JP5663851B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, and a FAX.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 proposes a technique that can continue printing even after the ink end. For example, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the ink amount in the ink cartridge is detected by soft ink end detection. In this ink end detection, the ink end is detected with some ink remaining in the ink cartridge in order to protect the recording head. The image forming apparatus allows the user to select whether or not to perform image formation using the remaining ink even if the ink end is detected.

However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge when the ink end is detected is small or zero. If the image forming apparatus forms an image in this state, there is a problem that the recording head may be damaged.
Further, when the ink remaining in the ink cartridge becomes zero, an ink end is detected, and if the user does not own a replacement ink cartridge, there is a problem that image formation cannot be performed at all. .
Accordingly, an image forming apparatus is provided that can continue without damaging the recording head even if an ink end is detected, and can prompt the user to replace the image formation of the ink cartridge at an early stage.

In order to achieve the above object, in an image forming apparatus that has a main tank that stores ink and a sub tank to which the ink is supplied, and that processes a plurality of jobs for forming an image on a recording medium, the ink is contained in the main tank. A first detecting means for detecting an ink end indicating that no ink remains, a display means for displaying that the ink end is detected by the first detecting means, and an operating means. When the operation is performed, the first detection unit detects the ink end by using the ink in the sub-tank, and a driving unit that performs emergency image formation that is an image formation performed when the user has urgency. when, for each of the job to continue the display indicating that the ink end, the Yu whether to carry out the emergency image formed by operation to the operating means To provide an image forming apparatus to select at The.

  With the image forming apparatus of the present invention, even if an ink end is detected, the recording head can be continued without being damaged, and the user can be urged to replace the image formation of the ink cartridge at an early stage. .

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is the figure which showed the function structural example of the present Example instruction | indication part. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating main processing of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st detection means of a present Example. It is the figure which showed an example of the display means etc. of a present Example. It is the figure which showed the function structural example of the instruction | indication part of the other Example. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating main processing of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating main processing of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment. It is the figure which showed the function structural example of the instruction | indication part of the other Example. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating main processing of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating main processing of an image forming apparatus according to another embodiment. It is the figure which showed the function structural example of the instruction | indication part of the other Example. It is the figure which showed the user interface of a present Example. It is the figure which showed the user interface of the other Example.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the process which performs the same part and the process which has the same function, and duplication description is abbreviate | omitted.

The image forming apparatus of this embodiment is, for example, an ink jet printer. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a printer, a facsimile, a copying apparatus, a plotter, and a complex machine of these.
The image forming apparatus of this embodiment forms an image on a recording medium. Examples of the recording medium include paper, thread, fiber, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, and the like.
In addition, image formation not only gives an image having a meaning such as characters or figures to a recording medium, but also gives an image having no meaning such as a pattern to the recording medium, or simply records ink. It also means landing on the medium.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the functional configuration of the main part of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the guide rod 31 is horizontally mounted on the left and right side plates 21A, 21B. The frame 21 includes left and right side plates 21A and 21B and a rear plate 21C. The carriage 33 is slidably held in the main scanning direction (arrow A direction in FIG. 1) by the guide rod 31. The carriage 33 is moved and scanned in the main scanning direction via a timing belt by a main scanning motor (not shown).
A recording head 34 is mounted on the carriage 33. The recording head 34 includes yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), black (Bk), and four types of ink ejection heads that eject ink droplets of each color. The recording head 34 is mounted with a plurality of ink ejection openings arranged in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction and the ink droplet ejection direction facing downward.
In the following description, black ink is k ink, yellow ink is y ink, magenta ink is m ink, cyan ink is c ink, and color inks are collectively referred to as ymc ink.

