JP6760189B2 - Inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet recording device.

The multifunction printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a print head, a scanner, and control means. The printhead forms an image with ink on a recording medium. The printhead has a plurality of nozzles. Each of the plurality of nozzles ejects ink toward the recording medium. The scanner reads the image formed on the recording medium.

The control means detects a specific image for detecting a non-ejection nozzle that does not eject ink normally from the images formed on the recording medium. The control means controls the print head so as to form an image on the recording medium, and controls the scanner so as to read a specific image from the images formed on the recording medium. The control means detects the non-ejection nozzle based on the specific image detected from the images formed on the recording medium and the specific image read by the scanner. In the multifunction printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when a non-ejection nozzle is detected, for example, an ink suction process is executed so as to eliminate the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-238419

However, in the multifunction printing device (invertical recording device) described in Patent Document 1, after the process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle, the work of confirming whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is eliminated is performed. Not executed. In other words, in the multifunction printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the operator to input an operation signal for confirming whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle has been eliminated. Therefore, the amount of work of the operator for eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle may increase.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an inkjet recording device capable of reducing the amount of work of a worker who eliminates non-ejection of a non-ejection nozzle.

The inkjet recording device of the present invention includes an image forming unit and a control unit. The image forming unit forms an image on paper based on the image data. The reading unit reads the image from the paper. The control unit controls the image forming unit and the reading unit. The image forming unit has a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink toward a drip position set on the paper. Whether or not the plurality of nozzles include non-ejection nozzles that do not eject ink toward the drip position based on the image indicated by the image data and the image read by the reading unit. To judge. When the plurality of nozzles include the non-ejection nozzle, the control unit executes a elimination process so as to eliminate the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle. Following the elimination process, the control unit further determines whether or not the plurality of nozzles include the non-ejection nozzle.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of work of the operator who eliminates the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the bottom surface of the image forming part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the maintenance process by the control part which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and the description is not repeated. In addition, the drawings schematically show each component as a main body for easy understanding.

The image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a multifunction device. The image forming apparatus 1 may be a printing machine, a copying machine, or a facsimile machine. The multifunction device has at least two functions, for example, a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function.

The image forming apparatus 1 can form an image on the front surface and the back surface of the paper S. Paper S has a front surface and a back surface. The front surface faces the back surface. The paper S is, for example, plain paper, copy paper, recycled paper, thin paper, thick paper, glossy paper, or OHP (Overhead Projector) paper.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a housing 2, a paper feeding unit 3, an image forming unit 4, a cap unit 5a, a wiper unit 5b, an operation panel 6, a transport unit 7, a discharge tray 8, and a control unit. 9 and. The housing 2 is formed in a box shape. The housing 2 internally accommodates the paper feeding unit 3, the image forming unit 4, the cap unit 5a, the wiper unit 5b, the transport unit 7, and the control unit 9.

The operation panel 6 is arranged, for example, on the upper surface of the housing 2. The operation panel 6 includes, for example, a display. The display displays various screens. Further, the operation panel 6 has a touch panel function. The operation panel 6 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the user to the control unit 9. The operation of the user includes, for example, an operation of starting the formation of an image on the paper S.

The paper feed unit 3 has a paper feed cassette 31 and a manual feed tray. The paper cassette 31 is arranged at the bottom of the housing 2. The paper feed cassette 31 is detachably attached to the housing 2. A plurality of sheets S can be stored in the paper feed cassette 31 in a stacked state. A part of the bypass tray is exposed to the outside from the housing 2. A plurality of sheets S may be placed on the bypass tray in a stacked state.

The transport unit 7 transports the paper S along the transport direction of the transport path. The transport unit 7 has, for example, a plurality of roller pairs 70, a plurality of guide plates, and a plurality of transport belts. The plurality of guide plates are arranged side by side to form a transport path for the paper S. The plurality of roller pairs 70 and the plurality of transport belts are arranged at predetermined intervals along the transport path. The plurality of roller pairs 70 and the plurality of transport belts may feed the paper S toward the downstream side in the transport direction of the transport path.

The transport unit 7 is divided into a main transport unit 71 and a sub transport unit 72. The main transport unit 71 extends from the paper feed unit 3 to the discharge tray 8 via the image forming unit 4. The main transport unit 71 transports the paper S along the first transport direction D1. The first transport direction D1 is a direction from the paper feed section 3 to the discharge tray 8 via the image forming section 4 along the main transport section 71.

