JP6900168B2 - Recording device and its control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet recording device that ejects ink for recording.

Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet recording apparatus that supplies ink from an ink tank that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body to a recording head via a sub tank provided in the apparatus main body, and ejects ink from the recording head to perform a recording operation. Has been done. Between the sub tank and the recording head, a volume changing member (diaphragm portion) that also functions as an on-off valve that can close and open the flow path portion that connects the sub tank and the recording head is provided. By increasing or decreasing the volume of the volume changing member, ink is supplied from the ink tank to the sub tank, and the sub tank filling operation of filling the sub tank with ink is performed. In order to perform the sub-tank filling operation, an ink presence / absence detection sensor is provided in the sub-tank to detect the amount of ink in the sub-tank. By detecting the amount of ink in the sub tank in this way and performing the sub tank filling operation based on the detection result, it is possible to stably supply ink to the recording head.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-208151

When the sub-tank filling operation is performed, the volume of the volume changing member is increased or decreased, so that the liquid level of the ink in the connected sub-tank fluctuates up and down. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, even when the liquid level of the ink fluctuates up and down due to the sub-tank filling operation, the amount of ink in the sub-tank is detected and the result is reflected. Therefore, even if the amount of ink is detected when the contact state between the ink presence / absence detection sensor and the ink is unstable due to the fluctuation of the liquid level, it may be reflected as the detection result.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording apparatus capable of more accurately managing the amount of ink.

The present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a second tank containing a first tank containing the liquid to be supplied to the recording head for discharging liquid, the liquid supplied to the first tank, the first provided between the recording head and the tank, a supply unit for supplying liquid from the second tank has a volume changing member capable of changing the internal volume into said first tank, said first a detection knowledge means for performing a test known operation for detecting the amount of liquid in the tank, records; and a determination unit that the amount of liquid is detected to perform the determination operation whether more than a predetermined amount by said detection known means an apparatus, said determination means, characterized in that it does not use a liquid amount detected by said detection known means when the supply unit is operating in the determination operation.

According to the present invention, there is provided an inkjet recording apparatus capable of more accurately managing the amount of ink.

It is external perspective view of the inkjet recording apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the ink flow path which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the recording apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the connection structure of the circuit which concerns on the ink remaining amount detection which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the ink supply from the main tank to the recording head which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control related to the remaining amount detection operation in the sub tank which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control related to the remaining amount detection operation in the sub tank which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the ink supply from the main tank to the recording head which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control related to the remaining amount detection operation in the sub tank which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the ink supply from the main tank to the recording head which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control related to the remaining amount detection operation in the ink liquid chamber which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

An embodiment of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described. However, the components described in the embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In the present specification, an example is a serial type inkjet recording apparatus in which a head that ejects ink to a recording medium that is intermittently conveyed is reciprocated in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording medium to perform recording. explain. However, the present invention is not limited to the serial type inkjet recording device, and can be applied to a line type inkjet recording device that continuously prints using a long print head. As used herein, the term "record" includes not only a record for a two-dimensional object but also a record for a three-dimensional object. In the present specification, "recording paper" is used as a general term for recording media such as paper, cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, and leather, which discharge liquid. Further, the recording paper is not limited to roll-shaped continuous paper, but also includes cut paper. Further, in the present specification, "ink" is a general term for liquids such as recording liquids, and by being applied on recording paper, it is possible to form or process images, patterns, patterns, etc., or to process ink (on recording paper). It is used for coagulation or insolubilization of the coloring agent in the applied ink).

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the inkjet recording device (hereinafter, recording device) 100 of the present embodiment. The recording device 100 records an image on a recording sheet 205 having a size of 60 to 100 inches or the like. The recording device 100 includes a stand 101 on which a main body having a recording head 201 and the like is placed, and an ejection tray 102 for receiving the ejected recording paper 205. Further, it includes a display panel (notifying means) 103 for displaying recording information, setting results, and the like to the user, and an operation panel unit 104 for setting the recording mode, the type of recording paper, and the like by the user. Further, the recording device 100 includes a main tank mounting portion 105 for accommodating inks such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow and supplying the ink to the recording head 201. Hereinafter, the Z direction shown in FIG. 1 is defined as the vertical direction.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an ink flow path from the main tank 208 mounted on the main tank mounting portion 105 to the recording head 201. In the present specification, "ink flow path" is used as a general term for a path through which ink flows from the main tank 208 to the recording head 201. As shown in FIG. 2, the recording head 201 generates thermal energy by supplying electrical energy to an electrical heat conversion element inside the recording head 201 based on recording data sent from a host device (not shown). .. Bubbles are generated in the ink by the generated heat energy, and ink droplets are ejected from each ejection port inside the recording head 201 by the pressure generated when the bubbles are generated.

