JPH10202914A - Ink jet recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute automatically initial filling operation and to fill ink in a recording head in a manner that allows it to execute printing by moving the recording head on which no cartridge is mounted to the ink cartridge replacement position when the mounting of the ink cartridge is not detected when the power is turned on. SOLUTION: When the power switch is turned on, a sequence selection means 45 judges whether at least either of a black ink cartridge 7 or a color ink cartridge 8 is mounted on the basis of signals from an ink cartridge replacement judgment means 33. If the answer is yes, the amount of remaining ink is checked on the basis of data of a remaining ink quantity detection means 41. If it is decided that ink has exhausted, a carriage 11 at the home position is moved to a printing area by a carriage control means 36, and the ink cartridge 8 loaded on the non-printing area of the carriage 11 is moved to a position facing a window formed in the non-printing area of the body of a case, and the ink cartridge is replaced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a plurality of ink jet recording heads and a plurality of ink cartridges for supplying ink to these carriages mounted on a carriage which moves in the width direction of a recording sheet. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ink jet printer that prints images and characters by ejecting a plurality of colors of ink onto recording paper, and more particularly to an ink cartridge replacement technique.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A recording apparatus equipped with an ink jet recording head has relatively low noise during printing and can form small dots at a high density. In order to further improve the printing quality and enable color printing, a carriage having a recording head for black ink and a recording head for color ink has been put to practical use. Such a recording apparatus is configured such that independent ink cartridges for supplying black ink and color ink to each recording head are mounted on a carriage in order to reduce the size of the entire apparatus and simplify ink supply. ing.

[0003] In such an ink cartridge, when air bubbles enter into the flow path of the recording head from the connection portion between the ink cartridge and the recording head when the ink cartridge is mounted, the ink cartridge is installed in a model equipped with two ink cartridges. It is necessary to identify the recording head where the replacement has been performed by using an external switch on the panel surface of the case, apply a negative pressure to the recording head, and forcibly fill and discharge the ink. However, since the replacement of the ink cartridge is dependent on the user's switch operation to specify the replaced ink cartridge, if the designation is incorrect, the filling operation is not performed on the replaced ink cartridge, so that printing becomes impossible, and There is a problem that a filling operation is performed on an ink cartridge that has not been replaced, and ink is wasted.

In order to solve such a problem, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-323576, an ink cartridge replacement history judging means for detecting a mounted state of an ink cartridge based on a signal from the ink cartridge detecting means is provided. There has been proposed an ink-jet recording apparatus which is provided so as to allow a replaced ink cartridge to be filled when an attachment of the ink cartridge is detected.

[0005]

According to this, although the filling operation can be performed only on the replaced ink cartridge to prevent the suction of the ink of the ink cartridge that has not been replaced, the recording apparatus is not required after the factory shipment. In this case, since the user is required to start the necessary processing when the ink cartridge is first mounted, there is a risk that an ink filling error may occur and printing failure may occur.

That is, the ink jet recording apparatus is
Since the ink is pressurized in the pressure generation chamber and ejected from the nozzle opening, in order to maintain the same conditions as during use in the distribution process, measures have been taken to fill the product liquid and prevent drying and intrusion of dust. Have been. For this reason, the sending liquid filled in the recording head is completely removed prior to the start of use,
In addition, an operation for filling the recording head with the ink in the cartridge without leaving bubbles in the recording head, that is, an initial filling operation is required. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to automatically execute an initial filling operation to fill a recording head with ink in a printable state. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink-jet recording apparatus which can be used.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided an ink jet recording head for ejecting ink droplets, an ink cartridge for supplying ink to the recording head, and a recording head comprising: A carriage on which the ink cartridge is mounted; capping means disposed outside a printing area to seal the recording head; suction means for applying a negative pressure to the capping means; and mounting of the ink cartridge on the carriage. Ink cartridge replacement determination means for detecting the presence or absence of
Control means for moving the recording head, to which the cartridge is not mounted, to a position where the ink cartridge can be replaced, when the ink cartridge replacement determination means does not detect the mounting of the ink cartridge when power is turned on. did.

[0008]

When the power is turned on after the shipment from the factory, the carriage moves to a position where the ink cartridge can be mounted. Therefore, when the ink cartridge is mounted, necessary processing is performed thereafter.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The details of the present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention, which is configured by housing a printing mechanism to be described later in a case 3 comprising an openable and closable case cover 1 and a case main body 2. The case body 2 is formed with two windows 5 and 6 with a frame 2c interposed therebetween so as to separate a printing area and a non-printing area.

In the window 6 formed in the non-printing area, the upper surface of only one of the two ink cartridges 7 and 8 mounted on the carriage 11 can be entirely exposed, and at least a part of the other ink cartridge is a case. The size and shape are selected so as to be covered by the main body 2. When the case cover 1 is closed, an operation panel 9 is provided in an exposed area of the main body case 2 and includes a power switch P-SW, an ink cartridge replacement command switch IC-SW, a black head cleaning command. Switch B
C-SW, color head cleaning command switch CC
In addition to the -SW, a line feed, a reset switch, etc., and ink end indicators BE, CE of black and color ink cartridges are arranged.

FIG. 2 shows an outline of the above-described printing mechanism.
Is connected to the carriage drive motor 13 so as to be guided by the guide member 14 and reciprocate in parallel with the platen 15. The carriage 11 has a printing area (left side in the figure) on a surface facing the recording paper 16.
A recording head 17 for ejecting black ink is fixed on a non-printing area side (right side in the figure), and a recording head 18 for color printing is fixed on the non-printing area side (right side in the figure). Each of the recording heads 17 and 18 receives ink supplied from the above-described black ink ink cartridge 7 and color ink cartridge 8, respectively, and discharges ink droplets onto the recording paper 16 to perform printing.

The capping unit 19 disposed in the non-printing area includes a cap 20 for sealing the black recording head 17.
And a cap 21 for independently sealing the recording heads 18 for color ink mounted on the same slider, and a pump unit 23 of a dual configuration driven by a motor 22.
Are connected to each other via a tube so that they are independently supplied with a negative pressure.

