JP3962945B2 - Ink cartridge excitation jig - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge that use an ink cartridge in which ink is stored so that an ink component is settled in a long-term use, and an ink cartridge excitation that can be suitably used by being mounted on the ink cartridge. It relates to a jig.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, a serial printing type ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head that is mounted on a carriage and reciprocates in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the recording paper, and a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the recording head ( Paper feeding means for transporting in the sub-scanning direction) is provided, and printing is performed on the recording paper by ejecting ink droplets from the recording head based on the print data.
[0003]
In this type of recording apparatus mainly used as a home use, an ink cartridge for supplying ink to the recording head is formed on the carriage in order to reduce the size of the apparatus and simplify the configuration. A configuration that is detachably attached to the holder is employed.
[0004]
Nowadays, with the diversification of printing, pigment-dispersed inks (hereinafter referred to as pigment inks) are being used instead of conventional dye inks. In this pigment ink, a pigment is used as a coloring matter, and the pigment is dispersed in an ink solvent. Although this pigment ink has the characteristic that the color development is vivid, there is a problem that the pigment settles in the solvent when it is in a stationary state. For this reason, in particular, when the ink cartridge storing the pigment ink described above is in a stationary state for a long period of time or in a fixed posture mounted on the cartridge holder, an ink density distribution is generated as the pigment settles. Therefore, there arises a problem that it becomes difficult to obtain uniform quality by changing the print image quality.
[0005]
On the other hand, the above-described ink cartridge is equipped with semiconductor storage means capable of reading and writing data, and data such as ink type and date of manufacture written in advance in the storage means is read out by the recording device. Ink cartridges that are designed to write (update) ink usage data from the apparatus have also appeared. Such an ink cartridge can be appropriately removed from the recording apparatus and replaced during use.
[0006]
Therefore, when the elapsed time after the replacement of the ink cartridge is long, removing the cartridge from the recording apparatus and performing a maintenance operation such as shaking the ink cartridge can effectively disperse the settled pigment. It is possible to suppress the change in the print image quality. However, it is not expected to cause each user to execute such an operation voluntarily.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-described points. When the ink cartridge has been used for a long period of time, it is urged to perform a maintenance operation for eliminating the sedimentation of the ink components in the cartridge. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus that can suppress deterioration in print quality.
[0008]
In addition, the present invention provides a configuration of an ink cartridge that allows a user to sensiblely grasp a maintenance operation when the maintenance operation is performed, and that can reliably perform the maintenance operation, and performs the maintenance operation. At this time, an object of the present invention is to provide an excitation jig capable of preventing ink scattering and the like.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A recording apparatus according to the present invention, which has been made to achieve the above-described object, ejects ink droplets onto a recording sheet in response to an ink cartridge that is detachably mounted and ink supplied from the ink cartridge. An ink jet recording apparatus including a recording head, wherein a timer unit that measures an elapsed time from when the ink cartridge is mounted, and maintenance of the ink cartridge is performed when a time elapsed by the timer unit exceeds a predetermined value. It is characterized by comprising control means for displaying a prompting prompt.
[0010]
In this case, it is preferable that the timer means is configured to be able to individually count the elapsed time corresponding to each mounted ink cartridge. In a preferred embodiment, guidance for urging maintenance of the ink cartridge is displayed on a display means connected to the host computer using a printer driver mounted on the host computer that sends print data to the recording apparatus. Configured to let In another preferred embodiment, a guide for urging maintenance of the ink cartridge is displayed on a display unit disposed in the recording apparatus main body.