The recording medium is conveyed in the Y direction (conveyance direction) by a transfer roller or the like (not shown). The recording head 201 is mounted on the carriage 202, and is guided by the main rail 203 and the carriage transport belt 204 to reciprocate in the X direction intersecting the Y direction. In this embodiment, the X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to each other. The recording head 201 ejects ink droplets while reciprocating, and performs a recording operation of recording an image for one band on the recording paper 205. When an image for one band is recorded on the recording paper 205, the recording paper 205 is transported in the Y direction by a predetermined transport amount by rotation of a transport roller or the like (not shown) (intermittent transport operation). By repeating the recording operation for one band and the intermittent transfer operation, an image is recorded on the entire recording paper 205.

The recording head 201 is provided with a plurality of ejection ports in a row, and inks such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow are ejected from each ejection port row, and an image is recorded on the recording paper 205. At that time, the carriage 202 reads the scale provided on the linear scale 206, and the encoder sensor 207 outputs the result as a pulse signal. The movement distance and position of the carriage 202 are detected by the CPU 301, which will be described later, counting the pulse signal. Further, the recovery unit 214 is provided in the moving area of the carriage 202 and outside the conveying area in which the recording paper 205 is conveyed. The recovery unit 214 is provided with a suction cap, a wiper, or the like. The discharge port of the recording head 201 is wiped with a wiper, ink is sucked by the suction cap, and capping is performed to cover the discharge port surface of the recording head 201. A series of operations by the recovery unit 214 is also referred to as a recovery operation for the recording head 201.

The main tank 208 is a cartridge type that can be attached and detached by the user, and is mounted on the main tank mounting portion 105 for each color. When the user mounts the main tank 208 on the main tank mounting portion 105, it communicates with the sub tank 209 provided vertically below via the ink supply needle 210. Further, an ink supply unit 211 is provided between the sub tank 209 and the recording head 201 vertically below the sub tank 209, and ink is supplied from the main tank 208 to the sub tank 209. An ink supply path 212 such as a flexible tube is used to supply ink from the sub tank 209 to the recording head 201. Further, the sub tank 209 is provided with an electrode 213 for detecting the amount of ink in the sub tank 209.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the recording device 100. The recording device 100 is controlled by the CPU 301. The communication I / F 302 controls communication with the host device by LAN, USB, or the like. The memory 303 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, or the like. The memory 303 stores a program for controlling the CPU 301, and is used as an image processing buffer or a work area for temporarily storing image data transferred from the host device and received by the communication I / F 302. Further, the voltage between the electrodes generated when power is supplied to the electrodes 213 in order to determine the presence or absence of the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank 209, that is, to determine whether or not the remaining amount of ink is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The value and the threshold voltage Vth are compared and judged. Then, the determination result and the like are also saved in the memory 303.

The head control circuit 304 synchronizes with the encoder sensor 207 indicating the position of the recording head 201, and gives information regarding the memory address of the image data to be read by the CPU 301 to the CPU 301 before the recording operation. When the recording head 201 reciprocates on the recording paper 205, the CPU 301 reads the image data corresponding to the position of the recording head 201 from the memory 303, and gives the recording head 201 timely image data and information on the ejection timing.

The motor control circuit 305 controls a motor typified by a stepping motor, a DC motor, or the like. Specifically, it controls a carriage motor 306 for reciprocating the carriage 202 and a transport motor 307 for transporting the recording paper 205. In addition, the ink supply motor 501 for supplying ink from the main tank 208 to the sub tank 209 and the ink stirring motor 901 for stirring the ink in the main tank 208 and the sub tank 209 are controlled. Further, it controls the suction motor 505 for driving the suction pump 504 for performing the recovery operation of the recording head 201.

