JP3555459B2 - INK JET RECORDING APPARATUS AND PRINTING OPERATION CONTROL METHOD IN THE APPARATUS - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus that prints an image by ejecting ink droplets to recording paper based on print data, and a printing operation control method in the apparatus, and more particularly, to an ink jet recording head mounted on the recording apparatus. And a control technique for a subsequent printing operation sequence.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the development of personal computers, graphic processing has become relatively easy to execute. For example, a recording apparatus capable of outputting a high-quality hard copy of a color image or the like displayed on a display has been demanded. In order to meet such a demand, a recording apparatus equipped with an ink jet recording head has been provided.
[0003]
This ink jet recording apparatus is used for many printings, mainly for color printing, because the noise at the time of printing is relatively small and small dots can be formed at a high density.
[0004]
Such an ink jet recording apparatus includes an ink jet recording head that receives supply of ink from an ink storage unit, and a paper feeding unit that moves a recording sheet relatively to the recording head, and performs recording according to a print signal. Print recording is performed by ejecting ink droplets on recording paper while moving the head to form dots.
[0005]
As described above, since the ink jet recording apparatus handles a liquid called ink, in order to prevent clogging of the recording head due to volatilization of the ink solvent, it is necessary to forcibly suck and discharge the ink from the recording head and to perform printing data. An operation is performed in which a drive signal is supplied to discharge ink droplets from the nozzle openings of the head in the non-printing area.
[0006]
The process of forcibly discharging the ink to eliminate the clogging of the recording head is usually called a cleaning operation, which is performed when printing is resumed after a long pause of the apparatus (timer cleaning when the power is turned on) or when the user Is executed when the cleaning switch is pressed in order to eliminate print quality defects such as blurred print. This cleaning operation involves a process of sealing the recording head by capping means, applying a negative pressure to eject ink, and then wiping the nozzle plate of the head by a cleaning member made of an elastic plate such as rubber. It is.
[0007]
On the other hand, the operation of applying a drive signal to the recording head to eject ink droplets is usually called a flushing operation, in which an irregular meniscus near the nozzle opening of the head is recovered by wiping or the like during a cleaning operation, or during printing. This operation is performed at regular intervals for the purpose of preventing clogging of a nozzle opening that discharges a small amount of ink droplets.
[0008]
FIG. 10 shows a cleaning operation performed in the above-described conventional recording apparatus, and an operation sequence when a subsequent print command is received. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when a cleaning process command is received, in step S51, the recording head is moved to the non-printing area side to pass over the cleaning member disposed in the portion, thereby performing the wiping operation. Execute The wiping operation in step S51 is executed to improve the adhesion of the recording head to the capping device in the process of forcibly sucking ink from the recording head by the subsequent capping device.
[0009]
Subsequently, in step S52, the recording head moves onto the capping device, is sealed by the capping device, and a relatively large amount of ink is sucked from the recording head. Then, in step S53, the air release valve arranged in a part of the capping device is opened, and the suction pump communicating with the capping device is operated, so that the ink sucked into the capping device is stored in the waste ink tank. Is discharged.
[0010]
Subsequently, in step S54, the recording head performs a small amount of ink suction operation again by the capping device. This is performed so that bubbles entering from the nozzles of the head are not foamed by a small suction operation. Then, in step S55, the air release valve arranged in the capping device is opened, and the suction pump communicating with the capping device is operated, whereby the ink sucked into the capping device is discharged to the waste ink tank. .
[0011]
Further, in step S56, the recording head performs a wiping operation passing over the cleaning member, whereby bubbles attached to the surface of the recording head are removed by the wiping. Subsequently, in step S57, the recording head again performs a small amount of ink suction operation by the capping device. This is a finishing cleaning operation for recovering an irregular meniscus at the nozzle opening of the recording head.
[0012]
Similarly, in step S58, the air release valve arranged in the capping device is opened, and the suction pump communicating with the capping device is operated, whereby the ink sucked into the capping device is discharged to the waste ink tank. You. Subsequently, in step S59, the recording head passes over the cleaning member to perform a finishing wiping operation, and in steps S51 to S59, the substantial cleaning operation ends.
[0013]
Subsequently, in step S60, the standby timer is started, and in step S61, the process waits for the elapse of a predetermined predetermined standby time (T1). If it is determined in step S61 that the predetermined standby time has elapsed, the mode is set to a mode in which the print command can be accepted, that is, the print command waits.