The recording head 34 is integrally provided with a sub tank 35 and is mounted on the carriage 33. Each color sub-tank 35 supplies ink of each color to the recording head 34. In addition, each color sub-tank 35 is supplied with ink of each color from the main tank 10 of each color via an ink supply tube 36 for each color. The ink supply tube 36 serves as an ink supply path. The main tank 10 is, for example, an ink cartridge and can be attached and detached by a user. The main tank 10 for each color is mounted on the cartridge loading unit 4.
The main tank 10 stores an ink bag (not shown) that can be deformed by an external pressure applied to the main tank 10. Ink is stored in the ink bag. The ink bag is connected to the ink supply tube 36 when the main tank 10 is attached to the cartridge loading unit 4. The main tank 10 is disposed at a position having a predetermined water head difference with respect to the recording head 34, and generates a negative pressure due to the water head difference with respect to the nozzles of the recording head 34.
In this example, the k main tank 10k, the c main tank 10c, the m main tank 10m, and the y main tank 10y contain k ink, y ink, m ink, and c ink, respectively. The k main tank 10k, the c main tank 10c, the m main tank 10m, and the y main tank 10y supply the respective inks to the k sub tank 35k, the c sub tank 35c, the m sub tank 35m, and the y sub tank 35y. Hereinafter, the k main tank 10k, the c main tank 10c, the m main tank 10m, and the y main tank 10y are collectively referred to as the main tank 10, and the k sub tank 35k, the c sub tank 35c, the m sub tank 35m, and the y sub tank 35y are collectively illustrated. This is called the sub tank 35.
Further, at least one of the k main tank 10k, the c main tank 10c, the m main tank 10m, and the y main tank 10y may be provided (for example, the k main tank 10k). The sub tank only needs to correspond to the main tank (for example, the k sub tank 35k). The cartridge loading unit 4 is provided with a supply pump unit 24 for supplying ink in the main tank 10. The ink in the main tank 10 is supplied to the corresponding sub tank 35 by the suction or pressurization of the supply pump unit 24. Further, an intermediate portion of the ink supply tube 36 is held by the rear plate 21 </ b> C by the locking member 25. The supply of ink may be performed every predetermined time or may be performed when the amount of ink in the sub tank 35 becomes small.

  The conveyor belt 51 is an endless belt. The conveyor belt 51 is stretched between the conveyor roller 52 and the tension roller 53 and is circulated in the belt conveyance direction (the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1), which is a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. The conveyance belt 51 electrostatically attracts the recording medium 42 and conveys the recording medium 42 to a position facing the recording head 34. In the following, the recording heads that eject k ink, y ink, m ink, and c ink are respectively referred to as k recording head 34k, y recording head 34y, m recording head 34m, and c recording head 34c, and all the recording heads are used. Collectively, the recording head 34 is used. A control unit 60 that controls the recording head 34 and the like is disposed at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 2 illustrates a functional configuration example of the control unit 60 of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. The control unit 60 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) 140 that controls the image forming apparatus, a transmission / reception unit 141 for transmitting / receiving data to / from the external terminal 1000 side, and a printer controller side. An image memory 142 that stores and saves image data sent thereto, a ROM 143 that stores necessary fixed information such as a control program, an address decoder 144 that outputs a select signal corresponding to an address input from the CPU 141, and an image memory Printer controller 145 for sending image data to 142, RAM 146 used as a working memory, driving means 147 for driving recording heads 34y, 34m, 34c, 34k, and various control signals are sent to driving means 147. And an instruction unit 100.

  FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a functional configuration example of the instruction unit 100. FIG. 4 shows a main processing flow of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. The recording head 34 discharges each ink by driving the driving means 147, and an image is formed on the recording medium (step S2). When the ink in the main tank 10 reaches the ink end during the image formation, the first detection unit 102 detects that the ink in the main tank 10 has reached the ink end (step S4).

