JPH11138849A - Printer and printer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inform an operator that ink in an ink tank has decreased in an ink jet printer. SOLUTION: A tank 12 that stores a thinner is provided in an ink tank unit 4, and the thinner in the tank 12 can flow into color ink tanks 8 to 11. When an ink-near-end condition is detected, the thinner is mixed into detected ink and then printing is performed, thereby providing lower density printing. Printing density is lowered gradually. The thinner can be mixed into color ink individually.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing apparatus system for performing printing by discharging ink from a print head.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an apparatus that performs printing by discharging ink, printing is performed by discharging ink from nozzles provided in a print head. Ink used for printing is contained in an ink tank, and there has been proposed an apparatus for detecting whether or not the ink in the ink tank has run out, or whether or not the ink has reached a near end. In the device for detecting the ink end, the printing operation is stopped when the ink in the ink tank runs out. In general, an apparatus for detecting an ink near end displays an indication that the remaining amount of ink is low. When the ink runs out, printing is not performed. In an apparatus that does not detect the remaining amount of ink, printing is not performed when the ink in the tank runs out.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional apparatus for detecting the ink end, the operator does not know the remaining amount of the ink in the ink tank until the ink in the ink tank runs out. Since the printing operation is stopped even during the printing, if the replacement ink tank is not at hand, printing cannot be performed, and there is a fear that the print data may be lost.

In a conventional apparatus for detecting ink near-end, when the remaining amount of ink in an ink tank becomes small,
The printing operation is continued with an indication to that effect, but if the operator does not notice the near end of the ink, the printing will not be performed if the ink runs out, and there is a risk that print data will be lost or a print head failure may occur. was there.

In a device that does not detect the remaining amount of ink, the operator does not know the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank, and the ink in the ink tank runs out only after the ink in the ink tank runs out and printing is stopped. Therefore, in this case as well, there is a fear that print data may be lost or a print head may be damaged.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for performing printing by discharging ink from a print head, wherein a storage tank for storing a thinning liquid is provided, The printing is performed with the density reduced by the thinning liquid flowing out of the storage tank.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the print density is reduced by using a thinning solution, and the print density is reduced as the ink in the ink tank is reduced, whereby the amount of ink is reduced. Can be easily understood by the operator.

[0008] A second invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows.
In a printing apparatus that performs printing by discharging ink from a print head, an ink near-end detecting unit that detects an ink near-end and a density reducing unit that reduces printing density are provided, and the ink near-end is detected by the ink near-end detecting unit. The printing is performed by lowering the printing density by the density lowering means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the ink near end detecting means detects the near end of the ink,
Printing is performed by lowering the printing density by the density lowering means. The decrease in print density can be easily confirmed by the operator, and thereby the near end of the ink can be easily recognized.

[0010] A third invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows.
In a printing apparatus that performs printing by discharging ink from a print head, a mode setting unit that sets a plurality of printing modes having different amounts of ink consumption, a remaining amount detecting unit that detects a remaining amount of ink, and based on print data, Consumption amount calculation means for calculating the ink consumption amount when printing is performed, comparison means for comparing the remaining ink amount detected by the remaining amount detection means with the ink consumption amount calculated by the consumption amount calculation means,
As a result of the comparison by the comparing means, when the detected remaining ink amount is larger than the calculated ink consumption amount, printing is performed in the set print mode, and the detected ink remaining amount is smaller than the calculated ink consumption amount. In this case, control means is provided for enabling a transition to a print mode in which the amount of ink consumption is smaller than the set print mode.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the consumption calculation means calculates the ink consumption of the print data to be printed. The remaining amount detecting means detects the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank. The calculated ink consumption is compared with the detected ink remaining amount by the comparing means. The control means performs printing in the set print mode when the remaining ink amount is larger than the ink consumption amount, and performs the ink consumption from the set print mode when the detected remaining ink amount is smaller than the calculated ink consumption amount. It is possible to shift to the print mode with a small amount, and the operator is notified to that effect. Then, when the operator's confirmation is obtained, the mode shifts to the print mode in which the ink consumption is small.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a printing unit of the ink jet printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a printing unit 1 of the ink jet printer according to the first embodiment includes a print head 2 for discharging ink, a carriage 3 for movably mounting the print head 2, and a print head 2 mounted on the carriage 3. An ink tank unit 4 for storing ink to be supplied to the print head 2 and a flow path body 5 for guiding the ink in the ink tank unit 4 to the print head 2. The carriage 3 moves by itself guided by the two guide shafts 6 and 7, and moves the print head 2 in the spacing direction. The ink tank unit 4 includes a black tank 8 containing black ink, a yellow tank 9 containing yellow ink, a cyan tank 10 containing cyan ink, a magenta tank 11 containing magenta ink, and an ink tank. A diluting liquid tank 12 for storing a diluting liquid such as water for diluting.