The sub-transport unit 72 branches from the main transport unit 71 at the branch point P1. The branch point P1 is located on the transport path on the downstream side of the first transport direction D1 from the image forming unit 4 and on the upstream side of the first transport direction D1 from the discharge tray 8. Further, the sub-conveying unit 72 joins the main transport unit 71 at the confluence point P2. The confluence point P2 is located on the transport path on the upstream side of the first transport direction D1 from the image forming unit 4 and on the downstream side of the first transport direction D1 from the paper feed unit 3. The sub-conveying unit 72 extends from the branch point P1 to the confluence point P2 via the reversing path 72a. The sub-conveying unit 72 transports the paper S along the second transport direction D2. The second transport direction D2 is a direction from the branch point P1 to the confluence point P2 via the reversing path 72a along the sub-transport portion 72. The reversing path 72a switches back the paper S transported by the sub-conveying unit 72 to invert the front surface and the back surface of the paper S.

The transport unit 7 further includes a reading unit 73. The reading unit 73 is arranged on the downstream side of the first transport direction D1 from the confluence point P2 and on the upstream side of the first transport direction D1 from the image forming unit 4. Further, the reading unit 73 is arranged side by side on the transport belt facing the image forming unit 4. The reading unit 73 reads, for example, the width of the paper S sent from the paper feeding unit 3 and conveyed by the main conveying unit 71 in the first conveying direction D1. The reading unit 73 generates image data indicating the width of the read paper S and outputs it to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 determines, for example, the size of the paper S based on the image data indicating the width of the paper S.

Further, the reading unit 73 reads an image from the paper S. In the present embodiment, the reading unit 73 is inverted by the sub-conveying unit 72 and reads an image from the paper S transported to the confluence point P2. The reading unit 73 generates image data indicating the read image and outputs the image data to the control unit 9. The reading unit 73 is, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) unit. The CIS unit includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an imaging lens, and an image sensor.

The image forming unit 4 forms an image on the surface of the paper S conveyed by the main conveying unit 71. The image forming unit 4 has a recording head 41. The recording head 41 forms an image on the paper S with ink. The recording head 41 includes a recording head 41k corresponding to a black color, a recording head 41m corresponding to a magenta color, a recording head 41c corresponding to a cyan color, and a recording head 41y corresponding to a yellow color. The plurality of recording heads 41k, 41m, 41c, and 41y are arranged side by side in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the first transport direction D1.

The image forming unit 4 further includes a vibrating unit 44 and a pressurizing unit 45. The vibrating unit 44 vibrates a plurality of recording heads 41k, 41m, 41c, 41y. The vibrating unit 44 has, for example, a motor and an eccentric member for eccentricity that is pivotally supported by the rotation shaft of the motor. The pressurizing unit 45 is deformed according to the control signal input from the control unit 9, and changes the amount of ink ejected from the plurality of recording heads 41k, 41m, 41c, 41y.

The paper S on which the image is formed is discharged to the discharge tray 8 via the main transport unit 71. The paper S on which the image is formed is sequentially loaded on the discharge tray 8.

The cap portion 5a has a plurality of caps. Each of the plurality of caps corresponds to a plurality of recording heads 41k, 41m, 41c, 41y. The cap portion 5a can be moved to a position facing the recording head 41. For example, when the recording head 41 is not used for a certain period of time or longer, the cap portion 5a brings a plurality of caps into close contact with the corresponding recording heads 41k, 41m, 41c, 41y, respectively. As a result, drying of the inks of the recording heads 41k, 41m, 41c, and 41y is suppressed.

The wiper portion 5b has a plurality of wiper blades. The wiper portion 5b can be moved to a position facing the recording head 41. The wiper unit 5b moves to a position facing the recording head 41, and the ink adhering to the recording head 41 is wiped (wiping) by a plurality of wiper blades. Each of the plurality of wiper blades corresponds to a plurality of recording heads 41k, 41m, 41c, 41y.

The control unit 9 has, for example, a processor and a storage unit. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit includes, for example, a semiconductor memory and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The processor controls the paper feed unit 3, the image forming unit 4, the cap unit 5a, the wiper unit 5b, the operation panel 6, and the transport unit 7 based on the computer program stored in the storage unit. For example, the control unit 9 sets an ink drip position on the paper S based on image data showing an image formed on the paper S, and forms an image so as to eject the ink to the drip position set on the paper S. Control part 4.

