JP5899758B2 - Printing apparatus and printing apparatus control method - Google Patents

Description

  The technology described in the present application relates to a printing apparatus using a replaceable ink cartridge and a control method of the printing apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that removes bubbles that have entered the ink supply system by repeating the operation of discharging ink from the ejection port of the recording head when the ink cartridge is replaced.

JP-A-2-238952

  If you exchange between a genuine cartridge manufactured by an authorized vendor and a compatible cartridge manufactured by an unauthorized vendor, the ink manufactured by the authorized vendor and the ink manufactured by the unauthorized vendor will be directly in the printer. It will mix. Ink manufactured by a non-regular supplier has an unknown chemical composition, and therefore, a chemical reaction may occur due to mixing of the ink, which may cause an unexpected situation (ink clogging, corrosion of parts, etc.). In this specification, the technique which can eliminate such inconvenience is provided.

  The printing apparatus described in the present application includes a connection unit connected to an ink supply unit of a cartridge containing ink, a head unit including an ink nozzle for ejecting ink, and an ink that connects the connection unit and the head unit. In a printing apparatus having a supply path and a communication unit that reads cartridge information stored in the cartridge, when the cartridge information read by the communication unit changes, the manufacturer of the ink contained in the cartridge Air supply means for introducing a predetermined amount of air into the ink supply path is provided on condition that the changed cartridge information indicates that it is different from a predetermined predetermined manufacturer.

  In the printing apparatus according to the present application, when the cartridge is replaced, if it is detected that the manufacturer of the ink contained in the replaced cartridge is different from a predetermined manufacturer, the ink A predetermined amount of air can be introduced into the supply path. Thereby, the ink supplied from the cartridge before replacement (ink before replacement) remaining in the ink supply path and the ink (ink after replacement) supplied from the cartridge after replacement to the ink supply path are introduced. The air is isolated from each other in the ink supply path. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where ink before replacement and ink after replacement are directly mixed.

  In the printing apparatus according to the second aspect, the amount of air introduced into the ink supply path is a sufficient amount for air to reach the entire surface in the radial direction of the ink supply path. Thereby, the ink before replacement and the ink after replacement can be completely isolated by the air introduced into the ink supply path.

  In the printing apparatus according to the third aspect, the connecting portion for introducing ink from the cartridge into the ink supply path can also be used as a portion for introducing air into the ink supply path. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need for a separate dedicated mechanism for introducing air into the ink supply path.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the amount of ink consumed by a print job is greater than the amount of remaining ink existing on the ink supply path from the bubble portion to the head portion, the print job is executed. Before the bubble portion can be removed from the ink supply path, the amount of ink larger than the remaining ink amount is discharged. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a printing defect from occurring due to the bubble portion moving to the head portion due to the use of ink. In addition, it is possible to execute a print job by effectively using the ink remaining in the ink supply path.

  In the printing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the use of the connecting portion can be switched by the control means between the use of introducing air into the ink supply path and the use of introducing ink into the ink supply path. This makes it possible to automatically introduce air into the ink supply path.

  Further, in the printing apparatus according to claim 6, depending on whether or not the cartridge is removed from the storage portion, the connection portion is used for the purpose of introducing air into the ink supply path and the purpose of introducing ink into the ink supply path. Can be switched between. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need for a separate dedicated mechanism for introducing air into the ink supply path.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an MFP. FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of cartridge replacement processing. 6 is an operation flowchart of print job execution processing. 6 is an operation flowchart of print job execution processing. It is an example of a table. It is a schematic diagram of an ink supply tube. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the modification of air injection | pouring.

<Configuration of MFP>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 51 exemplified as an embodiment according to the present application. The MFP 51 mainly includes a CPU 32, a storage unit 33, a wireless transmission / reception unit 36, a wireless antenna unit 37, a button input unit 38, a panel 39, a printer 19, and a scanner 20. These components can communicate with each other via the input / output port 43. The CPU 32 executes various processes described later. The button input unit 38 is a key for executing each function of the MFP 51. The panel 39 displays various function information of the MFP 51. The scanner 20 is a part that executes reading.

  The printer 19 is a part that executes printing. The printer 19 includes a printer control circuit 67, a cartridge mounting unit 68, a carriage 71, and an ink discharge unit 80. As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge mounting portion 68 includes insertion ports 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K. Each of the insertion openings 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K is an insertion opening corresponding to each color of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). The cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, and 64K are detachably attached to the insertion ports 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K. Each of the cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, and 64K is a cartridge that stores ink of each color of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Accordingly, the combination of the insertion port 61C and the cartridge 64C, the combination of the insertion port 61M and the cartridge 64M, the combination of the insertion port 61Y and the cartridge 64Y, and the combination of the insertion port 61K and the cartridge 64K are correct color combinations. Each of the cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, and 64K is provided with ink supply ports 66C, 66M, 66Y, and 66K for supplying the ink contained in the cartridge to the outside.

