JP4691942B2 - Pump control mechanism and pump control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pump control mechanism, a printer using the pump control mechanism, and a pump control method.

  Many popular printers are equipped with a cartridge for storing ink in a carriage. However, high-performance type printers include a type in which a cartridge is mounted on the housing side of the printer without mounting the cartridge on the carriage. This type of printer can suppress variations in the weight of the carriage even if the remaining amount of ink changes. Therefore, this type of printer can control the carriage with high accuracy.

  Here, in the above type of printer, a liquid container is mounted on the carriage. A cartridge is connected to the liquid container via a liquid conduit so that ink can be supplied from the cartridge toward the liquid container. The cartridge is connected to one end of an air pipe. The other end of the air pipe is connected to a bellows pump in the pump unit. When the bellows pump is driven, air is sent to the cartridge through the air pipe. The ink can be supplied from the cartridge into the liquid container via the liquid conduit by air pressure.

  In addition, there exists what is disclosed by patent document 1 as what utilizes such an air pressure. In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, a reciprocating unit that reciprocates and compresses air, a pump motor that reciprocates the reciprocating unit, and a pressure of the liquid container with respect to the pump motor is predetermined. A power input unit that supplies power until pressure is reached.

Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2002-510252 (see page 8, Fig. 1)

  By the way, when the bellows pump is driven by a pump motor, noise generated from noise sources such as a pump motor and a conversion mechanism becomes a problem. Among the operating sounds generated from the printer, such noise is particularly loud, and its reduction is a problem.

  In particular, when the bellows pump is expanded or contracted, the external load acting on the pump motor changes due to a change in the internal pressure of the bellows pump, and the rotation speed of the pump motor varies according to the change. For this reason, the noise generated from the noise source also fluctuates according to the fluctuation of the rotational speed. As a result, there is a problem that it is easy to hear compared to a case where a certain level of sound is constantly generated from the noise source. That is, when noise of the same level is generated, noise whose magnitude varies is felt louder than noise that is constantly generated.

  Here, when controlling the above-described pump motor, for example, if a sensor capable of detecting the rotational speed, such as a rotary encoder, is installed and the rotational speed of the pump motor is controlled using the feedback signal from the sensor, the noise Can be reduced. However, when a rotary encoder or the like is mounted, there are problems such as an increase in cost. Therefore, it is desired that noise can be reduced only by detection of a position detection sensor and a pressure sensor already provided in the pump unit without using a rotary encoder.

  However, even if the noise can be reduced only by detecting the signals from the position sensor and the pressure sensor, if the position detection sensor or the pressure sensor described above fails, the noise problem cannot be solved. That is, if the position detection sensor or the pressure sensor fails, the rotational speed of the pump motor may increase rather than being able to properly control the rotational speed of the pump motor. Another problem is that the pump motor is rotated indefinitely and the noise problem continues throughout the rotation.

  The present invention has been made on the basis of the above circumstances. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pump control mechanism capable of appropriately stopping the driving of the pump unit even when the position detection sensor or the pressure sensor fails. The present invention intends to provide a printer using a pump control mechanism and a pump control method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention includes a pump member that applies air pressure by reciprocation, a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and that is controlled and driven based on control information, and driving the drive source. The pump member is reciprocated by the pump unit to send the liquid stored in the liquid supply source toward the storage means, and the position detection signal is transmitted when a specific position is reached in the reciprocating motion of the pump member. A position detection sensor, a position signal detection means for detecting a position detection signal from the position detection sensor, a condition setting means for setting a waiting condition when the position signal detection means does not detect a position detection signal, and a position signal detection means When a position detection signal is not detected, a determination means for determining whether or not the wait condition is satisfied, and a case where the determination means determines that the set wait condition is satisfied. To, those having a, a drive stop means for stopping the driving of the driving source.

  In such a configuration, the position signal detection unit does not detect the position detection signal unless the position detection sensor transmits the position detection signal. In this case, when the determination unit determines that the waiting condition set by the condition setting unit is satisfied, the drive stop unit stops driving of the drive source. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that the drive source continues to be driven when some failure occurs in the position detection sensor and the position detection signal cannot be transmitted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the drive source from being damaged due to heat generation while the drive source continues to drive. Further, since the drive source does not continue to drive, it is possible to prevent the noise state from continuing.

  Further, in another invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the waiting condition is a predetermined waiting time. In this case, the drive source can be surely stopped by the drive stop means when a predetermined waiting time has elapsed.

  Furthermore, another invention includes a pump member that applies air pressure by a reciprocating motion, and a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and is controlled and driven based on control information, and the pump member is reciprocated by driving the driving source. A pump unit that feeds the liquid stored in the liquid supply source toward the storage means, and a position detection sensor that transmits a position detection signal when a specific position is reached in the reciprocation of the pump member; Position signal detection means for detecting a position detection signal from the position detection sensor, a first waiting time when the position signal detection means does not detect the position detection signal, and a second waiting time longer than the first waiting time When the waiting time setting means for setting the time and the position signal detection means do not detect the position detection signal, it is determined whether the first waiting time or the second waiting time is satisfied. Determining means for correcting the control information with the correction information for increasing the driving speed of the drive source when the determining means determines that the first waiting time has been satisfied, and the determining means includes a second waiting time. Drive stop means for stopping the drive of the drive source when it is determined that the time has been satisfied.

  In such a configuration, when the position detection unit does not detect the position detection signal, the determination unit determines whether the first waiting time is satisfied. When the determination unit satisfies the first waiting time, the correction unit corrects the control information with the correction information to increase the drive speed of the drive source. For this reason, even if the drive source cannot start due to the action of some load and cannot receive the position detection signal, the control information is corrected so as to increase the drive speed by the correction information, so that the drive source is overcome by overcoming the load. It can be moved. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the drive source does not move indefinitely. In addition, since the drive source does not continue to drive, it is possible to prevent the noise state from continuing due to continued driving.

  In addition, when the position detection unit does not detect the position detection signal and the determination unit determines that the second waiting time longer than the first waiting time is satisfied, the drive stop unit drives the drive source. Stop. In this way, even when a larger load is applied and the drive source cannot start moving, the drive source can be stopped if the second waiting time is reached. Therefore, the drive speed of the drive source is increased by the correction information, and it is possible to prevent a large amount of heat from being generated from the drive source. Even if the position detection sensor is abnormal and the position detection signal cannot be transmitted, the driving source can be stopped if the second waiting time is reached. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the drive speed of the drive source is increased based on the correction information despite the abnormality of the position detection sensor. As a result, it is possible to prevent the drive source from being damaged due to heat generation and continuing to drive. Further, since the drive source does not continue to drive, it is possible to prevent the noise state from continuing.

  Furthermore, another invention includes a pump member that applies air pressure by a reciprocating motion, and a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and is controlled and driven based on control information, and the pump member is reciprocated by driving the driving source. A pump unit that feeds the liquid stored in the liquid supply source toward the storage means, a position detection sensor that transmits a position detection signal every time the pump member reaches a specific position in the reciprocating motion of the pump member, Position signal detection means for detecting a position detection signal from the position detection sensor, a pressure sensor for transmitting a pressure detection signal when the air pressure generated by the reciprocation of the pump member exceeds a threshold value, and a pressure from the pressure sensor A pressure signal detection means for detecting a detection signal, and a position signal detection means for detecting a position detection signal when the pressure signal detection means does not detect the pressure detection signal. The number setting means for setting the number limit, the determination means for determining whether or not the number limit is satisfied when the pressure signal detection means does not detect the pressure detection signal, and the determination means that the number limit is satisfied In this case, a driving stop means for stopping driving of the driving source is provided.

  In this case, when the determination means determines that the number of times that the position signal detection means detects the position detection signal satisfies the number limit and the pressure signal detection means does not detect the pressure detection signal, the drive is stopped. The means stops the driving of the driving source. Therefore, for example, even when the pressure sensor cannot transmit the pressure detection signal due to some trouble such as a hole in the pump member, the drive source can be stopped by the drive stop unit. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that the drive source continues to be driven forever and the user continues to wait for a long time even though the pressure does not increase. Moreover, it becomes possible to prevent the drive source from being damaged forever by continuously driving the drive source and generating heat. Further, since the drive source does not continue to drive, it is possible to prevent the noise state from continuing.

