please wait for a while" instead of the image G2 as shown in FIG. 3 (B). indicate.

(Characteristic operation of inkjet printer 10)
The controller 190 of the inkjet printer 10 executes the cleaning process shown in FIG. 4 when performing cleaning as a characteristic process in the present embodiment.

In the cleaning process, first, the notification control unit 195 determines whether the cleaning time is recorded in the storage unit 191 (step S101). When the cleaning time is not recorded (step S101; No), the notification control unit 195 starts displaying the notification image G including the “wait for a while” image G3 as shown in FIG. 3 (B) (step S102). ). When the cleaning time is recorded (step S101; Yes), the notification control unit 195 reads the cleaning time, and includes an image G2 that notifies the read cleaning time as the remaining time of the cleaning to be executed. The notification image G as shown in 3 (A) is started to be displayed (step S103). The broadcast image G continues to be displayed after steps S102 and S103. When the notification control unit 195 displays the image G2 in step S103, the remaining time notified by the image G2 every 1 second thereafter (“... seconds” of “remaining ... seconds””. Part) is counted down.

When step S102 or S103 is completed, the cleaning execution unit 193 controls the head moving mechanism 140 and the cleaning mechanism 160 to clean the inkjet head 120 (suction of ink by the head cap 161 and wiping of ink by the squeegee 163). Execution is started (step S104). After step S104, cleaning is performed by the cleaning execution unit 193. The start and end of cleaning by the cleaning execution unit 193 is notified from the cleaning execution unit 193 to the measurement recording unit 194. At the end of cleaning, the cleaning execution unit 193 moves the inkjet head 120 to the initial position, and detects that the inkjet head 120 has moved to the initial position by a sensor or the like. When the cleaning execution unit 193 verifies that the inkjet head 120 has moved to the initial position, it determines that the cleaning has been completed.

After that, upon receiving the notification of the start of cleaning from the cleaning execution unit 193, the measurement recording unit 194 starts measuring the elapsed time starting from the current time, that is, the cleaning start timing (step S105). The measurement of the elapsed time is performed by using a timer provided in the controller 190 or an external timer. The measured elapsed time indicates the time required for cleaning.

After that, the measurement recording unit 194 determines whether the cleaning is completed (step S106). The determination is made based on the presence or absence of notification of the end of cleaning from the cleaning execution unit 193. When the measurement recording unit 194 does not notify the end and the cleaning is not completed (step S106; No), the measurement recording unit 194 determines again whether the cleaning is completed (step S106). On the other hand, when the measurement recording unit 194 is notified of the end and the cleaning is completed (step S106; Yes), the measurement recording unit 194 ends the measurement of the elapsed time and records the elapsed time at that time in the storage unit 191. (Step S107). The elapsed time is the time required for the current cleaning, that is, the time indicating the period from the start timing to the end timing of the cleaning. Therefore, the elapsed time is recorded in the storage unit 191 as a cleaning time. If the cleaning time has already been recorded, the current cleaning time is overwritten with the already recorded cleaning time (previous cleaning time). That is, the cleaning time stored in the storage unit 191 is related to the latest cleaning among the cleanings that are regularly executed. The measurement recording unit 194 records the elapsed time as a cleaning time in the storage unit 191 and then notifies the notification control unit 195 to that effect.

After the cleaning time is recorded in the measurement recording unit 194, the notification control unit 195 controls the input / output unit 180 and ends the display of the notification image G (step S108). Even if the image G2 of the notification image G is not "0 seconds remaining", the notification control unit 195 ends the display of the notification image G. When the cleaning is not completed (when step S108 is not executed) even though the image G2 of the notification image G has "0 seconds remaining", the image G2 remains "0 seconds remaining" and the notification image G Is continuously displayed, or another notification image G that notifies that cleaning is being performed, such as "Please wait for a while", is continuously displayed, and the notification image G is deleted in step S108.

