JPH1110909A - Recorder and facsimile employing it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recorder in which the residual quantity of ink can be detected accurately and inexpensively regardless of fluctuation in the liquid level of ink, and a facsimile employing the recorder. SOLUTION: The recorder comprises a set of residual quantity of ink detecting section comprising a reflector disposed in an ink cartridge and a reflective photosensor disposed on the outside thereof. An ink cartridge 9 carried on a carriage 10 is subjected to a different acceleration when the carriage 10 reciprocates and the residual quantity of ink is detected at different timings where the ink in an ink tank exhibits a different liquid level, i.e., under conditions of acceleration, constant speed motion and deceleration.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and a facsimile apparatus using the recording apparatus, and more particularly, to a recording apparatus that performs recording according to an ink jet system and a facsimile apparatus using the recording apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a recording apparatus which performs recording according to an ink jet system employs various techniques for detecting the remaining amount of ink in an ink tank provided in the apparatus. Such techniques include the following.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-102061 discloses a technique for detecting absence of ink by a reflection plate and a reflection type optical sensor provided in an ink tank. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 56-144184 discloses a method for preventing ink fluctuations from lowering the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount of ink. A technique for notifying is disclosed.

[0004] Further, when detecting the remaining amount of ink in multiple steps, at least two or more detection sensors are provided.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, particularly in the case of an apparatus for performing recording using an ink cartridge in which a recording head and an ink tank are integrated, the ink tank moves simultaneously with the reciprocating movement of the recording head. There is a problem that the ink liquid level in the tank fluctuates, and as a result, the detection result of the remaining ink amount also fluctuates.

In addition, when detecting the remaining amount of ink in multiple stages, it is necessary to provide at least two or more detection sensors for this purpose, so that the number of components of the apparatus increases,
As a result, there has been a problem that the production cost of the entire apparatus is increased. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of ink is not detected in multiple stages, it is not possible to accurately detect when the remaining amount of ink is almost zero (near-end). Detection of the remaining amount was required.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus capable of detecting the remaining amount of ink at low cost and a facsimile apparatus using the recording apparatus.

[0008]

To achieve the above object, a recording apparatus according to the present invention has the following arrangement.

That is, there is provided a recording apparatus which performs recording on a recording medium by discharging ink while moving a recording head,
Scanning means for reciprocating the recording head, an ink tank for storing the ink and reciprocating by the scanning means integrally with the recording head, and one set of detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank Detecting means;
And a control unit for controlling the detection of the remaining amount of ink by the detection unit under different acceleration conditions during the reciprocating movement of the print head and the ink tank.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facsimile apparatus using the above-described recording apparatus, wherein the communication means transmits and receives an image signal via a communication line, and the storage means temporarily stores the image signal. And a facsimile apparatus characterized by having:

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention provides an ink tank which stores ink and reciprocates integrally with the recording head when recording is performed by ejecting ink while moving the recording head. Is controlled by using a set of detecting means so as to be performed under different acceleration conditions during the reciprocating movement of the recording head and the ink tank.

The different acceleration conditions referred to here include the condition in which the recording head and the ink tank are accelerating, decelerating, or moving at a constant speed during the reciprocating movement. Alternatively, the remaining ink amount is detected under the respective conditions during the constant speed movement.

In addition, the result of detection of the remaining amount of ink detected under the respective conditions during acceleration, deceleration, or moving at a constant speed is displayed using, for example, an LCD or an LED.

The detecting means includes a reflective sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and a reflector for reflecting light from the light emitting element. The reflection direction of the reflection plate is provided in such a manner that the light emission direction and the reflection direction of the reflection plate are in the reciprocating movement direction of the recording head and the ink tank, and the reflection surface of the reflection plate is opposed to the light emission direction. The reflector is provided inside the ink tank in contact with the side wall of the ink tank.

Further, a recording control means for controlling recording by the recording head in accordance with the detection result by the detecting means may be provided. The recording control means includes a counting means for counting the amount of ink ejected by the recording head; A comparison means for comparing the counting result with a predetermined threshold value may be included, and when it is determined that no ink remains, the continuation or stop of the printing by the printing head may be controlled according to the comparison result.

The counting means further accumulates the ink ejection time of the recording operation, counts the time interval for detecting the remaining amount of ink, accumulates the number of pages of the recorded recording medium, Alternatively, the number of recording dots may be accumulated.

The above-described recording head is a recording head that uses thermal energy to eject ink, and includes a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy to be applied to the ink.

Further, the recording apparatus which operates as described above can be used by being incorporated in a facsimile apparatus.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Description of Apparatus Configuration (FIGS. 1 to 5)> Mechanical Structure FIG. 1 shows a mechanical configuration of a facsimile apparatus provided with a recording unit according to an ink jet system, which is a typical embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing.

First, the configuration of the recording unit of the facsimile machine will be described.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a frame which is a main structure of the entire apparatus, and 2 denotes an ASF fixed to the frame 1.
(Auto Sheet Feeder) This is a chassis. The ASF chassis 2 has a plurality of recording papers mounted thereon, and separates them one by one at the time of recording and feeds them to the recording portion.
This is the structure of the SF section. Reference numeral 3 denotes a middle plate, and 4 denotes a middle plate pressing spring. The middle plate 3 is rotatably attached to the ASF chassis 2 and is urged by a middle plate pressing spring 4 in a clockwise direction in the figure. Reference numeral 5 denotes a recording paper separating roller that rotates clockwise in the figure by a drive system (not shown), and reference numeral 6 denotes a transmission sensor (hereinafter, a roller position sensor) that detects a home position of the recording paper separating roller 5.