On the upper part of the thinning liquid tank 12, four gears 1 are provided.
3a, 13b, 13c and 13d are provided. In the vicinity of the thinning liquid tank 12, the four gears 13a and 13
A moving unit 14 that meshes with any one of b, 13c, and 13d is provided. The moving unit 14 is movably attached to a frame of a device (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the ink tank unit and the moving unit, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the moving unit. In both figures, the moving unit 14 is a motor 1
5, a motor gear 16 mounted on the shaft of the motor 15, a holder 17 that rotates integrally with the motor shaft, and a planetary gear 1 rotatably mounted on the holder 17 and meshing with the motor gear 16.
8, gears 19 and 20, which can mesh with the planetary gear 18, a gear 21 coaxially mounted with the gear 19, a gear 22 coaxially mounted with the gear 20, and a frame 23 movably disposed. . The motor 15 and the gears 16 to 22 are supported in the printer by supporting members (not shown).

A rack 24 is formed on a side portion of the frame 23, and a gear 22 meshes with the rack 24. The rotation of the gear 22 allows the frame 23 to move in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. The frame 23 is movably supported by support means (not shown). Frame 2
3, a gear train 25 is provided linearly. The gear train 25 includes large gears 26a to 26f and small gears 27a to 27e.
Are arranged so that they alternately mesh with each other. The large gears 26a to 26e are all the same size, and the small gears 27a to 27e are
27e are all the same size. Also large gear 2
6 f is provided so as to protrude from the side of the frame 23. The gear 21 is moved to the large gear 2 by the movement of the frame 23.
6a to 26e.
A spring 28 is stretched at one end of the frame 23 to urge the frame 23 in a direction opposite to the direction A.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are plan views showing a part of the moving unit, showing the operation of the planetary gear. In both figures, when the motor 15 rotates clockwise, the motor gear 16
And the holder 17 also rotates in the same direction, and the planetary gear 18 meshes with the gear 19. Thus, the rotation of the motor gear 16 is transmitted to the gear 19. When the motor 15 rotates counterclockwise, the motor gear 16 and the holder 17 also rotate counterclockwise, and the planetary gear 18 meshes with the gear 20. Thus, the rotation of the motor gear 16 is transmitted to the gear 20.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the printing unit of the first embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a front view showing the printing unit of the first embodiment. In both figures, the flow path body 5 is provided with flow paths 31 to 35 for guiding the ink and the diluting liquid of each color from the tanks 8 to 12 of the ink tank unit 4 to the print head 2. On the print head 2 side of the flow path body 5, ink chambers 36 to 39 corresponding to the respective inks are provided. Channel 3
1 is a flow path for guiding black ink from the black tank 8 to the black ink chamber 36, a flow path 32 is a flow path for guiding yellow ink from the yellow tank 9 to the yellow ink chamber 37,
The flow path 33 is a flow path for guiding the cyan ink from the cyan tank 10 to the cyan ink chamber 38, and the flow path 34 is a magenta tank 1
1 is a flow path for guiding magenta ink to the magenta ink chamber 39.

Also, as shown in FIG.
Flow paths 35 for guiding the thinning liquid from the second 2 are provided at four locations, and a flow path 35a guides the thinning liquid to the black ink chamber 36, and the flow path 3
5b guides the thinning liquid to the yellow ink chamber 37,
c guides the thinning liquid to the cyan ink chamber 38, and the flow path 35d guides the thinning liquid to the magenta ink chamber 39.