[0014]
The standby time (T1) is a time required for the ink bubbles generated in the nozzle openings of the recording head to disappear naturally or to reduce the ink bubbles due to the above-described cleaning action. Is set. Therefore, during this time, the operation of discharging the ink from the recording head is stopped, whereby the printing quality can be stabilized.
[0015]
In the state of waiting for the print command, it is monitored whether or not there is a print command in step S62, and if it is determined that there is a print command, a signal for so-called idle discharge is applied to the print head in step S63. To perform flushing, and printing is started.
[0016]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, according to the control sequence in the above-described conventional printing apparatus, after the cleaning operation is performed, the timer of the standby timer is started to give a predetermined standby time (T1), and then the mode is shifted to the print command waiting mode. Controlled. This is necessary to stabilize print quality by naturally eliminating ink bubbles or reducing ink bubbles as described above.
[0017]
However, this waiting time requires 30 to 60 seconds, and for a user who attempts to start printing immediately after the completion of the cleaning operation, he / she feels frustrated by not starting printing despite sending print data. Or cause a suspicion that it is a malfunction.
[0018]
In view of the above, there has been provided a printing apparatus which is designed to suppress the occurrence of stress on the user by intentionally causing the apparatus to perform a meaningless operation during the standby time. However, if printing is not started immediately after the cleaning operation, this meaningless operation only has an apparently longer cleaning time, which is counterproductive. Particularly in the case of timer cleaning or the like that is automatically performed when the power is turned on, such a case is common.
[0019]
On the other hand, an ink cartridge that supplies ink to the above-described recording head generally has an outer case formed of a material such as polypropylene, and has a porous body loaded therein to hold ink.
[0020]
The interior of the ink cartridge is degassed at the time of shipment, so that the ink cartridge is initially evacuated to have an initial filling property (the recording device when the ink cartridge is first loaded into the recording device and the head is filled with ink). (Reliability of operation of the recording apparatus) and refillability (reliability of operation of the recording apparatus when the ink cartridge is exchanged and loaded) can be ensured.
[0021]
After the ink cartridge thus degassed is loaded into the recording apparatus, the ink in the cartridge communicates with the atmosphere through the opening provided on the upper surface, so that the air gradually dissolves, and the ink in the cartridge eventually becomes It becomes saturated.
[0022]
Here, while the degree of deaeration of the ink cartridge is ensured, such as when the ink cartridge is replaced, bubbles generated in the cap when the ink is sucked by the capping means are smaller than the nozzle diameter. Although the air flows back into the head channel due to the negative pressure of the cartridge, such bubbles disappear because they are smaller than the critical radius. In the case of freshly degassed ink, the time for the bubbles to actually disappear is further accelerated since the bubbles can also be dissolved in the ink.
[0023]
However, in a state where the inside of the ink cartridge is saturated, since the ability to dissolve the minute bubbles is small, it is necessary to suppress the generation of the bubbles or to suppress the influence of the generated bubbles until the bubbles disappear. Takes a predetermined time.
[0024]
As described above, despite the fact that the degree of generation of microbubbles differs depending on the degree of deaeration of the ink cartridge, the conventional ink jet recording apparatus assumes that the inside of the cartridge is saturated as described above. The cleaning sequence incorporating a uniform uniform waiting time (T1) is executed uniformly.
[0025]
Therefore, there is a technical problem that a considerable amount of time is required before the start of printing, and the throughput cannot be improved.
[0026]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to allow a user to wait for a print command by shifting to a print command wait at the same time as the start of timing of the standby timer. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus which does not require time awareness and a printing operation control method in the apparatus.
[0027]
A second object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink jet recording apparatus capable of improving the throughput by varying the time measured by the standby timer according to the degree of deaeration of the ink cartridge. In a printing operation control method.
[0028]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention made to achieve the above-described object, an ink jet recording head that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets onto recording paper from nozzle openings corresponding to print data, Capping means for sealing the recording head and receiving a negative pressure from a suction pump, and cleaning control means for receiving a cleaning operation command and performing a cleaning operation for suctioning ink from the recording head by the capping means. An inkjet recording apparatus, wherein after executing a cleaning operation by the operation of the cleaning control means, a standby timer for setting a predetermined standby time is started, and at the same time as the standby timer is started, a print command is accepted. Print control means is further provided.