  Each of the cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, and 64K includes IC chips 63C, 63M, 63Y, and 63K. These IC chips are storage elements for storing cartridge information 110. The cartridge information 110 includes cartridge color information 111, matching information 112, and cartridge identification information 113. The cartridge color information 111 is information about the color type of the ink stored in the cartridge. The conformance information 112 is information about whether or not the cartridge conforms to the MFP 51 (that is, whether or not it is a genuine cartridge). The genuine cartridge is a cartridge manufactured by a predetermined manufacturer (regular supplier). The non-genuine cartridge is a cartridge manufactured by a manufacturer (non-regular supplier) other than a predetermined manufacturer. When the cartridge identification information 113 read from the cartridge includes the regular supplier information, the conformance information 112 for the cartridge is set to “genuine product”. On the other hand, if the cartridge identification information 113 does not include authorized vendor information, the conformance information 112 for the cartridge is set to “non-genuine product”. It should be noted that whether the cartridge identification information 113 read from the cartridge includes the legitimate contractor information is determined based on whether the cartridge identification information 113 read from the cartridge is the same as the legitimate vendor information stored in the storage unit 33. It may be determined based on whether the vendor information is included. The cartridge identification information 113 is information for identifying a cartridge. An example of the cartridge identification information 113 is a manufacturing serial number.

  The carriage 71 includes recording heads 72C, 72M, 72Y, and 72K, and ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K. A large number of ink nozzles are linearly arranged on the nozzle formation surfaces of the recording heads 72C, 72M, 72Y, 72K.

  The ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K are ink supply paths for supplying ink to each of the recording heads 72C, 72M, 72Y, and 72K mounted on the carriage 71. One ends of the ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K are connected to the carriage 71, and the other ends are provided with ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K. The ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K are formed of a material that is easily bent so as not to hinder the reciprocation of the carriage 71.

  Each of the ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K is provided with drive motors 75C, 75M, 75Y, and 75K for moving the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K forward and backward. When the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K are retracted by the drive motors 75C, 75M, 75Y, and 75K, the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K and the ink supply ports 66C, 66M, Each of 66Y and 66K is disconnected. In this case, the tip portions of the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K are in a state open to the atmosphere. Further, when the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K are advanced by the drive motors 75C, 75M, 75Y, and 75K, the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K, and the ink supply ports 66C, Each of 66M, 66Y, and 66K is connected. In this case, the insides of the cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, and 64K and the ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K are connected while maintaining airtightness.

  A recording paper (not shown) is conveyed by a paper feed mechanism (not shown) along a position facing the nozzle formation surface of the recording heads 72C, 72M, 72Y, 72K mounted on the carriage 71. Then, ink droplets are ejected from the ink nozzles of the recording heads 72C, 72M, 72Y, and 72K onto the surface of the recording paper while the carriage 71 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by a driving mechanism (not shown). Thereby, a desired image can be formed on the surface of the recording paper.

  The ink discharge unit 80 is a mechanism for sucking ink and bubbles from each ink nozzle of the recording heads 72C, 72M, 72Y, and 72K and discharging the ink and bubbles to the outside. The ink discharge unit 80 is disposed at a position facing each of the recording heads 72C, 72M, 72Y, and 72K when the carriage 71 moves to the home position.

  The structure of the insertion opening provided in the cartridge mounting portion 68 will be described by taking the insertion opening 61C as an example. The insertion slot 61C is provided with an electrode 62C corresponding to the IC chip of the cartridge. When the cartridge 64C is correctly installed in the insertion slot 61C, the pad on the IC chip 63C comes into contact with the electrode 62C and communication is possible. The insertion port 61C is provided with a mounting sensor 65C. The attachment sensor 65C is a sensor that detects attachment and removal of the cartridge from the insertion port 61C. The electrode 62C and the attachment sensor 65C are connected to the printer control circuit 67 via a cable. The configuration of each of the insertion ports 61M, 61Y, and 61K is the same as that of the insertion port 61C, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The printer control circuit 67 communicates with the IC chips 63C, 63M, 63Y, and 63K provided in each of the cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, and 64K attached to the insertion port, and acquires the cartridge information 110.

  The storage unit 33 is configured by combining RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, HDD (hard disk), and the like. The storage unit 33 stores a table TB1. FIG. 5 shows an example of the table TB1. The table TB1 includes cartridge information 110 (cartridge color information 111, compatibility information 112, cartridge identification information 113), cartridge mounting information 114, pre-replacement conformance information 115, and pre-replacement cartridge for each of the insertion ports 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K. Identification information 116, air injection history 117, accumulated ink usage 118, and ink usage 119 after injection are stored.

