JPH10305564A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid useless printing and the like, by measuring environmental values related to factors having an effect on the print quality and generating specified information when the magnitude of a factor determined from the environmental value deviates from a range for guaranteeing a specified quality. SOLUTION: Based on values detected by an environmental detection means 31 for detecting at least one of temperature or humidity, a factor searching means 18 determines the magnitude of a factor, e.g. the viscosity of ink determined from the temperature, which is then stored in a memory 32. A decision means 19 makes a decision, prior to printing or at a specified timing, whether the viscosity of ink is within a quality guarantee range or an unprintable range with reference to a search table. When it comes within the quality guarantee range or the unprintable range, the decision means 19 informs the fact through an informing means 20 and sets a print interruption flag in the memory 32 in order to avoid or interrupt printing. When it deviates from the quality guarantee range, a fact that the printing can be performed with a quality lower than a specified level is informed so that the printing can be continued on user's judgement.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention can perform printing with a predetermined quality even under environmental conditions outside a predetermined range where operation is not guaranteed, or prevent print quality from deteriorating due to printing conditions. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus capable of preventing useless printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a printing apparatus, printing is generally controlled in accordance with an environmental temperature. For example, in an ink jet printer, the amount of ink ejected from the orifice of the inkjet head is affected by the environmental temperature. Therefore, the environmental temperature is measured, and the amount of ink ejected by selecting a preset ejection voltage waveform according to the temperature is determined. Controlling. Further, a mechanical drive device for relatively moving and positioning the ink jet head and the printer paper is also controlled according to the temperature.

[0003] In a printing apparatus, an operation guarantee range of a temperature which guarantees that a predetermined print quality can be realized is set, and the above-mentioned temperature control is performed within the operation guarantee range. Although a predetermined temperature control is performed outside the operation guarantee range, a predetermined print quality or the like cannot be normally guaranteed.

[0004]

For example, in the case of an ink jet printer, when the temperature is lower or higher than the operation guarantee range, the printing operation is performed due to the influence of the viscosity change of the ink, but the printing quality is deteriorated. When the temperature is extremely low, the mechanical driving device operates but the head is inoperable and printing is not performed, or the mechanical driving device does not operate normally, and the paper may be wasted. When print quality deterioration or printing failure occurs due to the environmental temperature being outside the operation guarantee range, the user often does not notice the cause.

On the other hand, when the environmental temperature is out of the operation guarantee range, it is possible to control the printing apparatus so as to wait without executing printing. The state of the device and the cause of the standby may not be known. In particular, when the printing apparatus is installed in a separate printing room away from the host computer, the network user or the like tends to be unable to confirm the situation, and frustration occurs due to waiting for unknown printing.

On the other hand, constant environmental conditions are required for humidity as well as temperature. If the humidity is high, the paper feed tends to cause a problem, and if the humidity is too low, electric trouble is likely to occur due to generation of static electricity. Problems similar to those at the above-described temperature also occur with respect to a problem that occurs in an environment where the humidity is outside the operation guarantee range.

[0007] Further, for the purpose of removing static electricity generated during paper feeding, static electricity countermeasures are taken by providing a neutralizing brush or a roller. However, with the recent increase in high-speed printing (high-throughput), the generation of static electricity increases due to high-speed paper feeding, high-speed paper feeding, and high-speed discharging, and the use of special printing paper. No longer. Particularly, in the case of an ink jet printer, there is a problem that the ink jet head and the ink are easily affected by static electricity, and the print quality is deteriorated. Such static electricity is more likely to be generated at lower temperatures and lower humidity.

According to the present invention, when environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity are out of predetermined ranges, or when print quality is likely to deteriorate due to the influence of static electricity, print quality cannot be assured by generating information to that effect. It is an object of the present invention to eliminate print quality deterioration, useless printing, occurrence of troubles, or frustration caused by waiting for unknown reasons for printing caused by executing printing in a state.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a search means for determining the size of a factor which affects print quality, and the factor determined by the search means. Storage means for storing the magnitude of the factor, a determination means for determining whether or not the magnitude of the factor stored in the storage means satisfies a predetermined condition, and a determination result of the determination means that the predetermined condition is satisfied. And a notifying unit for notifying the user when the condition is not satisfied.