[0029]
In this case, the print control unit is configured to start the printing operation after measuring the predetermined standby time when the standby timer receives a print command while measuring the predetermined standby time.
[0030]
In addition, the printing operation control method in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention includes an ink jet recording head that performs printing by discharging ink droplets from a nozzle opening onto recording paper in accordance with print data; An ink-jet type comprising: a capping unit for sealing and receiving a negative pressure from a suction pump; and a cleaning control unit for executing a cleaning operation of receiving a cleaning operation command and sucking ink from the recording head by the capping unit. A printing operation control method for a printing apparatus, comprising: a timer activation step of starting a standby timer for setting a predetermined standby time after execution of a cleaning operation by an operation of the cleaning control unit; and The print control unit receives a print command Each control step of printing instruction receiving step of allowing is provided.
[0031]
In this case, when the standby timer receives the print command while measuring the predetermined standby time, the sequence further includes a step of counting the predetermined standby time and then shifting to the printing operation step.
[0032]
In any of the above-described ink jet recording apparatus and the printing operation control method in the same apparatus, the predetermined standby time set by the standby timer is such that the ink is sucked from the recording head by the capping means, It is desirable to set the time required for the disappearance of the ink bubble generated near the nozzle opening or the time required for the reduction of the ink bubble.
[0033]
Preferably, the predetermined standby time measured by the standby timer is changed by a standby time changing unit. In this case, preferably, the standby time changing unit is configured to control the standby timer by the standby timer in accordance with a time required for the dissolved gas amount of the ink in the ink cartridge after the ink cartridge is loaded to reach the saturated state or the vicinity of the saturated state. It is made to change the time.
[0034]
More preferably, in any of the above-mentioned ink jet recording apparatus and the printing operation control method in the same apparatus, the printing control means, when the printing instruction is received while the standby timer is counting a predetermined standby time, the printing is performed. An operation without driving the recording head is performed until the predetermined standby time has elapsed after receiving the command.
[0035]
According to the ink jet recording apparatus configured as described above, the counting of the standby timer is started immediately after the end of the cleaning sequence, and at the same time, the process shifts to the sequence of the print command receiving mode. Therefore, when the print command is received soon, the standby timer is already counting the predetermined standby time, and the printing operation can be started immediately after the predetermined time has elapsed by the standby timer.
[0036]
Generally, from the time the cleaning operation is performed to the time the printing apparatus actually starts printing, there is a work time such as a time when a user prepares or checks recording paper, a time when an application or a printer driver performs data processing, and the like. Therefore, in most cases, the waiting time is not considered, and as a result, the cleaning operation time is not felt long.
[0037]
The standby timer is changed by a standby time changing unit that measures the time required for the dissolved gas amount of the ink in the ink cartridge to reach the saturated state or near the saturated state. Therefore, for example, it is possible to shorten the time required until the start of the printing operation after the power is turned on, thereby improving the throughput.
[0038]
Then, when printing is to be started before a predetermined standby time elapses after the cleaning operation, by performing the operation without driving the recording head as described above, it is determined whether the apparatus is malfunctioning. Can be avoided.
[0039]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a carriage. The carriage 1 is coupled to a part of a timing belt 2, driven by reciprocating rotation of a carriage motor 3, guided by a guide member 4, and moved parallel to a platen 5. It is configured.
[0040]
A recording head 7 for black printing is mounted on a printing area side (left side in FIG. 1) of the carriage 1 on a surface facing the recording paper 6, and a recording head 8 for color printing is mounted on a non-printing area side. Each of the recording heads 7 and 8 is configured to perform printing by receiving ink supplied from a black ink cartridge 9 and a color ink cartridge 10 mounted on a carriage and discharging ink droplets onto the recording paper 6. ing.
[0041]
A capping device 11 arranged in the non-printing area has a cap member 12 for sealing the recording head 7 for black ink and a cap member 13 for sealing the recording head 8 for color ink mounted on the same cap holder. Then, it is connected to the pump unit 16 via a tube. The cap members 12 and 13 each have a size that can seal the nozzle opening surfaces of the recording heads 7 and 8 with one space. The cap members 12 and 13 seal the nozzle openings when printing is not performed. In some cases, the recording heads 7 and 8 can forcibly discharge ink by receiving a negative pressure from the pump unit 16.