The sensor control circuit 310 controls an optical SW sensor 311 that detects the front and rear ends of the recording paper 205 and a mechanical lever sensor 312 that detects the opening and closing of the main tank mounting portion 105. Further, it controls a transfer encoder sensor 313 that detects the transfer amount of the recording paper 205 and an ink supply encoder sensor 314 that detects the drive amount of the ink supply unit 211.

The ink remaining amount detection control unit 315 includes a power supply circuit 309, and supplies a constant current or voltage between the first electrode 213a and the second electrode 213b provided in the sub tank 209 under the control of the CPU 301. .. Then, the A / D conversion control unit 402 measures the voltage value between the first electrode 213a and the second electrode 213b generated by the supplied current or voltage. Based on the measured voltage between the electrodes, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the amount of ink in the sub tank 209 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and the determination result and information on the detection result are reflected in the memory 303 to manage the amount of ink in the sub tank 209. used. Based on this information, the supply of ink from the main tank 208 to the sub tank 209 is controlled by the CPU 301.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a connection configuration of a circuit used for detecting the amount of ink in the sub tank 209. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a state in which the main tank 208 contains a predetermined amount or more of ink and the sub tank 209 is continuously supplied with ink. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing how the ink remaining amount in the main tank 208 is insufficient and the ink is supplied to the recording head 201 only from the ink in the sub tank 209 during the recording operation.

Similar to FIG. 4 (b), FIG. 4 (c) shows that the remaining amount of ink in the main tank 208 is insufficient, and the liquid level of the ink in the sub tank 209 fluctuates due to the supply of ink to the recording head 201 or the like. It is a figure which shows the state. The sub tank 209 is provided with two electrodes, a first electrode 213a and a second electrode 213b, and these two electrodes are collectively referred to as an electrode 213. Power is supplied to the first electrode 213a. No power is supplied to the second electrode 213b and the second electrode 213b is connected to the GND. The electrode 213 is provided on the vertical upper surface of the sub tank 209 and extends toward the bottom surface. FIG. 4C shows a state in which the contact state between the electrode 213 and the ink is unstable because the liquid level fluctuates.

The ink remaining amount detection control unit 315 connects the electrode 213 and the power supply circuit 309 to detect whether or not the ink remaining amount in the sub tank 209 is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, and supplies power to the electrode 213. The power is supplied based on the remaining amount detection start signal STA generated by the CPU 301, and the power supply circuit 309 is supplied with high level (3 V in this embodiment) power. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of ink is not detected, low level (0V in this embodiment) power is supplied.

When the remaining amount detection start signal STA is generated by the CPU 301, the power supply control unit 401 is driven to control the power supply circuit 309. After that, a predetermined current is supplied by the CPU 301 between the first electrode 213a and the second electrode 213b provided in the sub tank 209 for a predetermined time.

When there is no ink in the sub tank 209, a high level (3V) voltage value is output because the current is cut off between the two electrodes. On the other hand, when the amount of ink in the sub tank 209 is more than a predetermined amount, a current flows due to the conductive action of the ink, and a voltage corresponding to the resistance value of the ink is output between the two electrodes. The output voltage is acquired by the A / D conversion control unit 402 provided in the ink remaining amount detection control unit 315. Then, the acquired voltage value is compared and determined with the threshold voltage Vth by the threshold voltage determination unit 403, and is extracted as information regarding the ink remaining amount in the sub tank 209 by the remaining amount determination data extraction unit 404. After that, based on the ink remaining amount information in the remaining amount data control unit 405, the ink remaining amount is displayed on the display panel 103, the ink supply operation from the main tank 208 to the sub tank 209, the user is instructed to replace the main tank 208, and the like. Is controlled.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an ink supply path from the main tank 208 to the recording head 201 in the present embodiment. An ink supply motor 501, a supply cam 502, an ink supply valve 503, and a lever 506 are provided in the ink supply unit 211. The ink supply motor 501 controls the rotation of the supply cam 502 via a gear (not shown). The supply cam 502 rotates to operate the lever 506, and the operation of the lever 506 causes the ink supply valve 503 to open and close.