  In addition to the above-mentioned invention, another invention further includes a waiting time setting means for setting a waiting time when the pressure signal detection means does not detect the pressure detection signal, and the determination means includes the pressure signal detection means. When the pressure detection signal is not detected, it is determined whether or not the waiting time has been satisfied, and the drive stopping means determines that the waiting time has been satisfied even if it is determined that the number of times limit is not satisfied. The drive of the drive source is stopped.

  In such a configuration, even when the pressure signal detection unit does not detect the pressure detection signal and the determination unit determines that the number of times of the position detection signal is not satisfied, the drive stop unit has a certain waiting time. If it reaches, the drive of the drive source is stopped. For this reason, for example, when the pressure sensor cannot transmit the pressure detection signal due to some trouble such as a hole in the pump member, if the determination means determines that the waiting time of the pressure signal is constant, the drive stop means The source can be turned off. Therefore, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the drive source continues to be driven forever and the user continues to wait for a long time even though the pressure does not increase. Further, it is possible to prevent a problem that the drive source continues to be driven forever and the drive source is damaged by heat generation. Further, since the drive source does not continue to drive, it is possible to prevent the noise state from continuing.

  Furthermore, another invention includes a pump member that applies air pressure by a reciprocating motion, and a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and is controlled and driven based on control information, and the pump member is reciprocated by driving the driving source. A pump unit that feeds the liquid stored in the liquid supply source toward the storage means, a position detection sensor that transmits a position detection signal every time the pump member reaches a specific position in the reciprocating motion of the pump member, When the air pressure generated by the reciprocating motion of the pump member exceeds a threshold value, the pressure sensor that transmits a pressure detection signal, the pressure signal detection means that detects the pressure detection signal from the pressure sensor, and the pressure signal detection means The waiting time setting means for setting the waiting time when the detection signal is not detected and the waiting time is satisfied when the pressure signal detecting means does not detect the pressure detection signal. Determining means for determining whether, when it is determined that satisfy the latency in determining means is for anda drive stop means for stopping the driving of the driving source.

  In such a configuration, when the waiting time for the pressure signal detection means to detect the pressure detection signal satisfies a specified waiting time, the determination means determines that the pressure signal detection means does not detect the pressure detection signal. If it judges, a drive stop means will stop the drive of a drive source. For this reason, for example, when the pressure sensor cannot transmit the pressure detection signal due to some trouble such as a hole in the pump member, if the determination means determines that the waiting time of the pressure signal is constant, the drive stop means The source can be turned off. Therefore, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the drive source continues to be driven forever and the user continues to wait for a long time even though the pressure does not increase. Further, it is possible to prevent a problem that the drive source continues to be driven forever and the drive source is damaged by heat generation. Further, since the drive source does not continue to drive, it is possible to prevent the noise state from continuing.

  According to another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the error information generating means notifies the position detection sensor that an error has occurred before and after the drive stop of the drive source by the drive stop means. Error information is created. In such a configuration, when the position detection signal from the position detection sensor is not detected, error information is created by the error information creating means. Therefore, based on this error information, it is possible to easily recognize that a defect has occurred in the position detection sensor.

  Furthermore, in addition to the above-described inventions, another invention is for notifying that an error has occurred in the pressure sensor by the error information creating means before and after the drive stop of the drive source by the drive stop means. Creates error information. In such a configuration, when a pressure detection signal from the pressure sensor is not detected, error information is created by the error information creating means. Therefore, based on this error information, it is possible to easily recognize that a defect has occurred in the pressure sensor.

  In another invention, in addition to the above-mentioned inventions, error information is stored in an error information storage means. In such a configuration, it is possible to recognize that a defect has occurred in the position detection sensor or the pressure sensor by reading the error information stored in the error information storage means. As a result, the repair location can be narrowed down during repair, and the labor required for repair can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the error information is displayed by a display means. When configured in this manner, the user can recognize that a defect has occurred in the position detection sensor or the pressure sensor by displaying the error information on the display means.

  In another invention, in addition to the above-described inventions, the position detecting means detects the position of the pump member in the reciprocating motion on the extended end side of the pump member. In this case, when the drive source is driven next time and the position of the pump member is detected by the position detection means, the time until the detection becomes the first cycle. That is, accurate cycle measurement can be performed at the initial position detection stage.

  Furthermore, in another invention, in addition to the above-described invention, the drive stop means stops the drive of the drive source on the extended end side. In this case, when the drive source is driven next time and the position of the pump member is detected by the position detection means, the time until the detection becomes the first cycle. That is, accurate cycle measurement can be performed at the initial position detection stage.

  In another invention, the pump control mechanism according to each of the above-described inventions is used in a printer, the storage means is a liquid container existing in the carriage, the liquid is ink, and the liquid supply source stores ink. It is a cartridge.

  When configured in this way, in the printer, when the position detection sensor or the pressure sensor has a problem and the position detection signal or the pressure detection signal cannot be transmitted, the problem that the drive source continues to drive is prevented. Is possible. As a result, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the drive source continues to be driven and the drive source is damaged by heat generation.

  Furthermore, another invention includes a pump unit that includes a pump member that applies air pressure by reciprocation, and a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and is controlled and driven based on control information. In the pump control method for feeding the liquid stored in the liquid supply source toward the storage means, an initial drive step of reciprocating the pump member by driving the drive source, and a specific position by reciprocating the pump member A position detection step for detecting the position of the pump member in a reciprocating motion based on a position detection signal issued when the position reaches the position, and a waiting condition that is set in advance if no position detection signal is detected in the position detection step. In the determination process for determining whether or not the waiting condition is satisfied in the determination process, the driving of the drive source is stopped. It is to anda drive stop step for.

  In such a configuration, when the position in the reciprocating motion of the pump member is not detected in the position detection step, it is determined in the determination step whether a preset waiting condition is satisfied. If it is determined in the determination step that the waiting condition is satisfied, the drive of the drive source is stopped in the drive stop step. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the problem that the drive source continues to be driven when some failure occurs in the position detection process and the position cannot be detected. As a result, the drive source continues to be driven, and the drive source can be prevented from being damaged by heat generation. Further, since the drive source does not continue to drive, it is possible to prevent the noise state from continuing.

  Another invention includes a pump unit including a pump member that applies air pressure by a reciprocating motion, and a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and is controlled and driven based on control information. In the pump control method for feeding the liquid stored in the liquid supply source toward the storage means, an initial drive step of reciprocating the pump member by driving the drive source, and a specific position by reciprocating the pump member The position detection step for detecting the position of the pump member in the reciprocating motion based on the position detection signal issued when the pump member reaches the position, and whether the air pressure generated by the reciprocating motion of the pump member has exceeded a preset threshold value. In the pressure detection process for detecting whether or not the threshold value is not detected in the pressure detection process, a preset position detection is performed. A number of times determination step for determining whether or not the number of times of detection of the signal is satisfied, and a drive stop step for stopping the driving of the drive source when it is determined that the number of times limit is satisfied in the number of times determination step It is.

  When configured in this way, in the number determination step, it is determined that the position detection signal detected in the position detection step satisfies the number limit, and the air pressure detected in the pressure detection step is preset. It is determined whether or not the threshold value is exceeded. In this determination step, when it is determined that the number limit is satisfied and the air pressure does not exceed the threshold value, the drive of the drive source is stopped in the drive stop step. For this reason, in the pressure detection process, it is possible to prevent a problem that the drive source continues to be driven when any failure has occurred and pressure detection cannot be performed. As a result, the drive source continues to be driven, and the drive source can be prevented from being damaged by heat generation. Further, since the drive source does not continue to drive, it is possible to prevent the noise state from continuing.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printer to which the pump control mechanism of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the printer 10 of the present embodiment is an ink jet printer, but the ink jet printer may be an apparatus that employs any ejection method as long as the apparatus is capable of printing by ejecting ink.

  In the following description, the lower side refers to the installation surface 1 side where the printer 10 is installed, and the upper side refers to the side away from the installation surface 1. In addition, a direction in which a carriage 40 to be described later moves is a main scanning direction, a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and a direction in which the print target 12 is conveyed is a sub-scanning direction. Further, a description will be given assuming that the side to supply the printing object 12 (upstream side of paper feeding) is the back side and the side to discharge the printing object 12 (downstream side of paper feeding) is the front side.