[0042]
In order to effectively discharge the ink discharged into the cap member, the cap members 12 and 13 are moved via air release valves V1 and V2 whose opening and closing are controlled by movement of the carriage 1 and driving means. It is configured so that it can communicate with the atmosphere. A cleaning member 17 made of an elastic plate such as rubber is disposed near the capping device 11.
[0043]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. In the control device shown in FIG. 2, reference numeral 20 denotes a print control unit, which generates bitmap data based on print data from a host, and generates a drive signal by a head drive unit 21 based on the data. Ink droplets are ejected from 7, 8.
[0044]
Reference numeral 22 denotes a cleaning control unit, which controls the pump driving unit 25 based on the specified suction intensity, suction time, and suction interval at the time of turning on the power or by a signal from the suction command detection unit 23 and the suction timer 24. In addition, the pump unit controls the drive of each of the suction pumps 14 and 15 that constitute the pump unit 16.
[0045]
Reference numeral 26 denotes a flushing control unit. The flushing control unit 26 performs printing when a flushing command is output from the printing control unit 20 for a predetermined period of time and a suction end signal is output from the cleaning control unit 22. By moving the recording heads 7 and 8 to a flushing position, usually a capping position, a predetermined number of inks from all the nozzle openings of each recording head 7 and 8 are used to prevent clogging of the heads and to eliminate clogging. This is to discharge droplets.
[0046]
Reference numeral 28 denotes a standby timer, which starts timing immediately after the cleaning control by the cleaning control means 22 ends, and controls so that the printing operation can be started immediately after measuring a predetermined standby time (T1). It is.
[0047]
Further, reference numeral 27 denotes a standby time changing means, which changes the standby timer 28 according to the time required for the dissolved gas amount of the ink in the ink cartridge to reach a saturated state or near the saturated state after the ink cartridge is loaded. Is configured to change the standby time. That is, the standby time changing unit 27 measures the integrated time after the cartridge replacement based on a signal such as ink cartridge replacement obtained from the host computer, and appropriately sets the standby time (T1) by the standby timer 28 according to the integrated time. Acts to increase or decrease.
[0048]
Reference numeral 29 in the figure denotes a cleaning command switch provided on a control panel or the like (not shown) of the recording apparatus. When the user recognizes a phenomenon such as blurred printing, the user operates this switch 29 to execute the cleaning operation. It is configured to be.
[0049]
Next, FIG. 3 shows a configuration of an ink cartridge to be loaded in the recording apparatus shown in FIGS. The ink cartridge shown in FIG. 3 is an example of a color ink cartridge 10 filled with yellow, magenta, and cyan inks. In a black ink cartridge 9 filled with black ink, the ink cartridge shown in FIG. The difference is that the dimension in the width direction is reduced and there is only one ink reservoir, and the other configuration is almost the same as that of the color ink cartridge 10 described later.
[0050]
The color ink cartridge 10 basically includes an ink tank 31 formed in a box shape of, for example, polypropylene, and foams 32Y, 32M, and 32C formed of a porous member housed in the ink tank 31 and impregnated with ink. The cover 33 covers the upper surface of the ink tank 31.
[0051]
The ink tank 31 is divided into three chambers 31Y, 31M, and 31C. Each of the chambers stores foams 32Y, 32M, and 32C formed of a porous member such as a polyurethane foam molded into a rectangular parallelepiped. Have been. Each chamber is filled with yellow, magenta, and cyan color inks, respectively.
[0052]
The lid 33 covering the upper part of the ink tank 31 is provided with three communication holes 34 communicating with the outside for each chamber. An openable band-shaped sealing member 35 is attached to at least one communication hole 34a for each chamber of the communication holes 34, and is sealed by the member 35 immediately before use, and is opened immediately before use. It is configured so that the function of the vent hole 34a can be achieved.
[0053]
In particular, by adopting the strip-shaped sealing member 35 as shown in FIG. 3, by pulling off the end portion, each communication hole 34a of each chamber can be opened at a time. In this case, it is desirable that one end of the band-shaped sealing member 35 is connected to a packaging bag (not shown) of the cartridge 10 so that the cartridge 10 is always opened when the cartridge 10 is removed from the packaging bag.