The position of the middle plate 3 shown in FIG. 1 is in a standby state where it is stopped at a position where it is rotated counterclockwise in the figure by a middle plate operation cam portion (not shown) of the drive system. Sometimes it corresponds. When the cam is disengaged, it rotates clockwise and comes into contact with the outer periphery of the recording paper separating roller 5. The operation of the middle plate 3 and the notch position of the recording paper separating roller 5 are synchronized with each other.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a recording paper transport roller that rotates counterclockwise in the figure by a drive system (not shown). Reference numeral 8 denotes a recording paper that is provided around the outer periphery of the recording paper transport roller 7 by a spring (not shown). It is a transport roller. The recording paper transporting roller 7 and the recording paper transporting roller 8 hold the recording paper at the contact portion thereof, and transport the recording paper to the left in the figure (hereinafter, this transporting direction is referred to as a sub-scanning direction). Reference numeral 9 denotes a replaceable type (disposable type) ink cartridge in which a recording head according to an ink jet system and an ink tank for storing ink are integrated, and 10 denotes a carriage to which the ink cartridge 9 is detachably mounted.

The recording surface of the ink cartridge 9 is located below the ink cartridge 9 in the figure, and a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a horizontal direction in the figure to form a head recording surface. At the time of the recording operation, the ink cartridge 9 is moved in a direction (perpendicular to the drawing; hereinafter, this direction is referred to as a main scanning direction) perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the nozzles, and ink is selectively ejected from those nozzles. Printing can be performed in an area corresponding to a printing width by a plurality of nozzles. Thereafter, the recording sheet is conveyed by the recording width in the sub-scanning direction, and recording is performed on the recording sheet by repeating the recording operation (such a recording method is called a multi-scan method).

The carriage 10 is provided with a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink using a reflection type photo sensor.
The amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 9 is detected. The detection direction of the ink remaining amount detection sensor is approximately the same as the reciprocating scanning direction of the ink cartridge 9, and the ink remaining amount sensor is attached to the carriage 10. Needless to say, it moves. This point will be described later in detail.

Reference numerals 12 and 13 denote guide rails for assisting the carriage 10 to smoothly reciprocate in the main scanning direction. The carriage 10 is moved by these two rails 12 and 13 in the main scanning direction. Can be mounted,
It reciprocates by a drive system (not shown). Reference numeral 14 denotes a platen which faces the recording head and faces the recording paper to the recording head to maintain a distance from the recording head at the recording position;
Is a paper discharge roller, and 16 is a paper discharge roller. The paper discharge roller 16 is urged by a pressing member (not shown) against the paper discharge roller 15, and discharges the recording paper while nipping the recording paper at a contact portion between the paper discharge roller 15 and the paper discharge roller 16. . Reference numeral 17 denotes a recording paper cover which is opened at a lower point as a fulcrum for replacing the ink cartridge 9 or the like.

Next, the configuration of the reading unit of the facsimile machine will be described.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a reading / separating roller which rotates counterclockwise in the figure by a drive system (not shown) to convey a plurality of set originals one by one to the left in the figure, and 21 denotes a pressing member (not shown). (Shown) to the reading separation roller 20,
A separation piece 22 made of a material having a high frictional force, such as rubber, for separating a plurality of set originals one by one, reads an image drawn on the original, and converts information represented by the image into an electric signal. Contact type line image sensor
23, a CS spring; and 24, a white CS that rotates clockwise in the figure by a drive system (not shown).
Roller. Here, the CS spring 23 is provided so as to press the image sensor 22 against the CS roller 24. In addition, the CS roller 24 has a role of bringing a document into close contact with the entire reading surface of the image sensor 22, transporting the document in the left direction in the drawing, and serving as a background for reading the document.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a document guide for guiding the lower surface of a document fixed to the frame 1 which also serves as a structure for supporting a reading unit and an operation panel (described later), and 26 denotes a document guide 2
A document guide fixed to 5 and for guiding the upper surface of the document, 27 is an operation board provided with operation switches, 28 is an operation panel to which the operation board 27 is fixed and which is itself fixed to the document guide 25. .

Reference numeral 30 denotes a power supply unit including a power supply transformer and a capacitor, and 31 denotes an electric control board mounted on the frame 1 for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus. The electric control board 31 includes electric elements and components (image sensor 22, operation board 27, power supply unit 30,
The bundles from the ink cartridge 9, each drive motor (not shown), the roller position sensor 6, and each sensor (not shown) are all connected. Note that various sensors of the reading unit and sensors for detecting the presence / absence of recording paper, which are not described here, are directly mounted on the electric control board 31 without passing through a bundle. Further, all external interfaces (for example, a public telephone line network interface, an auxiliary telephone interface, an external child telephone interface, and a personal computer interface such as Centronics) are all connected to the electric control board 31.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway view showing the detailed configuration of the ink cartridge 9. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a reflection type photo sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a photo sensor), 91 denotes ink, 92 denotes a sponge, 93 denotes a reflection plate for reflecting light from the photo sensor 11, and 94 denotes a recording head. Especially,
FIG. 2 shows a state where the carriage 10 is stationary and the ink cartridge 9 mounted thereon is also stationary. Therefore, the liquid surface of the ink 91 is also smooth without fluctuation.

