JP3826712B2 - Liquid ejector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus including a head member that ejects liquid droplets from a nozzle opening, and more particularly to a liquid ejecting apparatus in which a liquid container for supplying a liquid to a nozzle opening can be replaced.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, an ink jet recording apparatus, which is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, corresponds to a recording head having a nozzle opening, an ejection driving unit (for example, a piezoelectric vibrator or a heating element) that ejects ink at a nozzle opening, and recording data. Discharge control means for controlling the discharge drive means. Ink supply to the nozzle opening is performed by an ink cartridge (ink container) and an ink communication path from the ink cartridge to the nozzle opening. The ink cartridge is normally replaceable.
[0003]
The recording quality of an ink jet recording device basically depends on the resolution of the print head, which is defined by the diameter and number of nozzle openings, but it also depends on the type and viscosity of the ink, the degree of bleeding on the recording medium, etc. Can also be affected.
[0004]
For example, since the ink is exposed to air at the nozzle opening, the ink solvent (for example, water) gradually evaporates. The evaporation of the ink solvent increases the ink viscosity at the nozzle opening, thereby deteriorating the image quality of the recorded image. For this reason, in the ink jet recording apparatus, as a measure for preventing the ink from being thickened at the nozzle opening portion, ink suction (referred to as cleaning) from the nozzle opening is performed.
[0005]
In particular, when an ink cartridge is installed (replaced), cleaning is performed until the ink conduction from the new ink cartridge to the nozzle opening is stabilized.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
On the other hand, pigment ink is used as ink having excellent light resistance. The pigment ink is composed of, for example, a pigment, a dispersant, a solvent, and an additive, and is particularly excellent in ultraviolet resistance.
[0007]
Conventionally, pigment ink has been contained in an ink cartridge in a state (foam method) infiltrated into a foam material so that a negative pressure state can be provided easily and stably. However, the foam type ink cartridge has problems that the remaining amount of ink is increased and the ink storage efficiency (ink filling amount / unit accumulation) is small.
[0008]
In addition, since the pigment ink is a liquid in which pigment particles are dispersed in a solvent by a dispersant, a sedimentation phenomenon is likely to occur. In particular, in the foam type ink cartridge, since the stirring of the pigment ink is substantially difficult to perform, the sedimentation phenomenon generated in the pigment ink cannot be prevented, and the recording quality may be deteriorated.
[0009]
Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention have been developing an ink cartridge of a pigment ink that does not use a foam material. A particular problem with this type of ink cartridge is that bubbles are taken in by the undulations of the ink surface, causing the ink surface to bubble. In the case of the dye ink, the generated bubbles disappear immediately, but in the case of the pigment ink, the disappearance of the bubbles is bad, and the recording quality may be deteriorated. In particular, in the case of a pigment ink containing a resin-based dispersant or a surfactant, the disappearance of bubbles is extremely poor.
[0010]
Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-321319 filed by the applicant of the present application describes an ink cartridge which prevents such bubbles from being introduced. The contents described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-321319 are incorporated herein by reference.
[0011]
However, in the ink cartridge described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-321319, foaming due to air bubble intake is effectively prevented, but ink settling in the flow path before and after the filter chamber can be a problem. This is because the flow path before and after the filter chamber is narrow, and almost no stirring effect due to the scanning movement of the cartridge can be expected.
[0012]
The inventor of the present invention has paid attention to the fact that the prevention of bubbling due to bubble intake and the securing of the stirring effect by the scanning movement of the cartridge are basically contradictory issues. In other words, when the prevention of foaming due to air bubble intake is realized, the stirring effect due to the scanning movement of the cartridge or the like may be insufficient. In that case, the ink density can be non-uniform in at least a partial flow path in the ink cartridge, particularly in a flow path relatively close to the nozzle opening.
[0013]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an ink jet recording apparatus capable of suitably sucking ink from a nozzle opening portion based on the sedimentation state of ink in an ink cartridge. The main object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of suitably sucking the liquid in the nozzle opening portion based on the settling state of the liquid in the liquid container.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to a liquid container installation portion in which a liquid container having a liquid chamber for containing a liquid in which a sedimentation phenomenon of contained components can occur, a head member having a nozzle opening, and a liquid to be installed in the liquid container installation portion. A liquid communication path that communicates the interior of the liquid chamber of the container with the nozzle opening, a settling state acquisition unit that acquires settling state information about the settling state of the liquid in the liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container setting unit, and a nozzle A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a cleaning unit that sucks liquid in an opening portion; and a cleaning control unit that controls the cleaning unit based on liquid sedimentation state information acquired by the sedimentation state acquisition unit. .
[0015]
The present invention is particularly intended for an ink jet recording apparatus that uses pigment ink, but is not limited thereto, and can be applied to all liquid ejecting apparatuses that use a liquid that can cause sedimentation of contained components. is there.