[0054]
By opening the sealing member 35 in this manner, when the cartridge 10 is loaded in the recording apparatus, air corresponding to the consumption of ink is replenished into the cartridge from the opened vent hole 34a.
[0055]
The other ventilation holes 34 are also sealed by a single sealing member 36, respectively. These sealing members 35 and 36 have a water vapor permeability of a predetermined value or less, and at least one sealing member has a gas permeability of a predetermined value or more. This prevents the ink from leaking out when the cartridge is transported, and acts so that the ink is degassed again after the reduced pressure packaging.
[0056]
A cylindrical ink chamber (not shown) is formed at the lower bottom of each of the chambers 31Y, 31M and 31C, and a blind plug 37 made of an elastic member such as rubber is fitted into an end of the ink chamber. It is sealed.
[0057]
In the ink cartridge 10 configured as described above, the blind plug 37 is pierced by a hollow needle (not shown) communicating with the recording head 8 in a state where the ink cartridge 10 is loaded in the printing apparatus. Is configured to be able to be introduced.
[0058]
In addition, an ink end detection electrode 38 is embedded in the side surface of the ink tank 31 so that the tip portion contacts the foams 32Y, 32M, and 32C in the chambers 31Y, 31M, and 31C, respectively. Are sealed by an O-ring 39 for preventing the above. The configuration is such that the state of the ink end can be detected by measuring the electrical resistance between these electrodes 38 and the hollow needles described above.
[0059]
Next, the operation of cleaning the recording head and the operation of the print command in the standby mode in the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG.
[0060]
First, FIG. 4 shows a first control sequence for the cleaning operation of the recording head and the operation of the print command in the standby mode. FIGS. 5 to 8 show each operation of the capping means controlled at this time. It is shown. 5 to 8 show only one of the cap members 12, 13, but the operation of the other cap member 13 is the same as described below.
[0061]
In FIG. 4, when the power of the printing apparatus is turned on after being left for a long period of time, or when the cleaning start mode is set by operating the cleaning command switch 29, the recording head 7 is moved to the non-printing area in step S11. Let it. Thus, the recording head 7 passes above the cleaning member 17 made of an elastic plate made of rubber or the like disposed at the corresponding portion, and a wiping operation for removing dust, paper dust, and the like adhering to the nozzle plate of the recording head 7 is performed. Execute
[0062]
The wiping operation in step S11 is performed to improve the adhesion of the recording head to the capping device in the process of forcibly sucking ink from the recording head by the subsequent capping device.
[0063]
Next, in step S12, the carriage 1 is moved to the capping position, and a large amount of ink suction operation from the recording head 7 is started. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the recording head 7 is sealed by the cap member 12, and the air release valve V1 communicating with the cap member 12 is closed as shown in FIG. The cap member 12 is driven at a high speed for a predetermined time to accumulate a strong negative pressure.
[0064]
If the printer is left in a state where a strong negative pressure is accumulated, a large amount of ink is discharged from the recording head 7 to the cap member 12 as shown in FIG. After the predetermined time has elapsed and the negative pressure in the cap member 12 is reduced to about the atmospheric pressure due to the discharge of the ink from the recording head 7, as shown in FIG. Ink discharge stops.
[0065]
After the large amount of suction is completed, when the inside of the cap member 12 has returned to the atmospheric pressure, the process proceeds to step S13, and as shown in FIG. 6A, the atmosphere release valve V1 communicating with the cap member 12 is opened, and the suction pump 14 Is driven at high speed again.
[0066]
After a large amount of suction is completed, a large amount of ink stays in the cap member 12, and the ink in the cap member 12 is released by the opening of the atmosphere release valve V1 while generating bubbles as shown in FIG. 14 and discharged to the waste ink tank. Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, the recording head 7 is released from the sealing of the cap member 12, closes the air release valve V1 again, drives the suction pump 14, and remains on the cap member 12. Discharge ink to waste ink tank.
[0067]
Next, in step S14, the cleaning control unit 22 moves the recording head 7 to the capping position again, and repairs the damage such as meniscus in the nozzle opening due to the large amount of suction described above to the recording head 7 for the first time. Execute the operation of small amount suction. That is, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), the recording head 7 is sealed with the cap member 12, and as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the suction pump is closed with the atmosphere opening valve V1 communicating with the cap member 12 closed. 14 is driven at a low speed for a predetermined time to cause the cap member 12 to accumulate a weak negative pressure.