Each of the caps 20 and 21 is connected to the recording head 1.
The nozzle opening surfaces of the recording heads 17 and 18 are sealed when a non-printing operation is performed. In addition, the ink is forcibly discharged from the recording heads 17 and 18 by the negative pressure of the pump unit 23 at the time of the ejection capacity recovery operation or when the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are replaced. I have.
A cleaning unit 24 is provided near the capping unit 19 so that a wiping blade is brought into contact with nozzle opening surfaces of the recording heads 17 and 18 by power from a driving source (not shown).

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a control device for executing an ink cartridge replacement operation and clogging elimination of the recording apparatus according to the present invention. 7 and 8 are opposed to each other, in this embodiment, the carriage 11
A signal is received from switches 31 and 32 which are pressed by the ink cartridges 7 and 8 on the cartridge receiving surface of the ink cartridge 7, and the mounting and removal of the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are detected. Ink cartridge replacement determination means 3
Reference numeral 3 denotes whether or not the ink cartridges 7 and 8 have been replaced based on a signal from the ink cartridge attachment / detachment detecting means 30.

The carriage position detecting means 34 detects the carriage 11 based on a signal from the carriage position detector 35.
Is at least a home position, a first replacement position where the first ink cartridge 17 faces the window 6, a second replacement position where the second ink cartridge 8 faces the window 6,
A flushing position where ink droplets from the recording heads 7 and 8 can be received during the flushing operation, a position facing the caps 20 and 21 in this embodiment, and the recording heads 7 and 8 perform wiping and rubbing by the cleaning unit 24. For example, when it moves to a receivable cleaning position, it outputs a signal for that position.

The carriage motor control means 36 reciprocates the carriage 11 for printing under the control of the sequence selection means 45, and also controls the carriage 11 based on signals from a suction control means 39 and a carriage position detection means 34 which will be described later. The carriage 11 in the home position described above,
When the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are completely replaced, the torque is lower than normal, or the speed is lower, or when the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are completely replaced. Then, the carriage 11 is moved to the home position in the state of the combination of.

The printing / flushing control means 37 outputs a drive signal for ejecting ink droplets to each of the recording heads 17 and 18 from the head driving means 38 based on print data from the host to execute printing. A drive signal similar to that described above is output to the recording heads 17 and 18 located at the flushing position, and ink droplets are ejected from all the nozzle openings to eject thickened ink to the ink receiver.

Under the control of the sequence selecting means 45, the recording heads 17, 18 are sealed by the capping unit 19 under the control of the sequence selecting means 45.
0, each suction pump 23a of the pump unit 23, 2
In addition to controlling the suction force and suction time of 3b to eject ink from the recording heads 17 and 18 in order to recover the ink ejection capability, the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are replaced when the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are replaced. From the recording head 17, 1
8 is filled with ink so that printing can be performed.

The ink remaining amount detecting means 41 integrates the number of dots formed by printing, the number of ink droplets ejected by the flushing operation, the amount of ink consumed by the filling operation and the cleaning operation, and 8
Is calculated. When the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are replaced, the integrated value is reset. In addition, when replacement of at least one of the ink cartridges 7 or 8 is instructed, the other ink cartridge 8 or 7 is replaced. The remaining amount of ink is checked, and if the amount of ink consumed is smaller than the amount of ink consumed by suction accompanying replacement of the ink cartridge, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridges 7 and 8 is determined to be ink end.

The power cutoff detecting means 42 includes a power switch P
Detecting the on-off state of the power supply, outputting a signal indicating the state, and performing a predetermined post-processing when an operation of turning off the power is performed, and then stopping the supply of power to the apparatus. It is. The case opening detecting means 43 outputs a signal indicating whether or not the case cover 1 has been opened based on a signal from a switch 44 in response to opening and closing of the case cover 1.

The sequence selection unit 45 includes an ink cartridge replacement command switch IC, cleaning command switches BC and CC, power cutoff detection unit 42, case opening detection unit 43, ink remaining amount detection determination unit 41 of the panel 9, and a command from the host. Upon receiving the signal, the entire process is performed based on a flowchart described later, and further, a power-on process, a power-off process, a cleaning process, an ink remaining amount check process,
It controls the operations of the printing process, the ink cartridge replacement process, and the like, and stores various states that occur with the replacement of the ink cartridge in the suction state storage means 46 during the power-off process.

The suction state storage means stores data with the initial filling flag turned off at the time of shipment from the factory.
When the initial filling is completed on the user side, the initial filling flag is turned on, and an area is provided for storing a state of a suction operation on the ink cartridges 7 and 8, a state of replacement of the in-cartridges 7 and 8, an ink remaining amount, and the like. ing. Reference numeral 47 in the figure denotes a carriage motor driving unit that drives the carriage driving motor 13.

Next, the operation of the device thus constructed will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. (Explanation of the whole operation) When the power switch P is turned on, a power-on processing operation is executed (FIG. 4, step a). That is, the sequence selecting means 45 reads out the suction state at the time of the previous power-off from the suction state storage means 46 (Step A in FIG. 5), and based on the signal from the ink cartridge replacement determining means 33, the black ink cartridge 7 It is determined whether at least one of the color ink cartridges 8 is mounted (step b in FIG. 5). Black and color ink cartridges 7, 8
If both are not mounted, the absence of the ink cartridge is displayed on the indicators BE and CE (step c in FIG. 5).
A sequence of an ink cartridge replacement process described later is started (step d in FIG. 5).

On the other hand, when the black and color ink cartridges 7 and 8 are both mounted on the carriage 11, the sequence selecting means 45 determines whether the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are For each of the above, a process of checking the remaining ink amount, which will be described later, is executed (step E in FIG. 5).

