JPH02201123A - Ink-jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent malfunction and to achieve stable performance by detecting the remaining quantity of ink with output signals from at least two or more sets of remaining quantity detecting means. CONSTITUTION:For example, three remaining quantity detection pins are symmetrically provided in a vertical direction so as to constitute such an electric circuit that the electric resistance between the remaining quantity detection pins 301 and 302 is detected. In order to inspect a resistance value, the resistance values between the pins 301 and 302, and 301 and 303 are detected and whether the detected value reaches a previously set value showing an ink exhaustion warning is inspected. As a result, when both resistance values between 301 and 302, and 301 and 303 show the ink exhaustion warning or when either of them shows the ink exhaustion warning, the ink exhaustion warning is indicated on a main body, or the recovery by absorbing ink or the vibration of a tank by the main body are performed. By executing a remaining quantity detecting method at specified time, the remaining quantity in the ink tank is detected and the exhaustion of ink is also detected.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (Industrial application field) The present invention relates to an inkjet recording device.

(Prior Art) FIGS. 9 and 10 show two diagrams of a conventional liquid jet recording head.
Give an example. These are all examples of print heads that include a print liquid storage section (hereinafter referred to as an ink tank) and a print head chip that supplies energy to ink and causes it to be ejected from an ejection port.

In FIG. 9, 1 is a recording chip, 2 is an ink tank, and 3 is means for detecting the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank 1. The remaining ink amount detecting means 3 is a pressure chamber 5 communicating with the ink supply path 4 and a membrane body 6 that isolates the pressure chamber 5 from the atmosphere.
and a switch means 7 that is turned on and off by displacement of the membrane body 6. Therefore, when the ink in the ink tank 2 decreases due to ink ejection performed for recording and recovery operations, negative pressure is generated in the pressure chamber 5. When the switch means 7 is operated and, for example, turned "on" and an electric signal 8 is output, it is possible to detect the so-called out-of-ink condition.

Further, in FIG. 10, reference numeral 9 denotes a flexible wiring connected to the ink discharge section 1 and supplying an electric signal to the IOA.
and IOB are ink detection electrodes provided in the ink supply path 4, and in this example, as the remaining amount of ink decreases, the detection electrodes! The remaining amount of ink is detected by detecting a change in the conduction resistance between OA and IOB.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, among the conventional examples described above, in a recording head equipped with a remaining ink amount detection means as shown in FIG. 9, the pressure change in the pressure chamber 5 varies depending on the quality of the product replacing the pressure chamber 5. , it is difficult to accurately determine the remaining amount. Furthermore, due to rapid pressure fluctuations that occur during head recovery operations, it is erroneously determined that there is no ink even though there is still ink. Moreover, it takes time and effort to assemble the detection means, and it is not easy to assemble the detection means, especially when the recording head section and the ink storage section are integrated.

Furthermore, in the recording head of the form shown in FIG.
If the ink remains at position B, even if there is a sufficient amount of ink remaining, no current will be applied between the electrodes, resulting in a situation similar to when there is no ink remaining, resulting in malfunction of the device. Ta.

As described above, the conventional remaining amount detection means have had the following problems.

1. It is difficult to accurately determine the remaining amount due to variations in the manufacturing process of the parts. 2. The parts are complex and difficult to manufacture. 3. Misdetection due to sudden pressure changes during recovery operation. 4. Misdetection when air bubbles are mixed in. [Issue] [Means for Solving the Problems] According to the present invention, a recording liquid absorber impregnated with a recording liquid and 5 electrodes for detecting the remaining amount of the recording liquid are provided, and at least three or more electrodes are inserted into or pressed into contact with the absorber. An inkjet recording apparatus equipped with a recording liquid storage section having a member, the apparatus comprising at least two sets of remaining amount detection means,
An inkjet recording device is provided that has a recording liquid remaining amount detection means that exhibits stable performance without causing malfunctions.

The remaining amount detection means according to the present invention includes at least one pair of remaining amount detection electrodes and an electric circuit connected to the electrodes.

〔Example〕

Embodiment 1 FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an ink tank recording chip-integrated cartridge and an inkjet recording apparatus equipped with this cartridge, according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

This apparatus has a structure in which a cartridge-type ink tank is directly set in a recording head, and ink impregnated and retained in an ink absorber in the cartridge is supplied into the recording head.

Here, reference numeral 100 in FIG. 1 is a recording chip, which is composed of a discharge section 102, a supply tank section 104, and the like. The ejection unit 102 has ejection ports 10 formed on the surface facing the recording medium.
2A, a liquid path extending inward thereof, and, for example, an example of using thermal energy as discharge energy, recording as a discharge energy generating body such as an electrothermal agitator disposed in each liquid path. It has a heater and a common liquid chamber communicating with each liquid path.