[0011]
On the other hand, a maintenance display method according to the present invention includes an ink cartridge that is detachably mounted and a recording head that receives ink supplied from the ink cartridge and discharges ink droplets onto a recording sheet. An ink cartridge maintenance display method in the ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a time measuring step for measuring time elapsed from the time when the ink cartridge is mounted and an elapsed time measured by execution of the time measuring step are predetermined. A monitoring step for monitoring whether or not a predetermined time has been reached, a display step for displaying a guide prompting maintenance of the ink cartridge when it is determined by the monitoring step that a predetermined elapsed time has been reached, and After the display step is executed, the ink cartridge is removed In case it is detected that made the, is adapted to sequentially perform a reset means for zero resetting the elapsed time measured by said time measuring step.
[0012]
Even in the case where such a maintenance display method is adopted, in one preferred embodiment, a guide for urging maintenance of the ink cartridge uses a printer driver mounted on a host computer that sends print data to the recording device. This is done by display means connected to the host computer. In another preferred embodiment, guidance for prompting maintenance of the ink cartridge is provided on a display unit disposed in the recording apparatus main body.
[0013]
According to the recording apparatus employing the maintenance display method described above, the elapsed time from when the ink cartridge is installed in the recording apparatus is counted. Then, when a predetermined time is measured, a guidance for urging maintenance of the ink cartridge is displayed. In this case, it is possible to display which cartridge needs maintenance by configuring the elapsed time individually corresponding to each ink cartridge.
[0014]
The display for prompting the maintenance at this time can be displayed on a display unit arranged in the recording apparatus main body, and the host can be used by using a printer driver installed in a host computer that sends print data to the recording apparatus. It can also be displayed on display means connected to a computer. Accordingly, the user can effectively suppress deterioration in print quality by removing a cartridge that requires maintenance from the recording apparatus according to the above-described display and executing a maintenance operation as described later.
[0015]
On the other hand, the ink cartridge suitably used in the above-described recording apparatus is provided with a sound generating means that generates a sound in association with the reciprocating movement when a maintenance operation for shaking the cartridge in the reciprocating direction is given. In this case, the sound generating means is preferably composed of a space formed in the ink cartridge and a solid member accommodated in the space. It is desirable that the space portion constituting the sound generating means is formed separately from the ink storage space.
[0016]
In a preferred embodiment in this case, the space portion constituting the sound generating means is formed in a long hole shape with both ends closed, and the longitudinal direction of the space portion is set in a posture in which the ink cartridge is attached to the recording apparatus. It is comprised so that a direction may face the substantially vertical direction. In addition, more favorable results can be expected from the ink cartridge when pigment-based ink is stored in the cartridge. In this case, the ink cartridge receives the excitation of the pigment-based ink in the ink storage chamber. dispersion It is desirable to be stored so that it is possible.
[0017]
According to the ink cartridge having the above-described configuration, when a maintenance operation for shaking the cartridge in the reciprocating direction is given, sound is generated from the sound generation means provided in the cartridge. Therefore, the user can grasp sensuously that the proper maintenance operation is given to the cartridge by listening to this.
[0018]
As the sound generation means, a space portion formed in the ink cartridge and a solid member such as a steel ball accommodated in the space portion can be realized without particularly increasing the manufacturing cost of the cartridge. be able to. In addition, the space constituting the sound generating means is formed in a long hole shape with both ends closed, and the longitudinal direction of the space is substantially vertical in the posture in which the ink cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus. With this configuration, the user can apply vibration in the direction in which the ink sediment component in the ink cartridge is effectively dispersed.
[0019]
Further, as described above, in the excitation jig suitably used when the maintenance operation is performed on the ink cartridge, it is engaged with a part of the outline of the ink cartridge to maintain the mounting state on the cartridge. And a cap member that contacts the ink supply portion formed on the ink cartridge and seals the ink supply portion.
[0020]
In this case, it is preferable that at least a part of the engaging member is constituted by a spring member, and the cap member receives a spring action of the engaging member when the ink cartridge is attached to the ink supply portion of the cartridge. Configured to be touched. Further, in the mounted state of the ink cartridge, a sounding means that generates a sound along with the reciprocating movement when a maintenance operation for shaking the cartridge in the reciprocating direction is given may be arranged in a part of the engaging member. .