Here, the fact that the ink in the main tank 10 becomes the ink end means that there is no ink remaining in the main tank 10 that can form an image. The fact that the ink in the sub tank 35 becomes the ink end means that there is no ink remaining in the sub tank 35 that can form an image.
An example of an ink end detection method by the first detection unit 102 will be described. FIG. 5 shows a functional configuration example of the first detection unit 102. The first detection means 102 detects that the ink in the main tank 10 has become a predetermined amount or less. In the example of FIG. 5, the first detection unit 102 includes an electrode plate 1021, a remaining amount detection plate 1022, electrode pins 1023, and a support portion 1024. The electrode plate 1021 is provided on the support portion 1024. The electrode pin 1023 is provided at the bottom of the main tank 10. Then, the voltage generated when the electrode pin 1023 contacts the remaining amount detection plate 1022 is output. The first detection unit 102 can detect the ink end in the main tank 10 by comparing the output voltage value with a preset threshold value.
As another method, soft ink end detection or the like may be used. In the soft ink end detection, the ink consumption is calculated in consideration of variations in the initial ink storage amount in the main tank 10, variations in the ejected ink amount, variations in the suction ink amount when the recording head 34 is cleaned, and the like. The ink end detection process of the first detection unit 102 is not limited to this method.

  When the first detection unit 102 detects the ink end, the display unit 104 displays to the user that “all the ink in the main tank 10 is the ink end”. FIG. 6 shows an example of a user interface such as the display unit 104. 6 includes an operation key group 1080 including predetermined operation keys in addition to the display unit 104. In the example of FIG. 6, a message “Ink Change” is displayed as an indication that “all the ink in the main tank 10 is in the ink end”.

  When this message is displayed, in principle, the user needs to replace the main tank 10 (ink cartridge) at the ink end. However, when the user does not have time to replace the main tank 10 or does not own the main tank 10 to be replaced, and the user desires to continue image formation, the following method is used. Thus, the image forming process is continued. Hereinafter, this image formation is referred to as emergency image formation. In other words, the emergency image formation means that when the ink in the main tank 10 becomes the ink end, the display means 104 displays that the ink end is reached, and the operation means 108 is operated by the user, and the driving means 147. Means the image formation using the ink in the sub tank 10. As described above, emergency image formation is image formation performed when there is urgency for the user. Further, continuation of image formation means that image formation in one job is continued and that one job ends and image formation of the next job is performed.

  When the user performs emergency image formation, the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 108. The operation means 108 is, for example, a push button, and the predetermined operation is to press the push button. Further, when there is no space for providing the push button or when it is necessary to reduce the cost of providing the push button, for example, the force discharge button 1082 may be integrated. The forced paper discharge button 1082 is forcibly discharged when the paper (recording medium) is jammed by pressing the forced paper discharge button 1082.

  If the predetermined operation is not performed on the operation unit 108 (No in step S8), the process returns to step S6 and the ink end display is continued. When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 108, the reception unit 110 transmits a control signal for causing the second detection unit 106 to determine whether or not ink remains in each sub tank 35. When the second detection means 106 receives this control signal, the second detection means 106 detects whether or not ink remains in each sub tank 35. The detection method of whether or not the ink in each sub tank 35 remains by the second detection unit 106 may be the same as the detection method by the first detection unit 102 described above, or may be another method.

  Here, when the ink in the main tank 10 reaches the ink end, the ink remains in each sub tank 35. Therefore, the second detection means 106 detects that ink remains in the sub tank 35. After the detection, the second detection unit 106 generates an image formation control signal and transmits it to the drive unit 147. When the drive unit 147 receives the image formation control signal from the second detection unit 106, the drive unit 147 drives the storage head 34 to continue image formation with the ink in each sub tank 35 (step S10). Then, the CPU 140 determines whether or not the current job is completed (step S11). If the job is completed, the process ends (Yes in step S11), and if the job is not completed (No in step S11). Returning to step S10, the emergency image formation is continued. That is, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the first detection unit 102 detects the ink end of the ink in the main tank 10, the user can replace the main tank 10 (ink cartridge) or urgently. Select whether to perform image formation.

  Further, the second detection means 106 may not be provided. In this case, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 108, the reception unit 110 may generate an image formation control signal and transmit it to the drive unit 147. When the driving unit 147 receives the image formation control signal, the driving unit 147 may perform emergency image formation. In this way, it is only necessary to detect whether or not the ink end of the ink in the main tank 10 is detected by the first detection means 102 without detecting the ink end of the ink in the sub tank 35. That is, the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment can prompt the user to select emergency image formation or main tank replacement only by detecting the ink end of the ink in the main tank 10. Even if the user is prompted to perform the selection and replaces / discards the main tank 10, no ink remains in the main tank 10, so that the remaining ink is not discarded.