Further, the supply tank section 104 functions as a sub-tank that receives ink supply from the ink tank 200 side and guides the ink to the common liquid chamber in the ejection section 102 . An ink absorber 202 is disposed within the ink tank 200 and is impregnated with ink, and can be formed using a porous material, fiber, or the like. 204 is a lid member of the ink tank 200. Further, in FIG. 1, 300 indicates a remaining amount detection electrode bin (hereinafter abbreviated as the lower bar structure bin) inserted into the ink absorber 202 through the lid member 204, and this bar structure bin 300 is , frame bins A301., which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical direction. It consists of a residual inspection bin B502 and a crosspiece bin C303.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 14 denotes the cartridge-shaped recording head shown in FIG. It is possible to move. Further, the positioning with respect to the carriage 15 is performed by using a hole provided in the recording RAD chip 100 and the carriage 15, for example.
This can be done using a dowel or the like provided on the 5 side. Furthermore, electrical connections are made between the discharge part 102 and the crosspieces 301 and 3.
The connectors of the carriages 15 and 2 may be coupled to connection pads provided on wiring boards (not shown) for the carriages 15 and 303.

The ink ejected from the ejection ports of the print head reaches the print medium 18 whose printing portion is regulated by the platen 19 at a minute distance from the print head, and forms an image on the print medium 18 .

8. Ejection signals corresponding to image data are supplied to the recording head from an appropriate data supply source via a cable 16 and a terminal connected thereto. The cartridge 14 can be provided in one or more cartridges (two in the figure) depending on the ink color used.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 17 denotes a carriage motor for scanning the carriage 15 along the shaft 2;
A wire 2 transmits the driving force of the motor 17 to the carriage 15. Further, 20 is a feed motor coupled to the platen roller 19 for conveying the recording medium 18.

A method for detecting the remaining amount of ink in this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the electrical resistance and the remaining amount of ink between the frame bins 301 and 302, 301 and 303.

Curve a shows the resistance between 301 and 302, and curve b shows the resistance between 301 and 303. As can be seen from the graph, there is a correlation between the electrical resistance between the bins and the amount of ink remaining. Therefore, it is possible to detect the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank absorber by detecting the electrical resistance between the crosspiece bins using a known electric circuit (crosspiece structure).

In this embodiment, three frame bins are provided symmetrically in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. Configure an electrical circuit. FIG. 4 shows an example of such a circuit. 1g4, 401 is a comparator, 403 is a reference power supply, and 402 is a relay switch for selecting a combination of frame bins.

Next, the remaining amount detection method of this embodiment will be explained. Fifth
The figure shows a block diagram of the detection method. In FIG. 4, 50 is between the frame bins 301 and 302, and between 301 and 302.
This indicates that the resistance value between 303 and 303 is detected to check whether it reaches a preset value indicating an ink-out warning. Based on this result, a) If the resistance values between 301 and 302 and between 301 and 303 both indicate an ink out warning, an ink out warning is displayed on the main body (as shown in block diagram 53).

) If only one of the resistance values between 301-302 and 301-303 indicates an ink out warning, the main unit performs ink absorption recovery and tank photography (as shown in block diagram 51), and then returns 301-303 again. The resistance values between 302 and 301-303 are detected (as shown in block diagram 52).

c) When the resistance values between 301 and 302 and between 301 and 303 do not indicate an out-of-ink warning, wait for the next opportunity to use the crossbar.

2) 301 As a result of performing the restructure shown in block diagram 52
If the resistance values between -302 and 301-303 both indicate an ink out warning, an ink out warning is displayed on the main body (as shown in block diagram 53).

e) If only one of the resistance values between 301 and 302 and between 301 and 303 indicates an out-of-ink warning, or if neither of them indicates an out-of-ink warning, the out-of-ink warning is not displayed and the system waits for the next opportunity to set up the frame.

By performing the remaining amount detection method as described above at a predetermined time, it is possible to detect the remaining amount in the ink tank, and in this example, to detect ink shortage.

By providing the remaining amount detection means in the absorbent body as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent bubbles from being mixed in and to prevent malfunctions.

By performing the remaining amount detection method as shown in this example,
An inkjet recording device is provided that detects remaining amount without malfunction by reducing manufacturing variations in frame structure bottles and variations in installation sheathness.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an ink tank recording chip-integrated cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 6th
In the figure, the beam structure pins 310 are arranged in a row in the vertical direction. It consists of a residual inspection bin B512 and a crosspiece bin C313.

In this embodiment, the remaining amount of ink is detected by detecting the electrical resistance between the bar structure bins A31l-312 and between the bar structure bins B312-C313. FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the remaining amount detection method in this embodiment. In FIG. 7, 70 is between the frame bins 311 and 312;
This indicates that the resistance value between 312 and 313 is detected, and a check is made to see if it reaches a value indicating an ink-out warning set in advance for each of them. Based on this result, a) If the resistance value between the two cross-piece bins indicates an ink-out warning, an ink-out warning between the cross-piece bins 311 and 313 is displayed on the main body (indicated by 71 in the block diagram).