Next, the configuration of the image forming unit 4 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the bottom surfaces of the plurality of recording heads 41. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 4 further includes a plurality of nozzle units 42 and a plurality of nozzles 43 in addition to the plurality of recording heads 41.

Each of the plurality of recording heads 41k, 41m, 41c, and 41y is arranged in a staggered pattern for each color in the present embodiment. A plurality of nozzle units 42 are arranged in each of the plurality of recording heads 41k, 41m, 41c, and 41y. The plurality of nozzle units 42 include a nozzle unit 42k corresponding to a black color, a nozzle unit 42m corresponding to a magenta color, a nozzle unit 42c corresponding to a cyan color, and a nozzle unit 42y corresponding to a yellow color.

A plurality of nozzles 43 are arranged in each of the plurality of nozzle units 42. Each of the plurality of nozzles 43 ejects ink toward the paper S. Specifically, each of the plurality of nozzles 43 ejects ink toward the drip position set on the paper S by the control unit 9.

The recording head 41k is connected to a black ink tank. The nozzle 43 arranged in the nozzle unit 42 of the recording head 41k ejects black ink. The recording head 41m is connected to a magenta ink tank. The nozzle 43 arranged in the nozzle unit 42 of the recording head 41 m ejects magenta ink. The recording head 41c is connected to a cyan ink tank. The nozzle 43 arranged in the nozzle unit 42 of the recording head 41c ejects cyan ink. The recording head 41y is connected to a yellow ink tank. The nozzle 43 arranged in the nozzle unit 42 of the recording head 41y ejects yellow ink.

Each of the recording heads 41k, 41c, 41m, and 41y can apply an ink ejection method such as a piezo method. In the piezo method, ink is ejected using a piezo element. Specifically, in the piezo method, when a pulse having a predetermined waveform is input to the piezo element, the piezo element is deformed so as to correspond to the pulse. As a result, the pressure due to the deformation of the piezo element is transmitted to the ink in the nozzle 43, and the meniscus of the ink vibrates, so that the ink is ejected from the nozzle 43.

Next, the control unit 9 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 9 controls the paper feeding unit 3, the image forming unit 4, the operation panel 6, and the conveying unit 7 based on the operation signal input from the operation panel 6.

The control unit 9 detects the non-ejection nozzle based on the operation signal for starting the elimination of the non-ejection nozzle, the process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle, and the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle. Execute the process to confirm the resolution.

The non-ejection nozzle is a nozzle 43 that does not eject ink to the drip position set on the paper S. The non-ejection nozzle includes a nozzle 43 that does not eject ink and a nozzle 43 that does not allow the ejected ink to drip at the drip position. For example, when the water content of the meniscus of the ink in the nozzle 43 decreases and the viscosity of the ink increases, the nozzle 43 may not be able to eject the ink to the drip position of the paper S. Further, the nozzle 43 may not be able to eject ink to the drop position of the paper S even when dust such as paper dust is clogged in the nozzle 43.

The control unit 9 determines whether or not the plurality of nozzles 43 include the non-ejection nozzles in the process of detecting the non-ejection nozzles. Specifically, the control unit 9 first controls the main transport unit 71 so as to transport the paper S from the paper feed unit 3 toward the image forming unit 4.

Next, the control unit 9 controls the image forming unit 4 so as to form a specific image on the surface of the paper S conveyed by the main conveying unit 71 based on the image data for detecting the non-ejection nozzle. The specific image is an image showing that the plurality of nozzles 43 do not include the non-ejection nozzles. The image data for detecting the non-ejection nozzle is stored in advance in the storage unit of the control unit 9, for example. The image data for detecting the non-ejection nozzle indicates, for example, a solid image formed by using all the nozzles 43 included in the image forming unit 4.

The control unit 9 controls the sub-transport unit 72 so that the paper S on which the image is formed on the surface is transported from the branch point P1 to the confluence point P2. As a result, the front surface of the paper S and the back surface of the cover S are reversed. Further, the control unit 9 controls the reading unit 73 so as to read the image formed on the surface of the paper S transported by the main transport unit 71 from the confluence point P2. As a result, image data indicating the image read by the reading unit 73 is input to the control unit 9.