Further, as is apparent from FIG.
Reference numeral 3 is provided near the bottom surface of the ink container, and its position is near the wall surface of the ink cartridge where the photosensor 11 is installed. This is because, by providing the reflection plate 93 near the photosensor 11, the intensity of the reflected light received by the photosensor 11 when no ink remains is increased, and the S / N ratio related to the detection of the remaining amount of ink is improved. is there. At this time, the distance (detection gap) between the side of the ink cartridge on which the photosensor 11 is installed and the reflection plate 93 is determined by the relationship between the surface tension of the ink and the water repellency between the ink and the wall and between the ink and the reflection plate. By setting the interval (2 to 4 mm) so that ink does not accumulate, accurate detection of the remaining amount is achieved.

Even if the reflection plate 93 is provided in this manner, the space on the left and right of the reflection plate 93 is not a separate depression, and the reflection plate is only at the center and the space where the actual ink is stored is the reflection plate. They communicate with each other by the side. With this configuration, the liquid level detected between the photo sensor 11 and the reflection plate 93 changes similarly to the liquid level in the ink cartridge. Further, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and a hole communicating with the bottom of the reflector may be provided so that the liquid surfaces on both sides of the reflector are equal.

When the ink 91 is filled in the ink cartridge 9, the photo sensor 11
Reference numeral 1 denotes a light sensor that blocks light from the photosensor 11 and hardly catches light reflected from the reflection plate 93, and the output current from the photosensor 11 becomes almost zero. On the other hand, when there is no ink in the ink cartridge 9, the photo sensor 11 catches the reflected light from the reflection plate 93, and as a result, the photo sensor 11 outputs a current according to the intensity of the reflected light.

Electrical Configuration FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus whose mechanical configuration is shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, 10
1 is a CPU composed of a microprocessor or the like, 1
02, a ROM for storing a control program and a processing program executed by the CPU 101; 103, a recording area for storing image data for facsimile transmission / reception and image data read for copy processing;
Is used as a work area when the control program and the processing program are executed, and 104 is a DRAM or SRAM 103 provided with a backup power supply so that information can be stored and held without power supply from the power supply unit 30, or an EEPROM or the like. Is a non-volatile memory.

Also, 105 is a JIS code, ASCII
A character generator (CG) that generates a character pattern in accordance with a character code expressed according to a code system such as a code, 106 is a recording unit having the configuration described in FIG. 1, 107 is a reading unit having the configuration described in FIG.
8 is a modem (MODEM), 109 is a network control unit (NCU), 110 is a telephone line, 111 is a telephone, 11
An operation unit 2 includes a part of the operation panel 28 of the operation board 27 described with reference to FIG. 1, and an operation unit 113 includes a part of the operation panel 28 of the operation board 27 described with reference to FIG.
It is a display unit provided with D and the like.

Then, the CPU 101 includes a ROM 102,
RAM 103, nonvolatile memory 104, CG 105, recording unit 106, reading unit 107, modem 108, NCU
The control unit 109 controls the operation unit 112 and the display unit 113.

The RAM 103 stores the binary image data read by the reading unit 107 or the recording unit 106.
And encoded image data which is modulated by the modem 108 and output to the telephone line 110 via the NCU 109, and the telephone line 11
0, and stores coded image data obtained by demodulating the analog image signal received via the NCU 109 and the modem unit 108. The non-volatile memory 104 stores data (for example, speed dial numbers) to be stored regardless of whether power is supplied. CG105 is C
Based on the control of the PU 101, character pattern data corresponding to the input code is generated as needed.

The electric system of the recording unit 106 is composed of a DMA controller, a recording head according to an ink jet system, a CMOS logic IC, and the like. The CPU 101 controls the CPU 101 to take out image data stored in the RAM 103 and record and output the image data. On the other hand, the electrical system of the reading unit 107 is DM
A controller, image processing IC, image sensor, CM
The image data read from the image sensor (CS) 22 is binarized under the control of the CPU 101, and the binarized data is sequentially converted to an R signal.
Output to AM103. The setting state of the document on the reading unit 107 can be detected by a document detection unit (not shown) using a photosensor provided on the document conveyance path.

The modem 108 comprises a G3 / G2 modem and a clock generation circuit connected to these modems. The modem 108 modulates the coded transmission data stored in the RAM 103 under the control of the CPU 101, and
9 to the telephone line 110 or the telephone line 11
An analog image signal received through the NCU 109 is input through the NCU 109, the signal is demodulated to obtain encoded reception data, and this is stored in the RAM 103. NCU 109
The telephone line 110 is connected to the modem 10 under the control of the CPU 101.
8 and the telephone 111 to be connected. The NCU 109 has a detection circuit for detecting a calling signal (CI), and sends an incoming signal to the CPU 101 when the calling signal is detected.