According to the first aspect, it is possible to obtain information as to whether or not the magnitude of a factor affecting print quality satisfies a predetermined condition, thereby avoiding unnecessary printing and the like.

A second aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the printing apparatus is an ink jet printer, and the factor is a viscosity of the ink.

According to the second aspect, it is possible to know that the viscosity of the ink is out of the predetermined condition and affects the print quality.

A third aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the printing apparatus is an ink jet printer, and the factor is static electricity near the ink jet head.

According to the third aspect, it is possible to know that the amount of static electricity in the vicinity of the ink jet head is out of the predetermined condition and affects the print quality.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the factor is static electricity near a paper feed tray.

According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to know that the amount of static electricity in the vicinity of the paper feed tray is out of the predetermined condition and affects print quality.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, a detecting means for detecting a value of an environment related to the magnitude of the factor is further provided. Second storage means for storing the value of the environment,
The printing apparatus is characterized in that the searching means obtains the magnitude of the factor from the value of the environment stored in the second storage means.

In the fifth aspect, the magnitude of the factor is obtained through the value of the environment, and it can be determined whether or not the magnitude of the factor is within a predetermined condition.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the environment is an environmental temperature, an environmental humidity, a type of a print recording medium set in a paper feed tray, and conveyance of the print recording medium. The printing apparatus is at least one of the number of sheets.

In the sixth aspect, the magnitude of the factor can be obtained from these environment values.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the search means has a search table in which the value of the environment is associated with the size of the factor. It is in.

In the seventh aspect, the size of the factor can be obtained from the value of the environment via the search table.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the searching means obtains the magnitude by directly detecting the size of the factor. .

In the eighth aspect, for example, the magnitude is obtained by directly detecting the amount of static electricity.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the determination by the determination means is performed prior to printing, and if the determination result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, In a printing apparatus, a printing operation is not started.

In the ninth aspect, useless printing operation with reduced printing quality is avoided.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the judgment by the judging means is performed at a predetermined timing, and when the judgment result does not satisfy the predetermined condition. Is a printing apparatus for interrupting a printing operation.

In the tenth aspect, useless printing with reduced print quality is interrupted.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the predetermined condition is determined based on whether or not a print quality of a certain level or more can be guaranteed. Printing device.

In the eleventh aspect, print quality of a certain level or more is ensured.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the predetermined condition is determined based on whether or not printing itself can be executed. is there.

According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to avoid printing in a state where printing cannot be performed.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the notifying means notifies that the printing itself cannot be executed or that a certain or higher print quality cannot be guaranteed. Printing device.

In the thirteenth aspect, the user can grasp the status of the printing device.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the notifying means includes a status of a factor causing a result of the judgment by the judging means not to satisfy the predetermined condition. Is notified.

In the fourteenth aspect, the user can know a specific factor and can deal with it as needed.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the notifying means is configured to allow the user to actively operate the environment so that the judgment result of the judging means satisfies the predetermined condition. Is notified to execute an action of changing the printing device.

[0038] In the fifteenth aspect, the user can actively change the environment in response to a request.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fifteenth aspect, the act of actively changing the environment is an operation of a heater or a cooling fan for changing an environmental temperature. In the printing device.

In the sixteenth aspect, the user can change the environmental temperature by operating the heater or the cooling fan.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the fifteenth aspect, the act of actively changing the environment is a supply of water or a desiccant for changing environmental humidity. In the printing device.

In the seventeenth aspect, the user can change the environmental humidity by supplying water or a desiccant.

An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the act of actively changing the environment is a reduction in the number of sheets continuously fed.

In the eighteenth aspect, the amount of static electricity can be reduced by reducing the number of continuous paper feeds.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, there is further provided an environment changing means for changing an environment so that the judgment result of the judging means satisfies the predetermined condition. A printing device characterized by the following.