  Further, as in step S11, it is preferable to determine whether or not to perform emergency image formation every time one job is completed.

  In the prior art, the ink end is detected by the soft ink end detection. When the ink end is detected by the soft ink end detection, the amount of ink in the ink cartridge is small or zero. Therefore, if printing is continued in this state, the recording head may be damaged.

  However, in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, when the ink in the main tank 10 reaches the ink end, the ink end display is performed on the display unit 104. When the ink end is displayed, a certain amount of ink remains in the sub tank 35. The ink end display allows the user to select replacement of the main tank or emergency image formation. If the user does not own the main tank 10 to be exchanged and if image formation is desired, emergency image formation is performed by performing a predetermined operation on the operation means 108. Choose that. That is, the driving unit 147 can drive the recording head 34 to form an image with a certain amount of ink remaining in the sub tank 35. Therefore, there is no possibility of damaging the recording head. Further, by performing the ink end display while the ink remains in the sub tank 35, it is possible to prompt the user to replace the main tank 10 at an early stage. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a situation in which no ink remains and no image can be formed.

  Hereinafter, a case where the recording medium is paper and the image forming operation is a printing operation will be described, and emergency image formation is referred to as emergency printing. The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is capable of printing on a larger number of sheets in emergency printing. FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a functional configuration example of the instruction unit 200 in the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows a main processing flow of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 differs from the instruction unit 100 of FIG. 3 in that it has a density changing unit 202. 8 differs from FIG. 4 in that step S12 is interposed between step S8 and step S10.

  When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 108 (step S8), the density changing unit 202 reduces the ink density of the ink to be ejected when emergency printing is performed by the driving unit 147 (step S12). The density changing unit 202 may determine the ink density decreasing rate based on the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank 35 by the second detecting unit 106. Further, the density changing unit 202 may uniformly reduce the ink density regardless of the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank 35.

  There are various methods for reducing the ink density of the density changing unit 202, but an example will be described. In this example, the ink droplet size is reduced. For example, the density changing unit 202 may reduce the size of ink droplets by controlling the amount of driving energy applied to the driving unit 147 (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-277487). The ink density reduction method is not limited to this method.

  In the case of an image forming apparatus equipped with the instruction unit 200 of the second embodiment, it is possible to print on a larger number of sheets by reducing the density of ink droplets during emergency printing.

  The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment appropriately performs printing even when black ink in the k sub tank 35 does not remain in emergency printing. A functional configuration example of the instruction unit 300 in the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment is as shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 9 shows a main processing flow of the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment.

  FIG. 9 differs from FIG. 4 in that step S14 and step S16 are interposed between step S8 and step S10. When a predetermined operation is performed on the operation means (Yes in step S8), the fourth detection means 106 detects whether or not the k ink in the k sub tank 35k is an ink end (step S14).

  If the fourth detection unit 106 detects that the k ink is at the ink end, it cannot perform emergency printing that expresses black. Therefore, the drive unit 147 uses ink mixed with c ink in the c sub-tank 35c, m ink in the m sub-tank 35m, and y ink in the y sub-tank 35y as black ink (substitute for black ink). That is, in the emergency printing, the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment expresses black by mixing the c ink, the m ink, and the y ink when the k ink is at the ink end in the k sub tank 35k.

  In the case of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, even in the case of emergency printing, even when k ink in the k sub-tank 35k reaches the ink end, printing is performed on paper regardless of the color data and monochrome data. be able to.

  The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment determines whether or not printing is being performed on a sheet, and if the printing is not being performed, allows the user to select whether or not to perform emergency printing.

  FIG. 10 shows a functional configuration example of the instruction unit 400, and FIG. 11 shows a main processing flow of the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment. The instruction unit 400 illustrated in FIG. 10 is different from the instruction unit 100 in that it includes a determination unit 402. In the fourth embodiment, a case where a plurality of jobs are input will be described.