The telephone 111 is a telephone integrated with the main body of the facsimile machine, and includes a handset, a speech network, a dialer, a numeric keypad, a one-touch key, and the like. An operation unit 112 includes a key for starting image transmission / reception, a resolution selection key for switching the resolution of a facsimile image during transmission / reception to fine or standard, a mode selection key for designating an operation mode such as automatic reception, and a dialing dial. It is composed of numeric keys and one-touch keys. The display unit 113 is a combination of a 7-segment LCD for displaying time, a pictographic LCD for displaying various modes, and a dot matrix LCD capable of displaying 5 × 7 dots (one character) × one line. It is composed of a module and an LED.

Next, the electrical configuration of the ink remaining amount detecting unit provided in the recording unit 106 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the ink remaining amount detecting section.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 151 denotes the photo sensor 11;
A current / voltage converter 152 for converting the voltage into a voltage in accordance with the output current intensity from the printer; 152, a smoothing circuit block that functions to remove noise and suppress fluctuations in output voltage due to fluctuations in ink liquid level; 153, an A / D converter Reference numeral 154 denotes an output port unit that supplies a switching signal described later to the current / voltage conversion unit 151 in accordance with a control signal from the CPU 101. Reference numeral 155 denotes an input port unit that inputs outputs of various sensors and outputs the signals to the CPU 101. This is a cartridge attachment / detachment detection sensor that detects whether the cartridge 9 is mounted on the carriage 10. The current / voltage converter 15
1 indicates that the ratio of current / voltage conversion can be changed by a switching signal from the outside (here, the CPU 101).
The output of the / D conversion unit 153 is input to the CPU 101.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the current / voltage converter 151. As is clear from FIG.
When the ink cartridge 9 has ink, the output from the photo sensor 11 is small, so a “Low” level signal is input to the A / D converter 153. On the other hand, when the ink cartridge 9 has no ink, the photo sensor 11 Output from the A / D converter 1
53 is input. In addition, O from the output port unit 154
The switch 157 opens and closes (ON / OFF) according to the N / OFF signal.
OFF). Here, the switch 157 is closed (O
N), the resistors are connected in parallel, so that the A / D converter 1
Switch 157 is open (OFF) for input voltage to 53
It becomes smaller than time.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 158 denotes a smoothing capacitor, which functions to smooth a signal in pairs with a resistance component at the preceding stage.

<Description of Recording Operation of Apparatus> Mechanical Operation When a recording operation is required by copying a document or receiving a facsimile image signal, the rotation of a drive system (not shown) causes the recording paper separating roller 5 to rotate clockwise. The rotation of the intermediate plate 3 is stopped by the action of the cam which is a part of the driving system, and the middle plate 3 is rotated by the pressing of the spring 4 so that the top of the plurality of recording sheets mounted on the ASF unit is rotated. Of recording paper comes into contact with the recording paper separating roller 5. Further, when the recording paper separating roller 5 rotates, only the uppermost recording paper is conveyed to the lower left. The fed-out paper is guided to a contact portion between the recording paper transport roller 7 and the recording paper transport roller 8. During this time, the leading edge position of the recording paper is detected by a paper leading edge position detection sensor (not shown), and the subsequent recording paper transport amount is calculated based on the detection result.

The recording paper held by the pair of rollers composed of the recording paper transport roller 7 and the recording paper transport roller 8 is further transported to the left. At this time, since the rotation speed of the recording paper separating roller 5 is set to be slightly faster than that of the recording paper conveying roller 7, the frictional force between the recording paper separating roller 5 and the recording paper is reduced. No load is applied to the transfer force of Further, when the recording sheet is conveyed, the recording sheet is also held by a pair of rollers including a recording discharge roller 15 and a discharge roller 16. The paper feed speed of this roller pair is faster than that of the recording paper transport roller 7, but the transport force is much smaller than that of the recording paper transport roller 7, so that the transport amount of the recording paper is determined by the recording paper transport roller 7. ,
At the same time, the recording paper is lightly stretched.

When the recording paper separating roller 5 makes one rotation and the roller position sensor 6 detects the home position of the recording paper separating roller 5, the rotation is temporarily stopped. Immediately before this, the intermediate plate 3 is pushed down again by a cam (not shown) as in the standby state. Thereafter, the rotations of the recording paper transport roller 7 and the recording paper discharge roller 14 are reversed, and the recording paper is transported in the reverse direction according to the paper feed amount counted from the time when the leading edge of the recording paper is detected by the paper leading edge position detection sensor. Then, cueing is performed so that the leading edge of the recording paper is at the recording position of the recording head.

Printing is performed by selectively ejecting ink from nozzles according to image data to be printed while scanning the carriage 10 in the main scanning direction. When the carriage 10 completes one scan (forward scan) in the main scanning direction, the recording paper transporting roller 7 and the recording paper discharge roller 15 are rotated forward (counterclockwise) during the backward scanning, and a predetermined amount (recording head The recording paper is conveyed to the left by the recording width of. afterwards,
The carriage 10 is again scanned in the main scanning direction (forward scan).
The recording is performed by selectively discharging ink from the nozzles. By repeating such an operation, a recorded image is formed over the entire recording paper. Finally, the trailing edge of the recording sheet is detected by the sheet leading end position detection sensor, thereby terminating the recording operation for one recording sheet.