The control unit 9 determines whether or not the plurality of nozzles 43 include the non-ejection nozzles based on the specific image indicated by the image data for detecting the non-ejection nozzles and the image indicated by the image data input from the reading unit 73. judge. Specifically, the control unit 9 compares the specific image indicated by the image data for detecting the non-ejection nozzle with the image indicated by the image data input from the reading unit 73. Based on the comparison result, the control unit 9 determines that the plurality of nozzles 43 include non-ejection nozzles, for example, when the image indicated by the image data input from the reading unit 73 is a diagram having a blank.

When it is determined that the plurality of nozzles 43 include the non-ejection nozzles, the control unit 9 executes a process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzles. The process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is an example of the elimination process of the present invention. The control unit 9 executes a flushing process in the process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle. The flushing treatment is an example of the first elimination treatment of the present invention.

The control unit 9 controls the vibrating unit 44 so that the ink in the plurality of nozzles 43 vibrates in the flushing process. As a result, the ink in the plurality of nozzles 43 is vibrated to the extent that it is not ejected from the nozzles 43, and the viscosity of the ink in the non-ejection nozzles shifts to the normal range. Therefore, the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle due to the increase in the viscosity of the ink is eliminated without consuming the ink.

The control unit 9 executes a process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle after the process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle. The control unit 9 further determines whether or not the plurality of nozzles 43 include the non-ejection nozzles in the process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzles.

Specifically, the control unit 9 displays a specific image on the back surface of the paper S on which the image is read by the reading unit 73 based on the image data for detecting the non-ejection nozzle after the process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle. The image forming unit 4 is controlled so as to form. After that, the control unit 9 controls the main transport unit 71, the sub transport unit 72, and the reading unit 73 so as to read the image formed on the back surface of the paper S, as in the process of detecting the non-ejection nozzle.

Further, the control unit 9 is a plurality of control units 9 based on a specific image indicated by image data for detecting non-ejection nozzles and an image indicated by image data input from the reading unit 73 (an image formed on the back surface of the paper S). It is determined whether or not the nozzle 43 of the non-ejection nozzle includes the non-ejection nozzle, and it is determined whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is eliminated. As a result, it is possible to confirm whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle has been eliminated without using a new sheet S.

In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a process of detecting a non-ejection nozzle is executed in response to an operation signal for starting the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle, and when a plurality of nozzles 43 include the non-ejection nozzle. Is executed to eliminate the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle. Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is executed after the process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle without any operation by the operator. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of work of the operator for eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle.

Subsequently, when the control unit 9 determines that the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzles has not been resolved, the number of non-ejection nozzles and the non-ejection nozzles are determined based on the image indicated by the image data input from the reading unit 73. Generates non-discharge data indicating the position of. The image indicated by the image data input from the reading unit 73 is, for example, a diagram when the non-ejection is not eliminated. The control unit 9 specifies the number of non-ejection nozzles and the position of the non-ejection nozzles based on the number of blanks in the diagram and the position of each blank. The control unit 9 stores the non-ejection data in the storage unit.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 9 further executes a process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle when it is determined that the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle has not been eliminated. The control unit 9 executes the first purge process in the process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle.

In the first purge process, the control unit 9 controls the pressurizing unit 45 so that a plurality of nozzles 43 of the nozzle unit 42 including the non-ejection nozzles eject ink based on the non-ejection data. As a result, the ink and dust having a reduced viscosity in the non-ejection nozzle may be ejected from the nozzle 43 together with the ink.

After the first purge process, the control unit 9 further executes a process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle. The control unit 9 controls the image forming unit 4 so as to further form a specific image on the surface of the paper S, and controls the reading unit 73 so as to read the image further formed on the surface of the paper S, and does not eject. Further execution is performed to confirm that the non-ejection of the nozzle has been eliminated. If there is no space on the surface of the paper S to form a specific image, the control unit 9 newly conveys the paper S from the paper feeding unit 3 and confirms that the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is eliminated. Further processing is executed.

As a result of further executing the process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzles, the control unit 9 determines that the non-ejection data generated last time and the non-ejection data generated this time when the plurality of nozzles 43 include the non-ejection nozzles Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the number of non-ejection nozzles has been reduced by the first purge process. The control unit 9 re-executes the first purge process when the number of non-ejection nozzles is reduced by the first purge process.