In the nineteenth aspect, the size of the factor affecting the print quality can be automatically returned to the predetermined condition by the environment changing means.

A twentieth aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, wherein the environment changing means controls a heater or a cooling fan for changing an environmental temperature.

In the twentieth aspect, the environmental temperature can be changed by automatically operating the heater or the cooling fan.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, the environment changing means controls a humidifier or a dehumidifier for changing environmental humidity.

In the twenty-first aspect, the environmental humidity can be changed by automatically operating the humidifier or the dehumidifier.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to twenty-first aspects, the notifying means is provided for a computer connected directly one-to-one or indirectly via a network. , Which outputs information related to the notification.

In the twenty-second aspect, even if the printing device is not installed near the user, the user can grasp the status of the printing device.

[0053] A twenty-third aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects, wherein the notifying means outputs information relating to the notifying to an operation panel. .

In the twenty-third aspect, the user can grasp the status of the printing apparatus on the operation panel.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing method comprising a host computer and a printing apparatus which can be directly or one-to-one connected to the host computer via a network. Searching means for obtaining the size of a factor that exerts a force, storage means for storing the size of the factor obtained by the searching means, and the size of the factor stored in the storage means satisfying a predetermined condition. There is provided a printing method comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the condition is satisfied; and a notification unit that notifies a user when a determination result of the determination unit does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect, it is possible to obtain information as to whether or not the magnitude of a factor affecting print quality satisfies a predetermined condition, thereby avoiding useless printing and the like.

A twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the printing method according to the twenty-fourth aspect, wherein the host computer has the notification means.

In the twenty-fifth aspect, the situation can be grasped even when the printing apparatus is not installed near the user.

A twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is a twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect.
In the printing method, the printing device is an ink jet printer, and the factor is viscosity of ink.

In the twenty-sixth aspect, it is possible to know that the viscosity of the ink is out of the predetermined condition and affects the print quality.

The twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is a twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect.
In the printing method, the printing apparatus is an ink jet printer, and the factor is static electricity near the ink jet head.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect, it is possible to know that the amount of static electricity near the ink jet head is out of the predetermined condition and affects print quality.

The twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention is directed to the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth aspect.
Wherein the factor is static electricity near the paper feed tray.

In the twenty-eighth aspect, it is possible to know that the amount of static electricity in the vicinity of the paper feed tray is out of the predetermined condition and affects print quality.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-eighth aspects, the printing apparatus further comprises: detecting means for detecting an environment value related to the magnitude of the factor; And a second storage unit for storing the value of the environment obtained, wherein the searching unit obtains the magnitude of the factor from the value of the environment stored in the second storage unit. In printing method.

In the twenty-ninth aspect, the magnitude of the factor is obtained through the value of the environment, and it can be determined whether or not the magnitude of the factor is within a predetermined condition.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in the twenty-ninth aspect, the environment is an environment temperature, an environment humidity, a type of a print recording medium set in a paper feed tray, and a conveyance of the print recording medium. In a printing method, the number is at least one.

In the thirtieth aspect, the magnitude of the factor can be obtained from these environment values.

The thirty-first aspect of the present invention is directed to the twenty-ninth or thirtieth aspect.
In the printing method, the searching means has a search table in which the value of the environment and the size of the factor are associated with each other.

In the thirty-first aspect, the magnitude of the factor can be obtained from the value of the environment via the search table.

A thirty-second aspect of the present invention is the printing method according to any one of the twenty-third to twenty-eighth aspects, wherein the searching means obtains the magnitude by directly detecting the magnitude of the factor. .

In the thirty-second mode, for example, the magnitude is obtained by directly detecting the amount of static electricity.

[0073]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
And FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram. The ink jet printer according to the present embodiment has an existing structure. As shown in FIG. 1, a printer (printing apparatus) 11 includes a printer control unit 13 configured by executing a group of control programs by a CPU. And a printer mechanism 8 whose operation is controlled by the printer controller 13.
A host computer 10 is connected to the printer control unit 13 via an interface 12 which is a bidirectional interface or a network interface. When print data is transmitted from the host computer 10, the printer control unit 13 The data is analyzed to form a print image, and the printer mechanism 8 is operated to execute printing.

