JP5262456B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To complete initial filling appropriately in a printing apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A printing apparatus equipped with a cartridge of at least one color and performing initial filling includes a storage means for storing a flag which indicates whether the initial filling has completed or not, a first decision means for deciding whether the initial filling has completed or not from the flag (S10), and a second decision means for deciding whether each cartridge contains a predetermined quantity of ink for use in the initial filling or not if a decision is made that the initial filling has not yet completed (S12). If a decision is made that the cartridge of at least one color does not contain a predetermined quantity of ink (S12:NO), start of initial filling is deterred, and information which indicates that the initial filling cannot be performed is displayed (S14). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly to a printing apparatus that performs initial filling.

  Printers that eject ink from nozzles of a print head are known. When such a printer is used for the first time after shipment, it performs an initial filling process in which a series of flow paths (for example, supply tubes) for supplying ink to the print head are filled with ink from an ink cartridge. .

  In addition, there is a printer that calculates a latest ink remaining amount by subtracting a predetermined ink amount consumed by a purging process or a flushing process from a stored ink remaining amount (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-9-156123

  By the way, when a printer that performs the initial filling process as described above is used for the first time after shipment, it is not assumed that a cartridge whose ink remaining amount is less than the ink amount necessary for the initial filling is mounted.

  Therefore, the printer as described above is configured to start the initial filling regardless of the remaining amount of ink in the mounted ink cartridge.

  However, with the configuration as described above, when a cartridge whose remaining ink amount is less than the amount of ink necessary for the initial filling is mounted, the initial filling cannot be completed properly.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the technique for completing the initial filling appropriately.

  An invention relating to an apparatus for solving the above-described problem is a printing apparatus that includes at least one color cartridge and performs initial filling, and stores flag information indicating whether or not the initial filling has been completed. Means for determining whether or not the initial filling is completed based on the flag information, and when it is determined that the initial filling is not completed, for each cartridge, And a second determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined amount of ink used for initial filling is stored, and determining that the predetermined amount of ink is not stored in the cartridge of at least one color If it is, the start of the initial filling is suppressed, and information indicating that the initial filling cannot be executed is displayed.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The printer 1 according to the present embodiment is a printer that performs printing on a printing medium such as printing paper using a plurality of colors of ink. The printer 1 is a so-called off-carriage type printer in which the ink cartridge is mounted at a place other than the carriage.

  Of course, the printer 1 may be a monochrome printer using only black ink. Further, a so-called on-carriage type printer in which an ink cartridge is mounted on a carriage may be used.

  The printer 1 is connected to the computer 2 via a network or the like. The printer 1 receives print data sent from the computer 2 and executes printing.

  The computer 2 is, for example, a general personal computer. A printer driver is constructed in the computer 2. The computer 2 uses the printer driver to generate print data that can be interpreted by the printer 1 from data such as an image or text to be printed, and transmits the print data to the printer 1.

  As shown in the figure, the printer 1 includes a print control circuit 10, a print mechanism unit 20, and an operation panel 30.

  The print control circuit 10 is a unit that performs processing for causing the printing mechanism unit 20 to execute printing according to received print data, display processing on the operation panel 30, processing for detecting user operations on the operation panel 30, and the like. . Further, the print control circuit 10 controls the printing mechanism unit 20 to perform an initial filling process.

  The print control circuit 10 includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, a communication interface 14, an interface 15 and the like.

  The ROM 13 is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs, data, and the like. The ROM 13 is, for example, a flash ROM that can rewrite data. The RAM 12 is a memory into which programs, data and the like stored in the ROM 13 are loaded. The CPU 11 is an arithmetic circuit that controls other hardware according to a program loaded in the RAM 12 and executes various processes.

  The communication interface 14 is a unit composed of a circuit for transmitting and receiving various data with the computer 2 and the like. The communication interface 14 performs, for example, processing for transferring print data received from the computer 2 or the like to the RAM 12 under the control of the CPU 11.

  The interface 15 is a unit including a circuit for transmitting and receiving various data between the CPU 11 and the printing mechanism unit 20 and between the CPU 11 and the operation panel 30.

  Under the control of the CPU 11, the interface 15, for example, print image data stored in the RAM 12, processing for transmitting a control signal to the printing mechanism unit 20, and display data stored in the RAM 12 to the operation panel 30. Processing to transmit, processing to transfer data received from the operation panel 30 to the RAM 12, and the like are performed.