The control unit 9 executes the second purge process when the number of non-ejection nozzles is not reduced by the first purge process. In the second purge process, the control unit 9 controls the pressurizing unit 45 so that the ink is ejected from the nozzle 43 with a pressing force larger than the pressing force of the pressurizing unit 45 in the first purge process. As a result, the ink and dust having a reduced viscosity in the non-ejection nozzle may be pressed more strongly and ejected from the nozzle 43 together with the ink in the non-ejection nozzle.

After the second purge process, the control unit 9 further executes a process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle. When the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is not resolved, the control unit 9 notifies the outside of, for example, an error in which the non-discharge of the non-discharge nozzle cannot be resolved. In the present embodiment, the control unit 9 controls the operation panel 6 so as to display an error screen, and notifies the error to the outside. As a result, for example, the image forming unit 4 is maintained by the operator, and the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is eliminated.

In the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is confirmed whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is eliminated, and the flushing process, the first purge process, and the second purge process are executed stepwise. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle while suppressing the amount of ink consumed for eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle. Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, confirmation of whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle has been eliminated, flushing processing, first purge processing, and second purge processing are executed without requiring an operator's operation. Will be done. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle while reducing the work amount of the operator.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, a process of detecting the non-ejection nozzle by the control unit 9, a process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle, and a process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle. Will be further described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of detecting a non-ejection nozzle, a process of eliminating the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle, and a process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-discharge nozzle.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the operation signal indicating the operator's operation is input in step S10, the control unit 9 conveys the paper S from the paper feed unit 3 toward the image forming unit 4 in step S20. The transport unit 7 is controlled so as to do so. After the paper S is conveyed from the paper feed unit 3, the control unit 9 executes a process of detecting the non-ejection nozzle in step S30.

The control unit 9 executes a process of detecting the non-ejection nozzles, and in step S40, determines whether or not the plurality of nozzles 43 include the non-ejection nozzles. When the control unit 9 determines that the plurality of nozzles 43 do not include the non-ejection nozzles (No in step S40), the control unit 9 ends the process.

When it is determined that the plurality of nozzles 43 include the non-ejection nozzles (Yes in step S40), the control unit 9 executes the flushing process in step S50. After the flushing process is completed, the control unit 9 executes a process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle in step S60.

The control unit 9 executes a process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle, and determines in step S70 whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle has been eliminated. The control unit 9 ends the process when the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is resolved (Yes in step S70).

When the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is not resolved (No in step S70), the control unit 9 executes the first purge process in step S80. After completing the first purge process, the control unit 9 executes a process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle in step S90.

The control unit 9 executes a process for confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle, and determines in step S100 whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle has been eliminated. The control unit 9 ends the process when the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is resolved (Yes in step S100).

When the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is not eliminated (No in step S100), the control unit 9 determines in step S110 whether or not the number of non-ejection nozzles has decreased. The control unit 9 returns to step S80 when the number of non-ejection nozzles decreases (Yes in step S110).

When the number of non-ejection nozzles does not decrease (No in step S110), the control unit 9 executes the second purge process in step S120. After the second purge process is completed, the control unit 9 executes a process of confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle in step S130.

The control unit 9 executes a process for confirming the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle, and determines in step S140 whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle has been eliminated. The control unit 9 ends the process when the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is resolved (Yes in step S140). When the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is not resolved (No in step S140), the control unit 9 controls the operation panel 6 so as to display an error screen in step S150, and ends the process. ..

The image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and can be implemented in various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof.

For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, when confirming the elimination of the non-ejection nozzle, the image forming unit 4 is controlled so as to form an image on the paper S based on the image data for detecting the non-ejection nozzle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 9 may control the image forming unit 4 so as to form an image on the paper S for confirming the elimination of the non-ejection nozzle. For example, the control unit 9 may control the image forming unit 4 so as to form an image by the non-ejection nozzle based on the non-ejection data. As a result, the amount of ink used when confirming the elimination of the non-ejection nozzle can be reduced.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is eliminated by forming an image on the front surface or the back surface of the paper S sent from the paper feed unit 3 when detecting the non-ejection nozzle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 9 may send out a new sheet S from the paper feeding unit 3 and check whether or not the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle has been eliminated.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the operation panel 6 is controlled so as to display an error screen when the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is not resolved by the second purge treatment. Not limited. The control unit 9 may execute an interpolation process for interpolating the non-ejection nozzles when the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzles cannot be eliminated. In the interpolation process, the control unit 9 controls the image forming unit 4 so as to increase the ink droplets ejected from the nozzles 43 arranged around the non-ejection nozzles and form an image on the paper S, for example.