  The printer 10 includes a chassis 11 that contacts the installation surface 1, and various units are mounted on the chassis 11. The various units include a paper transport mechanism 20 that transports the printing object 12 by a paper feed motor (PF motor 22), and a carriage mechanism 30 that reciprocates the carriage 40 in the axial direction of the paper feed roller by a carriage motor (CR motor 35). Further, there are a cartridge mounting portion 60 for mounting a cartridge 62 for storing ink, a pump unit 70 for sending air to the cartridge 62 and pressurizing it, and the like, and a control portion 90 shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 exists.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the paper transport mechanism 20 includes rollers such as a paper feed roller (not shown) and a transport roller 21 and a paper feed motor (PF motor 22) for driving these rollers. ing. Further, the driving force of the PF motor 22 is transmitted through a transmission mechanism 23 composed of a plurality of gears and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the carriage mechanism 30 includes a carriage 40. The carriage mechanism 30 is supported by the support frame 31, the carriage shaft 34 that is supported by the support frame 31, and slidably holds the carriage 40, a carriage motor (CR motor 35), and the CR motor 35. A gear pulley 36 that is attached, an endless belt 37, and a driven pulley 38 that stretches the endless belt 37 between the gear pulley 36 are provided.

  The driven pulley 38 is attached to the side plate portion 33 on the other end side, and a gear pulley 36 is attached to one end side of the shielding plate portion 32. A belt 37, part of which is fixed to the carriage 40, is stretched between the driven pulley 38 and the gear pulley 36.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the support frame 31 includes a shielding plate portion 32 and side plate portions 33 that are bent toward the front side at both ends of the shielding plate portion 32. A pair of side plate portions 33 support a carriage shaft 34 for guiding the slide of the carriage 40 along the length of the chassis 11. A CR motor 35 for driving the gear pulley 36 is provided on the back side of the shielding plate portion 32.

  The gear pulley 36 is attached to the rotation shaft of the CR motor 35 on the back side of the shielding plate portion 32. Further, a platen 42 is provided in a portion of the chassis 11 closer to the support frame 31 (shielding plate portion 32). The platen 42 is attached so that the longitudinal direction thereof is along the longitudinal direction of the chassis 11. The upper surface of the platen 42 is a paper feed surface for feeding the printing object 12. In addition, what is conveyed on the upper surface of the platen 42 is not limited to the printing object 12, and may be a separate conveyance tray for holding the printing object 12.

  Further, a carriage 40 is provided so as to face the platen 42. Inside the carriage 40, the same number of liquid containers 41 as the number of colors of the cartridges 62 described later (for 6 colors in FIG. 2) can be mounted. One end side of a liquid conduit 43 such as a flexible tube is connected to each liquid container 41 as a storage means. Each color of the cartridge 62 is supplied to each liquid container 41 via the liquid conduit 43.

  The number of liquid containers 41 is not limited to the same number as the number of colors of the cartridge 62. For example, when the inside of the liquid container 41 is partitioned without omission, the number of the liquid containers 41 can be made smaller than the number of colors of the cartridge 62.

  As shown in FIG. 2, below the carriage 40, a print head unit 44 including a print head 45 protrudes toward the platen 42 side. A large number of nozzles 45 a shown in FIG. 4 are formed on the lower end side of the print head 45. Then, the ink supplied from the liquid container 41 is ejected from the nozzle 45a toward the printing object 12 as ink droplets. An external case (not shown) is attached to the chassis 11. The outer case covers each mechanism of the printer 10 and protects each mechanism from impact, dust, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the chassis 11 is provided with a cartridge mounting portion 60. The cartridge mounting portion 60 is provided on one end side and the other end side in the main scanning direction of the chassis 11 and is provided on the front side of the chassis 11. The cartridge mounting portion 60 is provided with a housing 61 for mounting the cartridge 62. In the present embodiment, the cartridge 62 as the liquid supply source includes, for example, K (black), LM (light magenta), LC (light cyan), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow). Exists for color.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one end of an air duct 86 is connected to the housing 61. Air supplied via the air duct 86 is distributed to each cartridge 62. Thereby, the ink existing in each cartridge 62 is sent into the liquid container 41 through the liquid conduit 43 by the pressure of the air. In addition, a number of liquid conduits 43 corresponding to the number of colors of the cartridge 62 are connected to the casing 61. The liquid conduit 43 receives the air pressure described above, and conducts the ink existing in the cartridge 62 toward the liquid container 41.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the chassis 11 is provided with a pump unit 70. The pump unit 70 is provided in a portion of the chassis 11 that does not interfere with the carriage mechanism 30 (for example, the front side and one end side of the chassis 11). As shown in FIG. 3, the pump unit 70 includes a casing 71, a pump motor 72, a gear train 73, a bellows pump 74, a check valve 75 (see FIG. 4), a pressure sensor 76, and a regulator. 77 and the position detection sensor 78 are the main components.

  The casing 71 is provided in a box shape that covers the lower side and the side by the bottom wall 71a and the four outer walls 71b, and the upper side is open. The casing 71 is a member that is installed on the chassis 11 while attaching each member of the pump unit 70. In the casing 71, a support plate 80 is provided so as to be substantially parallel to the outer wall 71b1.

  The support plate 80 is provided with a pump motor 72 corresponding to a drive source, which includes a drive gear 72b on a rotating shaft 72a. The pump motor 72 is a DC motor compatible with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, and rotates the output gear 81 with electric power from a pump motor drive circuit described later. The casing 71 is provided with a gear train 73 composed of a plurality of driven gears. The gear train 73 is engaged with an output gear 81. The gear train 73 rotates the driving force generated by the pump motor 72 at a reduced speed and transmits it to the output gear 81. The output gear 81 is provided with a through hole 81a penetrating the center in the radial direction, and a guide shaft 88b described later is inserted through the through hole 81a.

  Of the gear train 73, the second gear 73b is provided with a rotation lever 82 coaxially. The rotary lever 82 is biased by the second gear 73b by a spring 83. With this urging force, the rotation lever 82 tries to rotate in synchronization with the second gear 73b. Here, when the rotary lever 82 rotates in the reverse direction, it can be engaged with the protruding piece 77 a of the regulator 77. Therefore, when the second gear 73b rotates in the reverse direction, the rotation lever 82 collides with the protruding piece 77a, and the protruding piece 77a can be pushed down.

  A bellows pump 74 as a pump member is attached between the support plate 80 and the outer wall 71b1. The bellows pump 74 is a bellows-like cylindrical member, and is formed of a flexible resin or the like. On one end side of the bellows pump 74, a small diameter portion 74a having a smaller diameter than the other portions is provided. Of the small-diameter portion 74 a, the end surface on one end side is an open opening 74 b so that air can be taken into the bellows pump 74. In the present embodiment, the other end side of the bellows pump 74 is not opened.

  Moreover, the one end side in which the opening part 74b exists among the bellows pumps 74 is received by the one end holding member 84, and this one end holding member 84 is attached to the outer wall 71b1. The one end holding member 84 includes an air outlet 85 that protrudes toward the other end side (support plate 80 side) of the bellows pump 74. The air lead-out part 85 is a part into which air is sent by the expansion and contraction operation of the bellows pump 74. Therefore, the air lead-out portion 85 includes an air intake port 85a through which air is sent from the bellows pump 74.

  The air outlet 85 is provided with an air outlet 85b, and one end of an air duct 86 is attached to the air outlet 85b. The other end of the air duct 86 is connected to the cartridge 62, and air can be sent into the cartridge 62. The air outlet 85 is provided with an engaging portion 85c that enters the bellows pump 74 from the opening 74b. When the engaging portion 85c enters and engages the bellows pump 74, even if the bellows pump 74 contracts, the air inside the bellows pump 74 is prevented from leaking.