When recording a plurality of recording sheets, the above operation is repeated.

Recording Control (FIGS. 6 to 10) Next, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The recording control according to the remaining ink amount executed in conjunction with the remaining ink amount detection unit 01 will be described. In the facsimile apparatus according to the present embodiment, the following processing is executed when recording is required according to reception of a facsimile image signal or an instruction to copy an image document.

(1) Outline of Recording Control (FIGS. 6 and 7) In the apparatus described here, since a reflection type photosensor is used as a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink, sunlight or a strong spot is used. If strong stray light such as a light enters the light receiving portion, a problem may occur that a malfunction occurs.

Due to the structure of the apparatus, the recording section 106 always has an opening for discharging the recording paper out of the apparatus. When recording is performed using the inkjet method, if a guide or the like of the apparatus comes into contact with the recording surface of the recording paper after recording, a problem may occur such that the recorded image is blurred or the like. It is desirable to discharge the paper out of the apparatus. Therefore, it is desirable that the distance from the recording head to the discharge port (that is, the opening) is short. on the other hand,
Since the remaining ink amount detection unit is already provided near the recording head as described above, stray light entering from the opening easily enters the light receiving unit of the photo sensor 11.

Further, due to the structure of the apparatus, in the recording section for performing the recording of the ink jet system, the recording is performed by discharging the ink from the upper side to the lower side as described with reference to FIG.
Since the recording paper is generally conveyed in the horizontal direction, the ink cartridge 9 is positioned relatively higher than the recording paper discharge port, that is, the photo sensor 11 is also positioned relatively higher than the recording paper discharge port. I do. For this reason, light rarely enters the photosensor 11 directly. For example, only the reflected light from the desk on which the apparatus is installed or the recording paper discharged from the apparatus becomes a problem. However, such room light has a low intensity, so that it does not cause erroneous recognition in detecting the remaining amount of ink.

Therefore, the problem is sunlight, particularly oblique light having a small incident angle, that is, sunlight incident in a short time (for example, one hour) in the morning and evening.

Accordingly, the processing described below includes recording control for coping with such erroneous recognition caused by the incidence of sunlight.

First, in step S1, it is checked whether or not the ink remains using the detection result of the ink remaining amount detecting unit. Here, when it is determined that the ink remains, the process proceeds to step S2, and when it is determined that the ink does not remain, the process proceeds to step S2.
Proceed to 6. The details of the detection of the remaining amount of ink in step S1 will be described later.

Next, in step S2, the nonvolatile memory 1
The count value (CNT) of an ink ejection amount counter (hereinafter, referred to as a counter) set to 04 is reset. This counter is used to count the ink ejection amount in the printing operation after the determination is made that the ink is not remaining, and is used when the ink is remaining. Is not used, so its value is reset here. Step S
In 3, a recording operation (here, recording of the recording width of the recording head performed by one scan of the recording head in the main scanning direction) is performed, and recording is performed on recording paper.

Further, in step S4, the ink ejection amount is counted by a counter. Here, the number of pixels where ink ejection actually occurs per recording operation (hereinafter referred to as recording dots) is counted. Then, in a step S5, it is determined whether or not a series of recording operations is completed. Here, if it is determined that the recording operation is completed, the process ends. If it is determined that the recording operation is continued, the process returns to step S1 and repeats the above-described operation.

The process starts from the time (T0) at which it is determined in step S6 that no ink remains, as shown in FIG.
Start time monitoring as shown in the flowchart of FIG. This processing is executed by the CPU 101 in parallel with the recording control processing shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the time monitoring process will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S11, it is checked whether or not the elapsed time from the time T0 has reached a predetermined time. That is, as described above, the incidence of sunlight should occur only in a specific time zone in the morning and evening, and it is expected that the incidence will disappear after a predetermined time has elapsed. Do it. Here, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S12, and the remaining ink amount is detected again.

Here, if it is determined that no ink remains, the time monitoring is terminated. On the contrary,
If it is determined that the ink remains, the process proceeds to step S1
Proceeding to 3, the count value (CNT) of the counter is reset, and the time monitoring process ends. As described above, based on the idea that the stray light is incident for a part of the day, the remaining ink amount is detected again after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time (T0) when it is determined that the ink does not remain. This prevents erroneous recognition of ink remaining amount detection due to the incidence of stray light.

After starting the time monitoring process in step S6, the process checks in step S7 whether a new ink cartridge has been mounted based on the detection result of the cartridge attachment / detachment sensor 156. Instead of using the cartridge attachment / detachment sensor 156, for example, a contact for cartridge attachment / detachment detection may be provided at an electrical contact between the ink cartridge 9 and the carriage 10 so as to serve as a sensor. Here, if it is determined that a new ink cartridge has been mounted, the process proceeds to step S8, and the monitoring of the currently executed time is stopped. This is because it is expected that the newly mounted ink cartridge is filled with ink, and it is considered that the process of re-detecting the remaining amount of ink is unnecessary. afterwards,
The process returns to step S2. On the other hand, if the ink cartridge has not been replaced, the process proceeds to step S
Go to 9.