[0021]
Also in this case, the sounding means is preferably constituted by a casing having a space portion and a solid member housed in the space portion formed in the casing. Preferably, the space portion that constitutes the sound generating means is formed in a long hole shape with both ends closed, and the space portion is in a posture in which the cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus in the mounted state on the ink cartridge. It is comprised so that the longitudinal direction in may face a substantially vertical direction.
[0022]
According to the excitation jig configured as described above, when this is mounted on the ink cartridge, the cap member comes into contact with the ink supply portion formed on the ink cartridge to seal the ink supply portion. Therefore, when an ink cartridge maintenance operation is executed, problems such as ink scattered in the ink supply unit can be avoided.
[0023]
In addition, the sounding means that generates a sound in association with the reciprocating movement is attached to a part of the exciting jig when the above-described exciting jig is attached to the ink cartridge and a maintenance operation for shaking the cartridge in the reciprocating direction is given. With the arrangement, the user can sensuously grasp that an appropriate maintenance operation is given to the cartridge. In this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained without using a cartridge provided with a special sound generating means.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an ink jet recording apparatus according to the invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a carriage. The carriage 1 is guided by a guide rod 4 through a timing belt 3 driven by a carriage motor 2 and is reciprocated in the axial direction of the platen 5. Yes. In addition, the recording paper 6 is transported in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the carriage 1 to the scanning area where the carriage 1 is scanned.
[0025]
A recording head 7 which will be described later is mounted on the lower surface of the carriage 1 facing the recording paper 6, and the upper portion of the carriage 1 supplies ink to the recording head, such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The ink cartridges 8B, 8C, 8M, and 8Y storing the respective inks are mounted so as to be detachable in a cartridge holder formed on the upper portion of the carriage 1.
[0026]
Further, a capping unit 9 is disposed at a home position outside the non-printing area of the recording apparatus. When the carriage 1 moves to the home position side, the capping unit 9 moves along with the movement of the carriage 1. The nozzle forming surface of the recording head mounted on the carriage 1 can be sealed. A suction pump 10 for applying a negative pressure to the internal space of the capping unit 9 is disposed adjacent to the capping unit 9.
[0027]
The capping unit 9 functions as a lid that prevents drying of the nozzle openings of the recording head during the rest period of the recording apparatus, and also causes the recording head to eject ink droplets by applying a drive signal unrelated to printing. It functions as an ink receiver during the flushing operation, and the negative pressure from the suction pump 10 is applied to the recording head to forcibly suck out and discharge ink from the recording head, thereby eliminating clogging of the nozzle openings in the recording head. It also has a function as a cleaning means.
[0028]
A wiping member 11 made of an elastic plate such as rubber is disposed adjacent to the printing area side of the capping means 9 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction, and when the carriage 1 reciprocates toward the capping means 9 side, A wiping operation for wiping and cleaning the nozzle forming surface of the recording head as necessary is performed.
[0029]
The recording apparatus main body configured as described above is accommodated in an outer case having the form shown in FIG. 2, for example. The outer case 15 has a paper feed tray 16 disposed on the back side thereof, and a paper discharge tray 17 disposed on the front side thereof. An operation panel 18 on which operation buttons including a cleaning command switch, a cartridge replacement switch, a power switch, and the like are arranged is disposed on the upper surface of the right corner of the outer case 15.
[0030]
A lid (also referred to as a printer cover) 19 covering the upper part of the outer case 18 is attached so as to be openable and closable on the front side of the apparatus by a hinge (not shown). A window hole 20 is formed so that the switches arranged on the operation panel 18 can be exposed in the closed state. When the printer cover 19 is opened, the ink cartridge replacement window 21 is exposed.