  The cartridge attachment information 114 is information indicating whether or not a cartridge is attached to the insertion port. The cartridge attachment information 114 is acquired in real time by the attachment sensors 65C, 65M, 65Y, and 65K. The pre-replacement conformance information 115 is conformance information about the cartridge attached to the insertion port before the cartridge replacement operation (described later) is performed. The pre-replacement cartridge identification information 116 is identification information of the cartridge attached to the insertion port before the cartridge replacement operation. The air injection history 117 is information indicating whether air is being injected into the ink supply tube. The accumulated ink use amount 118 is a cumulative addition value of the ink amount supplied from the cartridge. The ink usage amount 118 is written to the IC chips 63C, 63M, 63Y, and 63K every time printing is executed. The post-injection ink usage 119 is a cumulative addition value of the ink usage after the air is injected into the ink supply tube. The accumulated ink usage amount 118 and the post-injection ink usage amount 119 can be calculated by a technique such as dot counting.

  Further, in the table TB1, the cartridge color information 111 to the post-injection ink usage amount 119 are associated with each of the insertion ports 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K. However, in this specification, for convenience, the cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, and 64K may be described as being associated with the cartridge color information 111 to the post-injection ink usage 119 information. For example, the place to be described as “the air injection history 117 for the insertion port 61C” may be described as “the air injection history 117 for the cartridge 64C”.

  The storage unit 33 stores various types of information such as tube volume, cartridge volume, and authorized vendor information. The tube volume is a volume (for example, 4 cc) of a path from the ink supply port to the recording head in each of the ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K. The tube volume may be a volume (for example, 4 cc + α) obtained by adding a predetermined amount (α) to the volume (for example, 4 cc) of the path from the ink supply port to the recording head. The cartridge volume is the maximum volume of ink that can be accommodated in the cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, and 64K. The authorized trader information is information indicating authorized traders who manufacture genuine cartridges. Information such as the tube volume, cartridge volume, and authorized vendor information may be stored in advance by the manufacturer of the MFP 51.

<Cartridge replacement process>
The cartridge replacement process will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. The flow in FIG. 2 is a flow that continues to be executed while the MFP 51 is powered on. In S <b> 6, the CPU 32 determines whether or not an input for exchanging any of the cartridges 64 </ b> C, 64 </ b> M, 64 </ b> Y, and 64 </ b> K has been received by the button input unit 38. If no input is accepted (S6: NO), the process returns to S6, and if accepted (S6: YES), the process proceeds to S8. In the explanation example of the present embodiment, for simplification of explanation, an example of operation when the exchange operation for the cartridge 64C is performed will be described below. An operation example when the cartridge 64C is exchanged from a genuine product to a non-genuine product will be described below. Note that the processing contents of the replacement operation for the cartridges 64M, 64Y, and 64K are the same as the processing contents of the replacement operation for the cartridge 64C, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  In S8, the CPU 32 retracts the ink supply needle (ink supply needle 74C) corresponding to the cartridge to be replaced. As a result, the connection between the ink supply needle 74C and the ink supply port 66C is released. The tip of the ink supply needle 74C is open to the atmosphere.

  In S10, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the cartridge information 110 can be read from the IC chip 63C by the electrode 62C. Specifically, when the cartridge 64C is correctly installed in the insertion slot 61C, the pad on the IC chip 63C comes into contact with the electrode 62C, and the cartridge information 110 can be read out. If the cartridge information 110 cannot be read (S10: NO), the process returns to S10. When the cartridge information 110 can be read (S10: YES), it is determined that the cartridge is attached, and the process proceeds to S11. In S11, the CPU 32 stores the read cartridge information 110 in the table TB1. Specifically, the matching information 112 (the matching information of the cartridge 64C before replacement) stored in the table TB1 is copied to the field of the matching information 115 before replacement in the table TB1. Further, the cartridge identification information 113 (cartridge identification information of the cartridge 64C before replacement) stored in the table TB1 is copied to the column of cartridge identification information 116 before replacement in the table TB1. Then, using the cartridge identification information 113 included in the read cartridge information 110 and the authorized supplier information read from the storage unit 33, the matching information 112 (the matching information of the replaced cartridge 64C) is set, and the table TB1 Overwrite the information in the field of the matching information 112. Further, the cartridge identification information 113 (cartridge identification information of the replaced cartridge 64C) included in the read cartridge information 110 is overwritten and stored in the column of the cartridge identification information 113 of the table TB1. As a result, the matching information 112 and the cartridge identification information 113 before and after the replacement of the cartridge 64C are stored in the table TB1.