In the printer mechanism 8, the carriage 2 on which the inkjet head 1 is mounted
Is mounted movably in the axial direction on a carriage shaft 3 mounted on a frame (not shown). The driving force of the carriage driving motor 4 is transmitted to the carriage 2 via a plurality of gears (not shown) and the timing belt 5, thereby
The carriage 2 on which the inkjet head 1 is mounted can move along the carriage shaft 3. On the other hand, a platen 6 is provided on a frame (not shown) in parallel with the carriage shaft 3. The platen 6 can be rotated by the driving force of the transport motor 7, and the recording medium S such as paper fed from a paper feed roller (not shown)
It is wound around and transported.

Further, a temperature detector 9 for detecting an environmental temperature is mounted near the ink jet head 1. In accordance with the temperature detected by the temperature detector 9, a predetermined ejection voltage waveform is selected as conventionally known, and the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet head 1 is controlled.

As shown in FIG. 2, a printer control section 13 of the printer 11 controls the printer mechanism section 8 by operating a control program or the like stored in a storage section (not shown) by a CPU. . The printer control unit 13 includes a command interpretation unit 15, a mechanism control unit 17,
It has a factor finding means 18, a judging means 19 and a notifying means 20. The printer 11 has a display panel 28 for displaying various information and performing various operations.
Power switch 29 for turning on / off the power of the entire apparatus
Is provided.

The interpreter 15 processes the data received from the host computer 10 and executes printing via the mechanism controller 17.

The mechanism control unit 17 controls the head 1 based on the data from the interpretation unit 15.
1. A carriage control unit 22 that drives the carriage drive motor 4 to control carriage movement and a conveyance control unit 23 that drives the conveyance motor 7 to control conveyance of the recording medium S.

The mechanism control section 17 has an environment detecting means 31 for detecting at least one of temperature and humidity.
Here, the environment detecting means 31 is provided with a temperature detector 9 provided for controlling the ink ejection amount of the inkjet head.
May be combined, or a temperature detector and a humidity detector for detecting the environmental temperature may be independently provided.

The factor finding means 18 calculates the size of a factor that affects the print quality, for example, the viscosity of the ink, the static electricity near the ink jet head 1, or the static electricity near the paper feed tray. In the present embodiment, the magnitude of the factor is obtained from the detection result of the environment detecting means 31 for detecting at least one of temperature and humidity, which is the environment detecting means, and the result is stored in the memory 32 composed of a writable / readable memory. I do. A specific example of the size of the factor will be described later.

The determining means 19 determines whether or not the magnitude of the factor obtained by the searching means 18 is within a predetermined condition. Also,
The judging means 19 is executed prior to the printing or at a predetermined timing. At the same time as the notification, the printing interruption flag is set at a predetermined position in the memory 32, if necessary, and the notification unit 20 notifies the user. Here, the print suspension flag is referred to by the mechanism control unit 17, and
If the print suspension flag is set, the printing execution is avoided or suspended.

The notifying means 20 is for generating predetermined information based on the judgment result of the judging means 19 and notifying the user of necessary information. The notifying is performed by the display on the display panel 28 and the interface 12. And at least one of communications to the host computer 10 via the.

In the present embodiment, the searching means 18 and the judging means 19 determine the viscosity of the ink as a factor from the value of the environmental temperature or humidity detected by the environment detecting section 31 and determine whether the viscosity is within a predetermined condition. Judge. This determination is performed using a search table as shown in FIG. 4, and the magnitude of the ink viscosity is obtained from the temperature value. Based on the magnitude, it is determined whether the ink viscosity is within the quality assurance range or in the non-printable range. . When the quality is out of the quality assurance range or in the non-printable range, the determination unit 19 notifies the user via the notification unit 20 and at the same time, sets a print interruption flag to avoid or interrupt printing. Is set. If the quality is out of the quality assurance range, the user is notified that the quality cannot be prescribed more than a certain level but the printing can be executed, so that the printing can be continued at the user's discretion. In this case, only the notification may be made without interrupting the printing.