[0031]
The replacement window 21 is formed at a position avoiding the home position where the capping means 9 is disposed. When the ink cartridge is to be replaced, the carriage 1 is controlled to be moved to the cartridge replacement window 21 by operating a cartridge replacement switch arranged on the operation panel 18. As a result, it is possible to avoid the problem that the stress caused by the insertion / removal of the ink cartridge acts on the capping means 9 and obstructs the mechanism constituting the elevating mechanism of the capping means.
[0032]
Further, when the ink cartridge is replaced, another reason for moving the carriage 1 to the cartridge replacement window 21 is that, for example, when the cartridge is replaced in the capping state, the pressure fluctuation caused by the insertion / removal of the ink cartridge is sealed. Therefore, there is a problem that the ink meniscus formed in the nozzle opening of the recording head is destroyed, resulting in poor printing. Therefore, the reason for avoiding such problems is included.
[0033]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a control circuit mounted on the recording apparatus. In FIG. 3, parts corresponding to the parts already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the ink discharged from the recording head 7 to the capping unit 9 is sucked by the suction pump 10, and the waste ink liquid is discharged to the waste liquid tank 12. The ink waste liquid discharged to the waste liquid tank 12 is configured to be held by a waste liquid absorber 13 accommodated in the waste liquid tank 12.
[0034]
Reference numeral 30 shown in FIG. 3 is a host computer, and a printer driver 31 is mounted on the host computer 30. On the utility of the printer driver 31, using the input device 32 and the display means 33, it is possible to input a known paper size, monochrome / color printing selection, recording mode selection, font data, print command, and the like. It is configured. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as will be described later, guidance for prompting maintenance of the ink cartridge can be displayed on the display means 33 on the utility of the printer driver.
[0035]
In response to the input of a print command by the input device 32, print data is sent from the printer driver 31 to the print control means 34 mounted on the recording device. The print control unit 34 generates bitmap data based on the print data sent from the host computer 30, generates a drive signal by the head drive unit 35 based on this data, and records on the carriage 1. A function of ejecting ink droplets from the head 7 is provided. The head driving unit 35 is configured to receive a flushing command signal from the flushing control unit 36 and output a driving signal for the flushing operation to the recording head 7 in addition to the driving signal based on the print data.
[0036]
Reference numeral 37 denotes a cleaning control means, and the cleaning control means 37 starts the pump driving means 38 and operates the suction pump 10. Then, for example, the cleaning operation is executed by a command signal from the cleaning command detection means 40 that has received an ON operation of the cleaning command switch 39 disposed on the operation panel. The cleaning control unit 37 also has a function of executing a cleaning operation in the same manner even when a cleaning command is received from the host computer 30 via the central control unit 41.
[0037]
Read / write means 43 is connected to the central control means 41, and the read / write means 43 is data stored in a semiconductor storage means 44 such as an EEPROM mounted on each ink cartridge mounted on the recording apparatus. And the data can be written to the semiconductor memory means 44 from the recording device side. Here, as the data read from the storage means 44, for example, the color of ink stored in the cartridge, the type of ink (for example, the type of dye ink or pigment ink), the date of manufacture, the data of the ink in each cartridge The remaining amount can be listed. Then, the ink remaining amount update data based on the calculation result of the ink amount consumed in the recording device is periodically written from the recording device.
[0038]
Further, the central control means 41 is configured to be supplied with data on the attachment / detachment status of individual cartridges from the ink cartridge attachment / detachment detection means 45. When the central control unit 41 detects that each ink cartridge has been installed, the central control unit 41 resets the time data in the timer 46 connected thereto to zero and starts the timer 46 again. Execute. The zero resetting of the timing data and the count-up start operation are individually managed based on the operation of attaching and detaching each ink cartridge.
[0039]
The central control means 41 monitors the count-up data of the timer 46, and when it is determined that a predetermined elapsed time (specified value) has been exceeded, sends a command to the host computer 30, On the utility of the printer driver installed in the printer, the display means 33 connected to the host computer also functions to display a guide prompting maintenance of the ink cartridge. In this case, if the display unit 47 arranged on the main body side of the recording apparatus is, for example, a dot matrix display device, the display unit 47 may display the same guidance.