[0068]
If the weak negative pressure accumulated in the cap member 12 is left acting on the recording head 7, the ink is discharged from the recording head 7 to the cap member 12 as shown in FIG. Then, when the negative pressure of the cap member 12 is reduced to about the atmospheric pressure, the discharge of the ink from the recording head 7 is stopped as shown in FIG.
[0069]
Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S15, where the atmosphere release valve V1 is opened. Since only a small amount of ink remains in the cap member 12 after the small amount suction operation, no bubbles are generated even if the atmosphere release valve V1 is opened as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), in this state, the suction pump 14 is driven at a low speed to suck the ink stagnant in the cap member 12 without bubbling while the recording head 7 is sealed, and is sucked into the waste tank. Discharge.
[0070]
Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the recording head 7 is released from the sealing of the cap member 12, and drives the suction pump 14 to discharge the ink remaining in the cap member 12 to the waste ink tank.
[0071]
Next, in step S16, the cleaning control unit 22 moves the recording head 7 to the operating position of the cleaning member 17, and wipes the nozzle plate of the recording head 7 in the low-speed mode. As a result, the ink layer attached to the nozzle plate is wiped off by the ink droplets generated at the time of ink suction.
[0072]
Subsequently, in step S17, the cleaning control unit 22 moves the recording head 7 to the capping position again, and executes the second small suction operation from the recording head 7.
[0073]
That is, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), the recording head 7 is sealed with the cap member 12, and as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the suction pump is closed with the atmosphere opening valve V1 communicating with the cap member 12 closed. 14 is driven at a low speed for a predetermined time to store a weak negative pressure in the cap member 12.
[0074]
As a result, a small amount of ink is discharged from the recording head 7 into the cap member 12 by the weak negative pressure accumulated in the cap member 12 as shown in FIG. Then, when the negative pressure of the cap member 12 is reduced to about the atmospheric pressure, the discharge of the ink from the recording head 7 is stopped as shown in FIG.
[0075]
Subsequently, in step S18, the air release valve V1 is opened as shown in FIG. 8A, and the suction pump 14 is driven at a low speed as shown in FIG. Is sucked out without foaming and discharged to a waste tank.
Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the recording head 7 is released from the sealing of the cap member 12, and the suction pump 14 is driven to discharge the ink remaining in the cap member 12 to the waste ink tank.
[0076]
Subsequently, in step S19, the carriage is driven in the low-speed mode, and the finish wiping for wiping the nozzle plate of the recording head 7 at a low speed is performed, and the cleaning operation is completed by the above sequence.
[0077]
In step S20 immediately after the end of the finishing wiping shown in step S19, time measurement by the standby timer 28 is started, and at the same time, the printer waits for a print command to accept the print command.
[0078]
The printing control means 20 monitors whether or not there is a printing command in step S21, and when it is determined that there is a printing command, in step S22, a predetermined waiting time (T1) by the waiting timer 28. Is determined. If it is determined in step S22 that the predetermined standby time has elapsed, in step S23, a signal for so-called idle discharge is applied to the print head to perform flushing, and printing is started.
[0079]
According to the control sequence described above, the timer of the standby timer 28 is started immediately after the finish wiping operation in step S19, and the printer immediately waits for a print command. Therefore, when the print command is received shortly, the standby timer 28 is already counting the predetermined standby time, and the printing operation can be started immediately after the lapse of the predetermined time (T1) by the standby timer.
[0080]
The control sequence described above is a normal control sequence performed when, for example, two days or more have passed since the ink cartridge was newly replaced and the degree of deaeration in the ink cartridge has decreased.
[0081]
That is, for example, within about two days after the replacement with a new ink cartridge, the microbubbles that flow back into the recording head after the cleaning operation disappear early because the ink deaeration degree in the ink cartridge is relatively high. However, the inconvenience of lowering the printing quality does not occur. In other words, in such a state where the degree of deaeration in the ink cartridge is high, even if the standby time (T1) by the standby timer is shortened, the problem of deteriorating the print quality does not occur.