Although the example shown in FIG. 4 uses temperature as the value of the environment, temperature and humidity may be used. In this case, when the temperature is in the range of 10 to 35 ° C. and the humidity is in the range of 20 to 80%, the factors are good and the quality is within the quality assurance range capable of realizing a print quality of a certain level or more.
Humidity 20-80 in the range of ℃ -10 ℃, 35 ℃ -50 ℃
The percentage range increases the viscosity of the ink to some extent, but this range does not guarantee print quality, but it is actually within the printable range where printing can be performed. It is.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for checking whether or not the size of the factor is within the quality assurance range or within the printing non-executable range, and determining whether or not to stop printing. As shown in FIG. 3, when the temperature detector 9 detects a value that is the environmental temperature (step S1), the magnitude of the factor, that is, the magnitude of the ink viscosity in the present embodiment, is determined from the value (step S1) ( In step S2, it is determined whether or not the size is within a predetermined quality assurance range (step S3). If the size of the factor is out of the quality assurance range (step S
3: NO), it is further determined whether or not the print is in the non-printable range (step S4). Status information indicating that printing is possible is not possible, but a request is made to determine whether or not to continue printing, and the determination means 19 sets a print interruption flag (step S6). If there is a subsequent instruction (step S
7: YES), in the case of an instruction to stop printing (step S
8: YES) The process is terminated as it is, and if the printing is not stopped (step S8: NO), the print interruption flag is reset (step S9), and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the print execution is not possible in step S4, status information indicating that printing is not possible is generated (step S10), and after setting a print interruption flag (step S11), the process ends.

If it is determined in step S3 that the print quality is within the quality assurance range (step S3: YES), the print interruption flag is reset if it is set (step S9), and the process ends.

Here, the above-described flow of checking whether the size of the factor is within a predetermined condition and determining whether or not printing is possible is executed at an appropriate timing as needed. For example, it is executed when the printer 11 starts up, or when the host computer 1
Executes in response to an inquiry command from 0. Also,
It may be executed constantly at a predetermined time interval (for example, once per second) to constantly monitor the environmental state.

The status information indicating that the condition is out of the predetermined condition is displayed on the display panel 28 appropriately provided on the surface of the printer 11 or the display 101 of the host computer 10 in order to draw the user's attention. , Or by issuing a warning sound. Therefore, the user can easily know that the environmental temperature of the printer 11 is out of the quality assurance range, and can avoid useless printing and the like.

In this case, it is also possible to request that the environment be adjusted so that the size of the factor falls within a predetermined condition. For example, a heater or a cooling fan may be provided around the printer 11, The user may be required to put water in a predetermined tank, put a dehumidifier in a predetermined box, or the like.

On the other hand, the judging means for judging whether or not the size of the factor is within the quality assurance range is the host computer 10
May be provided. In this case, factor finding means 1
Information on the state of the environmental temperature detected by the host computer 8 is sent to the host computer 10, for example, the host computer 1.
Determination unit 102 attached to the printer driver included in the printer driver 0
Thus, it is determined whether or not the environmental state of the printer 11 is within a predetermined range such as within the quality assurance range. If it is out of the predetermined range, a predetermined display is displayed on the display unit 101 by the determination unit 102, or a warning sound is generated, as described above, to call the user's attention. In this case, since it is not necessary to provide the printer 11 with a judgment means, the printer 1
1 itself can be simplified.