The ink supply valve 503 switches between a first state (closed state) in which the ink flow path is closed and a second state (open state) in which the ink flow path is opened by increasing or decreasing the internal volume as a volume changing member. It is a possible on-off valve. The volume of the ink supply valve 503 increases when it changes from the closed state to the open state (first operation), and decreases when it changes from the open state to the closed state (second operation). The opening and closing of the ink supply valve 503 is controlled by the CPU 301 to supply ink from the main tank 208 to the sub tank 209. The ink supply motor 501, the supply cam 502, the ink supply valve 503, and the lever 506 described above are collectively referred to as an ink supply unit 211.

The ink supply unit 211 operates when the ink is supplied from the main tank 208 to the sub tank 209. When the supply cam 502 is rotated by the ink supply motor 501, the ink supply valve 503 is pushed by the lever 506 to change from the open state to the closed state. At the same time, the air in the sub tank 209 is pushed out into the main tank 208 by the volume of the ink supply valve 503.

Subsequently, when the supply cam 502 is rotated by the ink supply motor 501, the ink supply valve 503 is pulled by the lever 506 to change from the closed state to the open state. Then, the ink in the main tank 208 is drawn into the sub tank 209 by the volume change of the ink supply valve 503, and the air of the same volume is drawn into the main tank 208 from the air communication hole 215. By opening and closing the ink supply valve 503 in this way, the ink supply operation from the main tank 208 to the sub tank 209 is performed. When the ink supply operation is being executed by the ink supply unit 211, the ink in the sub tank 209 flows, so that the liquid level fluctuates.

The pressure loss in the ink flow path from the ink supply valve 503 to the recording head 201 is much larger than the pressure loss from the ink supply valve 503 to the main tank 208. Therefore, the ink is hardly ejected from the recording head 201 by the opening / closing operation of the ink supply valve 503.

The filling operation of the sub tank 209 described above is performed at the time of initial filling for filling the ink flow path to the recording head 201 when starting to use the recording device 100, and when the user replaces the main tank 208. .. At the time of initial filling, the ink filling operation of the sub tank 209 is performed after the ink filling operation of the recording head 201 and the ink supply path 212 by the suction pump 504 is completed in order to fill the ink flow path with ink. When the user replaces the main tank 208, the CPU 301 operates the ink supply unit 211 based on the detection result of the sensor that detects the attachment / detachment of the main tank 208.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control related to the remaining amount detection operation in the sub tank 209. In step S701, the CPU 301 starts the remaining amount detection operation in the sub tank 209. In step S702, the CPU 301 selects the sub tank 209 for which the remaining amount is detected. Subsequently, in step S703, the CPU 301 starts the operation of the ink remaining amount detection control unit 315, and the power supply circuit 309 is driven. The process proceeds to step S704, and the A / D conversion control unit 402 acquires the voltage (Vs) between the electrodes 213 generated by the power supply to the first electrode 213a in step S703.

Next, in step S705, the acquired voltage (Vs) between the electrodes 213 and the threshold voltage (Vth) are compared. As a result of comparison, when the voltage Vs between the electrodes 213 is larger than the threshold voltage Vth (Vs> Vth), the remaining amount of ink is less than a predetermined amount. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S706, and the CPU 301 determines that the remaining amount of ink in the target sub tank 209 is “insufficient”. On the other hand, when the voltage Vs between the electrodes 213 is smaller than the threshold voltage Vth (Vs ≦ Vth), the remaining amount of ink is equal to or more than a predetermined amount. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S707, and the CPU 301 determines that the remaining amount of ink in the target sub tank 209 is “presence”.

After the determination, in step S708, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the ink supply unit 211 is in operation. Specifically, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the supply system control signal SC_STA that drives the ink supply motor 501 is generated. When the CPU 301 determines that the ink supply unit 211 is in operation, the process proceeds to step S709, and skip processing is performed without reflecting the information regarding the ink remaining amount determined in steps S706 and S707. Specifically, the information regarding the determination result of the ink remaining amount in steps S706 and S707 is discarded without being stored in the memory 303, and the process returns to step S703 to detect the ink remaining amount again.