As a result of the process for checking the remaining amount of ink, if the amount of ink remaining in at least one of the ink cartridges 7 and 8 is extremely small and it is determined that the ink is out (step F in FIG. 5), the sequence selecting means 45
Starts the sequence of the ink cartridge replacement process (step d in FIG. 5).

When a sufficient amount of ink is present in the ink cartridges 7 and 8, the sequence selecting means 45
Based on the data stored in the suction state storage means 46, the end state of the previous replacement work of the ink cartridges 7, 8 is determined. That is, if the power switch P is turned off before the replacement of the ink cartridges 7 and 8 is completed in a complete state (Step 5 in FIG. 5), the process of replacing the ink cartridge is restarted (Step 5 in FIG. 5). D) The necessary suction processing is performed at least after the replacement of the ink cartridges 7 and 8.

If it is determined that the previous ink cartridge replacement operation has been completed in a complete state, the sequence selecting means 45 determines whether the case cover 1 has been opened based on a signal from the case opening detecting means 43. It is checked whether or not the ink cartridge has been replaced (step H in FIG. 5). If the case cover 1 is open, an ink cartridge replacement process is executed (step d in FIG. 5). By opening the case cover 1 immediately after turning on the power, or by opening the case cover 1 and then turning on the power switch P, the sequence for replacing the ink cartridge can be automatically called.

Further, the sequence selecting means 45 determines whether or not the initial filling has been completed based on the data in the suction state storage means 46 (step S in FIG. 5). If the heads 17 and 18 have never been filled with ink, after performing the suction operation for the initial filling (step n in FIG. 5),
The data for turning on the initial filling flag of the suction state storage means 46 is stored (FIG. 5), and thereafter, the initial filling operation that consumes a large amount of ink is prevented from being restarted by mistake.

In this manner, the ink cartridges 7, 8
When the timer suction, which is a process for resolving clogging caused by leaving the printer unattended for a long time, is activated in the state where the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are replaced, the timer suction is performed after the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are replaced. If it is the first one (step w in FIG. 5), set a larger suction amount and execute (step f in FIG. 5). If it is the second or later, set the suction amount to a smaller one. Execute (Step Y in FIG. 5).

Thus, among the bubbles that have entered the recording heads 17 and 18 due to the replacement of the ink cartridges 7 and 8, they cannot be completely removed by suction in the replacement process, and the bubbles that have grown thereafter can be reliably discharged. Ink consumption can be prevented by minimizing the suction amount for preventing or eliminating clogging.

At the stage when the power-on process is completed, the sequence selecting means 45 detects the operation status of switches on the operation panel 9 and operates the cleaning command switches BC and CC for the respective recording heads 17 and 18. (Step b, d in FIG. 4)
A cleaning process for the black head 17 and a cleaning process for the color head 18 to be described later are executed (FIG. 4 step).
C, e) and ink cartridge replacement command switch I
When it is detected that C is operated (step F in FIG. 4), a sequence of an ink cartridge replacement process described later is started (FIG. 4 step).

Even after the processing corresponding to the operation instructed by the switch on the operation panel 9 is completed, if the power is supplied (Step St in FIG. 4), input of print data from the host is awaited. (Figure 4 Step
G) When the switch on the operation panel 9 is pressed, the above-described steps (b) to (g) are executed.

On the other hand, when print data is input during standby in a printable state, the sequence selecting means 45
While performing the printing process described later (FIG. 4 step),
The remaining ink levels of the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are checked (step e in FIG. 4), and the process returns to the first step (b).

(Cleaning process of black recording head) Cleaning command switch B of black head 17 on operation panel 9
When C is operated, the sequence selection unit 45 determines the remaining amount of ink in the black ink cartridge 7 based on the data from the remaining ink amount detection determination unit 41, and when it is determined that the ink is out, (Fig. 6 Step
B) The sequence of the replacement process of the black ink cartridge 7 is started (step c in FIG. 6), and the ink end indicator BE is continuously turned on to display the ink end.

Printing is possible with the amount of ink remaining in the black ink cartridge 7, but when the remaining amount of ink in the black ink cartridge 7 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, that is, by ink suction by cleaning or the like which is performed subsequently. If it is less than the amount that is consumed and printing is not possible (step b in FIG. 6), the sequence selecting unit 45
The sequence of the replacement process of the black ink cartridge 7 is started in order to prevent air bubbles from being taken in due to the ink missing of the recording head 7 (step c in FIG. 6).

On the other hand, when the remaining amount of ink in the black ink cartridge 7 is equal to or more than 1/2 before the ink cartridge is replaced and the print amount after the replacement is equal to or less than the reference value (step d in FIG. 6), the replacement operation is started. A special suction process for the purpose of eliminating air bubbles that have entered along with it is executed (FIG. 6, step)
E).

In the special bubble discharge suction process, the remaining ink amount of the ink remaining amount determination means 41 is reset, the one-time flag is turned on, and the same suction process as that performed after replacing the ink cartridge is executed. . Note that in response to a user's cleaning instruction when printing of a specified amount, for example, five or more pages, has been performed after ink cartridge replacement, the one-time flag is turned off and normal suction with a small amount of suction ink is performed. on the other hand,
In response to a cleaning command in a state where only a predetermined amount or less of printing is performed, the one-time flag is turned on and the special bubble discharging process is executed.

On the other hand, when the remaining amount of ink in the black ink cartridge 7 is large and a printable amount of ink can be expected to remain after cleaning, or when a new ink cartridge 7 is mounted, the recording head 17 is moved to the home position. The ink is sucked and discharged from the recording head 17 by controlling the suction pump 23a by the suction control means 39 (step f in FIG. 6).

(Cleaning Processing of Color Recording Head)
When the cleaning command switch CC of the color head 8 of the operation panel 9 is operated, the sequence selecting unit 45
The remaining amount of the ink in the color ink cartridge 8 is determined based on the data from the ink remaining amount determining means 41, and if it is determined that the ink is out of ink (step a in FIG. 7), the color ink cartridge 8 is replaced. (Step c in FIG. 7).