(Effects, etc.)
Conventionally, the remaining time notified at the start of cleaning (the initial remaining time before the countdown) is a fixed time set on the program. On the other hand, the program and the set value executed at the time of cleaning by the inkjet printer 10 may be updated by a serviceman or the like who is a person who maintains and inspects the inkjet printer 10. For example, the program may be upgraded and the cleaning scheme may be changed. For example, the set value for specifying the suction time by the suction device 165 and / or the set value for specifying the moving speed of the squeegee 163 may be changed. Further, the predetermined waiting time at the time of cleaning may be changed. In these cases, the time actually required for cleaning deviates from the above-mentioned fixed time. Further, due to deterioration of the members used during cleaning, the time required for cleaning may differ from the initially assumed time (the fixed time). For example, the movement of the inkjet head 120 during cleaning (particularly, movement to the initial position) is delayed due to aged deterioration of the drive motor of the head movement mechanism 140 (such as slowing down the rotation of the rotating shaft due to adhesion of ink or the like). It is possible that the time required for cleaning will be extended accordingly. Even in this case, the time actually required for cleaning deviates from the above-mentioned fixed time. As described above, conventionally, the remaining time notified at the start of cleaning is not accurate, and the user may feel uncomfortable due to the above-mentioned deviation.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the measurement recording unit 194 records the time actually required for cleaning in the storage unit 191 as the cleaning time, and the notification control unit 195 stores the cleaning in the storage unit 191 at the start of cleaning. The recorded cleaning time (cleaning time in the previous cleaning) is read out, and the read cleaning time is notified as the remaining time of the current cleaning. As a result, the time required for the previous cleaning (actual condition of the time required for cleaning) can be reflected in the remaining cleaning time (initial remaining time before the countdown) notified at the start of cleaning. Therefore, even if there is a change in the program executed during cleaning and the set value, there is a discrepancy between the remaining time notified at the start of cleaning from the second cleaning after the change and the time actually required for cleaning. Can be eliminated or reduced. Further, even if the members used at the time of cleaning gradually deteriorate, the remaining time according to the deterioration until the previous cleaning is notified, so that the remaining time notified at the start of cleaning and the actual time required for cleaning are actually required. The time lag can be reduced as compared with the case where the fixed time is used. For these reasons, the inkjet printer 10 according to this embodiment can accurately notify the remaining cleaning time as compared with the conventional case using the fixed time.

Further, as in the above embodiment, by notifying the cleaning time in the previous cleaning as the remaining time of the current cleaning, the processing related to the notification can be simplified. Further, by using the latest cleaning time, it is possible to accurately notify the remaining time of the cleaning to be executed in the future.

Further, the notification control unit 195 can easily display the remaining time at that time of cleaning by counting down the remaining time of the notification image G in the image G2. Further, it is possible to notify that the controller 100 is not frozen by the countdown.

(Modification example)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. A modified example of the above embodiment is illustrated below.

(Modification example 1)
Each mechanism of the inkjet head 120, the ink supply mechanism 130, the head moving mechanism 140, the feeding mechanism 150, and the cleaning mechanism 160 of the inkjet printer 10 may have a configuration other than the above-described embodiment. Each of these mechanisms may have a known configuration. Known methods can also be used for image printing and cleaning.

(Modification 2)
In addition to or instead of cleaning, the inkjet printer 10 measures the time required for the operation (hereinafter, also referred to as the required time) for other operations by the measurement recording unit 194 and predicts the operation time in the storage unit 191. May be recorded as. Then, the notification control unit 195 may read the predicted operation time stored in the storage unit 191 at the start of the next operation, and display the read predicted operation time as the remaining time of the operation on the input / output unit 180. .. Examples of operations other than cleaning include initial operation when the power is turned on and various maintenances other than the above cleaning. The predicted operation time may be recorded and displayed for each type of operation, but the predicted operation time may be common for each similar operation. In other words, the predicted operation time is determined for a predetermined operation including one or more types of operations.

(Modification example 3)
In the above-described embodiment and the second modification, the predicted operation time of such an operation is not recorded in the storage unit 191 until the first operation is performed, but instead, before the first operation is performed, A default value for one or more types of operations may be recorded in the storage unit 191 as a predicted operation time.

(Modification example 4)
The inkjet printer 10 allows a user or a serviceman to manually input and update the predicted operation time via an input device provided in the inkjet printer 10 or an external input device connected to the inkjet printer 10 by wire or wirelessly. It may be configured.

(Modification 5)
The measurement recording unit 194 may measure the required time each time a predetermined operation is performed. As a result, the predicted operation time for the operation can be accurately determined.

(Modification 6)
The measurement recording unit 194 is performed only when a predetermined condition is satisfied when a predetermined operation is performed, for example, only once for each operation n times (where n is an integer of 2 or more). The required time may be measured. As a result, it is possible to save the time required for the measurement recording unit 194 to measure the required time and update the predicted operation time when the operations are continuously executed.

(Modification 7)
In the above-described embodiment and the above-described modification, when the measurement recording unit 194 measures the required operation time, the estimated operation time such as the cleaning time is overwritten and updated by the required time, but the method of updating the predicted operation time. Is arbitrary as long as the predicted operation time is updated based on one or more of the required times measured by the measurement recording unit 194.