  Further, a spring 87 is provided between the air outlet 85 and one end side of the bellows pump 74. The spring 87 is provided so as not to be detached by the spring locking claw 85d of the air outlet portion 85. The spring 87 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the engaging portion 85c, and applies an urging force toward one end side (opening side) of the bellows pump 74 toward the other end side. Therefore, when the bellows pump 74 is in the extended state, the biasing force of the spring 87 causes the one end side of the bellows pump 74 to receive a biasing force toward the other end side, and the opening 74b is separated from the engaging portion 85c. Thereby, when the bellows pump 74 is in the extended state, air can be introduced into the bellows pump 74.

  In the process in which the bellows pump 74 shifts to the contracted state, the opening 74b is engaged with the engaging portion 85c again so that the air taken into the bellows pump 74 is not leaked to the outside. Thereafter, when the bellows pump 74 is further contracted, the air inside the bellows pump 74 is pushed out of the bellows pump 74 to the air pipe 86, and the air pressure generated by the pushing out of the air is supplied to the cartridge via the air pipe 86. Acts inside 62.

  In addition, a check valve 75 (see FIG. 4) that prevents the backflow of air from the bellows pump 74 toward the cartridge 62 and can maintain the pressure is provided in the middle of the air duct 86. The check valve 75 may be provided in the middle of the air pipe 86, but may be configured to be incorporated in the one end holding member 84.

  The other end holding member 88 is provided on the other end side of the bellows pump 74. The other end holding member 88 has a second end receiving portion 88a and a guide shaft 88b, and both are integrally provided. Among these, the other end receiving portion 88 a receives the other end side of the bellows pump 74. The guide shaft 88b is inserted into the through hole 81a of the output gear 81 described above, and is provided so as to be freely inserted through the through hole 81a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a spiral groove 88c is formed in the guide shaft 88b. An engaging protrusion 81b protruding from the inner wall surface of the through hole 81a enters the spiral groove 88c. Therefore, if the engagement protrusion 81 b rotates with the rotation of the output gear 81, the guide shaft 88 b is pushed by the engagement protrusion 81 b and reciprocates along the axial direction of the bellows pump 74. In this way, the expansion / contraction operation of the bellows pump 74 can be executed. The spiral groove 88c describes a closed loop that reciprocates the other end holding member 88 when the output gear 81 is rotated in one direction.

  A pressure sensor 76 is attached to the casing 71. The pressure sensor 76 is a reflective sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and includes a lid-like member (not shown) and a thin film member such as cellophane (also not shown). When air pressure is applied to the thin film member, the thin film member expands. Due to the swelling, the thin film member comes close to the lid-like member. When approaching a certain distance or less, light emission from the light emitting element can be detected by the light receiving element, and an H signal (corresponding to a pressure detection signal) is transmitted. Thereby, the pressure is detected.

  The air that has passed through the pressure sensor 76 is sent to the regulator 77. The regulator 77 includes a protruding piece 77a. When the protruding piece 77a is pushed downward by the rotating lever 82, the regulator 77 is provided so as to release the pressure. Further, the regulator 77 automatically releases the pressure when a pressure higher than a predetermined pressure is applied.

  When the second gear 73b rotates to the forward rotation side, the rotation lever 82 tries to move upward, and the rotation lever 82 does not engage with the protruding piece 77a. However, when the gear train 73 rotates in the reverse direction, the rotation lever 82 tries to move downward, collides with the protruding piece 77a, and pushes it down. In this way, it is possible to switch the protruding piece 77a.

  A position detection sensor 78 is attached to the casing 71. The position detection sensor 78 has a rotatable detection lever 78a, and the detection lever 78a can come into contact with the other end receiving portion 88a. Further, the detection lever 78a protrudes from the main body 78b in which a switch for transmitting a High (H) / Low (L) signal is incorporated, and by switching the H / L switch, the detection lever 78a The extension position can be detected. Here, when the bellows pump 74 is in the contracted state, the detection lever 78 a is not pushed by the other end receiving portion 88 a and is positioned on one end side close to the bellows pump 74. However, when the bellows pump 74 is in the extended state, the detection lever 78a is pushed to the other end side by the movement of the other end receiving portion 88a, and the signal is switched. Thereby, the extended position of the bellows pump 74 can be detected.

  In the present embodiment, the position detection sensor 78 is configured to be switched between H and L at the position where the bellows pump 74 is extended most. In the present embodiment, the H signal (corresponding to the position detection signal) is transmitted when the bellows pump 74 is extended most and pushes the detection lever 78a.

  Next, the configuration of the control unit 90 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 90 includes a bus 90a, a CPU 91, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, a character generator (CG) 94, an I / F dedicated circuit 95, a DC unit 96, a PF motor driving circuit 97, a CR motor driving circuit 98, a head driving circuit 99, a pump. A motor drive circuit 100, a nonvolatile memory 101, and the like are provided. In addition, the control unit 90 functions as a position signal detection unit, a determination unit, a drive stop unit, a correction unit, a pressure signal detection unit, and an error information generation unit by the cooperation of these configurations.

  The CPU 91 and the DC unit 96 are provided with various sensors (not shown) and the like (a rotary encoder that detects the amount of rotation of the transport roller 21, a linear encoder that detects the amount of movement of the carriage 40, and the start and end of the print object 12. Output signals of a paper detection sensor to be detected, a PW sensor for detecting the length (width) of the print target 12 in the sub-scanning direction, a power supply SW for turning on / off the printer 10, and the like are input.

  The CPU 91 performs arithmetic processing for executing a control program for the printer 10 stored in the ROM 92, the nonvolatile memory 101, and the like, and other necessary arithmetic processing. The ROM 92 stores a control program for controlling the ink jet printer 10 and data necessary for processing. In the present embodiment, the ROM 92 also stores target information corresponding to the target rotational speed of the pump motor 72. The ROM 92 also has a waiting time until the first H signal is received from the position detection sensor 78 (cumulative driving time of the pump motor 72), and a waiting time when the pressure sensor 76 does not exceed the threshold value. In addition, waiting conditions such as a limit of the number of detection signals from the position detection sensor 78 received by the control unit 90 when the air pressure does not exceed the threshold value by the pressure sensor 76 are also stored. Therefore, the ROM 92 corresponds to a condition setting unit, a waiting time setting unit, and a number setting unit. This target information is made to correspond to the rotation speed of the pump motor 72 so that the noise generated from the pump unit 70 does not reach the audible region.

  In the present embodiment, there are three modes for driving the pump motor 72 as described later. Therefore, there are as many control programs for the printer 10 as possible corresponding to the mode. The I / F dedicated circuit 95 has a built-in parallel interface circuit, and can receive a print signal PS supplied from the computer 110 via the connector 111.

  The RAM 93 is a memory that temporarily stores a program being executed by the CPU 91 or data being calculated. The nonvolatile memory 101 is a memory for storing various data that needs to be retained even after the inkjet printer 10 is turned off. As will be described later, the duty ratio of the voltage when stopping the driving of the pump motor 72 is also stored in the nonvolatile memory 101. However, these control data, target information, and the like may be stored in a separate storage area.

  The DC unit 96 is a control circuit for performing speed control of the PF motor 22 and the CR motor 35 which are DC motors. The DC unit 96 performs speed control of the PF motor 22 and the CR motor 35 based on the control command sent from the CPU 91, the output signal of the rotary encoder, the output signal of the linear encoder, and the output signal of the paper detection sensor. The motor control signal is transmitted to the PF motor driving circuit 97 and the CR motor driving circuit 98 based on the calculation result.

  The PF motor drive circuit 97 controls the drive of the PF motor 22 based on the motor control signal from the DC unit 96. The PF motor 22 serves as a power source for conveying the printing object 12. The CR motor drive circuit 98 controls and drives the CR motor 35 based on the motor control signal from the DC unit 96. The PF motor 22 and the CR motor 35 can be held in a stopped state.

  The head drive circuit 99 controls and drives the piezo elements present in the print head 45 based on a signal for performing drive control from the CPU 91. The pump motor drive circuit 100 controls and drives the pump motor 72. The pump motor 72 is also a DC motor, and when a pulse voltage having an optimum frequency for driving is applied, drive control by PWM control can be easily performed.