[0040]
FIG. 4 shows an operation routine of an ink cartridge maintenance display mainly performed by the central control means 41 in the configuration shown in FIG. This operation routine is sequentially executed in a time division manner for each ink cartridge mounted on the recording apparatus. That is, for example, the process is performed on the cyan ink cartridge after the process is performed on the black ink cartridge. Then, after all the cartridges are executed, the black ink cartridge is executed again.
[0041]
First, in step S11, the time measured by the timer 46 after the cartridge is mounted is monitored, and it is determined whether or not the time measured Ton of the timer 46 exceeds a specified value. Here, if it is determined that the measured time Ton of the timer 46 does not exceed the specified value (No), the process is returned, and the determination operation for the next cartridge is started. In step S11, when it is determined that the time measured Ton of the timer 46 exceeds the specified value (Yes), the process proceeds to step S12, and the central control unit 41 displays a maintenance execution guide on the host computer side. Send a command.
[0042]
FIG. 5 shows an example of the screen configuration displayed on the display means 33 connected to the host computer, which is made on the utility of the printer driver 31 installed in the host computer 30. By confirming this screen, the user recognizes that maintenance of the displayed ink cartridge (XX color) is necessary. Then, the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus and the maintenance operation is executed. This maintenance operation will be described later.
[0043]
Subsequently, in step S13, it is determined whether or not the ink cartridge has been removed from the recording apparatus. If the ink cartridge is not removed from the recording apparatus (No), the process returns and the guidance display in step S12 is continued. If it is determined in step S13 that the ink cartridge has been removed from the recording apparatus (Yes) based on a signal from the ink cartridge attachment / detachment detection unit 45, the ink cartridge is mounted in the recording apparatus again in step S14. After waiting for this, the time counted up by the timer 46 is reset to zero.
[0044]
FIG. 6 shows a basic form of an ink cartridge that is preferably used in the recording apparatus described above. The ink cartridge 8 includes a lower case 51 and an upper case 52 that functions as a lid that closes the outer case 51. An ink storage chamber 53 is formed in the lower bottom portion of the lower case 51, and pigment ink is stored here. The ink stored in the ink storage chamber 53 is stored in a space portion in the ink storage chamber without using a holding member that is impregnated and held with ink such as a porous member (foam).
[0045]
Therefore, when an operation (maintenance operation) is performed to shake the ink cartridge in the reciprocating direction as described later, the settled pigment component can be easily dispersed. In other words, when the cartridge is maintained in the same posture, the pigment component settles in the direction of gravity.
[0046]
The ink storage chamber 53 has a communication hole 54 communicating with the atmosphere. Therefore, the air flows into the ink storage chamber 53 as the ink is consumed. The ink stored in the ink storage chamber 53 is configured to be sent to the buffer chamber 57 via the ink transport pipe 56 as the ink is consumed, and is sent from the buffer chamber 57 to the differential pressure valve storage chamber 58. It is done. A differential pressure valve 59 is disposed in the differential pressure valve storage chamber 58. As the differential pressure valve 59, for example, a membrane valve is used in which a flexible material is formed into a disk shape and a through hole for distributing ink is formed at the center. When the ink is not supplied, the through hole is in contact with the valve seat and is closed.
[0047]
An ink supply unit 61 is formed in communication with the differential pressure valve 59 and downward. The ink supply unit 61 is disposed on the recording device side when mounted on the recording device. An annular packing member 62 formed of a rubber material to be bonded to the rim is fitted. When the ink supply unit 61 is brought into a negative pressure state with the consumption of ink by the recording head, the membrane valve is displaced and the contact of the through hole with the valve seat is released, and the ink supply unit 61 side Is configured to be supplied with ink. Accordingly, the ink is supplied to the ink supply unit 61 while maintaining a constant negative pressure.