For example, the measurement recording unit 194 may update the predicted operation time with an arithmetic mean value of two or more of the required times measured so far by the measurement recording unit 194 for a predetermined operation. In this case, the measurement recording unit 194 may record each required time in the storage unit 191 each time the measurement for a predetermined operation is performed. In this case, a plurality of required times are recorded in the storage unit 191. For example, the measurement recording unit 194 does not overwrite and save the cleaning time each time cleaning is performed, but records the cleaning time of each of the past three cleaning times in the storage unit 191 counting from the present. The measurement recording unit 194 reads out the cleaning time of three times of cleaning recorded in the storage unit 191 and takes an average time, and the notification control unit 195 inputs / outputs a notification image G including an image G2 for notifying the average time. Displayed in unit 180.

Further, for example, the measurement recording unit 194 calculates the median value, the mode value, the minimum value, or the maximum value from the most recent plurality of required times measured by the measurement recording unit 194 for a predetermined operation. The predicted operation time may be updated with the calculated value.

(Modification 8)
The measurement recording unit 194 may exclude an inappropriate value from the measured required time when updating the predicted operation time or before updating the predicted operation time. For example, the measurement recording unit 194 records the required time for a predetermined operation in the storage unit 191 every time it is measured, and outliers of the recorded required times are subjected to statistical analysis according to the conventional method. May be obtained and the required time corresponding to the outlier may be deleted from the storage unit 191. Further, if an error occurs during the execution of a predetermined operation, the measurement recording unit 194 may or may not measure the time required for the operation.

(Modification 9)
In the above-described embodiment and the above-described modification, the measurement recording unit 194 updates the predicted operation time immediately after the operation, but the measurement recording unit 194 updates the predicted operation time after the current operation is performed. It may be performed at any time from to the next operation.

(Modification example 10)
The notification control unit 195 may notify the remaining time by voice instead of or in addition to the image. For example, the remaining time may be notified by a voice such as a beep whose properties such as volume, pitch, or characteristic sound interval change as the remaining time becomes shorter. Further, the notification control unit 195 does not have to perform countdown or the like after first notifying the remaining time (time required for a predetermined operation). Further, the remaining time may be notified by displaying an image of a bar (for example, a progress bar) that becomes shorter with the passage of time, an image of an hourglass in which sand falls, or the like. In this case, the remaining time is notified by the speed at which the bar shortens, the speed at which the sand falls, and the like.

(Modification 11)
The notification control unit 195 may notify the information related to the end of the predetermined operation in addition to or in place of the remaining time until the end of the predetermined operation. Such information includes the scheduled time when the predetermined operation ends, the predetermined operation ends, or the end of the predetermined operation is approaching. Further, the notification control unit 195 may notify information related to the end of a predetermined operation by voice instead of or in addition to the image.

When the information related to the end of the predetermined operation includes the end of the predetermined operation, the notification control unit 195 may notify the information at the end of the predetermined operation or at a time when the end is imminent. For example, the notification control unit 195 starts notification of a voice such as a beep sound when a time corresponding to 90% of the predicted operation time elapses from the start of the operation, and even if the notification of the voice ends at the end of the operation. Good.

When the information related to the end of the predetermined operation includes the scheduled time when the predetermined operation ends or the end of the predetermined operation is approaching, the notification unit notifies the information when the end is imminent. May be good. For example, the information may be notified when half of the predicted operation time has elapsed from the start of the operation.

The fact that the end of the predetermined operation is approaching is the same as the remaining time of the predetermined operation.
It may be notified by a voice such as a beep or an image such as a bar or an hourglass.

(Modification 12)
In the inkjet printer 10, the notification control unit 195 performs the predetermined operation (for example, when at least one of the required times measured by the measurement recording unit 194 for the predetermined operation satisfies a predetermined condition. , A mechanism composed of a plurality of mechanical parts such as the head moving mechanism 140 and the cleaning mechanism 160) may be notified that a problem has occurred.

For example, the measurement recording unit 194 sequentially records the cleaning time, and the notification control unit 195 starts the timing when the cleaning period is first recorded for a certain period retroactive from the present based on the sequentially recorded cleaning time. It is determined whether the cleaning time is increasing in a part of the period, not the entire period), and if it is determined that the cleaning time is increasing (the speed or acceleration of the increase in the cleaning time exceeds a predetermined threshold, etc.). There is a possibility that a problem has occurred in the head moving mechanism 140 and / or the cleaning mechanism 160, which is a mechanism for cleaning, such as aged deterioration of the drive motor of the head moving mechanism 140 as described above. Here, there is a possibility that particularly remarkable deterioration over time has started), so the notification control unit 195 may display an image indicating that a problem has occurred in these mechanisms on the input / output unit 180. The notification (for example, an image) to that effect includes a notification (for example, an image) that prompts at least one of inspection, maintenance (maintenance), and parts replacement. The images of the notification include "Check the head movement mechanism and cleaning mechanism.", "Clean the head movement mechanism or cleaning mechanism ...", "Head movement mechanism or cleaning mechanism ..." An image displaying a message such as "Please replace ..." (the above-mentioned "..." contains parts that may be defective such as a motor) can be mentioned.