  Here, PWM control refers to the width of the pulse voltage H applied to the DC motor by a PWM signal that quickly switches between the voltage H and L (hereinafter, the width of H in one cycle of the pulse voltage is referred to as the duty ratio). .) Is adjusted, the average voltage of the pulse voltage is adjusted, and the drive control of the DC motor is performed. The Duty ratio corresponds to control information. A correction amount α1 described later corresponds to correction information.

  In such PWM control, there are a method using a uniform pulse having a uniform pulse width and a method using a non-uniform pulse in which the pulse width changes. Any pulse signal may be used. Further, any pulse signal may be used by various combinations of adjusting the duty ratio of the voltage pulse and the period of the voltage pulse.

  In addition, each structure in the above-mentioned control part 90 is connected by the bus | bath 90a which is a signal line. The CPU 91, the ROM 92, the RAM 93, the CG 94, the I / F dedicated circuit 95, the nonvolatile memory 101, and the like are connected to each other by the bus 90a, and data can be exchanged between them.

  Details of control when the printer 10 is operated using the above-described configuration will be described below. In the present embodiment, the control unit 90 can drive the pump motor 72 in three modes. Here, the three modes are the "quiet mode", which is the quietest, the "medium mode", which is moderately quiet but also places importance on speed, and the "speed mode" which places importance on speed without worrying about noise. There are three types. In the following description, the quietest quiet mode for suppressing noise generated from the pump unit 70 among the three modes will be described.

(A) First case of driving the pump motor 72 First, the case of first driving the pump motor 72 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the case where the pump motor 72 is driven first corresponds to the case where the printer 10 is first turned on by turning on the power supply SW, but the pressure is increased by replacing the cartridge 62. A case where the pressure is equal to the atmospheric pressure, or a case where the printer 10 is used for a long time may be included.

  Step S10: The power supply SW of the printer 10 is turned on, and the operation of the printer 10 is started. Then, the pump motor 72 is activated, and the reciprocating motion of the bellows pump 74 is started (corresponding to the initial driving process). Here, the pump motor 72 is driven based on control data (fixed value) stored in the nonvolatile memory 101 in the first drive. This fixed value relates to the prescribed duty ratio of the pulse voltage, and is a value that does not change after that.

  By the way, when the pump motor 72 is first activated, the time until the first H signal is transmitted often does not correspond to one cycle. That is, when the other end holding member 88 pushes in the detection lever 78a of the position detection sensor 78 before the printer 10 is activated, it is possible to accurately measure one cycle from the beginning. However, when the other end holding member 88 does not push in the detection lever 78a, it is impossible to accurately measure the time of one cycle in the first cycle.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the first H signal is transmitted (corresponding to the first cycle) and the first H signal and the second H signal are transmitted (corresponding to the second cycle). ), The voltage duty ratio drives the pump motor 72 using the fixed value described above. For this reason, the duty ratio of the voltage of the pump motor 72 is changed by measuring the period using a correction amount α1, which will be described later, in the third period (the H signal is transmitted in the second time and then the H ratio in the third time. The time until the signal is transmitted). That is, the time from the H signal to the H signal can be accurately measured only after the second period, but the second period can be accurately projected in the third period.

  In addition, when the time of the 1st period can be measured correctly, you may make it project measurement time in the 2nd period. Further, each cycle of driving the pump motor 72 (time between adjacent H signals), the number of rotations in that cycle (drive speed), and the duty ratio of the voltage in that cycle correspond to drive information. Similarly, the target information is a target cycle of the pump motor 72 and the number of rotations in that cycle.

  The pump motor 72 is driven for two cycles (time until the position detection sensor 78 transmits the second H signal) based on the pulse voltage having the fixed duty ratio. In addition, at the time of start-up, an initial load is added to the pump motor 72 more than after several cycles of operation. For this reason, the duty ratio at startup is normally set high.

  Step S11: The CPU 91 determines whether or not an H signal has been received from the position detection sensor 78 (corresponding to the position detection step). That is, when the detection lever 78 a is pushed by the other end receiving portion 88 a, the position detection sensor 78 transmits a first H signal to the control portion 90. In this determination, when it is determined that the H signal has been received (in the case of Yes), the process proceeds to step S15 described later. If it is determined that the H signal is not received (in the case of No), the process proceeds to the next step S12.

  Step S12: When the CPU 91 determines that the first H signal has not been received, the CPU 91 determines whether or not a predetermined waiting time (corresponding to the first waiting time) has elapsed. In this determination, when it is determined that the waiting time has elapsed (in the case of Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S13. When it is determined that the waiting time has not elapsed (in the case of No), the process returns to step S11 described above.

  Step S13: When it is determined in step S12 that the waiting time has elapsed, it is subsequently determined whether or not the cumulative driving time of the pump motor 72 has become a certain threshold value or more (corresponding to the determination step). . In this determination, when it is determined that the cumulative drive time has passed the threshold value (corresponding to the waiting condition, the waiting time, and the second waiting time), the process proceeds to step S25 described later. If it is determined that the threshold value is not exceeded, the process proceeds to the next step S14.

  If the accumulated drive time of the pump motor 72 has reached the threshold value, the position detection sensor 78 is out of order and the H signal cannot be transmitted, or a very large load is applied. There is an abnormality such that the rotation of 72 cannot be driven. Therefore, by making the determination in step S13, the above-described abnormality is discovered, and the pump motor 72 is driven forever to prevent the amount of heat generation from increasing.

  Step S14: When the CPU 91 determines that the waiting time has elapsed (Yes in Step S12) and the cumulative drive time has not exceeded the threshold value (No in Step S13), the CPU 91 determines the correction amount. α2 is added to the duty ratio of the voltage. That is, there is a case where the first H signal is not transmitted even if waiting for a predetermined time due to some trouble (for example, when a large load is applied due to solidification of ink or the like). In this case, it is not possible to shift to the next cycle simply by waiting for transmission of the H signal. Therefore, if the H signal is not transmitted even after a certain waiting time has elapsed, the CPU 91 forcibly adds the correction amount α2 to determine the duty ratio of the voltage, and supplies the pump motor 72 with the voltage of the duty ratio. Apply.

  The correction amount α2 added in step S14 is a value that increases the duty ratio of the voltage. Therefore, for example, when the bellows pump 74 cannot start due to a shortage of torque, the problem can be solved, and power necessary for the bellows pump 74 to start moving can be supplied. Further, after step S14, the process returns to the above-described step S11 again. It should be noted that the correction amount α2 given after the time limit has elapsed may be increased stepwise within a certain limit as time elapses.

  Step S15: When the CPU 91 determines that the first H signal has been received, the CPU 91 subsequently determines whether or not the second H signal has been received (corresponding to the position detection step). In this determination, when it is determined that the H signal has been received (in the case of Yes), the process proceeds to the next step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined that the H signal is not received (in the case of No), the process returns to the step S15 again.

  Step S <b> 16: The CPU 91 calculates the period of the bellows pump 74 measured using the position detection sensor 78. Here, the period is the time from when the position detection sensor 78 transmits the H signal first to when the position detection sensor 78 transmits the H signal second. When step S24, which will be described later, has passed, the calculated cycle is the H signal newly transmitted by the position detection sensor 78 after adding the correction amount α1 and the H signal immediately before the new H signal. It will be time between.

  Step S17: The CPU 91 determines whether or not the rotational speed of the pump motor 72 corresponding to the cycle is within a predetermined range based on the calculation of the cycle obtained in the above-described step S16. That is, based on the calculated cycle, the CPU 91 calculates the rotation speed of the pump motor 72 that directly corresponds to the cycle, and whether or not the calculated rotation speed of the pump motor 72 is within a target appropriate range. Determine whether. In this determination, when it is determined that it is within the appropriate range (in the case of Yes), the process proceeds to step S20 described later, and when it is determined that it is not within the appropriate range (in the case of No), the process proceeds to next step S18. To do. The appropriate range of the rotational speed is a range between the upper limit of the rotational speed at which the generated noise is not so loud and the lower limit of the rotational speed calculated from the allowable time until the pressure reaches the threshold value. .