  In S12, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the cartridge 64C has been replaced with another new cartridge 64C. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the pre-replacement cartridge identification information 116 and the cartridge identification information 113 stored in the row of the insertion slot 61C of the table TB1 match. If the two pieces of information match, the cartridge 64C has not been replaced with another new cartridge 64C (for example, the cartridge 64C has been removed and the removed cartridge 64C has been reattached). A determination is made (S12: NO) and the process proceeds to S24. On the other hand, if the information does not match, it is determined that the cartridge 64C has been replaced with another new cartridge 64C (S12: YES), and the process proceeds to S16.

  In S16, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the cartridge 64C before replacement is a non-genuine product. Specifically, it is read out whether the pre-replacement matching information 115 stored in the row of the insertion slot 61C of the table TB1 is “genuine product” or “non-genuine product”. If it is a non-genuine product (S16: YES), the process proceeds to S20, and if it is a genuine product (S16: NO), the process proceeds to S18.

  In S <b> 18, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the ink stored in the currently installed cartridge 64 </ b> C is an ink manufactured by a regular supplier. Specifically, when the conforming information 112 of the insertion slot 61C is “non-genuine product”, the ink accommodated in the currently installed cartridge 64C is an ink manufactured by a non-regular supplier. To be judged. Further, when the accumulated ink use amount 118 of the insertion opening 61C exceeds the cartridge volume of the cartridge 64C stored in the storage unit 33, it is determined that the cartridge 64C is refilled with ink. The Therefore, it is determined that the ink stored in the currently installed cartridge 64 </ b> C is ink manufactured by a non-regular supplier. If the ink is manufactured by a regular supplier (S18: NO), the process proceeds to S24. If the ink is not manufactured by a regular contractor (S18: YES), the process proceeds to S20.

  In S20, the CPU 32 discharges a predetermined amount of ink in the ink supply tube 73C. Specifically, in a state where the tip of the ink supply needle 74C is open to the atmosphere, an amount of ink corresponding to a predetermined amount of air is discharged from the ink supply tube 73C by the ink discharge unit 80. Thereby, a predetermined amount of air can be injected from the ink supply needle 74C into the ink supply tube 73C. Here, the amount of the predetermined amount of air is preferably equal to or larger than the volume of a sphere having the diameter of the maximum inner diameter of the ink supply tube 73C. Thereby, the air introduced into the ink supply tube 73C can be spread over the entire radial surface of the ink supply tube 73C. The predetermined amount of air is smaller than the tube volume of the ink supply tube 73C. Thereby, bubbles formed in the ink supply tube 73C due to the introduction of air do not reach the recording head 72C.

  The effect of injecting air into the ink supply tube 73C will be described using the explanatory diagram of FIG. The state shown in FIG. 6 is a state in which after the air is injected into the ink supply tube 73C, the ink supply needle 74C and the ink supply port 66C are connected and a plurality of prints are executed by a print job. Therefore, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the bubble portion B1 has moved to the recording head 72C side in accordance with the amount of ink used after the air is injected. As shown in FIG. 6, the bubble portion B1 is formed by the air introduced into the ink supply path 73C so as to reach the entire surface in the radial direction of the ink supply tube 73C. The ink supply tube 73C on the recording head 72C side with respect to the bubble portion B1 is filled with the pre-replacement ink IK1. The ink supply tube 73C on the cartridge 64C side with respect to the bubble portion B1 is filled with the after-replacement ink IK2. Since the bubble portion B1 can completely separate the pre-replacement ink IK1 and the post-replacement ink IK2, it is possible to prevent the pre-replacement ink IK1 and the post-replacement ink IK2 from being mixed directly.

  In S22, the CPU 32 stores “injection” in the air injection history 117 of the table TB1. In S23, the CPU 32 calculates the remaining ink amount from the bubble portion to the recording head 72C. Specifically, the ink usage amount 119 after injection is updated by adding the ink usage amount consumed in the ink discharge process (S20) to the ink usage amount 119 after injection. Then, the remaining ink amount is calculated by subtracting the updated post-injection ink usage 119 from the tube volume stored in the storage unit 33. Further, the CPU 32 updates the ink cumulative usage amount 118 by adding the ink consumption amount consumed in the ink discharging process (S20) to the ink cumulative usage amount 118.

  In S24, the CPU 32 drives the drive motor 75C to advance the ink supply needle 74C. As a result, the ink supply needle 74C and the ink supply port 66C are connected. The inside of the cartridge 64C and the ink supply tube 73C are connected while maintaining airtightness. Then, the flow ends.