[0048]
On the other hand, the cartridge 8 having the above-described configuration has a long hole-like space 64 formed at the side end of the lower case 51, and the upper end of the cartridge 8 is closed by the upper case 52. A solid member 65 such as a steel ball is accommodated in the space 64. The space portion 64 is configured such that the longitudinal direction of the space portion 64 is substantially vertical in the posture in which the ink cartridge 8 is attached to the recording apparatus, that is, the posture shown in FIG.
[0049]
With this configuration, when a maintenance operation for mounting the ink cartridge excitation jig on the ink cartridge 8 and swinging the ink cartridge 8 in the reciprocating direction is executed as described later, the solid member 65 such as a steel ball is placed in the space. It moves in the part 64 and hits both ends in the longitudinal direction to function as a sound generating means for generating sound. The space 64 is formed separately from the ink storage space of the ink cartridge. As a result, problems such as the above-described solid member 65 such as a steel ball causing a chemical change in the ink can be avoided, and dust generated by the solid member 65 striking the space 64 is dispersed in the ink. This problem can also be avoided.
[0050]
FIG. 7 shows a configuration of an ink cartridge excitation jig that can be suitably used when a message prompting maintenance is received from the display means described above. The excitation jig 71 is used by being attached to the ink cartridge 8 removed from the recording apparatus. The excitation jig 71 includes an engagement member 72 in which a flat spring member is formed in an approximately L shape, and the engagement member 72. The cap member 73 is attached to one end of the joint member 72. That is, the whole is formed in U shape by the structure which attached the cap member 73 to the one end part of the engaging member 72 formed in L shape. An ink absorbing material 74 is attached to the cap member 73.
[0051]
The bent other end portion 75 formed in the engaging member 72 so that the absorbent 74 provided in the excitation jig 71 having the above-described configuration is brought into contact with the ink supply portion 61 formed in the ink cartridge 8. Is brought into contact with the upper surface of the cartridge 8 so that the jig 71 is attached to the cartridge 8. The jig 71 mounted on the cartridge 8 as described above is maintained in the mounted state with respect to the cartridge 8 by the elastic force of the flat spring member constituting the engaging member 72. Further, due to the elastic force of the spring member, the absorbent material 74 attached to the cap member 73 seals the ink supply portion 61 of the cartridge 8 with an elastic force so as to prevent leakage of ink from the cartridge 8. Acts as follows.
[0052]
FIG. 8 shows an example of performing an operation (maintenance operation) of shaking the cartridge 8 in the reciprocating direction in a state where the excitation jig 71 is mounted on the ink cartridge 8 as described above. Here, the space portion 64 constituting the sound generating means formed in the ink cartridge 8 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the space portion 64 is substantially vertical in the posture in which the ink cartridge 8 is mounted on the recording apparatus as described above. It is configured. Therefore, when the operation of shaking the ink cartridge in the mounting direction of the ink cartridge with respect to the recording apparatus is executed, the degree of occurrence of the impact sound due to the solid member 65 such as a steel ball housed in the space portion 64 is maximized.
[0053]
That is, when the ink cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus, although the amplitude is given in the carriage moving direction, the cartridge is actively shaken in the direction perpendicular to the carriage, so the pigment settled in the cartridge The components are most efficiently dispersed, and as a result, the concentration distribution of the pigment is improved.
[0054]
FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the cartridge exciting jig described above. The form shown in FIG. 9 can be suitably used in the case where the sound generating means is not formed in the ink cartridge 8 as shown in FIGS. In the excitation jig 71 shown in FIG. 9, a rectangular parallelepiped casing 78 constituting the sound generating means is attached along the longitudinal direction of the engaging member 72. The other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG. 7, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the casing 78 described above, a long hole-shaped space 79 having both ends closed is formed, and similarly, a solid member 80 such as a steel ball is accommodated therein.