  Step S <b> 18: The CPU 91 calculates the correction amount α <b> 1 from the calculated rotation speed and the target information stored in the nonvolatile memory 101. That is, the correction amount α1 is calculated so that the pump motor 72 has a rotation speed within an appropriate range. That is, if the rotational speed of the pump motor 72 is controlled to be in the vicinity of the target value within the appropriate range, the noise generated from the mechanical part can be reduced below the target noise level. Therefore, in step S18, the correction amount α1 to be added to the duty ratio is determined from the relationship between the duty ratio of the current voltage and the rotational speed, and the target rotational speed.

  A table of the correction amount α1 corresponding to the rotation speed of the pump motor 72 may be stored in the ROM 92 in advance. In this case, the table of the correction amount α1 can be obtained by experiments or the like, and the table is stored in a storage part such as the ROM 92. In this case, the correction amount α1 is calculated by calling the correction amount α1 having the closest rotation number of the table to the calculated rotation number of the pump motor 72.

  Further, the correction amount α1 may be obtained sequentially by calculation without storing the correction amount α1 table in advance. In this case, the correction amount α1 is calculated based on the prediction that the initial rotational speed of the pump motor 72 changes proportionally in response to a change in the mechanical load. That is, since the characteristics of the pump motor 72 are known in advance, the mechanical load can be calculated from the initial rotational speed of the pump motor 72, and the rotational speed of the pump motor 72 is set to the target rotational speed. The correction amount α1 can also be calculated.

  As described above, when the correction amount α1 is added, when the difference between the calculated rotational speed of the pump motor 72 and the target information (target rotational speed) is large, the correction amount α1 is As the difference becomes larger and the difference becomes smaller, the correction amount α1 becomes smaller.

  Step S19: The CPU 91 adds the above-described correction amount α1 to the voltage duty ratio. That is, in the next cycle (third cycle; when step S19 has been performed once, the cycle from when the H signal was last received until when a new H signal is received), this correction amount α1 is added. The duty ratio of the measured voltage is applied to the pump motor 72. In this case, the width of the voltage per pulse varies by the amount to which the correction amount α1 is added.

  Step S20: The pump motor drive circuit 100 applies the duty ratio of the voltage to which the correction amount α1 is added to the pump motor 72 to drive the pump motor 72.

  Step S21: The CPU 91 determines whether or not an H signal notifying that the pressure value has exceeded the threshold value has been received from the pressure sensor 76 (corresponding to the pressure detection step). Similar to the position detection sensor 78 described above, this determination is made by receiving an H signal or a Low signal when the threshold value is exceeded. If it is determined that the pressure value exceeds the threshold value (Yes), the process proceeds to step S27 described later. When it is determined that the pressure value does not exceed the threshold value (in the case of No), the process proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The CPU 91 determines whether or not the H signal has been detected more than the set number of times (a predetermined number of times or more) (corresponding to the number of times determination step). In this determination, when the H signal is detected more than the set number of times (in the case of Yes), the process proceeds to step S25 described later. On the other hand, if it is detected that the set number is not exceeded (No), the process proceeds to the next step S23.

  Step S23: The CPU 91 determines whether or not the waiting time of the H signal transmitted from the pressure sensor 76 has reached a certain threshold value or more. In this determination, when it is determined that the waiting time is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S25 described later. If it is determined that the threshold value is not exceeded, the process proceeds to the next step S24.

  In step S22, when the H signal is detected a predetermined number of times or when it is determined in step S23 that the waiting time of the H signal transmitted from the pressure sensor 76 has reached the threshold value, This corresponds to the case where the pressure does not increase even though the pump motor 72 is driven for a sufficient time. For example, the pressure sensor 76 cannot transmit a detection signal such as an H signal, or the pressure sensor 76 or the air pipe 86 has a hole or the like, and there is an abnormality such as air leaking. . Therefore, the above-described abnormality can be found by performing the determinations in steps S22 and S23. And the pump motor 72 is driven forever, and it prevents that the emitted-heat amount becomes large.

  Step S24: The CPU 91 determines whether or not a new (next) H signal is received from the position detection sensor 78 after the correction amount α1 is added. In this determination, when it is determined that the H signal has been received (in the case of Yes), the process returns to step S16 described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that the H signal is not received (in the case of No), the process returns to the step S24 again.

  Step S25: If an abnormality is detected in steps S22 and S23 (in the case of Yes), the CPU 91 creates error information.

  Step S26: The error information created in step S25 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 101. After step S26, the process proceeds to step S28 described later. The error information is preferably displayed on a display (not shown) provided in the printer 10 and notified to the user.

  Step S27: The CPU 91 stores the duty ratio of the voltage to which the latest correction amount α1 is added in the nonvolatile memory 101. It is preferable that the duty ratio is called at the next start-up and the pump motor 72 is driven based on the duty ratio.

  Step S28: The CPU 91 stops the operation of the pump motor 72 (corresponding to the drive stop process). In this case, the pump motor 72 is stopped at the end where the other end holding member 88 pushes the detection lever 78a. In this way, when the driving of the pump motor 72 is started next time, the accurate period measurement can be performed from the stage where the CPU 91 first receives the H signal.

  However, due to some trouble, the bellows pump 74 may stop at an intermediate position where the position detection sensor 78 is not pushed. Corresponding to this case, it is preferable that the time of the second cycle, which is accurately measured, be projected in the third cycle when the pump motor 72 is operated thereafter.

  Note that the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the pump motor 72 may exceed a certain threshold and become higher, for example, when a child performs some mischief. In this case, if the drive of the pump motor 72 is continued while the duty ratio is high, the amount of heat generated from the pump motor 72 becomes large, the pump motor 72 is abnormally heated, and causes a failure such as disconnection. . In this case, the operation of the pump motor 72 may be stopped for a specified time after the drive is stopped in step S28.

  Through the above steps, when the pump motor 72 is first driven, the pump motor 72 continues to be driven for a predetermined time even when the rotational speed of the pump motor 72 deviates from the target rotational speed. Then, the pump motor 72 will eventually converge to the target rotational speed.

(B) When the pump motor 72 is driven after an interval Next, the case where the pump motor 72 is driven after a predetermined interval will be described with reference to FIG. As will be described later, after the interval, when the printer 10 is powered on, the printer 10 is slightly below the threshold value of the pressure sensor 76 and when the printer 10 operates regardless of whether the power is on or off. This is the case, for example, when the engine is stopped for a long time and is significantly below the threshold value of the pressure sensor 76.

  Step S30: The CPU 91 calls the duty ratio of the voltage added with the correction amount α1 stored in the nonvolatile memory 101.

  Step S31: The correction amount α3 corresponding to the second correction information is added to the called duty ratio. As described above, the correction amount α3 may be obtained in advance by experiments or the like, or may be calculated by calculation. Since the purpose is to eliminate the noise of the pump unit 70, the correction amount α3 to be added is preferably a negative value. However, if Plast does not become a noise problem, α may be set to zero.

  Step S32: The pump motor drive circuit 100 applies the duty ratio of the voltage to which the correction amount α3 is added to the pump motor 72 to drive the pump motor 72.

  Steps after step S32 are the same as steps S11 to S28 described above. Therefore, as in the case where step S13 described above exists, the position detection sensor 78 cannot transmit the H signal, or a very large load is applied, and the rotation of the pump motor 72 cannot be driven. Anomalies can be detected. Similarly to the case where steps S22 and S23 described above exist, the pressure sensor 76 cannot transmit a detection signal such as an H signal, or a hole or the like is formed in the pressure sensor 76, the air pipe 86, or the like. Abnormalities such as air leaks can also be detected. In FIG. 9, steps S11 to S28 correspond to steps S33 to S50, respectively. Therefore, the details are omitted.

  Here, when the pump motor 72 is driven for the second time or later, the interval is short, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 76 is slightly below the threshold value, and the operation of the printer 10 is performed for a long time. There are two types of cases where the vehicle is stopped and is significantly below the threshold value in the pressure sensor 76. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a plurality of types of correction amounts α3 according to the stop time of the pump motor 72. For example, when printing by the printer 10 is being executed, the correction amount α1 is set to a correction amount α3a that lowers the correction amount α1 by several percent, and when the printer 10 has a long stop time and a large pressure drop, the correction amount α1 is increased. The correction amount α3b is greatly reduced.