[0016]
According to the present invention, since the liquid sedimentation state information in the liquid chamber of the liquid container is acquired and the cleaning unit is controlled based on the sedimentation state information, for example, the liquid sedimentation in the channel relatively close to the nozzle opening When the state is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the target liquid ejection operation can be performed after the liquid in the flow path is sucked.
[0017]
Various modes can be adopted as the sedimentation state acquisition unit that acquires sedimentation state information regarding the liquid sedimentation state in the liquid chamber of the liquid container. For example, it is theoretically possible to use a sensor that actually measures the sedimentation state. Specifically, it is possible to downsize a sensor for measuring a difference in concentration, viscosity, etc. and embed it in a liquid container.
[0018]
At the present time, it is not preferable to use a sensor that actually measures the sedimentation state due to cost problems. This inventor proposes the aspect which acquires a sedimentation state from the duration of a sedimentation phenomenon as a practical form. In this case, it is preferable to consider the ease of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid itself.
[0019]
If it demonstrates more concretely, it is preferable that the said sedimentation state information is the information based on the elapsed time after installation from the installation time which installed the liquid container in the liquid container installation part to the present time. In this case, the settling state acquisition unit includes an installation time storage unit that stores the installation time point, a clock function unit that recognizes the current time point, and a post-installation elapsed time calculation that calculates an elapsed time from the installation time point to the current time point. It is preferable to have a part.
[0020]
In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit so that the initial suction amount of the liquid is increased in accordance with the length of the elapsed time after the installation.
[0021]
More preferably, the sedimentation state information is information based on the ease of occurrence of a sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container stores sedimentation characteristic information regarding the ease of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid in the liquid chamber. A sedimentation property storage unit, wherein the sedimentation state acquisition unit reads the sedimentation property information stored in the sedimentation property storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit, and after the installation A sedimentation state estimation unit for estimating a sedimentation state of the liquid from the elapsed time and the sedimentation characteristic information.
[0022]
In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit so that the initial suction amount of the liquid is increased according to the settling state.
[0023]
The above aspect is effective when a sufficient stirring operation is performed, for example, by a user's manual operation immediately before installation of the liquid container. In this case, the elapsed time after installation is substantially the duration of the sedimentation phenomenon.
[0024]
Or it is preferable that the said sedimentation state information is the information based on the elapsed time after manufacture from the manufacture time of a liquid container to the present time. In this case, the liquid container includes a manufacturing time storage unit that stores manufacturing time information regarding the manufacturing time of the liquid container, and the sedimentation state acquisition unit stores the manufacturing time of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit. A manufacturing time information reading unit for reading manufacturing time information stored in the unit, a clock function unit for recognizing the current time point, and an elapsed time after manufacturing from the manufacturing time point of the liquid container to the current time point based on the manufacturing time information. It is preferable to have a post-manufacturing elapsed time calculation unit.
[0025]
In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit so that the initial suction amount of the liquid is increased in accordance with the length of the post-manufacture time.
[0026]
More preferably, the settling state information is information based on the ease of occurrence of a settling phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container stores settling characteristic information relating to the settling tendency of the liquid in the liquid chamber. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit that performs the sedimentation state acquisition unit reads the sedimentation characteristic information stored in the sedimentation characteristic storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit, and the manufacturing A sedimentation state estimation unit for estimating the sedimentation state of the liquid from the elapsed time and the sedimentation characteristic information.
[0027]
In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit so that the initial suction amount of the liquid is increased according to the settling state.
[0028]
The above aspect is effective when a sufficient stirring operation cannot be performed after manufacturing the liquid container. In this case, the elapsed time after manufacture is substantially the duration of the sedimentation phenomenon.
[0029]
Alternatively, the settling state information is preferably information based on the elapsed time after the previous discharge from the previous liquid discharge time to the current time. In this case, the settling state acquisition unit calculates a previous discharge time storage unit that stores the previous liquid discharge time point, a clock function unit that recognizes the current time point, and an elapsed time from the previous liquid discharge time point to the current time point. It is preferable to have a post-ejection elapsed time calculation unit.
[0030]
In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit so that the initial suction amount of the liquid is increased according to the length of the elapsed time after the previous ejection.
[0031]
More preferably, the sedimentation state information is information based on the ease of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container stores sedimentation characteristic information on the ease of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid in the liquid chamber. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit configured to read the sedimentation characteristic information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit; A sedimentation state estimation unit for estimating a sedimentation state of the liquid from the elapsed time and the sedimentation characteristic information.
[0032]
In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit so that the initial suction amount of the liquid is increased according to the settling state.
[0033]
The above aspect is effective when the elapsed time after the pre-discharge is extremely long and the sedimentation phenomenon may have progressed during that time. This is because the elapsed time after the pre-discharge substantially corresponds to the duration of the sedimentation phenomenon.