  When the first detection unit 102 detects that the ink in the main tank 10 has run out of ink (step S4), the determination unit 402 determines that the portion where the image is formed (printed) is on the recording medium (paper). It is determined whether or not halfway (step S20). When the determination unit 402 ends the printing process when the printing part is in the middle of the paper (No in step S20), a part of the area remains unprinted (that is, a part remains blank). ) Will be discharged. Accordingly, in this case, the printing process (image forming process) is automatically continued with the ink in the sub tank without the user selecting whether to perform emergency printing or to replace the main tank 10 ( Step S22). Then, the CPU 140 determines whether or not the current job has been completed (step S24). If the current job has not ended (Yes in step S24), the process returns to step S20.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the determination unit 402 is not printing in the middle of the sheet, that is, if printing on one sheet (part of the recording medium) is completed, step S6 is performed. -The process of step S11 is performed.

  If Yes in step S11 or Yes in step S24 (that is, if the current job is completed), the CPU 140 determines whether all jobs have been completed. If all the jobs have not been completed (No in step S26), the process returns to step S20. If the CPU 140 determines that all jobs have been completed (Yes in step S26), the process ends.

  In this way, by providing the judging means 402 for judging whether or not the image forming portion is in the middle of the recording medium, only a part of the region is printed on one sheet of paper, and the other part of the region is printed. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the paper is discharged without being printed.

  Further, when a plurality of jobs are targeted as in step S26, for example, urgent printing is preferable for jobs that require urgency, but urgent printing is required for jobs that do not require urgency. Absent. Therefore, it is preferable to determine whether or not to perform emergency printing for each job as in step S26.

  The image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment performs emergency printing with the remaining types of ink when some types of ink in the sub tank 35 become ink ends during emergency printing. Assume that the main tank 10 and the sub tank 35 of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment each store a plurality of types of ink. Here, a plurality of types means a plurality of types of colors.

  A functional configuration example of the instruction unit 500 in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows a processing flow showing a main processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The instruction unit 500 includes third detection means 502. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, if the second detection unit 106 is included, the second detection unit 106 may be caused to execute the function of the third detection unit 502. Further, the second detection means 106 and the third detection means 502 may be provided separately.

In step S10, when the drive unit 147 performs emergency printing, the third detection unit 502 detects whether or not some types of ink in the sub tank 35 are ink-end at any time. To do. The process of the 3rd detection means 502 is demonstrated in detail.
In the case where N (N is a natural number, in this example, N = 4) types of ink are stored in the sub tank 35, the third detection unit 502 has at least one type of ink in the sub tank 35 as an ink end. Is detected (step S30). When the third detection unit 502 detects that at least one type of ink is not in the ink end, that is, all types of ink remain in the sub tank 35, the process returns to step S10 to continue emergency printing ( No in step S30).

  If the third detection unit 502 detects that at least one kind of ink in the sub tank 35 is an ink end, the process proceeds to the next step S32. In step S32, the third detection unit 502 detects whether all types of ink are ink ends. If all types of ink are not ink ends, that is, if some types of ink are ink ends (No in step S32), the process returns to step S10.

  Here, in step S10, the driving unit 147 performs emergency printing (image formation) with the remaining types of ink (all of the types other than the partial types of ink). In other words, the driving unit 147 performs emergency printing (image formation) using the remaining type of ink as ink that is an ink end. For example, when k ink, c ink, and m ink are ink ends, and only y ink that is the remaining type of ink remains, y ink is used as k ink, c ink, and m ink. That is, in this case, printing is performed in yellow regardless of color data and gray data.

  In step S32, when all the ink in the sub tank 35 is in the ink end (Yes in step S32), the third detecting unit 502 determines that the drive unit 147 is urgent because there is no remaining ink that can be printed. Cannot print. In this case, a message for prompting replacement of the main tank 10 is displayed on the display means 104. As shown in FIG. 13, when the ink in the main tank 10 and the sub tank 35 is an ink end, it is called a complete ink end.

  When the user visually recognizes this message, the main tank 10 needs to be replaced. If all types of main tanks 10 can be replaced, printing using all types of ink can be performed. Even if only the main tank for one type of ink can be replaced, printing may be performed with this one type of ink.