  That is, if the value of the correction amount α3b is decreased, a large duty ratio voltage is applied to the pump motor 72 in a state where the load due to pressure is small. When such a voltage is applied, a voltage that is substantially the same as the voltage in a state where the pump motor 72 is at an appropriate rotational speed in a state where the pressure before the interval is high is applied in a state where the pressure is low. As a result, the rotational speed of the pump motor 72 increases, greatly exceeding the appropriate rotational speed, resulting in noise. For this reason, the correction amount α3b needs to be larger than the correction amount α3a.

  Note that the pump motor 72 can be operated from a state where the power is once turned off and the pressure is almost equal to the atmospheric pressure, and can be included when the correction amount α3b is applied.

  According to the printer 10 having such a configuration, the CPU 91 stops the driving of the pump motor 72 when the position detection sensor 78 detects a detection signal and the accumulated driving time of the pump motor 72 becomes more than a certain value. I am letting. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a problem that the pump motor 72 continues to be driven when a failure occurs in the position detection sensor 78 and the detection signal cannot be transmitted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pump motor 72 from continuing to be driven and the generated heat quantity from being increased, thereby damaging the pump motor 72. Further, since the pump motor 72 does not continue to be driven, it is possible to prevent the noise accompanying the driving from being continued.

  In step S13, a waiting time is used as a waiting condition. Therefore, if a certain waiting time elapses, the operation of the pump motor 72 can be reliably stopped.

  Further, in step S12, it is determined whether or not the waiting time of the H signal from the position detection sensor 78 is equal to or greater than a certain value. Only in the case of Yes in step S12, has the H signal from the pressure sensor 76 been received in step S13? Judging whether or not. In step S13, when the cumulative drive time has not reached a certain threshold value (in the case of No), the correction amount α2 is added to the duty ratio of the voltage. Therefore, even if the first H signal is not transmitted even if waiting for a predetermined time due to some trouble (for example, when a large load is applied due to solidification of ink or the like), the correction amount α2 If the voltage is increased by adding the pressure, the pump motor 72 can move over the load. Thereby, when such a load is acting on the pump motor 72 (the bellows pump 74), it is possible to prevent the pump motor 72 (the bellows pump 74) from starting to move and to start moving. If it is possible, the detection signal from the position detection sensor 78 can be received.

  In step S13, when the cumulative drive time reaches a certain threshold value, the operation of the pump motor 72 is stopped. Therefore, when the H signal from the position detection sensor 78 is not received, it is possible to prevent a problem that the pump motor 72 continues to be driven. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the situation in which the correction amount α2 is continuously added, the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the pump motor 72 becomes too high, and the heat generation from the pump motor 72 increases. As a result, it is possible to prevent the problem that the pump motor 72 is damaged by heat generation.

  Further, when the pressure sensor 76 does not transmit the H signal and the H signal from the position detection sensor 78 is detected a predetermined number of times or more as in step S22, the driving of the pump motor 72 is stopped. Therefore, for example, even when the H signal from the pressure sensor 76 cannot be detected due to some trouble such as a hole in the bellows pump 74, the pump motor 72 is stopped when the number of detections of the H signal exceeds a predetermined number. Can do. As a result, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the pump motor 72 continues to be driven forever and the user waits for a long time. Further, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the pump motor 72 continues to be driven forever and the pump motor 72 is damaged due to heat generation. Further, since the pump motor 72 does not continue to be driven, it is possible to prevent the noise accompanying the driving from being continued.

  In addition, even when the pressure sensor 76 does not transmit the H signal and the detection signal from the position detection sensor 78 in step S22 does not reach the predetermined number of times, the accumulated driving time of the pump motor 72 becomes a certain value or more. The drive of the pump motor 72 is stopped. Therefore, similarly to step S22, the problem that the pump motor 72 continues to be driven forever and the user continues to wait for a long time can be prevented. Further, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the pump motor 72 continues to be driven forever and the pump motor 72 is damaged due to heat generation. Furthermore, since the pump motor 72 does not continue to be driven, it is possible to prevent the noise accompanying the driving from being continued.

  Furthermore, when the error information created in step S26 is displayed on a display (not shown), the user can take a measure such as taking it to a repair center or the like for repair based on the error information. It becomes.

  The error information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 101. Therefore, later, by reading the nonvolatile memory 101, it can be recognized that a failure has occurred in the pressure sensor 76 or the position detection sensor 78. As a result, the repair location can be narrowed down during repair, and the labor required for repair can be reduced.

  Further, the position detection sensor 78 detects the position of the bellows pump 74 in the reciprocating motion on the extension end side of the bellows pump 74, and transmits an H signal. Therefore, when the position detection sensor 78 once detects the position of the bellows pump 74 and again detects the position of the bellows pump 74, the start and end points of one cycle of the bellows pump 74 can be measured. And by measuring the time between these, the time of 1 cycle of the bellows pump 74 can be measured correctly.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the position detection sensor 78 stops the driving of the pump motor 72 on the extended end side of the bellows pump 74. Therefore, when the pump motor 72 is driven next, if the CPU 91 receives the first H signal from the position detection sensor 78, the time until the detection becomes the first cycle. That is, at the initial position detection stage, accurate cycle measurement can be performed, and calming can be achieved more quickly.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be variously modified in addition to this. This will be described below.

  In the above-described embodiment, the waiting time (cumulative driving time of the pump motor 72) is used as the waiting condition in step S13. However, as a waiting condition, a duty ratio of voltage may be used in addition to the waiting time. As a case where the duty ratio of the voltage is used as a waiting condition, there is a case where the correction amount α2 is added stepwise by passing through step S14 at regular intervals by feedback. In this case, whether or not the voltage duty ratio exceeds a certain threshold value is determined in step S13. If the determination is Yes, it is determined that the voltage value is abnormal and error information is generated in step S25. To do. In this way, the duty ratio of the voltage can be used as a waiting condition.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the printer 10 is in the power-on state, when the pressure of the pressure sensor 76 is slightly below, the pump motor is compared with the case where the printer 10 is turned off. The driving speed of 72 may be controlled to be lower. In this way, the printer 10 can be further quieted. In this case, even if the driving speed of the pump motor 72 is controlled to be lower, the air pressure is only slightly below the threshold value. If the bellows pump 74 is reciprocated several times, the air pressure is immediately Exceeds the threshold. Therefore, even if the speed is further reduced, there is no problem that it takes too much time until the air pressure exceeds the threshold value.

  In the above-described embodiment, the correction amount α1 is the same regardless of the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 62. However, the correction amount α1 may be changed according to the remaining amount of ink. In this case, the remaining amount of ink is stored in advance in a memory such as an EEPROM (not shown) provided in the cartridge 62. Then, the ink remaining amount stored in the memory is read. Thereby, the CPU 91 determines a correction fluctuation amount β to be added to the correction amount α1 based on the remaining ink amount. The reading of the remaining ink amount and the calculation of the correction fluctuation amount β may be performed at any stage as long as it is before step S19 in FIG.

  In the cartridge 62 described above, the ink is stored in the first bag-shaped member, and the air is also allowed to flow into the second bag-shaped member, so that the first bag-shaped member and the second bag-shaped member are used. Some have adopted a configuration in which and are adjacent to each other. When such a configuration is adopted, when the remaining amount of ink is small, the second bag-shaped member is in contact with the first bag-shaped member in a state where no pressure is applied. In comparison, air can be easily introduced. In this case, the number of rotations of the pump motor 72 tends to increase, causing a noise problem. For this reason, when the remaining amount of ink is small, the value of the correction fluctuation amount β is larger in the minus direction than when the remaining amount of ink is large.