[0034]
Alternatively, the sedimentation state information is preferably information based on the elapsed time after the previous stirring from the previous stirring time of the liquid container to the current time point. In this case, the settling state acquisition unit calculates a pre-stirring time storage unit that stores the previous liquid stirring time point, a clock function unit that recognizes the current time point, and an elapsed time from the previous liquid stirring time point to the current time point. And an elapsed time calculation unit after pre-stirring.
[0035]
In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit so that the initial suction amount of the liquid is increased according to the length of the elapsed time after the pre-stirring.
[0036]
More preferably, the information regarding the liquid sedimentation state is information based on the ease of occurrence of the sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid itself, and the liquid container is a sedimentation characteristic regarding the ease of the liquid sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid chamber. A sedimentation characteristic storage unit for storing information, wherein the sedimentation state detection unit reads the sedimentation characteristic information stored in the storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit; A sedimentation state estimation unit for estimating the sedimentation state of the liquid from the elapsed time after pre-stirring and the sedimentation characteristic information.
[0037]
In this case, more preferably, the cleaning control unit controls the cleaning unit so that the initial suction amount of the liquid is increased according to the settling state.
[0038]
The above aspect is effective when the liquid container can be stirred. In this case, the elapsed time after pre-stirring is substantially the duration of the sedimentation phenomenon. The mode of stirring the liquid container is not particularly limited.
[0039]
In addition, the present invention provides a liquid container installation portion in which a liquid container having a plurality of liquid chambers that respectively store a plurality of types of liquids that can cause sedimentation of contained components, a head member having a plurality of nozzle openings, A plurality of liquid communication passages for communicating the inside of each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section with each nozzle opening, and the liquid in each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation section Based on the sedimentation state acquisition unit for acquiring the sedimentation state information regarding the sedimentation state, the plurality of cleaning units for sucking the liquids of the plurality of nozzle openings, and the sedimentation state information of each liquid chamber acquired by the sedimentation state acquisition unit And a cleaning control unit that controls each of the plurality of cleaning units.
[0040]
According to the present invention, appropriate cleaning can be performed for each liquid in each liquid chamber based on the liquid sedimentation state information in each liquid chamber.
[0041]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0042]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside the apparatus. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a casing 3 and a carriage 11 on which a black ink cartridge 1 (liquid container) and a color ink cartridge 2 (liquid container) are placed. And.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 4 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 3. In this case, the operation panel 4 includes a power switch 5, an ink cartridge replacement command switch 6, a black ink cleaning command switch 7, a color ink cleaning command switch 8, a black ink ink end indicator 9, and a color ink ink end indicator 10. Is provided.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 11 is connected to a carriage drive motor 13 via a timing belt 12 and is slidably supported by a guide member 14. The guide member 14 is disposed in parallel with the platen 15. As a result, the carriage 11 can reciprocate parallel to the platen 15. This movement direction is called the main operation direction.
[0045]
The lower surface of the carriage 11 has a black ink recording head 17 in which a plurality of nozzle openings for discharging black ink are arranged, and a plurality of color inks for discharging yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively. A color ink recording head 18 in which nozzle openings are arranged is provided.
[0046]
A recording medium 16 such as a recording paper is supported on a surface facing the black ink recording head 17 and the color ink recording head 18 so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the main operation direction. This direction is called the sub-scanning direction.
[0047]
A capping unit 19 (cleaning unit) is disposed in a part of the non-printing area of the recording heads 17 and 18 (the right area in FIG. 2). The capping unit 19 includes a cap 20a that seals the nozzle openings of the black ink recording head 17, and caps 20b to 20d that seal the nozzle openings of the color ink recording head 18 for each color.
[0048]
In this case, these caps 20a to 20d are mounted on the same slider 21, and are connected to a pump unit 23a to 23d (cleaning unit) having a four-unit structure driven by a motor or the like via a tube (not shown). Each is connected. Thereby, each cap 20a-20d is independently supplied with negative pressure, and sucks ink from the nozzle openings for the respective colors of the corresponding recording heads 17 and 18, that is, performs a cleaning process.
[0049]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the black ink cartridge 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the black ink cartridge 1 has an ink chamber 1 a that stores black ink, and an ink supply port that can connect the ink chamber 1 a and the ink communication path 17 a of the black ink recording head 17. 26 is provided on the bottom surface 25. Further, the bottom surface 25 is provided with semiconductor storage means 27 (characteristic storage unit and manufacturing storage unit) which is an electrically rewritable memory device. An electrical contact 33 for accessing the semiconductor memory means 27 is also provided on the bottom surface 25.
[0050]
In this case, the semiconductor storage means 27 generates information on the time of manufacture of the black ink cartridge 1, for example, information on the date of manufacture and the characteristics of the ink stored in the ink chamber 1a, in this case, the ink sedimentation phenomenon occurs. It stores the sedimentation characteristic information regarding ease. In the ink chamber 1a, black pigment ink is accommodated in a form that is not permeated into the foam material.