<Print job execution processing>
The print job execution process will be described with reference to the flow of FIG. The flow in FIG. 3 is a flow that continues to be executed while the MFP 51 is powered on. In S <b> 112, the CPU 32 determines whether a print job execution instruction has been received by the button input unit 38. The print job is not limited to a job for printing on one sheet of printing paper, but may be a job for printing on a plurality of printing sheets. If the execution instruction has not been accepted (S112: NO), the process returns to S112, and if accepted (S112: YES), the process proceeds to S114. In S114, the CPU 32 determines whether air is being injected into any of the ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K. Specifically, in the table TB1, it is determined whether or not the air injection history 117 for any of the insertion ports 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K is “with injection”. When the air injection history 117 of all the cartridges is “no injection” (S114: NO), the process proceeds to S146 (FIG. 4) and printing is started. On the other hand, when the air injection history 117 for any of the cartridges is “with injection” (S114: YES), the process proceeds to S116.

  In the example of the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the air injection history 117 for the cartridge 64C is “with injection”, and the air injection history 117 for the cartridges 64M, 64Y, and 64K is “without injection”. An operation example in a certain case will be described below. The processing content when the air injection history 117 for the cartridges 64M, 64Y, and 64K is “injection” is the same as the processing content when the air injection history 117 for the cartridge 64C is “injection”. Therefore, the description is omitted here. If the air injection history is “injection” in a plurality of cartridges, the processing of S116, S118, S120, S126, S128, S131, S140, S142, S144, S148, and S150 is performed for the plurality of cartridges. For each of the above.

  In S116, the CPU 32 calculates the remaining ink amount from the bubble portion to the recording head 72C. Specifically, the remaining ink amount is calculated by subtracting the post-injection ink usage 119 for the cartridge 64C from the tube volume stored in the storage unit 33. In the explanatory example of FIG. 6, the amount of the pre-replacement ink IK1 filled in the region from the bubble portion B1 to the recording head 72C in the ink supply tube 73C corresponds to the remaining ink amount. In S <b> 118, the CPU 32 calculates the ink consumption amount due to the execution of the print job for which the execution instruction is accepted. At this time, the ink consumption is calculated for the cartridge whose air injection history 117 is “injected”. When there are a plurality of cartridges for which the air injection history 117 is “injected”, the ink consumption amount is calculated for each of the plurality of cartridges. In the example of the present embodiment, the ink consumption is calculated for the cartridge 64C. The ink consumption can be calculated using, for example, a technique that has already been proposed. For example, the CPU 32 analyzes image data and the like included in the print job, specifies the number of pixels that eject ink, and the like, and calculates the predicted ink consumption.

  In S120, the CPU 32 determines whether the ink consumption calculated in S118 is larger than the remaining ink calculated in S116. When the ink consumption amount is not larger than the remaining ink amount (S120: NO), the bubble portion extends to the recording head 72C even when the bubble portion moves toward the recording head 72C according to the ink consumption amount due to printing. It is determined that this is not the case. Accordingly, the process proceeds to S146 (FIG. 4), and printing is executed. On the other hand, when the ink consumption is larger than the remaining ink amount (S120: YES), the bubble portion reaches the recording head 72C by the execution of printing, and printing failure such as empty printing occurs due to the bubble portion. If it is determined that there is a possibility of this, the process proceeds to S122.

  In S122, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the print job is a job for printing on a plurality of print sheets. If it is not a job for printing on a plurality of printing sheets (S122: NO), the process proceeds to S140 (FIG. 4), and if it is a job for printing on a plurality of printing sheets (S122: YES), S124 (FIG. 4). Go to).

  In S124, the CPU 32 divides one print job into a plurality of divided print jobs for executing printing on each of a plurality of print sheets. In S126, the CPU 32 calculates the ink consumption amount of the first divided print job. At this time, the ink consumption is calculated for the cartridge whose air injection history 117 is “injected”.

  In S128, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the ink consumption amount of the divided print job is larger than the remaining ink amount calculated in S116. When the ink consumption of the divided print job is larger than the remaining ink amount (S128: YES), it is determined that the bubble portion reaches the recording head 72C by executing the printing, and the process proceeds to S140. On the other hand, when the ink consumption amount of the divided print job is not larger than the remaining ink amount (S128: NO), it is determined that the bubble portion does not reach the recording head 72C due to the execution of the divided print job, and the process proceeds to S130. move on. In S130, the CPU 32 executes a divided print job. Thereby, printing on one printing paper is executed.

  In S131, the CPU 32 recalculates the remaining ink amount from the bubble portion to the recording head 72C. Specifically, the post-injection ink usage 119 is updated by cumulatively adding the post-injection ink usage 119 to the ink usage consumed in the divided print job (S130). Then, the remaining ink amount is recalculated by subtracting the updated post-injection ink usage 119 from the tube volume stored in the storage unit 33. Thus, in the example of FIG. 6, the amount of ink IK1 before replacement (residual ink amount) filled in the region from the bubble portion B1 to the recording head 72C in the ink supply tube 73C can be recalculated.