  The correction fluctuation amount β calculated as described above is added after the correction amount α1 is calculated. As a result, a voltage having a total duty ratio of the correction amount α1 and the correction fluctuation amount β is applied to the pump motor 72, and the pump motor 72 is driven. In this way, it is possible to suppress noise generated from the load portion regardless of whether the remaining amount of ink is large or small.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, fixed values stored in the ROM 92 are used for the voltages of the first cycle and the second cycle applied to the pump motor 72. However, when the printer 10 is started, if there is a situation such as fluctuations in the rotational speed being large and unstable each time the printer 10 is started, the fixed value is changed corresponding to the next start of the printer 10. Anyway. Further, the position detection sensor 78 may be corrected immediately based on the time during which the H signal is transmitted within one cycle. That is, when the time until the first H signal is transmitted is shorter than the specified time when the CPU 91 is started, the CPU 91 immediately changes the duty ratio to decrease or until the first H signal is transmitted. If the time is longer than the specified time, the CPU 91 may change the duty ratio so as to immediately increase the duty ratio.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a DC motor is used as the pump motor 72 has been described. However, the pump motor 72 is not limited to a DC motor. If the control by the PWM method can be performed, the present invention can be applied to a drive mechanism using, for example, an AC motor or the like.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which ink is used as the liquid, the cartridge 62 is used as the liquid supply source, and the liquid container 41 is used as the storage unit. However, the liquid is not limited to ink, and may be a treatment liquid for performing various treatments such as a semiconductor, a cleaning liquid, or the like. In these cases, the liquid supply source is not the cartridge 62 but a tank for storing the processing liquid and the cleaning liquid.

  In the above-described embodiment, the driving of the pump motor 72 is stopped when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 76 exceeds a threshold value. However, instead of the pressure sensor 76, a sensor for detecting the amount of ink is provided on the liquid container 41 side, and the CPU 91 stops driving the pump motor 72 when the sensor detects that the amount of ink is sufficient. You may make it let it.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the pump control mechanism is applied to the home printer 10 has been described. However, the pump control mechanism of the present invention is not limited to being applied to the printer 10 and may be applied to a large business printer. The present invention may also be applied to devices other than printers, such as air conditioner compressors.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the drive information is each cycle, the number of rotations in each cycle, and the duty ratio of the voltage in each cycle. Further, the target information is a target cycle of the pump motor 72 and the number of rotations in that cycle. However, the drive information / target information is not limited to this, and for example, the ink flow rate may be used as the drive information / target information.

  In the above-described embodiment, the correction is described for the case where the correction amounts α1 and α3 are added (including the case where a negative value is added). However, when the correction amounts α1 and α3 are predetermined correction coefficients, the correction ratio may be multiplied by the duty ratio. Control information, correction information, post-correction control information, second correction information, and the like are not limited to adding a certain numerical value, but are information that changes control timing executed by the control program, etc. Also good.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the error detection of the position detection sensor 78 and the pressure sensor 76 is performed by the waiting time until the H signal is received. However, instead of the waiting time until the H signal is received (corresponding to the waiting condition), the continuous operation time of the pump motor 72 may be counted and the time may be compared with a specified waiting time. In this case, the continuous operation time of the pump motor 72 may be counted by a timer (not shown) included in the DC unit 96, and the counted time may be compared with a specified waiting time.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer. It is a top view which shows the mechanical structure of a pump unit. It is the schematic which shows the pump unit of an expansion | extension state, and a pressurization relationship. It is the schematic which shows the pump unit of a contracted state, and a pressurization relationship. It is a block diagram of the control part which performs various control of a printer. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of an other end holding member and an output gear. It is a flowchart which shows control of a pump motor. It is a flowchart which shows control of the pump motor after interval progress.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer, 12 ... Print object, 22 ... PF motor, 35 ... CR motor, 40 ... Carriage, 41 ... Liquid container (corresponding to storage means), 42 ... Platen, 60 ... Cartridge mounting part, 62 ... Cartridge (liquid) 70 ... pump unit, 72 ... pump motor (corresponding to drive source), 74 ... bellows pump (corresponding to pump member), 75 ... check valve, 76 ... pressure sensor, 77 ... regulator, 78 ... Position detection sensor, 86 ... air duct, 88 ... other end holding member, 90 ... control unit (corresponding to position signal detection means, determination means, drive stop means, correction means, pressure signal detection means, and error information creation means) , 92 ... ROM (corresponding to condition setting means, waiting time setting means, number of times setting means), 101 ... non-volatile memory

Claims (8)

A pump member for applying air pressure by reciprocating motion, and a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and is driven to be controlled based on control information. A pump unit for feeding liquid stored in a liquid supply source toward
A position detection sensor that transmits a position detection signal when a specific position is reached in the reciprocation of the pump member;
Position signal detection means for detecting the position detection signal from the position detection sensor;
Condition setting means for setting a waiting condition when the position signal detection means does not detect the position detection signal;
Determining means for determining whether or not the waiting condition is satisfied when the position signal detecting means does not detect the position detecting signal;
Drive stop means for stopping the drive of the drive source when the determination means determines that the set waiting condition is satisfied;
A pump control mechanism comprising: The pump control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the waiting condition is a specified waiting time. A pump member for applying air pressure by reciprocating motion, and a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and is driven to be controlled based on control information. A pump unit for feeding liquid stored in a liquid supply source toward
A position detection sensor that transmits a position detection signal when a specific position is reached in the reciprocation of the pump member;
Position signal detection means for detecting the position detection signal from the position detection sensor;
Wait time setting means for setting a first wait time when the position signal detection means does not detect the position detection signal, and a second wait time longer than the first wait time;
A determination means for determining whether the first waiting time or the second waiting time is satisfied when the position signal detection means does not detect the position detection signal;
Correction means for correcting the control information with correction information for increasing the drive speed of the drive source when the determination means determines that the first waiting time is satisfied;
Drive stop means for stopping the drive of the drive source when the determination means determines that the second waiting time is satisfied;
A pump control mechanism comprising: A pump member for applying air pressure by reciprocating motion, and a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and is driven to be controlled based on control information. A pump unit for feeding liquid stored in a liquid supply source toward
A position detection sensor that transmits a position detection signal each time a specific position is reached in the reciprocation of the pump member;
Position signal detection means for detecting the position detection signal from the position detection sensor;
A pressure sensor that transmits a pressure detection signal when the air pressure generated by the reciprocating motion of the pump member exceeds a threshold;
Pressure signal detection means for detecting the pressure detection signal from the pressure sensor;
When the pressure signal detection means does not detect the pressure detection signal, the number setting means for setting the number of times the position signal detection means detects the position detection signal; and
A determination means for determining whether or not the number of times limit is satisfied when the pressure signal detection means does not detect the pressure detection signal;
A drive stop means for stopping the drive of the drive source when the determination means determines that the number of times limit is satisfied;
A pump control mechanism comprising: While comprising a waiting time setting means for setting a waiting time when the pressure signal detection means does not detect the pressure detection signal,
The determination means determines whether or not the waiting time is satisfied when the pressure signal detection means does not detect the pressure detection signal;
The drive stopping means stops driving the drive source when it is determined that the waiting time is satisfied even when it is determined that the number of times limit is not satisfied.
The pump control mechanism according to claim 4. The error information for notifying that an error has occurred in the position detection sensor is created by an error information creation means before and after the drive stop of the drive source by the drive stop means. The pump control mechanism according to any one of 1 to 3. A pump unit including a pump member that applies air pressure by reciprocating motion, and a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and is controlled and driven based on control information. In the pump control method for feeding the liquid stored in the liquid supply source,
An initial drive step of reciprocating the pump member by driving the drive source;
A position detection step of detecting a position in the reciprocating motion of the pump member based on a position detection signal generated when the pump member has reached a specific position by the reciprocating motion;
In the position detection step, if the position detection signal is not detected, a determination step of determining whether or not a preset waiting condition is satisfied;
A drive stop step for stopping the drive of the drive source when it is determined in the determination step that the waiting condition is satisfied;
A pump control method comprising: A pump unit including a pump member that applies air pressure by reciprocating motion, and a drive source that reciprocates the pump member and is controlled and driven based on control information. In the pump control method for feeding the liquid stored in the liquid supply source,
An initial drive step of reciprocating the pump member by driving the drive source;
A position detection step of detecting a position in the reciprocating motion of the pump member based on a position detection signal generated when the pump member has reached a specific position by the reciprocating motion;
A pressure detecting step for detecting whether or not the air pressure generated by the reciprocating motion of the pump member exceeds a preset threshold value;
In the pressure detection step, when it is not detected that the threshold value has been exceeded, a number determination step of determining whether or not a preset number of times of detection of the position detection signal is satisfied;
If it is determined that the number limit is satisfied in the number determination step, a drive stop step for stopping the drive of the drive source;
A pump control method comprising:

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