On the other hand, if the CPU 301 determines in step S708 that the ink supply unit 211 is not in operation, the process proceeds to step S710 to check whether or not the determination for all the sub tanks 209 to be detected for the remaining amount is completed. Here, if it is determined by the CPU 301 that the determination for all the target sub-tanks 209 has not been completed, the process returns to step S502, and the process continues until the remaining amount detection operation of all the target sub-tanks 209 is completed. Will be done. When it is determined by the CPU 301 that the determination of all the target sub tanks 209 is completed, the process proceeds to step S711, all the processing results of the remaining amount detection are saved in the memory 303 provided inside the recording device 100, and the processing is completed. To do.

In this way, when the liquid level of the ink in the sub tank 209 fluctuates due to the operation of the ink supply unit 211, the ink remaining amount determination result is not stored in the memory 303, so that the ink remaining amount can be managed more accurately. Can be done. The control method is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained even if the voltage acquired by the remaining amount detection during the operation of the ink supply unit 211 is not used for the comparison determination. That is, the same effect can be obtained by controlling the CPU 301 so that the voltage acquired when the ink in the sub tank 209 fluctuates at the liquid level is not reflected in the management of the remaining amount of ink.

FIG. 7 is a modified example of the flowchart shown in FIG. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the ink supply unit 211 is operating, that is, whether or not the supply system control signal SC_STA is generated before the remaining amount is detected. Hereinafter, the same processing steps as in FIG. 6 will be omitted, and the flowchart of FIG. 7 will be described. The same numbers are assigned to the steps having the same processing contents as the processing steps of FIG.

In step S701, the CPU 301 starts the remaining amount detection operation of the sub tank 209, and in step S702, the sub tank 209 to be the remaining amount detection target is selected. After that, in step S708', it is determined whether or not the ink supply unit 211 is in operation. When it is determined that the ink supply unit 211 is in operation, the remaining amount is not detected until the operation is stopped.

If it is determined in step S708'that the ink supply unit 211 is not operating, the process proceeds to step S703 to start the operation of the ink remaining amount detection control unit 315. The voltage Vs between the electrodes 213 is acquired by the CPU 301 in step S704, and is compared with the threshold voltage Vth in step S705. Depending on the comparison result, the process proceeds to step S706 or step S707 to acquire the determination result, and the determination result is stored in the memory 303 in step S711'. Finally, the process proceeds to step S710, it is confirmed whether or not the remaining amount detection operation for all the sub tanks 209 is completed, and if it is completed, the process is terminated, and if it is not completed, the process returns to step S702.

According to the present embodiment and the modification described above, when the ink supply unit 211 is operating, that is, when the liquid level of the ink in the sub tank 209 may fluctuate, the result of detecting the remaining amount and comparing and determining is stored in the memory 303. Not reflected. In other words, the accurate amount of ink can be notified to the user by reflecting the result of the remaining amount detection and the comparison determination in the memory 303 when the liquid level of the ink does not fluctuate. The ink amount determination result may be saved in the memory 303 after the remaining amount detection operation in all the sub tanks 209 is completed, or may be saved in the memory 303 every time the remaining amount detection operation in each sub tank 209 is completed. ..

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an ink flow path from the main tank 208 to the recording head 201 in the second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the present embodiment includes an ink stirring unit for stirring the ink in the sub tank 209 and the main tank 208 in the ink supply unit 211. The ink stirring unit is mainly composed of an ink stirring motor 901, a main tank valve (first valve) 902, a sub tank valve (second valve) 903, a stirring pump 904, and a flow path portion 907. The main tank valve 902 and the sub tank valve 903 are configured to be openable and closable in an open state and a closed state. Further, in the present embodiment, the main tank 208 and the sub tank 209 are connected by a flow path portion 907. The main tank 208 and the flow path portion 907 are connected by the first connection portion 905, and the sub tank 209 and the flow path portion 907 are connected by the second connection portion 906. The main tank valve 902 switches the main tank 208 and the flow path portion 907 between the connected state and the non-connected state by switching the first connecting portion 905 between the open state and the closed state. Similarly, the sub tank valve 903 switches the sub tank 209 and the flow path portion 907 between the connected state and the non-connected state by switching the second connecting portion 906 between the open state and the closed state.

A stirring pump 904 is provided between the main tank valve 902 and the sub tank valve 903 in the flow path portion 907. The stirring pump 904 changes the pressure and capacity in the flow path portion 907 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the main tank valve 902 and the sub tank valve 903. The main tank valve 902, the sub tank valve 903, and the stirring pump 904 are driven by the ink stirring motor 901.