However, if it is not possible to determine whether or not the ink cartridge has been replaced due to unexpected power-off or the like, control is performed to forcibly stop the recording operation. In step S9, the ink ejection amount, that is, the counter value (CNT) of the counter is compared with a predetermined threshold value (n). Here, if CNT <n, the process proceeds to step S3, while if CNT ≧ n, the process ends.

Since the ink remaining amount detecting section directly detects the remaining amount of the liquid ink, as shown in FIG. 2, it is detected that no ink remains due to the structure of the ink cartridge. However, since a small amount of ink actually remains and the sponge 92 also contains ink, recording is still possible. Therefore, in order to increase the recordable amount, it is necessary to perform recording control so that the recording operation can be performed even after it is detected that no ink remains (life extension control). This control is indispensable especially for an apparatus using a replaceable disposable type ink cartridge as in the present embodiment.

Therefore, the predetermined threshold value (n) is a value determined by measuring the remaining amount of ink when the remaining ink amount detecting section detects that no ink remains. In addition, the value may be a variation in the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount of ink, a variation in the amount of ink discharge due to a temperature change in an environment where the apparatus is installed, a variation in the amount of ink discharge due to a difference in product quality of each printhead, an amount of ink discharge according to a print pattern or a print history. In consideration of changes and the like, the value is set to be a recordable value in any case. Further, when the recording unit 106 is provided with a preliminary ink discharge for maintaining the discharge performance and a suction operation (recovery operation) from the discharge port (nozzle port) by the pump,
The ink ejection amount and the suction ink amount at that time may be counted and fed back to the determination of the predetermined threshold value (n).

The process of stopping the recording process is not directly related to the feature of the present embodiment, but the page of the recording sheet on which the recording is being performed at the time when it is determined that the recording process should be stopped is not completely completed. Considering that recording has not been completed, from the beginning of the page, for example, if a facsimile image signal is being received, switching to alternate reception, in which the received data is stored in memory, is performed when recording is enabled again. Resume. This is because, in the case of receiving a facsimile image, in particular, since there is no original document on the receiving side, it is necessary to take measures to ensure that the received data can be recorded at some timing.

According to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, such a recording stop process is immediately stopped, but the recording process is continued unconditionally for the page currently being recorded, and the recording of the page is stopped. Recording control may be performed so as to end the processing at the end of the processing.

On the other hand, when performing a recording operation associated with a copy operation, the user can determine the recording state by himself / herself at a place where the apparatus is located. Therefore, the processing differs from the above-described processing at the time of receiving a facsimile image. For example, a message may be displayed on the display unit 113 indicating that no ink remains, and only a warning is issued to the user, the recording is performed up to the end of the recording sheet, and the subsequent measures may be left to the user's judgment. .

However, in any case, the present apparatus can perform two recording operations, a facsimile reception operation and a copy operation, and when the operation occurs is not predetermined, so that the facsimile reception operation is always performed. In consideration of the occurrence of the operation, it is always necessary to detect the remaining amount of ink, count the amount of ink discharge, and compare the amount of ink discharge with a predetermined threshold, and determine that the amount of ink discharge has exceeded the predetermined amount. Then, a warning is promptly issued to the user.

(2) Details of detection of remaining amount of ink (FIGS. 8 to 1)
0) The amount of remaining ink is determined by using the reflection plate 93 and the photo sensor 11 installed inside the ink cartridge as described above, and by using the reflection plate 93 and the photo sensor 11, light is emitted from the photo sensor 11, reflected by the reflection plate 93, and received again by the photo sensor 11. Detected from light intensity. As shown in FIG. 2, the photo sensor 11 and the reflection plate 93 are both provided along the reciprocating movement direction (main scanning direction) of the carriage 10, and the light receiving surface and the reflection surface of the sensor with respect to the main scanning direction. It is arranged to be vertical.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a change in the moving speed when the carriage 10 moves. In particular, FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the printhead performs a printing operation, that is, a case where the carriage 10 performs forward scanning (this direction is referred to as a forward direction). The moving speed of the carriage 10 on which the ink cartridge 9 is mounted is as follows when scanning in the forward direction as shown in FIG.
It changes from point A → point B → point C → point D.

That is, from point A to point B, the carriage 10 located at the home position starts accelerating at a predetermined acceleration from a stationary state, and its moving speed reaches a predetermined speed (X) and moves to a constant speed movement. Up to the acceleration section. Point B → Point C is a constant velocity section where recording is performed while the carriage 10 moves at constant velocity (X). The point C → the point D is a deceleration unit until the carriage 10 on which the recording head on which the recording is completed is stopped while decelerating at a predetermined negative acceleration from the speed (X).

In the backward scanning of the carriage (this direction is referred to as the reverse direction), the moving speed of the carriage 10 on which the ink cartridge 9 is mounted can be considered as follows: (1) From point D to point C, Acceleration is performed at a predetermined acceleration from the rest position after the forward scanning is completed. (2) Point C → Point B
Then, when the speed reaches a predetermined speed, the motion shifts to a constant speed motion. (3) After that, when the carriage 10 reaches the home position at the point B → point A, the speed is reduced again at a predetermined negative acceleration. When the speed becomes zero, the carriage 10 stops.