  The printing mechanism unit 20 is a unit that performs printing on a printing medium under the control of the printing control circuit 10.

  The printing mechanism unit 20 includes, for example, a cartridge control circuit 22 that accesses the ink cartridge 24, a removable ink cartridge 24, a print head 27 that ejects ink, and a flow path through which ink supplied from the ink cartridge 24 to the print head 27 passes. 28, a pump (not shown) for supplying ink to the print head 27, a carriage 26 on which the print head 27 is mounted, a carriage drive mechanism (not shown) for driving the carriage 26, a paper feed mechanism (not shown), and a print medium A paper supply / discharge mechanism (not shown) for performing the paper supply / discharge processing. Further, a cover (not shown) that can be opened and closed to replace the ink cartridge 24 and the like, a cover opening and closing sensor (not shown) for detecting opening and closing of the cover, and the like are provided.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, a print head 27 is mounted on the carriage 26. In addition, the ink cartridge 24 is mounted in a mounting portion 21 different from the carriage 26. A cartridge control circuit 22 is mounted on the mounting portion 21. The ink cartridge 24 and the print head 27 are connected by a flow path 28 such as a supply tube.

  For example, the print head 27 is attached to the lower surface of the carriage 26 so as to face the print medium. The print head 27 is supplied with ink from the ink cartridge 24 via the flow path 28, ejects ink droplets onto the print medium in accordance with the movement of the carriage 26, forms dots, and displays images, characters, etc. on the print medium. Print.

  The ink cartridge 24 is provided independently for each of a plurality of ink colors. The ink storage chamber formed in the ink cartridge 24 is provided with an ink pack filled with black (K) or color ink. For example, the color ink can be cyan (C), magenta (M), or yellow (Y). Of course, the ink color is not limited to four colors, and may be six colors, for example. In addition, a plurality of color ink packs may be provided in one ink cartridge.

  The ink cartridge 24 includes a storage element 25, a cartridge detection terminal (not shown), and the like.

  The storage element 25 stores information indicating the color of ink stored in the ink cartridge 24, information indicating ink consumption, flag information indicating the state of ink low or ink end, and the like. Of course, information on the type, version, manufacturer, manufacturing time, etc. of the ink cartridge 24 may be stored. The storage element 25 can be configured by, for example, an EEPROM.

  The storage element 25 has a connection terminal. When the ink cartridge 24 is attached to the attachment portion 21, the storage element 25 is electrically connected to an electrode provided on the attachment portion 21.

  The cartridge detection terminal is a terminal for detecting whether or not a cartridge is mounted. The cartridge detection terminal is electrically connected to an electrode provided on the mounting portion 21 when the ink cartridge 24 is mounted on the mounting portion 21.

  Of course, the configuration of the ink cartridge 24 is not limited to the above.

  The cartridge control circuit 22 reads various information held by each ink cartridge 24 and writes various information under the control of the print control circuit 10. In addition, the presence or absence of the ink cartridge 24 is detected based on the potential of the cartridge detection terminal.

  The cartridge control circuit 22 is provided for each ink cartridge 24. The cartridge control circuit 22 has a connection terminal, and is electrically connected to the connection terminal of the storage element 25 and the cartridge connection terminal via the electrodes provided in the mounting portion 21 described above.

  In controlling the cartridge control circuit 22 as described above, the print control circuit 10 acquires the ink color of each ink cartridge 24, ink consumption, information indicating the presence / absence of mounting, and the like via the cartridge control circuit 22. be able to. In addition, information indicating the ink consumption can be recorded in each ink cartridge 24.

  In the present embodiment, each cartridge control circuit 22 includes a register 23 (for example, referred to as “CO register”) that stores bit information indicating whether or not the ink cartridge 24 is mounted on the mounting unit 21.

  The cartridge control circuit 22 stores bit 0 in the register 23 when the ink cartridge 24 is mounted on the mounting portion 21 in accordance with the potential of the connection terminal corresponding to the cartridge connection terminal. When the ink cartridge 24 is not attached to the attachment portion 21, the bit 1 is stored in the register 23.

  Of course, the configuration of the cartridge control circuit 22 is not limited to the above. For example, the circuit that performs processing related to the storage element 25 and the circuit that performs processing that detects whether or not a cartridge is mounted may be different circuits.