[0082]
The reason is as follows. That is, when the outer case of the ink cartridge is made of a material such as polypropylene as shown in FIG. 3, it usually takes about three days at room temperature to completely saturate the ink in the cartridge. It takes about 30 to 60 seconds for bubbles of the same size to disappear. Therefore, it is necessary to set the standby time (T1) to a time approximately equal to this. However, if the degree of degassing is 75% or less of saturation as the amount of dissolved air, it can be dissolved quickly without a waiting time, and there is no failure after cleaning. Since 75% of the saturation is reached in about two days at room temperature, after the elapse of two days, control is performed so as to provide a standby time (T1) of about 30 to 60 seconds.
[0083]
Therefore, it is desirable that the standby time (T1) be set based on the elapsed time of three days after the cartridge is loaded, by the ratio, that is, as a function of the elapsed time.
[0084]
FIG. 9 shows a second example in which a standby time changing unit that operates according to the time required for the dissolved gas amount of the ink in the ink cartridge to reach the saturated state or the vicinity of the saturated state is used. FIG.
[0085]
That is, the series of cleaning control sequences of steps S31 to S39 shown in FIG. 9 are the same as the series of cleaning control sequences of steps S11 to S19 shown in FIG. Steps S41 to S44 shown in FIG. 9 are the same as steps S20 to S23 shown in FIG. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted.
[0086]
The difference between the sequence shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 4 is that a setting operation of the standby time (T1) by the standby time changing means is added as step S40.
[0087]
That is, the standby time changing means 27 measures the accumulated time from the time of ink cartridge replacement, and changes the standby time (T1) of the standby timer 28 so as to be appropriately shortened according to the elapsed time.
[0088]
For example, in the range of about two days from the time of ink cartridge replacement, the standby time (T1) is gradually increased proportionally from 0 seconds as described above, and when two or more days have passed since ink cartridge replacement, for example. Is configured such that the standby time (T1) is set to a fixed time of about 30 to 60 seconds which is a normal time. Further, the standby time (T1) may be set to 0 second within a predetermined time range from the time of replacement of the ink cartridge.
[0089]
Further, the setting of the standby time (T1) performed by the standby time changing means 27 can take various forms as described below. For example, it has been confirmed that foaming differs depending on the type of ink, depending on components such as a dye and a surfactant in the ink. In other words, when there are two heads dedicated to black ink and color print heads for yellow, magenta, and cyan, each having a dedicated cap, the black ink has less bubbling, and Bubble backflow tends to be small. Therefore, even in the same cleaning sequence, black has less occurrence of cleaning failure. Accordingly, when the black ink cartridge is replaced, the time for shortening and controlling the standby time (T1) can be made longer.
[0090]
In addition, when the caps are different in size, there is much bubbling at the time of a large amount of suction in the larger cap, so that the backflow of bubbles from the nozzle opening is large. In contrast, the smaller cap has relatively less foaming. Therefore, for example, the standby time (T1) can be changed according to the size of the cap of the capping unit.
[0091]
Further, in the case of an ink jet recording apparatus having two heads and a cap corresponding thereto, in a recording head having a large number of nozzles, the frequency of bubbles generated in the cap flowing back to the nozzle openings is high. Conversely, in a recording head having a small number of nozzles, the backflow of bubbles is small. Therefore, the cleaning sequence can be similarly optimized by configuring the standby time (T1) to be variable according to the number of nozzles of the recording head that sucks ink by the capping unit.
[0092]
In the control sequence shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, during standby (S22, S43) until the predetermined time (T1) by the standby timer, the apparatus is operated without discharging ink from the print head, It is preferred that the device appear to be functioning properly. The operation of this device includes not only the meaningless driving of the carriage and the paper feed motor, but also the paper feed operation, the paper cueing operation, and the movement of the carriage to the flushing position because print information has already been given. Can be.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the ink jet recording apparatus and the printing operation control method of the apparatus according to the present invention, the standby timer is started at the same time as the completion of the cleaning operation, and at the same time, the mode shifts to the print command waiting mode. Therefore, when a print command arrives, a predetermined standby time has already passed, or the time of the standby time has advanced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the probability of imposing an unnecessary waiting time on the user.
[0094]
If a print start command is given before the predetermined standby time has been reached, the apparatus is operated within a range that does not involve ink ejection from the print head, so that it is suspected that the apparatus is malfunctioning. You can avoid making money.