Printing is possible with the current amount of ink remaining in the color ink cartridge 8, but when the remaining amount of ink in the color ink cartridge 8 is less than a certain value, for example, near-end, that is, cleaning to be performed subsequently If it is less than the amount that is consumed by ink suction due to ink suction and the like, printing becomes impossible (FIG. 7 step
B) The sequence selecting means 45 starts a sequence of the color ink cartridge 8 replacement process in order to prevent air bubbles from being taken in due to ink loss of the recording head 8 (FIG. 6).
Step c).

On the other hand, if the remaining amount of ink in the color ink cartridge 8 is 以上 or more before replacement of the ink cartridge,
If the print amount after the replacement is equal to or less than the reference value (step d in FIG. 7), a special suction process for eliminating air bubbles that have entered due to the replacement operation is executed (step e in FIG. 7).

In the special bubble discharge suction process, the remaining ink amount of the ink remaining amount determining means 41 is reset, the one-time flag is turned on, and the same suction process as that performed after the ink cartridge is replaced is executed. . Note that in response to a user's cleaning instruction when printing of a specified amount, for example, five or more pages, has been performed after ink cartridge replacement, the one-time flag is turned off and normal suction with a small amount of suction ink is performed. on the other hand,
In response to a cleaning command in a state where only a predetermined amount or less of printing is performed, the one-time flag is turned on and the special bubble discharging process is executed.

On the other hand, when the remaining amount of ink in the color ink cartridge 7 is large and a printable amount of ink is expected to remain even after cleaning, or when a new ink cartridge 7 is mounted, the recording head 18 is moved to the home position. The suction head 23 is moved to the position, sealed with the cap 19, and the suction control means 39 controls the suction pump 23b to suck and discharge the ink from the recording head 18 (step F in FIG. 7).

At the stage when the above-mentioned suction processing is completed,
The sequence selection unit 45 rubs the nozzle plate with the cleaning unit 24 as necessary,
Alternatively, the recording heads 17 and 18 are connected to the capping unit 1.
9 and the flushing operation is executed by the printing / flushing control means 37.

(Detection of Ink Remaining Amount) The sequence selecting means 45, when it is necessary to check the ink remaining amount,
It is determined whether or not the remaining amount of ink in one of the ink cartridges, for example, the black ink cartridge 7, is out of ink, based on the data of the remaining ink amount detection determining unit 41 (FIG.
Step b) If it is determined that the ink is exhausted, the black ink end indicator BE is continuously lit to display the black ink end (step b in FIG. 8). Subsequently, the remaining ink amount of the other ink cartridge, in this embodiment, the color ink cartridge 8 is also determined. If the remaining ink amount is not the ink end but is not smaller than the ink amount consumed by ink suction for cleaning or the like (see FIG. 8
Step c), the ink end is regarded as the ink end (step d in FIG. 8), and the ink end indicator CE of the color ink cartridge 8 is continuously turned on to display the ink end (step e in FIG. 8).

If sufficient ink remains in the black ink cartridge 7 whose ink amount has been checked first,
The same steps as described above are repeated for the second ink cartridge 8 (FIG. 8, steps F to N). That is, it is detected whether or not the remaining amount of ink in the color ink cartridge 8 is at the end of ink. If the end of ink is detected, the display CE is continuously turned on to display the end of color ink (step in FIG. 8). Subsequently, the remaining amount of ink in the first ink cartridge 7 is also determined. If it is determined that the remaining amount of the first ink cartridge 7 is not the ink end but the remaining amount is extremely small and is not less than the amount of ink consumed by ink suction for cleaning or the like ( As shown in FIG. 8 step h), the ink end is considered (ink step end), and the ink end indicator BE of the black ink cartridge 7 is continuously turned on to display the ink end (step 8 in FIG. 8).

When the amount of ink in one of the ink cartridges is small enough to require replacement of the ink cartridge, the remaining amount of ink in the other ink cartridge is also checked. Although it is an amount that can be printed on the nozzle plate, if it is reduced to a certain value or less required by the suction operation, it is regarded as an ink end, so that the nozzle plate as shown in FIG. In a printing apparatus using a print head sealed with a common cap 51, it is impossible to seal nozzle opening rows of different ink types independently. Even if it is a cartridge, it is sucked and ink is consumed,
At the stage when one ink cartridge replacement operation is completed, the amount of ink in the other ink cartridge has become extremely small, and the replacement operation will soon be required.

Therefore, by prompting the user to replace the other ink cartridge in accordance with the replacement of one ink cartridge, the suction operation for the two cartridges can be shared, and the replacement of the ink cartridge becomes complicated. And consumption of ink can be prevented.

On the other hand, if it can be confirmed that the ink remaining in the two ink cartridges 7 and 8 is larger than the amount to be judged as the ink end, the ink remaining amount detection judging means 41 It is determined whether the amount of ink in the cartridge 7 is near-end (see FIG. 8 step).
B) Ink end indicator B if near end
E blinks to indicate that the black ink cartridge 7 is near end (step e in FIG. 8).

If a sufficient amount of ink remains in the black ink cartridge 7, it is determined whether or not the ink amount of the color ink cartridge 8 is near-end (step w in FIG. 8). , The ink indicator CE is turned on and off to indicate that the color ink cartridge 8 is near end (step f in FIG. 8).

(Printing Process) When print data is input in a printable state, the sequence selecting means 45 checks the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridges 7 and 8 based on the data of the ink remaining amount detecting and judging means 41 (see FIG. 9 steps
B) If necessary, output data on the detected ink amount to the host (step b in FIG. 9).

The host calculates the amount of ink required for the print data to be printed from now on, and if the amount of ink in the ink cartridges 7 and 8 is smaller than the amount of ink output from the recording device, An ink cartridge replacement command is output (step c in FIG. 9), and an error message is displayed on the display means of the host to urge the user to select whether to force printing or to replace the ink cartridge. When the user selects ink cartridge replacement, the host outputs an ink cartridge replacement command to the recording apparatus. The sequence selection unit 45 receives this command and starts the sequence of the ink cartridge replacement process (step E in FIG. 9).