[0051]
On the other hand, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the color ink cartridge 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the color ink cartridge 2 has ink chambers 2a, 2b, and 2c that individually store yellow, magenta, and cyan inks as color inks. Ink supply ports 29 to 31 that can connect 2c and the ink communication path 18a of the color ink recording head 18 are provided on the bottom surface 28. Further, the bottom surface 28 is provided with semiconductor storage means 32 (storage unit) which is an electrically rewritable memory device. An electrical contact 34 for accessing the semiconductor storage means 32 is also provided on the bottom surface 28.
[0052]
In this case, the semiconductor memory 32 stores information on the time of manufacture of the color ink cartridge 2, for example, information on the date of manufacture and the characteristics of the ink stored in each of the ink chambers 2a to 2c, in this case, the ink sedimentation phenomenon. And sedimentation characteristic information relating to the ease of occurrence. In each of the ink chambers 2a to 2c, the pigment inks of the respective colors are accommodated in a form that is not permeated into the foam material.
[0053]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a head holder 35 (ink container installing portion) to which the cartridges 1 and 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are mounted. As shown in FIG. 5, the head holder 35 is provided with electrical contacts 36 and 37 that can make electrical contact with the electrical contacts 33 and 34 of the cartridges 1 and 2. These electrical contacts 36 and 37 are connected to information reading units 38 and 39 (manufacturing information reading unit and characteristic information reading unit) for reading information stored in the semiconductor storage means 27 and 32, respectively. The information reading units 38 and 39 are connected to a control device 41 (see FIG. 2) of the recording apparatus main body by a flexible cable 40.
[0054]
The semiconductor storage means 27 and 32 may be read-only storage means that cannot be written. Alternatively, when these are writable storage means, the information reading units 38 and 39 may have a writing function for the semiconductor recording means 27 and 32.
[0055]
Here, an example of the internal structure of each of the ink chambers 1a and 2a to 2c will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is a view showing a longitudinal section of the ink chamber 100 (1a, 2a to 2c), and FIG. 7 is a view showing a transverse section in the vicinity of the filter chamber 105 of FIG. Details of the internal structure shown in these drawings are described in detail in the aforementioned Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-321319.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 6, the ink chamber 100 is substantially divided into a second ink containing chamber 103 as an upper region and a first ink containing chamber 101 as a lower region by a dividing wall 102 extending in a substantially horizontal direction. . The second ink storage chamber 103 is further divided into a first buffer chamber 115, a second buffer chamber 116, and a filter chamber 105.
[0057]
Furthermore, the flow path A that rises in the vertical direction from the lower side of the first ink storage chamber 101 with a small gap from the side wall 130 and the upper part of the second ink storage chamber 103 by the flow path forming walls 111 a to 111 j and the dividing wall 102. A flow path B extending in the horizontal direction, a flow path C that bypasses the lower side of the filter chamber 105 from the first buffer chamber 115 to the second buffer chamber 116, and a flow path A from the lower side of the second buffer chamber 116 to the flow path A. A flow path D that rises in parallel and adjacently and a flow path E that extends in parallel and adjacent to the flow path B and communicates with the filter chamber 105 are formed.
[0058]
A space (a minute gap) between the flow path A and the side wall 130 and a space above the flow path B are areas in contact with the air chamber 121. The air chamber 121 is open to the atmosphere via a breathable membrane stretched on the upper surface side.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 7, a differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 104 is formed on the back side of the filter chamber 105 via a central wall 106. The central wall 106 has a central convex valve seat 106a that protrudes toward the differential pressure valve housing chamber 104, and a plurality of through holes 106b provided around the central convex valve seat 106a.
[0060]
A filter 118 is arranged in the filter chamber 105 so as to face the central wall 106 with a gap.
[0061]
A substantially circular membrane valve 140 having a central hole 140b is disposed in the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 104 so as to face the central wall 106. The membrane valve 140 is fixed to the differential pressure valve housing chamber 104 at its outer peripheral portion 140a, and its central portion is in contact with the central wall 106 (FIG. 7 (a)) and separated (FIG. 7 (b)). In other words, the center hole 140b is elastically deformed between the contact closed state (FIG. 7A) and the separated open state (FIG. 7B) with respect to the central convex valve seat 106a. It is movable.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the membrane valve 140 is normally biased toward the central convex valve seat 106a of the central wall 106 by a coil spring 142, and is in contact with the central wall 106. However, when a predetermined negative pressure is generated at the ink supply port 114 (26, 29 to 31) due to the consumption of ink, the membrane valve 140 is caused to move to the valve seat 106a by the negative pressure as shown in FIG. It has come away from. As a result, the ink in the filter chamber 105 moves into the differential pressure valve storage chamber 104 through the central hole 140b and the through hole 106b. When the negative pressure is eliminated by the movement of the ink, the membrane valve 140 returns to the state shown in FIG. 7A again by the restoring force of the coil spring 142.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 6, the differential pressure valve storage chamber 104 has an ink supply port 114 (26, 26) via an ink supply path 113 that extends in the first ink storage chamber 101 without communicating with the first ink storage chamber 101. 29-31).