In the above-described embodiment, the print interruption flag is set and the print operation is interrupted and the print operation is interrupted at the same time when the panel display or the warning sound is generated. May be continued.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the magnitude of the factor is determined mainly based on the temperature environment. However, the humidity related to the factor that gives the print quality of the printer 11 may be similarly detected. In this case, the magnitude of the factor may be obtained by detecting and judging the humidity environment simultaneously with or independently of the temperature environment, and when the detection result is out of the quality assurance range of the humidity, the above-mentioned temperature may be obtained. As in the case, the status information is generated and a predetermined process is performed.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 5 shows a functional block diagram of a printer 11A of the present embodiment. In this embodiment,
The static electricity generated in the vicinity of the inkjet head 1 or the paper feed cassette is used as a factor affecting print quality. The same members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 11A of the present embodiment is different from the configuration of the first embodiment in that temperature and humidity are used as means for detecting environmental values related to the above-mentioned factors affecting print quality. In addition to the above-described environment detecting means 31 for detecting at least one of the above, a paper type obtaining unit 33 is provided.

The paper type obtaining unit 33 detects the type and size of the paper by a sensor (not shown), sets from the display panel 28, switches by other switches for setting the paper type, or receives a command from the host computer 10. The paper type is acquired from the setting by the user and stored in the memory 32.

The generation of static electricity depends on the type and size of paper and the number of continuous paper feeds. For example, continuous paper is more likely to generate static electricity than plain paper, and static paper tends to increase in the order of dedicated paper, OHP paper, and glossy film. The generation of the static electricity tends to increase as the temperature decreases, and to increase as the humidity decreases. In this case, due to the relationship between the type of paper and the environment, sufficient static elimination cannot be performed by the normal static elimination mechanism.

The present embodiment solves such a problem. The above-described environment detecting means 31 detects the humidity in addition to the temperature and stores it in the memory 32. The amount of static electricity is determined from the temperature and humidity and the type of paper used, and stored in the memory 32. Judgment means 1
9 is based on the amount of static electricity stored in the memory 32,
It is determined whether or not it is within the quality assurance range or whether or not it is within the print non-executable range.

The determination by the factor searching means 18 and the determining means 19 is performed with reference to, for example, a table shown in FIG. That is, the magnitude of the amount of static electricity is determined from the values of the temperature and the humidity according to the type of paper, and it is determined whether the magnitude is within the quality assurance range, outside the quality assurance range, or in the non-printable range. here,
Since the static electricity levels E1 to E3 can be sufficiently eliminated by a normal static elimination mechanism, they are within the quality assurance range.
Is out of the quality assurance range, and level E5 is in the unprintable range.

The process of checking whether or not the size of the factor is within the quality assurance range or within the print non-executable range and determining whether or not to cancel the printing is performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 can be performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the above-described example, the temperature and the humidity together with the type of the paper are used as the judgment material for obtaining the magnitude of the factor. However, a combination of the type of the paper and the temperature or the humidity may be used.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 7 shows a functional block diagram of a printer 11B of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment,
As in the second embodiment, the static electricity generated in the vicinity of the inkjet head 1 or the paper feed cassette is used as a factor affecting print quality. The same members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the printer 11B of the present embodiment is different from the configuration of the first embodiment in that a temperature is detected as a means for detecting an environmental value related to a factor affecting print quality. In addition to the environment detecting means 31, a sheet feeding number acquiring unit 34 is provided.

The number-of-feeded-sheets acquiring section 34 acquires the number of fed sheets from the start of printing from a command from the host computer 10, a fed sheet count sensor (not shown), and the like.
The information is stored in the memory 32.

As described above, the generation of static electricity depends on the type and size of paper and the number of continuous paper feeds. If static electricity cannot be removed and static electricity is generated as described above, mist of ink droplets adhere to the surface of the inkjet head, causing nozzle clogging.If continuous printing is performed as it is, print quality may be degraded. Becomes impossible to execute printing.

The present embodiment solves such a problem. The factor finding means 18 obtains the amount of static electricity from the temperature and the number of sheets stored in the memory 32 and stores the amount in the memory 32. . Further, the judging means 19 judges whether or not the size of the factor is within the quality assurance range, or whether or not it is within the printing non-executable range, and stores the judgment result in the memory 32.

The determination by the factor searching means 18 and the determining means 19 is performed with reference to, for example, a table shown in FIG. That is, the amount of static electricity is obtained from the value of the temperature and the value of the number of sheets fed, and it is determined from the amount of static electricity whether it is within the quality assurance range, outside the quality assurance range, or in the range where printing cannot be performed.