If it is determined from the data of the remaining ink amount detection judging means 41 that the ink is out (step d in FIG. 9), the sequence selecting means 45 starts the ink exchange processing sequence (step S9 in FIG. 9). E).

In this manner, the ink cartridges 7, 8
When the ink remaining amount check can be passed or printing can be performed by replacing the ink cartridges 7 and 8, the sequence selecting unit 45 prints print data from the host.
The data is output to the flushing control means 37 to execute printing of one page (step f in FIG. 9). If there is print data for the second and subsequent pages, the subsequent pages and subsequent pages are printed through the above-described steps (steps (a) through (f) in FIG. 9).

When printing is completed in this way and the user instructs the power switch P to turn off (FIG. 4 step), a signal is output from the power cut-off detecting means 42, and the sequence selecting means 45 performs power-off processing. Execute (Fig. 4
Step).

(Power-off process) When the power switch P is turned off and a signal is output from the power-off detecting means 42, the sequence selecting means 45
The carriage 11 is moved to the home position by 6 (step a in FIG. 10). Thereby, the recording head 1
The caps 7 and 18 are sealed with caps 20 and 21 to prevent the ink in the nozzle openings of the recording heads 17 and 18 from drying.

Next, when this start-up is performed after the first ink cartridge is mounted and the initial filling is executed, it is determined whether or not the initial filling operation has been completely executed. If it has been completed, the initial filling flag is switched from off to on. If the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are simply replaced for refilling the ink after the initial filling operation has been completed, data indicating the replacement of the ink cartridges and post-processing accompanying the replacement of the ink cartridges are performed. The data indicating whether the replacement suction process is completely completed and the data of the remaining ink amount of the ink remaining amount determination unit 41 are stored in the suction state storage unit 46 (FIG. 10).
Step b). When the storage of all the data indicating the current state is completed, the supply of power to the entire apparatus is stopped.

(Ink Cartridge Replacement Process) When the ink cartridge replacement command switch IC on the panel 9 or the sequence of the ink cartridge replacement process is started by each of the above-described processes, the sequence selecting means 45 determines the moving direction of the carriage 11. Of the two ink cartridges 7 and 8 arranged side by side, only one of the ink cartridges 7 arranged on the printing area side needs to be replaced or the ink cartridge 7 arranged on the non-printing area side It is determined whether or not two ink cartridges 7 and 8 including the ink cartridge 8 have been replaced (step a in FIG. 11).
B).

If it is necessary to replace both ink cartridges 7 and 8 simultaneously, the sequence selecting means 4
Reference numeral 5 denotes the carriage 11 stopped at the home position by the carriage motor control means 36 (FIG. 13A).
Is moved to the printing area side, and the cartridge 8 mounted on the non-printing area side of the carriage 11 is moved so as to face the replacement position, that is, the window 6 (FIG. 13 (C), FIG. 14 (B)). .

In this state, only the ink cartridge 8 faces the window 6 and the other ink cartridge 7 faces the frame 2c, so that only the ink cartridge 8 can be taken out. This makes it easier to identify the ink cartridge 7 to be replaced, thereby preventing mistakes such as accidentally pulling out the other ink cartridge 8 that does not need to be replaced. When the specified ink cartridge 8 to be replaced in the window 6 is pulled out, the ink cartridge 8
When the new ink cartridge 8 is mounted on the carriage 11 and the mounting of the cartridge 8 is detected by the detector 32 and a signal is output from this,
The sequence selecting means 45 is provided for the color ink cartridge 8.
The suction state control means 39 stores that the replacement has been performed (step c in FIG. 11).

After the new ink cartridge 8 is mounted, the user presses the ink cartridge replacement command switch IC within a predetermined time (step d in FIG. 11) (see FIG. 11).
In step e), after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is automatically determined whether or not the replacement is for only one ink cartridge (step f in FIG. 11).

In this case, since the two ink cartridges 7 and 8 need to be replaced, the sequence selecting means 4
5 outputs a signal to the carriage motor control means 36,
Recording head 1 with new ink cartridge 8 mounted
8 is moved to the wiping position, and the nozzle plate is wiped by the cleaning unit 24 (FIG. 11).
Step). Accordingly, when the ink has oozed out of the nozzle opening due to the attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge 8, it is possible to prevent the ink droplet from being wiped off by wiping and falling into the apparatus.

Ink cartridge 8 located on non-printing side
When the replacement is completed, the sequence selecting means 45 causes the carriage motor control means 36 to move the carriage 11 to move the other ink cartridge 7 to the window 6, which is the replacement position (FIG. 13 Step S).
(B)) (FIG. 14 (a)). By this movement, the recording head 18 in which the ink cartridge 8 has been replaced first is evacuated to the home position side. Therefore, even if ink droplets drop due to the replacement of the ink cartridge 8, contamination of the printing area can be prevented.

Next, when the ink cartridge 7 is pulled out to replace the other ink cartridge 7, when the ink cartridge 7 is pulled out, and when a new ink cartridge 7 is mounted on the carriage 11, the mounting of the cartridge 7 is detected by the detector 31. Since a signal is to be output, the sequence selecting means 45 causes the suction state control means 39 to store the fact that the ink cartridge 7 has been replaced (step S in FIG. 11).

After the new ink cartridge is installed, the user presses the ink cartridge replacement command switch IC within a predetermined time (step (n) in FIG. 11) (see FIG. 11).
After a predetermined time has elapsed, the sequence selecting means 45 controls the carriage motor control means 36 to drive the carriage drive motor 13 at low torque, or at a low speed such that the user notices the movement of the carriage 11, or at a low torque and low speed. To move the carriage 11 (see FIG. 1).
One step e), the carriage 11 is initialized (step w in FIG. 11).