Ex) When the resistance value between the stacking bins 312-313 indicates an ink-out warning, and the resistance value between the stacking bins 311-312 does not indicate an ink-out warning, the ink-out condition between the stacking bins 3j2-313 is detected. The system issues a warning and waits for the next stacking opportunity (as shown in block diagram 72).

C) If the resistance value between the crosspiece bins 311 and 312 indicates a warning that the ink is running out, and the resistance value between the crosspiece bins 312 and 313 does not indicate that the ink has run out, the main body performs ink absorption recovery and tank vibration (block diagram 73), again 311
The resistance values between -312 and 312-313 are detected (indicated by 74 in the block diagram).

If there is no change in the warning indicated by the resistance value between the two sets of electrodes after the beam reassembly shown in block diagram 74 is performed, a beam structure sensor abnormality is displayed on the main body (as shown in block diagram 75). If there is a change, the same judgment as in block diagram 70 is made, and then the next stacking opportunity is waited. Note that if the electrical resistance value between the two sets of bins does not reach the warning value, the next stacking opportunity is waited for (not shown).

By performing the remaining amount detection method as described above at a predetermined time, it is possible to detect the remaining amount in a predetermined area within the ink tank.

By performing the remaining amount detection method as shown in this example,
Since the remaining amount of ink can be detected in stages, an inkjet printer is provided that is less prone to malfunctions in detecting the remaining amount.

Embodiment 3 An example will be shown in which electrode sets are provided at a plurality of locations and the remaining amount is detected based on the average of the resistance values, as shown below.

Configuration: Two sets of four electrodes are arranged in the vertical direction. Pier bin 321
and 323 are the same height. The heights of 322 and 324 are also the same.

Detection method: Detects the resistance value between stacked bins 321-322 and 323-324 Judgment method: ■ When the average of the resistance values of both sets reaches the predetermined ink out warning value, 2 ink out warnings are issued. Displayed on the main unit ■ When the difference between the resistance values of both sets is larger than a predetermined value, ink is absorbed, the carriage vibrates, and ink detection is performed again. If the difference is still large, a remaining amount detection error is displayed on the main unit. do.

With this configuration, it is possible to suppress variations due to non-uniformity of the ink absorber and prevent false detection.

Although the three embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the number of remaining amount detection electrodes may be more than three or four, and the more electrodes there are, the more effective it is in preventing false detection. Further, the ink exhaustion warning is not limited to display, but may also include a warning sound or the like, or printing may be stopped. Further, by combining the above three types of detection means, precision and accuracy can be improved.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, a recording liquid absorber impregnated with a recording liquid and an 'I'? Detection of remaining amount of at least two sets in an inkjet recording apparatus using a recording liquid storage section characterized by forming a loincloth and having at least three or more electrode members inserted into or pressed into contact with a surface-printed absorber. By detecting the remaining amount of ink based on the output signal of the means, an inkjet recording apparatus is provided that has a recording liquid remaining amount detection means that exhibits stable performance without causing malfunctions.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1, 6, and 8 are schematic diagrams of an inkjet cartridge according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an inkjet recording apparatus used in an example, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the remaining amount of ink and the resistance value. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a resistance detection circuit, FIGS. 5 and 7 are block diagrams of an example of a remaining amount detection method,
FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams of conventional ink remaining amount detection means. 1: Rad chip for recording 2: Ink tank 3: Ink remaining amount detection means 4: Ink supply path 5: Pressure chamber
6: Membrane body 7: Switch means 8: Detection circuit 9: Flexible wiring 10: Electrode 14: Cartridge 15: Carriage 16: Cable 7: Carriage motor 18: Recording medium 19 Nibraten 20: Feed motor 2]: Shaft
22: Wire 41: Pressing member 5
0: Resistance value inspection 51: Suction recovery and tank vibration 52: Resistance value re-examination 53: Out of ink warning 70
: Resistance value test 71: Ink out warning 72 D Partial ink out warning 73: Suction recovery and tank vibration 74: Resistance value retest 75: Sensor error display 100: Rad chip to record 102: Discharge part +02^
: Discharge port 104: Supply tank section 200 Second ink tank 202: Ink absorber 204: Lid member 401: Comparator 403: Reference power supply

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) An inkjet comprising a recording liquid absorber impregnated with a recording liquid and a recording liquid storage portion having at least three electrode members that are inserted into or pressed into contact with the absorber and that serve as electrodes for detecting the remaining amount of the recording liquid. What is claimed is: 1. An inkjet recording device comprising at least two sets of remaining amount detection means.