  In S132, the CPU 32 determines whether all divided print jobs have been executed. When all the divided print jobs have not been executed (S132: NO), the process proceeds to S134, and the CPU 32 calculates the ink consumption amount of the next divided print job. Then, the process returns to S128. On the other hand, if all the divided print jobs have been executed in S132 (S132: YES), the process proceeds to S140.

  In S140, the CPU 32 executes an ink discharge process. The ink discharge process is performed by the ink discharge unit 80. The amount of ink discharged by the ink discharging process is set to be larger than the amount of remaining ink from the bubble portion to the recording head 72C. Thereby, a bubble part can be discharged | emitted from an ink nozzle outside.

  In S <b> 142, the CPU 32 updates the ink cumulative usage amount 118 by adding the ink consumption amount consumed in the ink discharge process (S <b> 140) to the ink cumulative usage amount 118. In S144, the CPU 32 changes the air injection history 117 of the insertion port 61C stored in the table TB1 from “with injection” to “without injection”.

  In S146, the CPU 32 executes the remaining print job. If no air is injected into any of the cartridges (S114: NO), or if the amount of ink consumed by execution of the print job is not greater than the remaining ink amount (S120: NO), a print job is first executed in S146. Executed. If the ink consumption amount of the divided print job is larger than the remaining ink amount (S128: YES), the process is restarted from the divided print job in S146.

  In S148, the CPU 32 determines whether air is being injected into any of the ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K. When the air injection history 117 of all the cartridges is “no injection” (S148: NO), the flow ends. On the other hand, if the air injection history 117 for any of the cartridges is “with injection” (S148: YES), the process proceeds to S150. In S150, the CPU 32 updates the post-injection ink usage 119 by cumulatively adding the post-injection ink usage 119 to the ink usage consumed in the print job (S146). Then, the flow ends.

<Effect>
The effect of the MFP 51 according to the present application will be described. In the MFP 51 according to the present application, when the cartridge is exchanged (S12: YES), when it is detected that the manufacturer of the ink contained in the cartridge after the exchange is an unauthorized trader (S18: YES) ), A predetermined amount of air can be introduced into the ink supply tube. Accordingly, the ink supplied from the cartridge before replacement remaining in the ink supply tube (ink IK1 before replacement) and the ink supplied from the cartridge after replacement to the ink supply tube (ink IK2 after replacement) Are isolated from each other in the ink supply tube by the bubble portion B1 formed by the introduced air. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where ink before replacement and ink after replacement are directly mixed. Ink manufactured by non-authorized vendors has an unknown chemical composition, so when mixed with ink manufactured by authorized vendors, a chemical reaction occurs, causing unexpected situations (ink clogging, corrosion of parts, etc.) There is a fear, but this fear can be avoided.

  Ink is discharged into the ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K by discharging the ink with the tip portions of the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K being open to the atmosphere (S20). Each of the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K can be used as a part for introducing air into the ink supply tube. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need for a separate dedicated mechanism for introducing air into the ink supply tube. Further, the drive motors 75C, 75M, 75Y, and 75K use the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K for the purpose of introducing air into the ink supply tube (S8) and for introducing ink into the ink supply tube. It is possible to switch between applications (S24). As a result, air can be automatically introduced into the ink supply tube.

  If the amount of ink consumed in the print job is greater than the amount of remaining ink present on the path of the ink supply tube from the bubble portion to the recording head (S120: YES), the remaining amount of ink before the print job is executed A larger amount of ink than the amount of ink is discharged (S140). Thereby, a bubble part can be removed from the inside of an ink supply tube. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the bubble portion moves to the recording head due to the use of the ink, and printing defects such as idle printing occur due to the bubble portion. If the ink consumption consumed by the print job is smaller than the remaining ink amount (S120: NO), the print job can be executed using the remaining ink (S146). Accordingly, it is possible to execute the print job by effectively using the ink remaining in the ink supply tube.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. A modification will be described below.

<Modification>
The operation of connecting and disconnecting each of the cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, and 64K and each of the ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K is performed automatically using the drive motors 75C, 75M, 75Y, and 75K. It is not limited to operation. For example, when each of the cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, and 64K is correctly installed by the user in each of the insertion ports 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K, each of the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K is an ink supply port. A structure connected to 66C, 66M, 66Y, and 66K may be used. Then, each of the cartridges 64C, 64M, 64Y, 64K is removed by the user from each of the insertion ports 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K, so that each of the ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, 74K is an ink supply port. A structure that is disconnected from each of 66C, 66M, 66Y, and 66K may be used. In this case, an operation for connecting and disconnecting the cartridge and the ink supply tube can be realized by a manual operation by the user, so that the drive motors 75C, 75M, 75Y, and 75K can be eliminated.