Since the user notices that the recording apparatus has moved to the next operation by moving the carriage 11 at a low speed and a low torque, the user moves his / her finger away from the case 3.
It is possible to prevent a finger from being caught in the machine and being injured. Even if it is caught, since the driving torque is small, the carriage driving motor 13 stops instantaneously and does not damage the carriage 11 or injure the finger. Even if the carriage 11 is forcibly moved by an external force due to an ink cartridge replacement operation, the carriage 11
Can be corrected to a position suitable for printing.

In this manner, the position where the carriage 11 does not pinch a finger, that is, in this embodiment, the position on the non-printing area side of the black ink cartridge 7 arranged on the printing area side is hidden from the window 6. When the carriage position is detected by the carriage position detection unit 34, the carriage motor control unit 36 drives the carriage drive motor 13 at a predetermined rotation speed with normal torque, and seals the recording head 18 with the cap 19. Move to a possible position (Fig. 11
Step f).

The sequence selection means 45 determines whether or not the initial filling operation for the recording heads 17 and 18 has been completed based on the data in the suction state storage means 46 (step Y in FIG. 11). If the current ink cartridge installation is the first installation after the purchase of the recording apparatus, that is, if the initial filling flag of the suction state storage means 46 is off, a signal is output to the suction control means 39 and the pump 23a,
By operating the recording head 23b, the amount of ink required for the initial filling from the recording heads 17 and 18, that is, the maintenance liquid filled in the recording head at the time of shipment from the factory is eliminated, and the recording head 1 is removed.
The ink in the amount necessary to completely discharge the air bubbles in the nozzles 7 and 18 and print in a predetermined state is sucked (FIG. 11).
Stepta). The sequence selecting means 45 starts the suction state storing means 4 when the completion of the initial filling is confirmed.
The initial filling flag stored in 6 is switched from off to on (step 11 in FIG. 11).

On the other hand, when the mounting of the ink cartridges 7 and 8 is for replenishing the ink with the consumption of the ink (steps a and d in FIG. 12), the sequence selecting means 45 By outputting a signal, the pumps 23a and 23b are operated, and a necessary amount of ink is sucked from the recording heads 17 and 18 when the cartridge is replaced (steps (b) and (e) in FIG. 12). The home position is detected by the carriage position detecting means 34, the carriage 11 is stopped at the home position, the recording heads 17 and 18 are sealed by the capping unit 19 (Step in FIG. 12), and the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are normally replaced. This fact is stored in the ink suction state storage means 46 (FIG. 12 step).

On the other hand, when only one ink cartridge is to be replaced (Step A in FIG. 11), the sequence selecting means 45 moves the carriage 11 by means of the carriage motor control means 36 to change the ink cartridge 7 to be replaced. Or 8 is moved to the window 6 which is the exchange position (FIG. 11 step S) (FIG. 13 (b)
(C)) (FIG. 14 (a) (b)).

Next, when the ink cartridge 7 or 8 is pulled out to replace the ink cartridge 7, the ink cartridge 7 or 8 is pulled out. When a new ink cartridge 7 or 8 is mounted on the carriage 11, the cartridge 7 or 8 is drawn out. 8 is the detector 3
1 and 32, the sequence selection means 4
Reference numeral 5 causes the suction state control means 39 to store the fact that the ink cartridge 7 or 8 has been replaced (step S1 in FIG. 11).

After the new ink cartridge is installed, the user presses the ink cartridge exchange command switch IC within a predetermined time (step (n) in FIG. 11).
At a stage when a predetermined time has elapsed without the ink cartridge replacement command switch IC being pressed, the sequence selecting means 45
3, the carriage 11 is moved at a low torque or at such a low speed that the user notices the movement of the carriage 11, or at a low torque and at a low speed (step S in FIG. 11), and the carriage 11 is initialized (step S in FIG. 11). ).

In this manner, the position of the carriage 11 such that the carriage 1 does not pinch a finger, that is, in this embodiment, the surface of the black ink cartridge 7 arranged on the printing area side on the non-printing area side extends from the window 6. When the carriage position detecting means 34 detects that the carriage has been moved to the hidden position, the carriage motor control means 36
3 is driven at a normal torque and speed to move the recording head 18 to a position where it can be sealed with the caps 19 and 20 (FIG. 1).
1 step f).

The sequence selecting means 45 determines whether the recording head 17 or 1
It is determined whether or not the initial filling operation for No. 8 has been completed (step Y in FIG. 11). The first installation of the ink cartridge this time, that is, the suction state storage means 4
If the initial filling flag of No. 6 is off, a signal is output to the suction control means 39 and the pump 23a or 23b
Is operated to suck a predetermined amount of ink required for the initial filling from the recording head 17 or 18, that is, an amount of ink necessary for discharging the maintenance liquid or bubbles filled at the time of shipment from the factory and making it possible to print. 11 steps
Ta). The sequence selection unit 45 switches the initial filling flag of the recording head 17 or 18 stored in the suction state storage unit 46 from off to on when it is confirmed that the initial filling is completely performed (step in FIG. 11).
Re).

On the other hand, if the mounting of the ink cartridge 7 or 8 is a replacement of the ink cartridge due to the consumption of ink (steps (a) and (d) in FIG. 12), the sequence selecting means 45 sends a signal to the suction control means 39. Then, the pump 23a or 23b is operated and the necessary amount of ink is sucked from the recording head 17 or 18 when the cartridge 7 or 8 is replaced (step B and E in FIG. 12).

After the above suction operation is completed, the sequence selecting means 45 moves the carriage 11 to the flushing position, and prints and flushes the recording head 18 or 17 where the ink cartridge 8 or 7 is not replaced. The flushing operation is executed by the control means 37 to discharge the ink thickened by the replacement of the ink cartridge to eliminate the clogging, and to recover the broken meniscus (to the step in FIG. 12).
C).

When these operations are completed, the home position is detected by the carriage position detecting means 34, the carriage 11 is stopped at the home position, and the recording heads 17 and 18 are sealed by the capping unit 19 (step in FIG. 12). G), ink cartridge 7,
Alternatively, the fact that the cartridge 8 has been replaced normally is stored in the ink suction state storage means 46 (FIG. 12, Step 1).