Since the carriage 10 moves as described above, an acceleration (inertial force) acts on the ink cartridge 9.
In other words, at the time of acceleration in forward movement (forward scan) and deceleration in reverse movement (backward scan), the ink level of the ink cartridge 9 is as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the ink liquid level of the ink cartridge 9 becomes as shown in FIG. 10 at the time of the deceleration part in the forward movement (forward scan) and the acceleration in the backward movement (forward scan). When the carriage 10 is moving at a constant speed or in a stationary state, no acceleration acts on the ink cartridge 9, and the ink level of the ink cartridge 9 is as shown in FIG.

As described above, the state of the ink liquid level of the ink cartridge 9 (more precisely, the gap between the side of the ink cartridge on which the photosensor 11 is installed and the reflecting plate 93) changes with the movement of the carriage 10.

Therefore, even if the remaining ink amount is the same, it is determined that the ink does not remain at a certain timing due to a change in the ink liquid level, or it is determined that the ink remains at another timing. Sometimes. In other words, depending on the change in the ink liquid level, it may be determined that there is no apparent ink remaining, or that it is determined that ink remains even though no ink remains.

Based on these facts, this embodiment performs the following control.

That is, while monitoring the movement of the carriage 10, the remaining ink amount is detected in each of the above three states, and the remaining ink amount is detected in consideration of the change in the ink liquid level due to the moving state of the carriage 10. For example, a detection result corresponding to each of three states appearing in at least one carriage scan, or an average detection obtained by time-integrating each of the three states for a predetermined time (during multiple scans) The result is displayed as a message on the LCD of the display unit 113 or the attention of the apparatus user who turns on a specific LED is urged.

The above 3 which is the timing for detecting the remaining amount of ink
The three states indicate states in which the carriage is moving during acceleration, moving at a constant speed, and decelerating. From that,
By associating the timing of detecting the remaining amount of ink with the driving of the carriage motor that causes the carriage to move, the remaining amount of ink can be detected at appropriate timing. Especially,
When a pulse motor is used as the drive source of the carriage, the time when the carriage is switched between acceleration and deceleration can be used as a reference for obtaining the timing for detecting the remaining amount of ink.

The result obtained in this way is used for determining the remaining ink amount in step S1.

In addition, the result obtained in this manner is such that when there is an ink tank in the state shown in FIG. Evaluation), when the ink tank is in the state shown in FIG. 10, it is detected that the amount of remaining ink is apparently the smallest (underestimated). Therefore, for example, the result of the remaining ink amount obtained from the state shown in FIG. 9 can be used as an index indicating a state in which the ink remaining in the ink tank is really close to zero. Therefore, based on this state,
A message indicating the near-end state can be displayed on the LCD of the display unit 113, or a specific LED can be turned on to alert the user of the apparatus.

Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, 1
Considering changes in the ink level caused by different accelerations due to the movement of the carriage while using one ink sensor, the remaining ink level is detected while the liquid level is the same. The remaining amount can be detected. In addition, by detecting the remaining amount of ink while paying attention to a specific ink liquid level, it is possible to accurately detect a state (near end) where the ink remaining in the ink tank is really close to zero. As a result, more precise recording control based on the remaining amount of ink can be executed.

Further, in addition to the recording control as described above,
By counting and accumulating the time used for ink ejection, the time interval for detecting the remaining amount of ink, the number of recording pages, the number of recording dots, and the like, it is possible to grasp the use state of the apparatus and control the apparatus based on this information. . For example, the ink ejection time for each time is stored, and if it is detected that no ink remains, the time until the ink completely runs out is predicted based on the accumulated ink ejection time, and this is notified to the user. And display control such as notification.

In the above embodiment, a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for causing ink to be ejected is provided, particularly in the ink jet recording system. By using a method in which a change in the state of ink is caused by energy, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

The typical configuration and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
It is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in the specification of Japanese Patent No. 796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, liquid (ink)
By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding the film boiling to the electrothermal transducer arranged corresponding to the sheet or the liquid path holding the Since thermal energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer and film boiling occurs on the heat-acting surface of the recording head, bubbles in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal on a one-to-one basis can be formed. It is valid. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of the liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.

As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

The configuration of the recording head is not limited to the combination of a discharge port, a liquid path, and an electrothermal converter (a linear liquid flow path or a right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned specifications. A configuration using U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,600 which discloses a configuration in which a heat acting surface is arranged in a bent region may be used. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S59-5959 discloses a configuration in which a common slot is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters.
JP-A-123670 and JP-A-59-5959, which disclose a configuration in which an opening for absorbing a pressure wave of thermal energy corresponds to a discharge portion.
It is good also as composition based on -138461 gazette.

In addition, the recording head is replaceable with a print head of a replaceable chip type, which can be electrically connected to the main body of the apparatus or supplied with ink from the main body of the apparatus, or is integrated with the recording head itself. Alternatively, a cartridge type recording head provided with an ink tank may be used.

Further, in the configuration of the recording apparatus of the above embodiment,
It is preferable to add recovery means, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like to the print head because the printing operation can be further stabilized. To be more specific, capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressurizing or suction means, an electrothermal transducer or a separate heating element or a preheating means using a combination thereof may be provided. For example, a preliminary ejection mode for performing ejection different from recording may be provided.