  The operation panel 30 is a unit provided in the housing of the printer 1 as an input / output interface between the user and the printer 1. The operation panel 30 includes, for example, a display such as an LCD, a transparent touch panel attached to the LCD screen, and the like. Moreover, you may have various hard switches, such as a button key.

  The operation panel 30 displays, for example, an operation menu under the control of the print control circuit 10. Further, the touch position corresponding to the XY coordinates of the displayed image is specified, the touch position is converted into coordinates, and the print control circuit 10 outputs it.

  Of course, the configuration of the printer 1 and various hardware is not limited to the above.

  Next, the functional configuration of the printer 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printer 1.

  As shown in the figure, the printer 1 includes a print control unit 100 and a print execution unit 200. The print control unit 100 is realized by the CPU 11 executing a predetermined program loaded from the ROM 13 to the RAM 12. The print execution unit 200 is realized by the printing mechanism unit 20.

  The print control unit 100 interprets print data sent from the computer 2 and performs control for causing the printer 1 to execute printing based on the print data.

  Further, the print control unit 100 executes an initial filling process when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  Specifically, the print control unit 100 flag information indicating that the initial filling is completed when the power is turned on or when a signal indicating that the cover is closed is detected from the cover opening / closing sensor. It is determined whether or not is ON. The flag information is stored in the ROM 13 so as not to disappear when the power is turned off. The initial value of the flag information is OFF. When the initial filling is completed, the print control unit 100 sets the flag information to ON.

  When the flag information is OFF, the print controller 100 determines whether or not a predetermined amount of ink used for the initial filling is stored for each color ink cartridge 24 by the following formula.

  Formula 1: (Amount of ink A that can be used in the cartridge) ≦ (Amount of ink B used for initial filling) + (Ink consumption C of the cartridge)

  The ink amount A is a predetermined value for the ink cartridge 24 of each ink color. For example, the ink amount A is a value indicating the ink amount from the maximum value to the ink end. The ink amount B is a value determined in advance for each ink color based on the standard of the printer 1. The ink amounts A and B are dot count values.

  The ink consumption C is a value acquired from the storage element 25 of the ink cartridge 24 for each ink color. Note that the value of the ink consumption C is stored in the storage element 25 as a percentage (%). Therefore, the print control unit 100 converts the value of the ink consumption C into a dot count value based on the dot count value of the ink amount A and the acquired percentage value.

  The ink consumption (initial value = 0) stored in the storage element 25 is updated at a predetermined timing (for example, when the power is turned off). That is, not only the printer 1 but also a value larger than 0 is set in the storage element 25 of the ink cartridge 24 already used in other printers.

  When the total value of the ink amount B and the ink consumption amount C is less than the ink amount A for all ink colors, the print control unit 100, that is, the predetermined amount necessary for the initial filling of the ink cartridges 24 for all ink colors. When the ink is contained, the initial filling process is started.

  The initial filling is performed when the printing control unit 100 drives the pump of the printing mechanism unit 20 to guide ink from the ink cartridge 24 to the flow path 28.

  On the other hand, when the total value of the ink amount B and the ink consumption amount C of at least one ink color is equal to or larger than the ink amount A, that is, the print control unit 100 requires at least one ink cartridge 24 for initial filling. If a fixed amount of ink is not stored, information indicating that the initial filling cannot be executed without starting the initial filling process (suppressing the initial filling process of all color inks and stopping the operation of the printer 1). Output.

  Of course, the content of Equation 1 is not limited to the above. For example, when the ink remaining amount can be acquired from the ink cartridge 24, the print control unit 100 may compare the ink remaining amount with the ink amount B.

  The print execution unit 200 performs printing on a print medium according to the print data and control signal sent from the print control unit 100.

  Next, the initial filling determination process realized by the printer 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the initial filling determination process. This flow is executed when the printer 1 is turned on or when it is detected that the cover is closed.

  When this flow is started, the print control unit 100 determines whether or not the initial filling is completed (S10).

  Specifically, the print control unit 100 determines whether or not the flag information is set to ON. And when flag information is set to ON (S10: YES), this flow is ended. On the other hand, if the flag information is set to OFF (S10: NO), the process proceeds to S11.