The process of checking whether the condition is within the quality assurance range or within the print non-executable range and determining whether or not to stop printing is shown in FIG. 3, for example. Can be performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the above-described example, the factors for determining the magnitude of the factor are the number of sheets fed and the temperature. However, the humidity may be used instead of or in addition to the temperature.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration of a printer 11C of this embodiment. Note that the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

The printer 11C of the present embodiment further includes a temperature / humidity control for adjusting an environment related to the magnitude of a factor affecting print quality to an environmental condition within a quality assurance range, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. This is provided with a unit 40 and a temperature / humidity control device 50.

The temperature / humidity controller 40 changes the environmental temperature and / or humidity when the magnitude of the factor is out of the predetermined condition, and changes the environmental temperature and / or humidity around the printer mechanism 8 of the printer 11C. Keep the humidity within the specified range,
This is for controlling the temperature / humidity control device 50 for setting the size of the factor to a predetermined condition.

The temperature / humidity controller 50 includes a cooler 51,
It has a heater 52, a humidifier 53, and a dehumidifier 54, and further has a fan 55 between these and the printer mechanism 8. The cooler 51, the heater 52, the humidifier 53, the dehumidifier 54, and the fan 55 can be controlled by the temperature / humidity controller 40 independently or in various combinations.

For example, when the magnitude of the factor is out of the predetermined condition, the heater 52 is operated to heat the printer mechanism 8 or the cooler 51 is operated to cool the printer mechanism 8. By adjusting the temperature, the magnitude of the factor can be made to fall within a predetermined condition, and the humidifier 53 or the dehumidifier 54 is operated in accordance with the humidity so that the humidity around the printer mechanism 8 is controlled. Can also be adjusted. By doing so, it is possible to always perform printing in a good state by overcoming a bad environment and setting the magnitude of a factor affecting print quality within predetermined conditions.

Here, such environmental adjustment is performed, for example, by
According to the processing flow as shown in FIG. 3, the processing may be automatically performed when the quality is out of the guaranteed range, or may be performed only when the printing is out of the print non-executable range.
Further, such environmental adjustment may be performed in parallel with the above-described printing interruption or notification, or only environmental adjustment may be performed. Further, the environment adjustment may be performed according to the user's judgment. Further, a notification unit for requesting the user to adjust the environment under predetermined conditions may be provided, and as a result, the environment may be adjusted according to the user's judgment.

(Others) In the above example, an ink jet printer has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a laser printer and the like.

Further, in the above-described example, the static electricity as the size of the factor is determined based on the temperature, the humidity, the type of paper, or the number of sheets fed. However, for example, the static electricity may be directly detected by an electrostatic sensor. .

[0119]

As described above, according to the present invention, detecting means for detecting an environmental value related to a factor affecting print quality is provided, and the magnitude of the factor obtained from the detected environmental value is reduced. When the quality of the printing device cannot be guaranteed beyond a certain level, or when it is out of the specified conditions, the specified information is generated and the specified processing is performed. It is possible to eliminate deterioration of print quality, useless printing, occurrence of troubles, or frustration caused by waiting for printing of unknown cause, which is caused by executing printing by the printer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inkjet printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention for checking whether or not the environmental temperature is within a quality assurance range.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table referred to by a factor searching unit and a determining unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table referred to by a factor searching unit and a determining unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table referred to by a factor searching unit and a determining unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inkjet printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink-jet head 2 Carriage 3 Carriage shaft 4 Carriage drive motor 5 Timing belt 6 Platen 7 Motor 8 Printer mechanism part 9 Temperature detector 10 Host computer 11, 11A, 11B, 11C Printer 13 Printer control part 15 Interpretation part 17 Mechanism control part 18 Factor finding means 19 Judging means 20 Notification means 31 Environment detecting means 32 Memory 33 Paper type obtaining unit 34 Paper feed number obtaining unit

Claims (32)