[0055]
In this case, when the excitation jig 71 is mounted on the ink cartridge 8 and the cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus, the longitudinal direction of the space 79 is substantially vertical. Therefore, even in this configuration, when an operation of shaking the ink cartridge in the mounting direction of the ink cartridge with respect to the recording apparatus is executed, the degree of impact noise generated by the solid member 80 such as a steel ball housed in the space 79 is the highest. growing. Therefore, the pigment component settled in the cartridge is most efficiently dispersed, and as a result, the concentration distribution of the pigment is improved.
[0056]
In the above description, the case of using an ink cartridge storing pigment ink has been described as an example. However, the present invention is also effective in the case of targeting an ink cartridge storing other ink in which the ink components settle. Can be used.
[0057]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the ink jet recording apparatus employing the maintenance display method according to the present invention, it is configured to be able to display a guide prompting maintenance of the ink cartridge mounted on the recording apparatus. Based on this, the user can perform maintenance of the ink cartridge. Therefore, it is possible to always obtain uniform print quality by the recording apparatus described above.
[0058]
In addition, according to the ink cartridge of the present invention, when the maintenance operation for shaking the cartridge in the reciprocating direction is provided, the sound generating means for generating a sound along with the reciprocating movement is provided. In this case, the user can grasp this sensuously, and the maintenance operation can be executed reliably.
[0059]
The ink cartridge excitation jig according to the present invention further includes a cap member that contacts the ink supply part formed on the ink cartridge and seals the ink supply part when the jig is attached to the ink cartridge. As a result, problems such as ink scattering due to the execution of maintenance can be prevented. In addition, according to the configuration in which the sound generation means is provided for the excitation jig, the user can sensuously grasp that the maintenance operation is surely performed without providing the ink cartridge with the sound generation means. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a basic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an ink cartridge replacement operation in the recording apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control circuit mounted on the recording apparatus.
4 is a flowchart showing an operation routine for maintenance display of an ink cartridge performed by the control circuit shown in FIG. 3;
5 is a diagram showing a display example on the display means made by the operation flow shown in FIG. 4. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a basic configuration of an ink cartridge according to the present invention.
7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a cartridge exciting jig according to the present invention mounted on the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
8 is a diagram illustrating a situation where a cartridge maintenance operation is executed using the excitation jig shown in FIG. 7; FIG.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of a cartridge excitation jig according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Carriage
6 Recording paper
7 Recording head
8,8B-8Y ink cartridge
21 Cartridge replacement window
30 Host computer
31 Printer driver
32 input devices
33 Display means
41 Central control means
45 Ink cartridge attachment / detachment detection means
46 timer
47 Display means
53 Ink storage chamber
59 Differential pressure valve
61 Ink supply unit
64 space
65 Solid parts
71 Ink cartridge excitation jig
72 engaging member
73 Cap member
74 Ink absorber
78 cases
79 Space
80 Solid parts

Claims (3)

An ink cartridge excitation jig that is used by being attached to an ink cartridge in a state where the ink cartridge that is detachably attached to the recording apparatus is detached from the recording apparatus,
An engagement member that engages with a part of the outer shell of the ink cartridge and maintains the mounting state on the cartridge is provided,
In a state where the excitation jig is attached to the ink cartridge, a sounding means for generating a sound in association with the reciprocating movement is provided in a part of the engaging member when a maintenance operation for shaking the cartridge in the reciprocating direction is given. An ink cartridge excitation jig. The ink cartridge excitation jig according to claim 1 , wherein the sound generation unit is configured by a casing having a space portion and a solid member housed in the space portion formed in the casing. When the space portion constituting the sound generating means is formed in a long hole shape with both ends closed, and the cartridge is mounted in the recording apparatus in a mounted state, the longitudinal direction in the space portion is The ink cartridge excitation jig according to claim 2 , wherein the jig is configured to face substantially in a vertical direction.

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