  In order to inject air into the ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K when performing the above-described manual operation, the step of S20 (FIG. 2) may be changed to the flow shown in FIG. In this case, steps S8 and S24 are not necessary, and these steps may be omitted. In the description of the flow in FIG. 7, an operation example in the case where the replacement operation for the cartridge 64 </ b> C is performed will be described below in order to simplify the description. Note that the processing contents of the replacement operation for the cartridges 64M, 64Y, and 64K are the same as the processing contents of the replacement operation for the cartridge 64C, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  When it is determined in S18 of FIG. 2 that the ink stored in the cartridge 64C is not an ink manufactured by a regular supplier (S18: YES), the process proceeds to S210 of FIG. In S210, the CPU 32 displays on the panel 39 that the cartridge 64C is to be removed for a predetermined time (eg, 1 minute). In S212, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the cartridge 64C has been removed by the user. This determination is made by referring to the cartridge mounting information 114. If the cartridge 64C has not been removed (S212: NO), the process returns to S212, and if the cartridge 64C has been removed (S212: YES), the process proceeds to S214. In S214, the CPU 32 discharges a predetermined amount of ink in the ink supply tube 73C. Since the cartridge 64C is removed and the tip of the ink supply needle 74C is open to the atmosphere, a predetermined amount of air can be injected from the ink supply needle 74C into the ink supply tube 73C. In S216, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the cartridge 64C has been attached by the user. When the cartridge 64C is not attached (S216: NO), the process returns to S216, and when the cartridge 64C is attached (S216: YES), the process proceeds to S22 (FIG. 2). Thus, the use of the ink supply needle is switched between the use of introducing air into the ink supply tube and the use of supplying ink to the ink supply tube depending on whether or not the cartridge is removed from the insertion port by the user. Can do. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need for a separate dedicated mechanism for introducing air into the ink supply tube.

  The number of bubble portions formed in the ink supply tube is not limited to one and may be two. In this case, the air injection history 117 may be information indicating the number of air injected into the ink supply tube. Further, the ink amount between the bubble portions, which is the amount of ink between the first bubble portion and the second bubble portion, may be stored in the table TB1.

  Moreover, when creating two bubble parts, the flow of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 may be modified as described below. In the flow of FIG. 2, when one cartridge is formed and a cartridge is replaced with another new cartridge (S12: YES), the cartridge 64C before replacement is a non-genuine product (S16). : YES), the process proceeds to S20. A second bubble is formed in the ink supply tube (S20), and the air injection history 117 of the table TB1 is changed from “injection (1)” to “injection (2)” (S22). . Further, the post-injection ink usage 119 at this time is stored in the table TB1 as the ink amount between the bubble portions, which is the amount of ink between the first bubble portion and the second bubble portion. In the flow of FIG. 4, when the first bubble portion is discharged from the ink nozzle to the outside (S140), the ink amount between the bubble portions stored in the table TB1 is copied as the post-injection ink usage amount 119. (S142). In addition, the air injection history 117 is changed from “with injection (2)” to “with injection (1)” (S144). Subsequent operations are the same as those described in the present embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the situation where the ink before replacement and the ink after the first replacement are mixed directly, and the situation where the ink after the first replacement and the ink after the second replacement are mixed directly. .

  Note that it is possible to cope with the case where three or more bubble portions are formed in the ink supply tube. In this case, the amount of ink between the bubble portions may be stored in the table TB1 by the number of regions between the bubble portions. The air injection history 117 may be configured to recognize three or more bubble portions. Detailed processing contents are the same as the processing contents when two bubble portions are created, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In S <b> 20, the method of discharging ink is not limited to the method of sucking ink by the ink discharge unit 80. The method of simply ejecting ink from the recording head is also a concept included in the method of discharging ink.

  The ink supply path to which the technology of the present application can be applied is not limited to the ink supply tube. Even in a system in which a cartridge is mounted on a carriage that reciprocates in the main scanning direction (on-carriage system), there is an ink supply path that connects the cartridge and the recording head. The technique of the present application can also be applied to the ink supply path.

  The genuine cartridge may include a cartridge manufactured by a specific non-regular dealer. In this case, air may be injected into the ink supply tube when the cartridge manufactured by a specific non-regular vendor is replaced with a cartridge manufactured by another non-regular vendor (S20).

  The case where four types of ink are used, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and the technology of the present application can be applied to cases of three types or less or five or more types. Further, the printing material accommodated in the cartridge is not limited to ink, but may be other material such as toner.

  Although the IC chips 63C, 63M, 63Y, and 63K are contact ICs, non-contact ICs may be applied.