[Claims] A search unit for determining a size of a factor affecting print quality; a storage unit for storing the size of the factor obtained by the search unit; Determining means for determining whether or not the size of the factor satisfies a predetermined condition; and notifying means for notifying a user when a result of the determination by the determining means does not satisfy the predetermined condition. A printing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is an ink jet printer, and the factor is a viscosity of the ink. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is an ink jet printer, and the factor is static electricity near an ink jet head. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the factor is static electricity near a sheet feeding tray. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: detecting means for detecting an environment value related to the magnitude of the factor; and storing the environment value detected by the detecting means. 2. A printing apparatus, comprising: two storage units, wherein the search unit obtains the magnitude of the factor from the environment value stored in the second storage unit. 6. The environment according to claim 5, wherein the environment is at least one of an environmental temperature, an environmental humidity, a type of a print recording medium set in a paper feed tray, and the number of conveyed print recording media. A printing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the search unit has a search table that associates the value of the environment with the size of the factor. 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the searching means obtains the factor by directly detecting the magnitude of the factor. 9. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the determination by the determination unit is performed prior to printing, and if the determination result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the printing operation is not started. Printing device. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination by the determination unit is performed at a predetermined timing, and when the determination result does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the printing operation is interrupted. Characteristic printing device. 11. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is determined based on whether print quality of a certain level or more can be guaranteed. 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is determined based on whether printing can be performed. 13. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies that the printing itself cannot be performed or that the print quality cannot be assured. 14. A method according to claim 1, wherein said notifying means notifies a condition of a factor which causes a result of the judgment by said judging means not to satisfy said predetermined condition. Printing device. 15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit executes an action of actively changing the environment by the user so that the result of the determination by the determining unit satisfies the predetermined condition. A printing apparatus characterized in that a notification is made to the user. 16. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the act of actively changing the environment is an operation of a heater or a cooling fan for changing an environmental temperature. 17. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the act of actively changing the environment is a supply of water or a desiccant for changing environmental humidity. 18. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the act of actively changing the environment is a reduction in the number of sheets continuously fed. 19. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an environment changing unit that changes an environment so that a result of the determination by the determining unit satisfies the predetermined condition. 20. A printing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said environment changing means controls a heater or a cooling fan for changing an environmental temperature. 21. A printing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said environment changing means controls a humidifier or a dehumidifier for changing environmental humidity. 22. The notifying means according to claim 1, wherein the notifying means outputs the information regarding the notifying to a computer connected directly one-to-one or indirectly via a network. A printing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 23. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit outputs information related to the notification to an operation panel. 24. In a printing method comprising a host computer and a printing apparatus which can be directly connected to the host computer in a one-to-one manner or indirectly via a network, the size of a factor affecting print quality is determined. Searching means to be obtained; storage means for storing the size of the factor obtained by the searching means; and determining whether the size of the factor stored in the storage means satisfies a predetermined condition. A printing method comprising: a determination unit; and a notification unit that notifies a user when a result of the determination by the determination unit does not satisfy the predetermined condition. 25. A printing method according to claim 24, wherein said host computer has said notifying means. 26. The printing method according to claim 24, wherein the printing device is an ink jet printer, and the factor is a viscosity of the ink. 27. A printing method according to claim 24, wherein the printing device is an ink jet printer, and the factor is static electricity near the ink jet head. 28. The printing method according to claim 24, wherein the factor is static electricity near a sheet feeding tray. 29. The method according to claim 24, wherein
Further, the printing apparatus has a detecting unit for detecting a value of an environment related to the magnitude of the factor, and a second storage unit for storing the value of the environment detected by the detecting unit. Means for calculating the magnitude of the factor from the value of the environment stored in the second storage means. 30. The environment according to claim 29, wherein the environment is
A printing method comprising at least one of environmental temperature, environmental humidity, a type of a print recording medium set in a paper feed tray, and the number of conveyed print recording media. 31. The printing method according to claim 29, wherein the searching means has a search table in which the value of the environment is associated with the size of the factor. 32. The method according to claim 24, wherein
The printing method, wherein the searching means obtains the factor by directly detecting the size of the factor.