If the power switch P is erroneously turned off during the replacement of any one of the ink cartridges 7 and 8, the sequence selecting means 45 uses the signal from the power cutoff detecting means 42 to execute the above-described operation. The power-off process (FIG. 10) is selected to determine whether or not the initial filling has been completed, the state of replacement of the ink cartridge, whether or not the replacement suction has been completed in accordance with the replacement of the ink cartridge, and the remaining ink amount determination means 4.
1 is stored in the suction state storage means 46.

By storing the data in the suction state storage means 46 in this manner, even if the power is turned off accidentally during the replacement work of the ink cartridges 7 and 8, the above-described power-on processing ( According to FIG. 5), prior to the start of printing, the processing interrupted by the previous power-off can be re-executed to restore the recording heads 17 and 18 to a printable state.

As described above, when it is determined that a plurality of ink cartridges are to be replaced, when it is detected that the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are not mounted, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridges 7 and 8 is reduced to the ink end. , When the ink remaining amount is near-end, and when it is detected that the ink cartridges 7 and 8 having the printable ink remaining amount are mounted, the priority order is determined. In order to move the carriage 11 to the window 6, the ink cartridges 7 and 8 can be replaced in accordance with the display state of the ink end indicators BE and CE, thereby avoiding confusion that is likely to occur when replacing a plurality of ink cartridges. be able to.

In the above-described embodiment, two independent recording heads 7 and 8 are provided on the carriage. However, the nozzle plate is shared and the nozzle opening rows of different ink types are sealed independently. In the case of a recording head that cannot perform the recording, the recording head 50 is sealed with a single cap 51 as shown in FIG.
Accordingly, the same effect can be obtained even if the initial filling or the replacement suction is performed, or the ink end indicator IE is shared.

(Printing Head Cleaning Process) When the cleaning command switch CC of the head 50 on the operation panel 9 is operated, the sequence selecting unit 45 causes the black ink cartridge 7 based on the data from the remaining ink amount detecting and determining unit 41. The remaining amount of ink is determined, and when it is determined that the ink is exhausted (step a in FIG. 16),
Subsequently, the remaining amount of ink in the color ink cartridge 8 is determined. As a result of the determination, the color ink cartridge 8
If there is more ink remaining than is consumed by the ink suction accompanying the cleaning operation (step b in FIG. 16), the process for replacing the black ink cartridge is started (step c in FIG. 16), and the color ink is removed. If the remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 8 is smaller than the suction amount associated with the cleaning operation, a process for replacing both ink cartridges 7 and 8 is started (step d in FIG. 16).

If the remaining amount of ink in the black ink cartridge 7 remains more than the ink end is determined, but is smaller than the ink suction amount by the cleaning operation (step E in FIG. 16), the color ink is continuously The remaining amount of ink in the cartridge 8 is determined. If the result of the determination is that there is more ink remaining in the color ink cartridge 8 than is consumed by the ink suction accompanying the cleaning operation (step b in FIG. 16), the replacement process of the black ink cartridge is started (FIG. 16). 16) If the remaining amount of ink in the color ink cartridge 8 is smaller than the suction amount associated with the cleaning operation, a process for replacing both ink cartridges 7 and 8 is started (step d in FIG. 16).

If the remaining amount of the ink in the black ink cartridge 7 is sufficient to cover the ink consumption by the cleaning operation (step E in FIG. 16), the operation for determining the ink amount for the previous color ink cartridge 8 (FIG. 16). If the color ink cartridge 8 is determined to be out of ink (step S16 in FIG. 16) or the remaining amount of ink is equal to or less than the suction amount by the cleaning operation (step S16 in FIG. 16),
The exchange process of the color ink cartridge 8 is started (FIG. 16, Step 1).

In this manner, when it is confirmed that the remaining ink amounts of all the ink cartridges 7 and 8 are larger than the amount of ink consumed by the cleaning, the ink cartridges 7 are determined based on the data of the remaining ink determining means 41. ,
If the remaining amount of ink after the replacement of No. 8 is equal to or more than 、 and the printing amount after the replacement is equal to or less than the predetermined amount (step (FIG. 16)), a special bubble discharging process is executed (FIG. 16 step (nu)). If different, a suction process is performed (FIG. 16 step).

(Ink Cartridge Replacement Process) When the ink cartridge replacement command switch IC on the panel 9 or the sequence of the ink cartridge replacement process is started by each of the above-described processes, the sequence selecting unit 45 sets the carriage motor control unit 36 17, the carriage 11 stopped at the home position is moved to the printing area side, and the cartridges 7 and 8 are moved to the replacement position (FIG. 17).
Step b).

When the ink cartridge 8 is pulled out, when the ink cartridge 8 is pulled out, and when a new ink cartridge 8 is mounted on the carriage 11, the mounting of the cartridge 8 is detected by the detector 32 and a signal is output from this. The means 45 causes the suction state control means 39 to store that the color ink cartridge 8 has been replaced (step B in FIG. 17).

If a predetermined time has elapsed after the installation of the new ink cartridge 8 (step c in FIG. 17), or if the user has pressed the ink cartridge exchange command switch IC within the predetermined time (step d in FIG. 17), the sequence The selection means 45 causes the carriage motor control means 36 to move the carriage drive motor 13 at a low torque, or at a low speed such that the user notices the movement of the carriage 11, or at a low torque and a low speed (step E in FIG. 17). Then, the carriage position is initialized (step F in FIG. 17). This allows
The position of the carriage 11 can be maintained in a state suitable for printing even when the carriage 11 moves due to an external force due to the ink cartridge replacement operation.

The sequence selecting means 45 determines, based on the data in the suction state storing means 46, whether the replacement of the ink cartridge is the first one after the purchase of the printing apparatus or the one for replenishing the ink. Then, the suction mode is selected (FIG. 17, step).