  The ink supply ports 66C, 66M, 66Y, and 66K are examples of ink supply units. The ink supply needles 74C, 74M, 74Y, and 74K are examples of connection portions. The recording heads 72C, 72M, 72Y, and 72K are examples of head portions. The ink supply tubes 73C, 73M, 73Y, and 73K are examples of ink supply paths. The electrodes 62C, 62M, 62Y, and 62K are examples of a communication unit. The CPU 32 that executes S20 is an example of air introduction means. The ink discharge unit 80 is an example of an ink discharge unit. The CPU 32 that executes S116 is an example of a first calculation unit. The CPU 32 that executes S118 is an example of a second calculation unit. The drive motors 75C, 75M, 75Y, and 75K are examples of control means. The insertion ports 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K are examples of the accommodating portion. The attachment sensors 65C, 65M, 65Y, and 65K are examples of cartridge accommodation detection means. The panel 39 is an example of a display unit. The CPU 32 that executes S210 is an example of a display unit.

  51: MFP, 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K: Insertion port, 64C, 64M, 64Y, 64K: Cartridge, 66C, 66M, 66Y, 66K: Ink supply port, 73C, 73M, 73Y, 73K: Ink supply tube, 74C 74M, 74Y, 74K: ink supply needle, 80: ink discharge unit, 110: cartridge information, 117: air injection history

Claims (7)

A connection part connected to the ink supply part of the cartridge containing the ink;
A head portion having ink nozzles for discharging ink;
An ink supply path for connecting the connection portion and the head portion;
A communication unit for reading cartridge information stored in the cartridge;
In a printing apparatus comprising
The changed cartridge information indicates that the manufacturer of the ink contained in the cartridge is different from a predetermined predetermined manufacturer on condition that the cartridge information read by the communication unit has changed. In this case, the printing apparatus includes air introducing means for introducing a predetermined amount of air into the ink supply path.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined amount of air introduced by the air introduction unit is equal to or greater than a volume of a sphere having a diameter that is a maximum inner diameter of the ink supply path. An ink discharging means for discharging the ink in the ink supply path from the ink nozzle;
When the connection portion is connected to the ink supply portion, the inside of the cartridge and the ink supply path are connected while maintaining airtightness,
The connection part is open to the atmosphere when not connected to the ink supply part,
The air introduction unit introduces an air amount corresponding to a predetermined amount of ink discharged by the ink discharge unit in a state where the connection unit is not connected to the ink supply unit. The printing apparatus according to 2. First calculating means for calculating a residual ink amount existing on an ink supply path from a bubble portion formed by air introduced into the ink supply path by the air introduction means to the head portion;
Second calculating means for calculating an ink consumption amount consumed by the received print job;
Further comprising
If the ink consumption calculated by the second calculation unit is larger than the remaining ink amount calculated by the first calculation unit, the ink discharge unit may perform the remaining before the execution of the print job. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an amount of ink larger than the amount of ink is discharged. Control means for controlling the connection section to be freely connected to the ink supply section;
An accommodating portion for accommodating the cartridge in a fixable manner;
Further comprising
The communication unit reads the cartridge information in response to the cartridge being accommodated in the accommodation unit,
In the case where the cartridge information read by the communication unit indicates that the manufacturer of the ink stored in the cartridge is different from a predetermined manufacturer, the air introduction unit An air amount corresponding to a predetermined amount of ink discharged by the ink discharge means is introduced by the control means when the connection part is not connected to the ink supply part, and then the connection part is The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the printing apparatus is connected to an ink supply unit. An accommodating portion for accommodating the cartridge in a fixable manner;
Cartridge housing detection means for detecting whether or not the cartridge is housed in the housing portion;
Display means for performing a predetermined display on the display unit;
Further comprising
The accommodating portion connects the ink supply portion and the connection portion of the cartridge when the cartridge is accommodated, and connects the ink supply portion and the connection of the cartridge when the cartridge is removed. In a disconnected state,
The communication unit reads the cartridge information in response to the cartridge being accommodated in the accommodation unit,
When the cartridge information read by the communication unit indicates that the manufacturer of the ink contained in the cartridge is different from a predetermined manufacturer, the cartridge Is displayed to remove,
The air introduction means introduces an air amount corresponding to a predetermined amount of ink discharged by the ink discharge means on condition that the cartridge accommodation detection means detects that the cartridge has been removed from the accommodation portion. The printing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: A connection part connected to the ink supply part of the cartridge containing the ink;
A head portion having ink nozzles for discharging ink;
An ink supply path for connecting the connection portion and the head portion;
A communication unit for reading cartridge information stored in the cartridge;
A method for controlling a printing apparatus comprising:
When the cartridge information read by the communication unit changes, the changed cartridge information indicates that the manufacturer of the ink stored in the cartridge is different from a predetermined manufacturer. A printing apparatus control method comprising: an air introduction step for introducing a predetermined amount of air into the ink supply path as a condition.

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