[0064]
In the ink cartridge having the above internal structure, when ink is consumed and negative pressure is generated in the ink supply port 114, the membrane valve 140 resists the biasing force of the coil spring 142 due to the negative pressure, and the valve seat Move away from 106a. As a result, the ink in the filter chamber 105 moves into the differential pressure valve housing chamber 104 via the central hole 140b and the through hole 106b, and further flows into the ink supply port 114.
[0065]
In addition, as the ink in the filter chamber 105 moves into the differential pressure valve storage chamber 104, the ink in the flow paths E to A moves toward the filter chamber 105 in order. Then, the ink at the bottom of the first ink storage chamber 101 newly enters the flow path A.
[0066]
Here, since the flow paths E to A are narrowly formed in a maze shape, bubbles that may exist in the ink are trapped in the first ink storage chamber 101, the first buffer chamber 115, and the second buffer chamber 116. Intrusion into the filter chamber 105 is significantly suppressed.
[0067]
Therefore, the ink in the ink cartridge 100 can be swung (stirred) by the scanning movement of the ink cartridge, for example, in the first ink storage chamber 101, the first buffer chamber 115, and the second buffer chamber 116. It can be avoided that the ink supply pressure to the ink supply port 114 becomes unstable.
[0068]
In the ink cartridge 100 as described above, for example, when a long time has elapsed since the previous ink ejection, a sedimentation phenomenon may occur in the ink in the filter chamber 105 and the flow path portions before and after the filter chamber 105. The concentration difference caused by the sedimentation phenomenon is not eliminated even if the ink cartridge 100 is idled, for example, because the flow path portion is relatively narrow and no substantial stirring action is performed. Accordingly, when the ink of the portion is used, the recording quality is deteriorated.
[0069]
As will be described in detail below, in the present embodiment, a portion of ink that does not eliminate the density difference can be sucked by cleaning. Thereby, deterioration of recording quality is effectively prevented.
[0070]
FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the control device 41. As shown in FIG. 8, press switches 43 and 44 are provided at positions where the ink cartridges 1 and 2 of the carriage 11 face each other. Each push switch 43, 44 is an ink cartridge. Installation Connected to the determination unit 42, it is determined whether or not each ink cartridge 1, 2 has been installed (replaced).
[0071]
Under the control of the main control unit 46, the carriage motor control unit 45 moves the carriage 11 in parallel with the platen 15.
[0072]
The suction control unit 47 (cleaning control unit) is controlled by the main control unit 46 and seals the nozzle openings of the recording heads 17 and 18 by the capping unit 19 via the carriage motor control unit 45, and the pump control unit. The suction force and suction time of each of the suction pumps 23a to 23d are controlled via 48.
[0073]
The printing / flushing control unit 49 drives the head driving unit 50 based on recording data from a host (not shown), and performs printing by appropriately ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle openings of the recording heads 17 and 18. It is like that. Further, the flushing process is executed by driving the head driving unit 50 according to the degree of ink thickening and the like, and finely vibrating the ink in the nozzle opening portions of the recording heads 17 and 18.
[0074]
The main control unit 46 controls the carriage motor control unit 45, the print / flushing control unit 49, and the suction control unit 47 based on recording data from a host (not shown). The main control unit 46 is connected to a clock function unit 46a that recognizes the current time point. The clock function unit 46a may have its own clock function, but normally it acquires clock information from the host.
[0075]
Here, when the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42 determines that the black ink cartridge 1 is installed, the main control unit 46 of the present embodiment stores information stored in the semiconductor storage unit 27 of the new black ink cartridge 1. That is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 1 and the sedimentation characteristic information about the black ink stored in the ink cartridge 1 are acquired via the information reading unit 38 and stored in the storage unit 46c. It is like that.
[0076]
And the calculating part 46b (post-manufacture elapsed time calculation part) provided in the main control part 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the present time.
[0077]
The calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation method will be described with reference to FIG.
[0078]
FIG. 9 is a graph in which the OD value is measured for the ink ejected after the stationary state for two years after manufacture in the ink cartridge of the type described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The OD value is an index that is substantially proportional to the ink density.
[0079]
As shown in FIG. 9, the OD value increases rapidly when the consumed ink amount is in the range of 0 to 5 g, and the OD value gradually decreases in the range of 5 to 20 g. Stabilize. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable that the initial suction amount of ink is at least 5 g.
[0080]
The deviation of the OD value from the predetermined level as shown in FIG. 9 is a result of the ink sedimentation phenomenon in the flow path portion in the vicinity of the filter chamber 105. The degree of this deviation depends on the duration of the ink sedimentation phenomenon, in this case, the elapsed time from the date of manufacture to the current time.