In addition, in order to make it easier to understand, the drawings are schematically shown mainly for each component, and the thickness, length, etc. of each component shown are different from the actual ones for the convenience of drawing creation. .. Further, the shape and the like of each component shown in the above embodiment is an example and is not particularly limited, and various changes can be made without substantially deviating from the effect of the present invention.

The present invention can be used in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper with ink.

1 Image forming device 4 Image forming unit 43 Nozzle 73 Reading unit 9 Control unit S Paper

Claims (6)

An image forming unit that forms a specific image on paper based on image data,
A reader that reads an image from the paper,
A control unit that controls the image forming unit and the reading unit is provided.
The image forming part is
A plurality of nozzles that eject ink toward the drip position set on the paper, and
A vibrating part that vibrates the plurality of nozzles,
A plurality of nozzle units in which the plurality of nozzles are formed, and
Each nozzle unit has a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the ink in the plurality of nozzles and ejects the ink from the nozzles .
The control unit
The plurality of nozzles do not eject ink based on a specific image showing that the plurality of nozzles do not include non-ejection nozzles that do not eject ink toward the drip position and the image read by the reading unit. Determine if it contains a nozzle,
When the plurality of nozzles include the non-ejection nozzles, the first elimination process of controlling the vibrating portion so that each of the inks in the plurality of nozzles vibrates to eliminate the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzles. And run
Following the first resolving process, further it determines whether the plurality of nozzles including the ejection failure nozzles,
When it is determined that the plurality of nozzles include the non-ejection nozzle after the first elimination process, ink is ejected from the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle unit including the non-ejection nozzle among the plurality of nozzle units. The second elimination process is executed by controlling the pressurizing unit so as to perform the process.
Following the second elimination process, it is further determined whether or not the plurality of nozzles include the non-ejection nozzle.
When it is determined that the plurality of nozzles include the non-ejection nozzles after the second elimination process, it is determined whether or not the number of the non-ejection nozzles has been reduced by the second elimination process.
When it is determined that the number of non-ejection nozzles is not reduced by the second elimination process, the pressurizing unit is controlled so that ink is ejected from the plurality of nozzles, and the third elimination process is executed.
The pressing force of the ink by the pressurizing portion in the third elimination process is larger than the pressing force of the ink by the pressurizing portion in the second elimination process.
An inkjet recording device that re-executes the second elimination process when it is determined that the number of non-ejection nozzles has decreased due to the second elimination process .
A main transport unit that transports the paper along the transport direction, and
Further provided with an auxiliary transport unit that branches from the main transport unit and transports the paper.
The image forming unit forms the specific image on the paper conveyed by the main conveying unit, and forms the specific image.
The sub-conveying section transports the paper from the downstream side of the image forming section in the transport direction to the upstream side of the image forming section in the transport direction.
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit reads the image from the paper conveyed upstream of the image forming unit in the conveying direction.
When transporting the paper, the sub-conveying unit reverses the front surface and the back surface of the paper.
The reading unit reads the image from the paper inverted by the Fuku搬feed unit, an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 2.
Further comprising a notification unit for pre Symbol image forming section informs the outside that require maintenance,
When the control unit determines that the plurality of nozzles include the non-ejection nozzle after the third elimination process, the control unit notifies the outside that the plurality of nozzles include the non-ejection nozzle. controls the notifying unit, the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1.
The control unit
Based on the image read by the reading unit, non-ejection data indicating the position of the non-ejection nozzle is generated.
Based on the non-ejection data, the image forming unit is controlled so as to form an image by the non-ejection nozzle.
The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elimination of the non-ejection of the non-ejection nozzle is confirmed based on the image formed by the non-ejection nozzle.
When the control unit determines that the plurality of nozzles include the non-ejection nozzles after the third elimination process, the control unit increases the amount of ink droplets ejected from the nozzles arranged around the non-ejection nozzles. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which controls the image forming unit so as to form an image on the paper.

Images