Subsequently, the first stirring operation for stirring the ink in the main tank 208, which is related to the specific movement of the ink stirring unit, will be described. First, the ink supply valve 503 is opened by the CPU 301. After that, the ink stirring motor 901 is driven by the CPU 301, and the main tank valve 902 is closed. After that, the stirring pump 904 is driven by the ink stirring motor 901, so that the ink in the flow path portion 907 is pushed out to the main tank 208. Subsequently, when the main tank valve 902 is opened by the CPU 301, the sub tank valve 903 is closed. In this state, the ink stirring motor 901 drives the stirring pump 904 again, so that the ink in the sub tank 209 is drawn into the flow path portion 907. By the above first stirring operation, the ink in the main tank 208 and the sub tank 209 is circulated.

Next, a second stirring operation for stirring the ink in the sub tank 209 will be described. First, the ink supply valve 503 is opened by the CPU 301. After that, the ink stirring motor 901 is driven by the CPU 301, and the main tank valve 902 and the sub tank valve 903 are opened. Further, the ink stirring motor 901 drives the stirring pump 904, and ink is drawn from the sub tank 209 into the flow path portion 907. Subsequently, when the stirring pump 904 is driven by the ink stirring motor 901, substantially the same amount of ink as the ink drawn into the flow path portion 907 is pushed out into the sub tank 209. By repeating the above second stirring operation, the ink in the sub tank 209 is stirred.

In both the first stirring operation and the second stirring operation, ink moves back and forth between the sub tank 209 and the flow path portion 907, so that the liquid level of the ink fluctuates in the sub tank 209. Therefore, by controlling the remaining amount detection operation when the stirring unit is operating, the CPU 301 can manage the ink amount more accurately. Hereinafter, the control of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control related to the remaining amount detection operation in the sub tank 209. The same processing steps as those in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment are designated by the same step reference numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted.

When the remaining amount detection operation is started in step S701, the processes of steps S702 to S707 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 6, and the process proceeds to step S1101. In step S1101, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the stirring unit of the target sub tank 209 is in operation. Specifically, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the stirring system control signal RC_STA is generated. When the CPU 301 determines that the stirring unit is in operation, the process proceeds to step S709, and after the stirring operation by the stirring unit is completed, the remaining amount detection operation is restarted from step S703. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1101 that the stirring unit is not in operation, the process proceeds to step S710 and step S711, and the process ends.

Further, as described with reference to FIG. 7 as a modified example of the first embodiment, the operation determination of the stirring unit in step S1101 is performed immediately after step S702 to determine whether or not to perform the remaining amount detection operation itself. It can also be applied to the form of According to the present embodiment described above, the amount of ink in the sub tank 209 is reflected by the CPU 301 by reflecting only the determination result of the amount of ink when the stirring unit is not operating and the liquid level of the ink does not fluctuate. Is managed more accurately.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing an ink supply path from the main tank 208 to the recording head 201 in the third embodiment. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the first electrode 1201 for detecting the presence or absence of the remaining amount of ink in the ink liquid chamber 221 in the ink liquid chamber 221 provided in the recording head 201 And a second electrode 1202 is provided. Power is supplied to the first electrode 1201. No power is supplied to the second electrode 1202 and the second electrode 1202 is connected to the GND.

During the recording operation, the ink supply valve 503 is controlled by the CPU 301 so as to be in the open state, and the ink supply path 212 connects the main tank 208 and the recording head 201. When the ink in the ink liquid chamber 221 is consumed by the recording operation, the ink is supplied from the main tank 208 to the recording head 201 by the negative pressure.

The recording device 100 performs a recording operation on the recording paper 205 by reciprocating the carriage 202 in the X direction. Therefore, during the recording operation, the liquid level fluctuates in the ink liquid chamber 221 due to the reciprocating movement of the carriage 202 that can be reciprocated. Further, the liquid level fluctuates in the ink liquid chamber 221 by repeating the ejection (consumption) of the ink from the ejection port of the recording head 201 and the supply of the ink from the sub tank 209 in the ink liquid chamber 221.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the remaining amount detection operation of the ink liquid chamber 221. The same processing steps as those in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment are designated by the same step reference numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted.