[0081]
Therefore, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed after manufacture, the initial suction amount of ink is set to a large value according to the length of time elapsed after manufacture so that ink that has a density difference due to the ink sedimentation phenomenon is discharged by the cleaning process. Is done. Here, in addition to the length of time after manufacture, it is preferable to consider sedimentation characteristic information (ease of occurrence of sedimentation) of black ink. In this case, the calculation unit 46b functions as a sedimentation state estimation unit.
[0082]
Alternatively, when the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42 determines that the black ink cartridge 1 has been installed, the main control unit 46 acquires information regarding the installation time using the clock function unit 46a and stores it in the storage unit 46c. It comes to memorize.
[0083]
Depending on the form of the ink cartridge, the settled state of the ink in the narrow flow path portion in the ink cartridge can be eliminated by the user shaking or turning the ink cartridge up and down before installing the ink cartridge. There is a case. In such a case, the ink sedimentation phenomenon, which can be a problem in the subsequent ink jet recording apparatus, continues from the installation time of the ink cartridge.
[0084]
Accordingly, in this case, the calculation unit 46b (post-installation elapsed time calculation unit) provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired installation time to the current time.
[0085]
The calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to consider the sedimentation characteristic information (ease of occurrence of sedimentation phenomenon) of the black ink in addition to the length of the elapsed time.
[0086]
Alternatively, the main control unit 46 uses the clock function unit 46a to acquire information related to the previous black ink ejection and store it in the storage unit 46c.
[0087]
Depending on the mode of use of the ink jet recording apparatus, the use of black ink may be interrupted for a long time after the previous black ink ejection. In such a case, the ink sedimentation phenomenon, which can be a problem in the subsequent ink jet recording apparatus, continues from the previous ink discharge time point.
[0088]
Therefore, in this case, the calculation unit 46b (post-ejection elapsed time calculation unit) provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired previous ink ejection time to the current time. .
[0089]
The calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to consider the sedimentation characteristic information (ease of occurrence of sedimentation phenomenon) of the black ink in addition to the length of the elapsed time.
[0090]
Alternatively, when a stirring mechanism for stirring the ink cartridge is provided, the main control unit 46 uses the clock function unit 46a to acquire information related to the previous stirring of the ink cartridge and store it in the storage unit 46c. It has become.
[0091]
In the case where an agitation mechanism for agitating the ink cartridge is provided, it is preferable that the agitation mechanism is utilized to always cancel the ink settling state before ink ejection. However, there are cases where the use of the stirring mechanism and the cleaning (suction) of ink having a density difference can be selectively performed in consideration of various factors such as cost. In such a case, the ink sedimentation phenomenon that may be a problem in the ink jet recording apparatus continues from the previous stirring time.
[0092]
Therefore, in this case, the calculation unit 46b (pre-stirring elapsed time calculation unit) provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired previous stirring time to the current time.
[0093]
The calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to consider the sedimentation characteristic information (ease of occurrence of sedimentation phenomenon) of the black ink in addition to the length of the elapsed time.
[0094]
The main control unit 46 and the suction control unit 47 control the suction pump 23a according to the obtained initial suction amount of black ink to execute ink filling suction processing when an ink cartridge is installed.
[0095]
Similarly, when the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 is installed, the main control unit 46 of the present embodiment stores information stored in the semiconductor storage unit 32 of the new color ink cartridge 2. That is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 2 and the sedimentation characteristic information of each ink stored in the ink cartridge 2 are acquired via the information reading unit 39 and stored in the storage unit 46c. It has become.
[0096]
And the calculating part 46b (post-manufacture elapsed time calculation part) provided in the main control part 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the present time.
[0097]
The calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount of each color ink based on the length of the elapsed time. The details of this calculation are substantially the same as in the case of black ink. Here, in addition to the length of the elapsed time, it is preferable to consider sedimentation characteristic information (ease of occurrence of sedimentation phenomenon) of each color ink.
[0098]
Alternatively, when the ink cartridge installation determination unit 42 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been installed, the main control unit 46 uses the clock function unit 46a to acquire information related to the installation and stores it in the storage unit 46c. It comes to memorize.
[0099]
In this case, the calculation unit 46b (post-installation elapsed time calculation unit) provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired installation time to the current time.
[0100]
The calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to consider sedimentation characteristic information (ease of occurrence of sedimentation phenomenon) of each color ink in addition to the length of elapsed time.
[0101]
Alternatively, the main control unit 46 uses the clock function unit 46a to acquire information related to the previous color ink ejection and store it in the storage unit 46c.
[0102]
In this case, a calculation unit 46b (elapsed time after previous ejection calculation unit) provided in the main control unit 46 calculates an elapsed time from the acquired previous color ink ejection time to the current time.
[0103]
The calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to consider sedimentation characteristic information (ease of occurrence of sedimentation phenomenon) of each color ink in addition to the length of elapsed time.
[0104]
Alternatively, when a stirring mechanism for stirring the ink cartridge is provided, the main control unit 46 uses the clock function unit 46a to acquire information related to the previous stirring of the ink cartridge and store it in the storage unit 46c. It has become.