Further, the recording mode of the recording apparatus is not limited to the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black, but may be a single recording head or a combination of a plurality of recording heads. Alternatively, the apparatus may be provided with at least one of full colors by color mixture.

In the embodiments described above, the description is made on the assumption that the ink is a liquid. However, even if the ink is solidified at room temperature or lower, or an ink that softens or liquefies at room temperature is used. In general, the ink jet method generally controls the temperature of the ink itself within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. It suffices if the ink is in a liquid state when a signal is applied.

In addition, in order to positively prevent the temperature rise due to thermal energy as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, the temperature can be positively prevented.
Alternatively, in order to prevent evaporation of the ink, an ink which solidifies in a standing state and liquefies by heating may be used. In any case, the application of heat energy causes the ink to be liquefied by the application of the heat energy recording signal and the liquid ink to be ejected, or by the time the ink reaches the recording medium, the solidification of the ink already begun. The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of liquefying for the first time is used. In such a case, as described in JP-A-54-56847 or JP-A-60-71260, the ink is held in a liquid state or a solid state in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet. It is good also as a form which opposes an electrothermal transducer. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, as a form of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to one provided integrally or separately as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, there is a form of a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like. It may be something.

The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus including a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, the storage medium storing the program according to the present invention constitutes the present invention. Then, by reading the program from the storage medium to a system or an apparatus, the system or the apparatus operates in a predetermined manner.

[0098]

As described above, according to the present invention, when recording is performed on a recording medium by discharging ink while moving the recording head, the ink is stored and the ink reciprocates integrally with the recording head. Detection of remaining ink level in tank
Using the set detection means, under different acceleration conditions during the reciprocating movement of the recording head and the ink tank,
For example, there is an effect that the ink remaining amount can be detected with high accuracy and at low cost in consideration of fluctuation and change of the ink liquid level due to different accelerations.

[0099]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a mechanical configuration of a facsimile apparatus provided with a recording unit according to an ink jet system, which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view showing a detailed configuration of the ink cartridge 9;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the facsimile machine whose mechanical configuration is illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an ink remaining amount detection unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a current / voltage converter 151.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a recording control process according to the remaining amount of ink.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating control for re-detecting the remaining amount of ink by monitoring time.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a change in the moving speed of the carriage.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state of an ink liquid level in an ink cartridge 9 during carriage acceleration / deceleration.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state of an ink liquid level in an ink cartridge during carriage acceleration / deceleration.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Frame 7 Recording Paper Conveying Roller 9 Ink Cartridge 10 Carriage 11 Reflective Photosensor 12, 13 Rail 15 Recording Paper Discharge Roller 31 Control Board 151 Current / Voltage Converter 153 A / D Converter

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Naohiro Iwata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Toshihisa Kawashima 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Non Corporation

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium by ejecting ink while moving a recording head, comprising: a scanning unit that reciprocates the recording head; and a storage unit that stores the ink and is integrated with the recording head. An ink tank reciprocatingly moved by the scanning means, a set of detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank, and detecting the remaining amount of ink by the detecting means. Control means for performing control under different acceleration conditions during the movement of the movement. 2. The different acceleration condition is that the recording head and the ink tank are accelerating during the reciprocating movement.
2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a condition during deceleration or at a constant speed. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit is configured to perform the operation during the acceleration,
3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the remaining amount of the ink is detected under each condition during the constant speed movement. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a display unit for displaying a remaining ink amount detection result detected under the respective conditions of accelerating, decelerating, and moving at a constant speed.
The recording device according to claim 1. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said display means includes an LCD or an LED. 6. The detecting means includes: a reflection type sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element; and a reflector for reflecting light from the light emitting element. The light emission direction of the element and the reflection direction of the reflection plate are provided so as to be in the reciprocating direction of the recording head and the ink tank by the scanning means, and the reflection surface of the reflection plate is opposed to the light emission direction. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflection type sensor is in contact with a side wall of the ink tank, and the reflection plate is provided inside the ink tank. 7. According to a detection result by said detection means,
2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising recording control means for controlling recording by the recording head. 8. The printing control unit includes: a counting unit that counts an amount of ink ejected by the printing head; and a comparing unit that compares the counting result with a predetermined threshold value, and determines that the ink does not remain. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the recording is performed, continuation or stop of recording by the recording head is controlled according to a comparison result by the comparison unit. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the counting unit further accumulates an ink discharge time by a recording operation, counts a time interval of the remaining ink amount detection, accumulates the number of pages of the recorded recording medium, 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the number of recording dots is accumulated. 10. The recording head according to claim 1, wherein the recording head ejects ink by using thermal energy, and includes a thermal energy converter for generating thermal energy to be applied to the ink. Item 2. The recording device according to Item 1. 11. A facsimile apparatus using the recording apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: communication means for transmitting and receiving an image signal via a communication line; and storage means for temporarily storing the image signal. A facsimile machine characterized by having. 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the printing control unit includes: a counting unit that counts an amount of ink ejected by the printing head; and a comparing unit that compares the counting result with a predetermined threshold. A facsimile machine as described. 13. A storage control for stopping printing by the printing head and storing the received image signal in the storage means according to a comparison result by the comparison means when it is determined that the ink does not remain. 13. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising means.