  If the user exchanges ink (Yes in step S36), printing (image formation) is resumed (step S38). If the user does not replace the ink (No in step S36), the display of the complete ink end by the display unit 104 is continued.

  In this way, through steps S30 and S32, the third detection unit 502 detects whether or not some types of ink in the sub-tank are ink ends. Then, when it is detected that some types of ink are at the ink end, the driving unit 147 uses the remaining types of ink as ink at the ink end. Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment can perform emergency image formation until all the ink in the sub tank 35 is used up.

FIG. 13 illustrates a functional configuration example of the instruction unit 600 in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. In the example of FIG. 13, the receiving unit 110 of the instruction unit 600 is connected to the external terminal 1000 via the transmission / reception unit 141 (described in FIG. 2). The external terminal 1000 is a personal computer (PC), for example.
FIG. 14 shows an example of a user interface displayed on the external terminal 1000 connected to the image forming apparatuses according to the first to fifth embodiments. In FIG. 14, a predetermined check box or the like is displayed. In the image forming apparatuses according to the first to fifth embodiments, when the user operates the operation unit 108 when the ink in the main tank 10 reaches the ink end, emergency printing is performed.
FIG. 15 shows an example of a user interface displayed on the external terminal 1000 connected to the image forming apparatus of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 15 differs from FIG. 14 in that a check box 1020 “Enable emergency printing” is displayed. When the user performs a predetermined operation (in the example of FIG. 15, the check box 1020 is checked), a possible signal is generated by the external terminal 1000 and transmitted via the transmission / reception unit 141. The enable signal is a signal that enables emergency image formation by the driving unit 147. When the receiving unit 110 receives a possible signal, the image forming apparatus described in the first to fifth embodiments and capable of emergency printing can be used.
In other words, emergency printing is enabled. In other words, when the receiving unit 110 receives a ready signal and the ink in the main tank 10 has reached the ink end, the operation unit 108 is operated to perform emergency printing. That is.
In addition, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 108 provided in the image forming apparatus, an enable signal may be generated. In this case, the receiving unit 110 receives the enable signal to enable emergency printing.
In the case of the image forming apparatus according to the sixth exemplary embodiment, the user can select an image forming apparatus that can perform emergency printing or an image forming apparatus that does not perform emergency printing. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with improved operability for the user.

4 ... cartridge loading section 10 ... main tank 21 ... frame 25 ... locking member 33 ... carriage 34 ... recording head 35 ... sub tank 51 ... transport belt 52 ...・ Conveying roller 53 ... Tension roller

JP 2007-90901 A

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus that has a main tank that stores ink and a sub tank to which the ink is supplied from the main tank, and that processes a plurality of jobs for forming an image on a recording medium,
First detection means for detecting an ink end indicating that the ink does not remain in the main tank;
Display means for displaying that the ink end is detected when the ink end is detected by the first detection means;
Drive means for performing emergency image formation, which is image formation performed when the user has urgency with the ink in the sub-tank by operating the operation means,
When the first detection unit detects the ink end, the display indicating the ink end is continued for each job, and whether or not the emergency image formation is performed by the operation on the operation unit is determined. An image forming apparatus to be selected by a user.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising density changing means for reducing ink density when the emergency image is formed. Furthermore, it has a 2nd detection means to detect the ink end of the black ink in the said sub tank,
The said drive means forms the said emergency image using the ink which mixed the color ink in the said subtank as a black ink, when the ink end by the said 2nd detection means is detected. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 2. A judging means for judging whether or not an image forming portion is in the middle of the recording medium when the first detecting means detects an ink end;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit forms an emergency image when the operation unit performs the operation after determining that the driving unit is not in the middle. Further, when the driving means is performing the emergency image formation, the first detecting unit detects whether or not some of the inks in the sub-tank containing a plurality of types of inks are ink ends. 3 detection means,
5. The drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the third detection unit detects that some kind of ink is an ink end, the emergency image is formed with the remaining type of ink. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving unit configured to receive from an external terminal a signal that enables setting of the emergency image formation by operating the operation unit.

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