  In S11, the print control unit 100 acquires the ink consumption.

  Specifically, the print control unit 100 acquires the ink consumption amount from the storage element 25 of each color ink cartridge 24 via the cartridge control circuit 22. Also, the ink consumption is converted from percentage to dot count value. Then, the process proceeds to S12.

  After acquiring the ink consumption (S11), the print control unit 100 determines whether or not the initial filling can be executed (S12).

  Specifically, the print control unit 100 uses, for each ink color, a predetermined ink amount A that can be used, a predetermined ink amount B that is used for initial filling, and the acquired ink consumption amount C ( Judgment is made according to equation 1).

  If the sum of the ink amount B and the ink consumption amount C for all ink colors is less than the ink amount A (S12: YES), the print control unit 100 determines that initial filling can be performed, and performs the process. Proceed to S13.

  On the other hand, when the total value of the ink amount B and the ink consumption amount C of at least one ink color is equal to or larger than the ink amount A (S12: NO), the print control unit 100 determines that the initial filling cannot be performed, The process proceeds to S14.

  In S <b> 13, the print control unit 100 controls the print execution unit 200 to execute initial filling. And after completion of initial filling, flag information is set to ON and this flow is ended.

  In S14, the print control unit 100 performs error display.

  Specifically, the print control unit 100 causes the operation panel 30 to display information indicating that the initial filling cannot be performed. At this time, in S12, information indicating the ink color determined that the initial filling cannot be performed is also displayed. Of course, you may display on the computer 2 via the communication interface 14. FIG. Further, the print control unit 100 stops the operation of the printer 1. Then, this flow ends.

  If the power is turned ON / OFF or the cover is opened / closed during the initial filling process (S13), this flow is started again.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. According to this embodiment, initial filling can be completed appropriately.

  That is, when the initial filling is started, it is determined whether or not a predetermined amount of ink necessary for the initial filling is contained in the ink cartridge. When the ink amount necessary for the initial filling is not stored in the ink cartridge, the initial filling is not started.

  With such a configuration, the user can install the ink cartridge that can complete the initial filling with a single printer in the printer, and can appropriately complete the initial filling.

  For example, it is possible to prevent a situation where the initial filling fails when the user installs an in-use ink cartridge that is not new to the printer and activates the printer for the first time after shipment. In addition, the user can use an ink cartridge (at least containing ink that can complete the initial filling) that is bundled with the printer at the time of shipment. In addition, after the initial filling is completed, the user can install the ink cartridge that the user wants to use and use the printer, so that the convenience for the user is not lowered.

  Note that the amount of ink necessary for the initial filling in the off-carriage printer is larger than that in the on-carriage method. Therefore, there is a high probability that the problem that the initial filling cannot be completed with the ink cartridge in use selected by the user is high. Therefore, it is effective to apply the present invention.

  The present invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments. Obviously, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Accordingly, the above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate and not limit the gist and scope of the present invention.

  For example, the present invention can also be applied to a copier having a printer, a multifunction machine, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a hardware configuration of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printer 1. The flowchart which shows an initial stage filling determination process.

Explanation of symbols

1: printer, 2: computer, 10: print control circuit, 11: CPU, 12: RAM, 13: ROM, 14: communication interface, 15: interface, 20: printing mechanism, 21: mounting unit, 22: cartridge control Circuit: 23: Register, 24: Ink cartridge, 25: Storage element, 26: Carriage, 27: Print head, 28: Flow path, 30: Operation panel, 100: Print control unit, 200: Print execution unit

Claims (3)

A printing apparatus comprising at least one color cartridge and performing initial filling,
Storage means for storing flag information indicating whether or not the initial filling is completed;
First determination means for determining whether or not the initial filling is completed based on the flag information;
Second determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined amount of ink used for the initial filling is stored for each of the cartridges when it is determined that the initial filling is not completed. And
When it is determined that the predetermined amount of ink is not contained in the cartridge of at least one color, the start of the initial filling is suppressed and information indicating that the initial filling cannot be performed is displayed;
A printing apparatus characterized by the above.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1 is an off-carriage method. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The second determination means includes
For each cartridge, a determination is made by comparing the predetermined ink amount that can be used with the total amount of the ink consumption recorded on the cartridge and the predetermined ink amount used for the initial filling. ,
A printing apparatus characterized by the above.

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