[0105]
In this case, a calculation unit 46b (elapsed time calculation after pre-stirring) provided in the main control unit 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired previous stirring time to the current time.
[0106]
The calculation unit 46b calculates the initial suction amount of ink based on the length of the elapsed time. This calculation can also be performed based on data measured in advance as shown in FIG. Also in this case, it is preferable to consider sedimentation characteristic information (ease of occurrence of sedimentation phenomenon) of each color ink in addition to the length of elapsed time.
[0107]
The main control unit 46 and the suction control unit 47 control the suction pumps 23b to 23d according to the obtained initial suction amounts of the respective inks, and execute the ink filling suction process when the ink cartridge is installed. .
[0108]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
[0109]
When the black ink cartridge 1 is installed (replaced), the ink cartridge installation determining unit 42 determines that the black ink cartridge 1 has been installed (replaced) by a signal from the push switch 43.
[0110]
The main control unit 46 then stores information stored in the semiconductor storage unit 27 of the new black ink cartridge 1, that is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 1 and the sedimentation of the black ink stored in the ink cartridge 1. The characteristic information is acquired via the information reading unit 38.
[0111]
Next, the calculating part 46b provided in the main control part 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the present time. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the installation time of the ink cartridge to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the previous black ink ejection time to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the pre-stirring time of the ink cartridge to the current time is calculated.
[0112]
Further, the calculation unit 46b estimates the black ink settling state based on the elapsed time length and the black ink settling characteristic information, and calculates the black ink initial suction amount.
[0113]
When the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, it is estimated that a density difference is generated due to the ink sedimentation phenomenon in a particularly narrow channel portion in the ink chamber 1a. For this reason, it is difficult to perform high quality recording using the ink of the part. Therefore, in order to discharge such ink by the cleaning process, the initial suction amount of ink is set to be large according to the length of the elapsed time.
[0114]
The main control unit 46 and the suction control unit 47 control the suction pump 23a according to the obtained initial suction amount of ink, and execute a black ink filling suction process when an ink cartridge is installed.
[0115]
Similarly, when the color ink cartridge 2 is installed (replaced), the ink cartridge installation determining unit 42 determines that the color ink cartridge 2 has been replaced by a signal from the push switch 44.
[0116]
The main control unit 46 then stores information stored in the semiconductor storage means 32 of the new color ink cartridge 2, that is, the date of manufacture of the ink cartridge 2 and the color ink stored in the ink cartridge 2. The sedimentation characteristic information is acquired via the information reading unit 39.
[0117]
Next, the calculating part 46b provided in the main control part 46 calculates the elapsed time from the acquired manufacturing date to the present time. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the installation time of the ink cartridge to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the previous ejection time of each ink to the current time is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the pre-stirring time of the ink cartridge to the current time is calculated.
[0118]
Further, the calculation unit 46b estimates the settling state of each ink based on the length of the elapsed time and the settling characteristic information of each ink, and calculates the initial suction amount of each ink.
[0119]
When the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, it is estimated that a density difference is generated due to the ink sedimentation phenomenon in a particularly narrow channel portion in each of the ink chambers 2a to 2c. For this reason, it is difficult to perform high quality recording using the ink of the part. Therefore, in order to discharge such ink by the cleaning process, the initial suction amount of each ink is set to be large according to the length of the elapsed time.
[0120]
The main control unit 46 and the suction control unit 47 control the suction pumps 23b to 23d according to the obtained initial suction amount of each ink, and execute the filling suction process of each color ink when the ink cartridge is installed.
[0121]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the suction pumps 23a to 23d are controlled based on the information regarding the sedimentation state of the ink in the ink cartridges 1 and 2, when the ink cartridges 1 and 2 are installed, etc. In addition, an appropriate ink filling suction process (cleaning) may be performed.
[0122]
Next, an ink jet recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus of FIG.
[0123]
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the capping unit 19 of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a cap 20 a that seals the nozzle opening of the black ink recording head 17 and the nozzles of the color ink recording head 18. And a cap 20e that seals the opening in common.
[0124]
In this case, these caps 20a and 20e are mounted on the same slider 21, and are connected to pump units 23a and 23e (cleaning portions) having a double structure driven by a motor or the like via tubes (not shown). Each is connected. Thereby, each cap 20a, 20e is independently supplied with a negative pressure, and sucks ink from the nozzle openings of the corresponding recording heads 17 and 18, that is, performs a cleaning process.
[0125]
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0126]
According to the present embodiment, the suction pumps 23a and 23e are controlled based on the information regarding the ink settling state of the ink cartridges 1 and 2. Thereby, when the ink cartridges 1 and 2 are installed, an appropriate ink filling suction process (cleaning) can be performed.
[0127]
In particular, for the color ink cartridge 2, since the suction pump 23e is controlled in common for the inks stored in the ink chambers 2a to 2c, a simple filling suction process (cleaning) is performed when the ink cartridge is installed. ) Can be implemented.