For example, in step S108 of FIG. 4, the notification control unit 195 determines whether the cleaning time recorded in step S107 is longer than or longer than a predetermined time as a threshold value prepared in advance. You may judge. If the notification control unit 195 determines that the determination is affirmative (cleaning time is longer than a predetermined time, etc.), the above-mentioned problem may have occurred. Therefore, the notification control unit 195 has a problem with the mechanism. An image to that effect may be displayed on the input / output unit 180.

In this modification, based on the required time measured by the measurement recording unit 194, the notification that a defect has occurred in the mechanism that performs the predetermined operation is notified, so that the notification can be easily performed.

At the time of cleaning, the position of the squeegee or the like may be detected by a sensor, and the next operation in the cleaning may be performed based on the detection. In this case, it is possible to notify a defect due to aged deterioration of the motor for driving the squeegee or the like (decrease in the rotation speed of the rotating shaft due to adhesion of ink, etc.). At the time of cleaning, a sensor may detect whether or not the negative pressure due to suction has reached a predetermined value, and when it is detected that the negative pressure has reached a predetermined value, the next operation in the cleaning may be performed. In this case, it is possible to notify the clogging of the filter and the like.

(Modification 13)
In the first cleaning after the program is updated and / or the set value is updated by the serviceman or the like, the notification control unit 195 displays the image G3 of "Please wait for a while" as shown in FIG. 3 (B). The broadcast image G including the above may be displayed. For example, when the program is updated, the cleaning time may be significantly different from the previous one. Therefore, in the first cleaning, the remaining cleaning time (time required for cleaning) is not notified. You may notify that the operation is in progress (the fact that the predetermined operation is in progress without notifying the remaining time of the predetermined operation). As a result, the time difference between the remaining time notified at the start of cleaning (predetermined operation) (information related to the end of the predetermined operation) and the time actually required for cleaning (predetermined operation) is set to the fixed time. Can be reduced as compared with the case of using.

(Modification 14)
The present invention can be applied to all notification devices having a function of notifying information related to the end of a predetermined operation, including the remaining time until the end of the predetermined operation. The notification device includes a device having a main function (printing function) other than the notification, such as an inkjet printer 10, in addition to a device having a main function of notification. Predetermined operations include an initial operation when the power is turned on, an operation for maintenance, various calculations by a computer, and the like. Examples of the notification device include a cutting plotter, a laser printer, various robots, various computers, and the like.

10 Inkjet printer 11 Device body 12 Stand 110 Platen 120 Inkjet head 130 Ink supply mechanism 140 Head movement mechanism 150 Feed mechanism 160 Cleaning mechanism 161 Head cap 162 1st drive mechanism 163 Squeegee 164 2nd drive mechanism 165 Suction device 180 Input / output unit 190 Controller 191 Storage unit 192 Print execution unit 193 Cleaning execution unit 194 Measurement recording unit 195 Notification control unit G Notification image G1 Image that notifies that cleaning is currently being executed G2 Image that notifies the remaining cleaning time G3 "Please wait for a while Image M media

Claims (6)

A notification unit that notifies information related to the end of the predetermined operation based on the predicted operation time when the predetermined operation is performed.
Measurement that measures the time required for the predetermined operation when the predetermined operation is performed, and updates the predicted operation time based on at least one of the times measured after the predetermined operation is performed. Recording part and
Inkjet printer equipped with. The measurement recording unit measures the time each time the predetermined operation is performed.
The inkjet printer according to claim 1. The measurement recording unit measures the time only once each time the predetermined operation is performed n times (where n is an integer of 2 or more).
The inkjet printer according to claim 1. The measurement recording unit updates the predicted operation time at the time last measured by the measurement recording unit for the predetermined operation.
The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The measurement recording unit updates the predicted operation time with an arithmetic mean value of two or more of the times measured by the measurement recording unit for the predetermined operation.
The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When at least one of the times measured by the measurement recording unit for the predetermined operation satisfies a predetermined condition, the notification unit indicates that the mechanism for performing the predetermined operation has a problem. Notify
The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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