When the remaining amount detection operation is started in step S701, the processes of steps S702 to S707 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 6, and the process proceeds to step S1401. In step S1401, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the recording head 201 is in the recording operation. Specifically, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the drive operation signal CR_STA is generated. If it is determined that the recording head 201 is in the recording operation, the process proceeds to step S709 and returns to step S703. On the contrary, when it is determined that the recording head 201 is not performing the recording operation, the process proceeds to step S710 and step S711 to end the process.

Similar to the description with reference to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, the determination of whether or not the recording head 201 is in the recording operation in step S1401 is performed immediately after step S702, and the remaining amount detection operation itself is performed. It can also be applied to the form of deciding whether or not to do it.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ink liquid is determined by the CPU 301 to determine the presence or absence of the remaining amount of ink when the carriage 202 is not driven and the liquid level of the ink liquid chamber 221 does not fluctuate. The amount of ink in the chamber 221 can be determined more accurately.

The electrode configuration in the present embodiment is such that the first electrode 1201 is provided in the ink liquid chamber 221 and the GND terminal provided in the electrothermal conversion element inside the recording head 201 is provided as the second electrode. May be good. Further, the control method of the present embodiment can determine the presence or absence of the remaining amount of ink by the electrodes provided in the sub tank 209 instead of in the ink liquid chamber 221. Specifically, during the recording operation, the liquid level fluctuates not only in the ink liquid chamber 221 but also in the sub tank 209 by supplying ink to the recording head 201. Therefore, the same effect can be obtained by controlling the remaining amount detection operation in the sub tank 209 in the same manner as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment during the recording operation. Further, as another means for determining whether or not the recording operation is in progress, a method of determining from the timing of receiving the recorded data from the host device can also be applied.

The configuration shown in each of the above-described embodiments is an example, and the present invention is not limited to that configuration. For example, the time for supplying electric power and the time for determining the detected voltage value between the electrodes may be changed according to the ink components and the like.

Further, the electrode used for detecting the remaining amount shows a configuration extending from the vertical upper surface to the bottom surface of the sub tank 209 and the ink liquid chamber 221, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the electrode is inserted from the lateral direction. However, it can be applied because it is affected by fluctuations in the liquid level of the ink.

201 Recording head 208 Main tank 209 Sub tank 211 Ink supply unit 213a First electrode 213b Second electrode 403 Threshold voltage determination unit (determination means)

Claims (18)