[0128]
Next, an ink jet recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside the ink jet recording apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus of FIG.
[0129]
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the capping unit 19 of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment seals the nozzle opening of the black ink recording head 17 and the nozzle opening of the color ink recording head 18 in common. It has a cap 20g.
[0130]
In this case, the common cap 20g is mounted on the slider 21, and is connected to a single pump unit 23g (cleaning unit) driven by a motor or the like via a tube (not shown). As a result, the cap 20g receives negative pressure and sucks ink from all the nozzle openings of the recording heads 17 and 18, that is, performs a cleaning process.
[0131]
Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. In the third embodiment, the same parts as those of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0132]
According to the present embodiment, the suction pump 23g is commonly controlled based on the information regarding the ink settling state of the ink cartridges 1 and 2. Thereby, when the ink cartridges 1 and 2 are installed, an appropriate ink filling suction process (cleaning) can be performed.
[0133]
In each of the above embodiments, the black ink recording head 17 and the color ink recording head 18 are configured separately, but they may be formed integrally.
[0134]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the liquid sedimentation state information in the liquid chamber of the liquid container is acquired and the cleaning unit is controlled based on the sedimentation state information, the flow is relatively close to the nozzle opening, for example. When the sedimentation state of the liquid in the channel is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the target liquid ejection operation can be performed after the liquid in the channel is sucked.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a first embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing mechanism inside the apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a black ink cartridge.
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a three-color ink cartridge.
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a holder to which an ink cartridge is mounted.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of an example of an ink chamber.
7 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a filter chamber in the ink chamber of FIG.
8 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of an OD value for each consumed ink amount.
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a second embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
11 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a third embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
13 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Black ink cartridge
2 Color ink cartridge
3 Case
4 Operation panel
5 Power switch
11 Carriage
12 Timing belt
13 Carriage drive motor
14 Guide member
15 Platen
16 Recording media
17 Black ink recording head
17a Ink communication path
18 Color ink recording head
18a Ink communication path
19 Capping unit
20a-20d, 20e, 20g Cap
21 Slider
23a-23d, 23e, 23g Suction pump
27, 32 Semiconductor memory means
33, 34 Electrical contacts
35 Head holder
38, 39 Information reading unit
40 Flexible cable
41 Control device
42 Ink cartridge installation determination unit
43, 44 Press switch
45 Carriage motor controller
46 Main controller
46a Clock function part
46b arithmetic unit
46c storage unit
47 Suction controller
48 Pump drive
49 Printing / Flushing Control Unit
50 head drive
100 ink chamber
101 First ink storage chamber
102 dividing wall
103 Second ink storage chamber
104 Differential pressure valve storage chamber
105 Filter room
106 Central wall
106a Central convex valve seat
106b Through hole
111a to 111j flow path forming wall
114 Ink supply port
115 First buffer chamber
116 Second buffer chamber
118 Filter
121 Air chamber
130 Side wall
140 Membrane valve
140a outer periphery
140b Center hole
142 Coil spring

Claims (2)

A liquid container installation section in which a liquid container having a plurality of liquid chambers each containing a plurality of types of liquids that may cause sedimentation of contained components; and
A head member having a plurality of nozzle openings;
A plurality of liquid communication passages for communicating the interior of each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation portion with each nozzle opening, respectively;
A settling state acquisition unit for acquiring settling state information about the settling state of the liquid in each liquid chamber of the liquid container installed in the liquid container setting unit;
A plurality of cleaning portions for sucking each liquid of the plurality of nozzle opening portions;
A stirring mechanism for stirring the liquid in the liquid container;
Based on the sedimentation state information of each liquid chamber acquired by the sedimentation state acquisition unit, a cleaning control unit that controls each of the plurality of cleaning units so that the initial suction amount of liquid increases when the level of the sedimentation state is large,
With
The settling state information is information based on the elapsed time after pre-stirring from the previous liquid container stirring time to the current time point, and further information based on the ease of occurrence of the settling phenomenon of the liquid itself in each liquid chamber. Yes,
The liquid container has a sedimentation characteristic storage unit that stores sedimentation characteristic information regarding the ease of the sedimentation phenomenon of the liquid in each liquid chamber,
The sedimentation state acquisition unit
A pre-stirring storage unit for storing the previous liquid stirring time;
A clock function that recognizes the current time,
A post-stirring elapsed time calculation unit that calculates the elapsed time from the previous liquid stirring time to the current time;
A characteristic information reading unit for reading the sedimentation characteristic information stored in the sedimentation characteristic storage unit of the liquid container installed in the liquid container installation unit;
From the elapsed time after the pre-stirring and the settling characteristic information, a settling state estimation unit that estimates the settling state of the liquid in each liquid chamber and acquires the settling state information;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each liquid stored in each liquid chamber of the liquid container is a pigment ink of a different color.

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