[0095]
Further, by providing a standby time changing unit that operates in accordance with the replacement of the ink cartridge, the standby time can be further shortened. In such a case, the throughput can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit in the printing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an ink cartridge loaded in the recording apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation performed by a control circuit shown in FIG. 2 and a first operation sequence when a print command subsequent thereto is received;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state inside a cap member in a first half of a mass suction step.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state inside the cap member in the latter half of the large-volume suction step.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state inside the cap member in the first half of the small amount suction step.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a state inside the cap member in the latter half of the small amount suction step.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation performed by the control circuit shown in FIG. 2 and a second operation sequence when a print command subsequent thereto is received.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation performed in a conventional recording apparatus and an operation sequence when a print command subsequent thereto is received.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 carriage
4 Guide member
5 Platen
6 Recording paper
7,8 recording head
9,10 ink cartridge
12,13 Cap member
14,15 Suction pump
17 Cleaning member
20 printing control means
21 Head drive means
22 Cleaning control means
25 Pump driving means
26 Flushing control means
27 Waiting time changing means
28 Standby timer
V1, V2 Atmospheric release valve

Claims (12)

An ink jet recording head that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets onto recording paper from nozzle openings in accordance with print data, a capping unit that seals the recording head and receives a negative pressure from a suction pump, Cleaning control means for executing a cleaning operation for sucking ink from the recording head by the capping means in response to a cleaning operation instruction, and setting a predetermined standby time after the cleaning operation is performed by the operation of the cleaning control means. An ink jet recording apparatus configured to start a standby timer for and start a printing operation after measuring a predetermined standby time,
The predetermined waiting time measured by the wait timer, so made was Lee ink jet recording apparatus as modified by the waiting time changing means before activating the timer. The standby time changing means changes the standby time by the standby timer according to a time required for the dissolved gas amount of the ink in the ink cartridge after the ink cartridge is loaded to reach a saturated state or a state near the saturated state. 2. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the time required to reach the saturated state or the vicinity of the saturated state is an integrated time after the replacement of the ink cartridge. The recording head and the capping unit each have two, and the bubbling property of the ink flowing into each head is different. According to the bubbling method in each capping unit during the cleaning operation, the standby time changing unit is provided with the timer. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the standby time is changed. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head and two capping units having different sizes are provided, and the standby time changing unit changes a standby time by the standby timer according to a size of the cap. 3. Ink jet recording device. 2. The ink jet type according to claim 1, wherein the recording head and the capping unit each having two different numbers of nozzles are provided, and the standby time changing unit changes the standby time by the standby timer according to the number of nozzles. Recording device. An ink jet recording head that performs printing by ejecting ink droplets onto recording paper from nozzle openings in accordance with print data, a capping unit that seals the recording head and receives a negative pressure from a suction pump, A cleaning control unit for performing a cleaning operation for sucking ink from the recording head by the capping unit in response to a cleaning operation instruction, and setting a predetermined standby time after the cleaning operation is performed by the operation of the cleaning control unit. A timer activation step for activating a standby timer for performing, and a printing operation control method in an ink jet recording apparatus including a sequence of shifting to a printing operation step after measuring a predetermined standby time,
The waiting predetermined standby time is measured by the timer, the printing operation control method in a made the b ink jet recording apparatus as modified by the waiting time changing means before activating the timer. The standby time changing means changes the standby time by the standby timer according to a time required for the dissolved gas amount of the ink in the ink cartridge after the ink cartridge is loaded to reach a saturated state or a state near the saturated state. 8. A printing operation control method in an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: 9. The printing operation control method according to claim 8, wherein the time required to reach the saturated state or the vicinity of the saturated state is an integrated time after the replacement of the ink cartridge. The recording head and the capping unit each have two, and the bubbling property of the ink flowing into each head is different. According to the bubbling method in each capping unit during the cleaning operation, the standby time changing unit is provided with the timer. 8. The printing in the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the standby time is changed. Operation control method. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the recording head and the capping unit having different sizes are provided respectively, and the standby time changing unit changes the standby time by the standby timer according to the size of the cap. A printing operation control method in an ink jet recording apparatus. The ink jet type according to claim 7, further comprising two of the recording heads and capping units having different numbers of nozzles , and wherein the standby time changing unit changes the standby time by the standby timer according to the number of nozzles. A printing operation control method in a recording device.

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