That is, if the current ink cartridge installation is the first installation after the purchase of the recording apparatus, that is, if the initial filling flag of the suction state storage means 46 is off, a signal is output to the suction control means 39. By operating the pump 52, the amount of ink required for the initial filling from the recording heads 17 and 18, that is, the maintenance liquid filled in the recording head at the time of shipment from the factory is eliminated, and the air bubbles in the recording head 50 can be completely discharged. In the case of replacement for ink replenishment, the normal suction operation is executed (step S1 in FIG. 17).

When these operations are completed, the home position is detected by the carriage position detecting means 34, and the carriage 11 is stopped at the home position (FIG. 1).
7 steps n) Cap 51 of capping unit
To seal the recording head 50 and store the normal replacement of the ink cartridge 7 or 8 in the ink suction state storage means 46 (FIG. 17 step).

On the other hand, if the ink cartridge has not been replaced (step S in FIG. 17), the type of the ink cartridge to be replaced and the fact that the suction for this is suspended are stored in the suction state storage means 46. (Step e in FIG. 17).

In the above-described embodiment, the replacement position is regulated by the window 6 of the case and the frame 2c. However, as shown in FIG. It is apparent that the present invention can be similarly applied to a window having an exposed window 6 'as long as the ink cartridge replacement position CP is displayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18 (b), windows 61 and 62 for regulating the replacement positions of the black ink cartridge and the color ink cartridge are provided independently. When the cartridges are configured as independent cartridges 81, 82 and 83 for each color, as shown in FIG. 18C, windows 62 and
63 and 64 may be provided.

According to these embodiments, the type of the ink cartridge can be clearly described by using the large area of the case main body, so that erroneous selection of the ink cartridge can be prevented.

[0096]

As described above, according to the present invention, there are provided an ink jet recording head for discharging ink droplets, an ink cartridge for supplying ink to the recording head, and a carriage for mounting the recording head and the ink cartridge. A capping unit disposed outside the printing area to seal the recording head; a suction unit for applying a negative pressure to the capping unit; an ink cartridge replacement determining unit for detecting whether or not the ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage; When the ink cartridge replacement determination unit does not detect the installation of the ink cartridge at the time of insertion, the control unit moves the recording head to which the ink cartridge is not mounted to a position where the ink cartridge can be replaced. Just turn on the power and the ink cartridge Wearing the carriage is moved is enabled position, where only the ink cartridge, it is possible to perform the process of filling the ink without the need for subsequent complex operations.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing one embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention with a case cover opened.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a recording mechanism of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an overall operation of the above device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of a power-on process among operations of the above device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a black head cleaning process among the operations of the above apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of a color head cleaning process among the operations of the above device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of checking the remaining ink amount in the operation of the apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of a printing process among the operations of the above device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a power-off processing operation among the operations of the above device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation up to a middle stage in an operation of an ink cartridge replacement process among operations of the above apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an end operation of an ink cartridge replacement process in the operation of the above apparatus.

FIGS. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing states in which the carriage has moved to a home position, a color ink cartridge replacement position, and a black ink cartridge replacement position, respectively.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show the positional relationship between each recording head and the capping unit when the carriage moves to the color ink cartridge replacement position and the black ink cartridge replacement position, respectively. FIG.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation of a cleaning process of the ink jet recording apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an ink cartridge replacement process of the ink jet recording apparatus.

FIGS. 18A to 18C are diagrams showing another embodiment of a case structure to which the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 case cover 2 c frame 3 case 6 window 7, 8 ink jet recording head 11 carriage 17, 18 ink cartridge 19 capping unit 23 pump unit IC ink cartridge replacement command switch BC, CC recording head cleaning command switch P power switch

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shigenori Fukasawa 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Inside Seiko Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Hitoshi Hayakawa 3-3-5 Yamato Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Seiko Epson (72) Inventor Norihiro Maruyama 3-5-5 Yamato, Suwa-shi, Nagano Seiko Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Nobutoshi Otsuka 3-5-2-5 Yamato, Suwa-shi, Nagano Seiko Epson Corporation ( 72) Inventor Kazuhisa Kawakami 3-5-5 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, Seiko Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Masahiro Isono 3-3-5, Yamato Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Seiko Epson Corporation

Claims (5)

[Claims] An ink jet recording head for ejecting ink droplets; an ink cartridge for supplying ink to the recording head; a carriage for mounting the recording head and the ink cartridge; Capping means for sealing a recording head; suction means for applying a negative pressure to the capping means; ink cartridge replacement determining means for detecting whether or not the ink cartridge is mounted on the carriage; and An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: control means for moving the recording head, to which the cartridge is not mounted, to a position where the ink cartridge can be replaced, when the mounting of the ink cartridge is not detected by the replacement determining means. 2. A state in which a suction operation of sucking ink from the recording head by the suction means in accordance with an operation of replacing the ink cartridge is stored, and data indicating that initial filling is not performed is stored in advance. The suction condition storage means, wherein the control means moves the carriage to the replaceable position if the initial filling is not executed when the power is turned on, and confirms that the ink cartridge has been mounted. 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suction means performs the initial filling. 3. The ink jet type apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes the suction unit to execute the initial filling when the cartridge is mounted when the power is turned on and the initial filling is not executed. Recording device. 4. The replaceable position is provided on the case body, and is formed as a window that is exposed by opening a case lid whose opening and closing is detected by case open detecting means. When the opening of the case lid is detected and the ink cartridge replacement determination means does not detect the mounting of the ink cartridge, the recording head without the cartridge is moved to a position where the ink cartridge can be replaced. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an ink remaining amount detection determining unit configured to detect a remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge; and a power cutoff detecting unit configured to detect supply and stop of power to the apparatus. Is detected, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is detected to be equal to or less than a reference value by the ink remaining amount determining means, the ink cartridge is moved to the replaceable position, 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the stop of the recording is detected, the carriage is forcibly moved to a position where the recording head can be sealed by the capping unit.