A first tank that houses the liquid supplied to the recording head that discharges the liquid, and
A second tank that houses the liquid supplied to the first tank, and
A supply unit provided between the first tank and the recording head, which has a volume changing member capable of changing the internal volume and for supplying a liquid from the second tank to the first tank.
A detection knowledge means for performing a test known operation for detecting the liquid amount of the first tank,
The amount of liquid is detected by detection knowledge means a record apparatus and a determination means for performing determination operation whether a predetermined amount or more,
It said determining means, record apparatus characterized by not using the liquid amount detected by said detection known means when the supply unit is operating in the determination operation. It said determination means records device according to claim 1, characterized by using a liquid amount detected by said detection known means when the supply unit is not operating in the determination operation. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a storage means for storing information regarding a liquid amount determined by the determination means. A first tank that houses the liquid supplied to the recording head that discharges the liquid, and
A second tank that houses the liquid supplied to the first tank, and
A supply unit provided between the first tank and the recording head, which has a volume changing member capable of changing the internal volume and for supplying a liquid from the second tank to the first tank.
A detection means that performs a detection operation to detect the amount of liquid in the first tank, and
A determination means that performs a determination operation for determining whether or not the amount of liquid detected by the detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.
A recording device including a storage means for storing information on a liquid amount determined by the determination means.
Said storage means, said storing the information determined by the determining means does not store the information determined by the determining means when the supply unit is in operation when the supply unit is not operating record apparatus, characterized in that. The recording device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the information means for notifying the information stored in the storage means is provided. It said analyzing known means, record apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that does not perform the detection knowledge operation when the supply unit is in operation. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second determination means for determining that the supply unit is operating when a control signal for driving the supply unit is generated. The recording device described. The supply unit has a first operation of switching the volume changing member from a first state having a predetermined volume to a second state having a volume larger than that of the first state, and a first operation from the second state to the first state. record a second operation of switching the state of, from the second tank by the repeated execution of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that for supplying the liquid to the first tank apparatus. Liquid is supplied from the second tank to the first tank when the supply unit performs the first operation, and air is supplied from the first tank to the second tank when the second operation is performed. There record apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that supplied. The supply unit opens the flow path between the recording head and the first tank by the volume changing member when the first operation is executed, and the supply unit opens the flow path between the recording head and the first tank when the second operation is executed. record apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that for closing the flow channel by the volume change member. A first tank that houses the liquid supplied to the recording head that discharges the liquid, and
A second tank that houses the liquid supplied to the first tank, and
A detection knowledge means for performing a test known operation for detecting the liquid amount of the first tank,
The amount of liquid is detected by detection knowledge means a record apparatus and a determination means for performing determination operation whether a predetermined amount or more,
It said determining means, record apparatus characterized by not using the liquid amount detected by said detection known means when the liquid is discharged from said recording head to said determined operation. A first tank containing liquid supplied from the liquid chamber having a liquid chamber containing the liquid to the recording head for discharging liquid,
A second tank that houses the liquid supplied to the first tank, and
A detection knowledge means for performing a test known operation for detecting the amount of liquid in the liquid chamber,
The amount of liquid is detected by detection knowledge means a record apparatus and a determination means for performing determination operation whether a predetermined amount or more,
It said determining means, record apparatus characterized by not using the liquid amount detected by said detection known means when the liquid is discharged from said recording head to said determined operation. Comprising the recording reciprocally movable carriage of the head mounted, said determining means, characterized in that it does not use a liquid amount detected by said detection known means when the carriage is reciprocated in the determination operation record apparatus according to claim 11 or 12,. It said analyzing known means includes a second electrode that does not supply the first electrode and the current you supply current, the first electrode and the second when a current is supplied to the first electrode record apparatus according to any one of claims 1, characterized in that for detecting the voltage generated between the electrodes 13. A first tank for accommodating the liquid supplied to the recording head for discharging the liquid, a second tank for accommodating the liquid supplied to the first tank, and the first tank and the recording head are provided between the first tank and the recording head. A control method for a recording device including a volume changing member capable of changing the internal volume and a supply unit for supplying a liquid from the second tank to the first tank.
The detection process for detecting the amount of liquid in the first tank and
It has a determination step of performing a determination operation of determining whether or not the amount of liquid detected by the detection step is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.
The determination step is a control method characterized in that the amount of liquid detected by the detection step is not used for the determination operation when the supply unit is operating. A first tank for accommodating the liquid supplied to the recording head for discharging the liquid, a second tank for accommodating the liquid supplied to the first tank, and the first tank and the recording head are provided between the first tank and the recording head. A control method for a recording device including a volume changing member capable of changing the internal volume and a supply unit for supplying a liquid from the second tank to the first tank.
The detection process for detecting the amount of liquid in the first tank and
A determination step of determining whether or not the amount of liquid detected by the detection step is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount,
It has a storage step of storing information about the amount of liquid determined by the determination step.
The storage step stores the information determined by the determination step when the supply unit is not operating, and does not store the information determined by the determination step when the supply unit is operating. A control method characterized by that. A control method for a recording device including a first tank for accommodating a liquid supplied to a recording head for discharging a liquid and a second tank for accommodating a liquid supplied to the first tank.
The detection process for detecting the amount of liquid in the first tank and
It has a determination step of performing a determination operation of determining whether or not the amount of liquid detected by the detection step is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.
The determination step is a control method characterized in that the amount of liquid detected by the detection step is not used for the determination operation when the liquid is discharged from the recording head. A first tank having a liquid chamber for accommodating the liquid and accommodating the liquid supplied to the recording head for discharging the liquid from the liquid chamber, and a second tank for accommodating the liquid supplied to the first tank are provided. It is a control method of the recording device provided.
The detection process for detecting the amount of liquid in the liquid chamber and
It has a determination step of performing a determination operation of determining whether or not the amount of liquid detected by the detection step is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.
The determination step is a control method characterized in that the amount of liquid detected by the detection step is not used for the determination operation when the liquid is discharged from the recording head.

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