The print head 2 is provided with nozzle groups 40 to 43 corresponding to each ink in two rows, respectively. The nozzle group 40 discharges black ink in the black ink chamber 36, and the nozzle group 41 discharges yellow ink. The nozzle group 42 ejects the yellow ink in the chamber 37, the nozzle group 42 ejects the cyan ink in the cyan ink chamber 38, and the nozzle group 43 ejects the magenta ink in the magenta ink chamber 39.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the thinning liquid tank. In FIG. 8, four plugs 45a to 45d are arranged in the thinning liquid tank 12. Each stopper 45a-45
Threads 46a to 46d are formed on the upper part of d, respectively, and the threads 46a to 46d are formed on the lid 47 of the thinning liquid tank 12 and mesh with the threads 47a to 47d, respectively. Further, the gears 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d are integrally provided above the screw portions 46a to 46d. Therefore, these gears 13a, 13
b, 13c, and 13d rotate, each plug 45a
45d move up and down with respect to the thinning liquid tank 12, respectively.

FIG. 9 is a cutaway perspective view showing the lower end of the plug. As shown in FIG. 9, tapered portions 48a to 48d are formed at the lower ends of the plugs 45a to 45d, respectively. Outflow holes 49a to 49d are formed in the tank bottom 12a below the stoppers 45a to 45d, respectively.
a to 49d are tapered portions 50a to 50d, respectively.
Are formed.

The taper portion 48 at the lower end of each of the stoppers 45a to 45d.
a to 48d are tapered portions 50a of the thinning liquid tank bottom portion 12a.
To 50d, each outlet hole 49a to 49d
d is closed, and the thinning liquid 12b in the tank 12 flows through the flow path 35a.
It does not flow to ~ 35d. When the stoppers 45a to 45d move upward to separate the tapered portions 48a to 48d at the lower end from the tapered portions 50a to 50d of the thinning liquid tank bottom 12a, the outlet holes 49a to 49d are opened, and the thinning liquid in the tank 12 is opened. 12b flows out to the flow paths 35a to 35d.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, a control unit 52 controls the entire operation of the printer, and includes a CPU and the like. The control unit 52 is connected with an ink near-end detection sensor 53 and a motor drive unit 54. The ink near-end detection sensor 53 is connected to the ink tank unit 4.
The near end of the ink in each of the ink tanks 8 to 11 is detected, and when the near end is detected, a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 52. The motor 15 described above is connected to the motor driving unit 54, and the motor driving unit 54 drives the motor 15 under the control of the control unit 52.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
In FIG. 1, the carriage 3 performs a spacing operation, ink is sent from the ink tank unit 4 to the print head 2 through the flow path body 5, and each of the nozzles 40 to
Printing is performed by ejecting ink from 43. When performing monochrome printing, black ink is sent from the black ink tank 8 to the print head 2 and printing is performed. When performing color printing, ink of each color is sent to the print head 2 from the ink tanks 8 to 11 of each color, and printing is performed.

When the remaining amount of ink in each of the ink tanks 8 to 11 becomes small, the ink near end detection sensor 53 detects the ink near end and sends a detection signal to the control unit 52. Here, the case where the near end of the black ink is detected will be described below.

When the ink near end is detected, the control unit 52 rotates the motor 15 via the motor driving unit 54 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. As a result, the motor gear 16 and the holder 17 rotate in the same direction, and the planetary gear 1
8 revolves in the same direction. The planetary gear 18
Meshes with the gear 20, as shown in FIG. As a result, the gear 22 fixed coaxially with the gear 20 rotates,
Since the gear 22 is engaged with the rack 24 of the frame 23, the frame 23 moves in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG.

The amount of rotation of the motor 15 is predetermined according to the color of the ink for which the near end has been detected.
The motor 15 rotates until the motor moves to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the first embodiment. In FIG. 11, when the frame 23 stops,
The projecting large gear 26 f on the frame 23 meshes with the gear 12 a of the thinning liquid tank 12. At this time, the gear 21 meshes with the large gear 26d on the frame 23. The frame 23 is held at a stopped position by a holding member (not shown). When no near end of the ink is detected, the frame 23 is positioned at a predetermined position by the spring 28 and a stopper (not shown). The rotation amount of the motor 15 is determined based on the predetermined position.

Here, the control section 52 rotates the motor 15 in the clockwise direction in FIG. As a result, the motor gear 16 and the holder 17 rotate in the same direction, and the planet gear 18
Revolves clockwise. The planetary gear 1
The gear 8 is separated from the gear 20 and meshes with the gear 19 as shown in FIG. Thus, the gear 21 fixed coaxially with the gear 19 rotates. Since the gear 21 meshes with the gear 26d on the frame 23, the rotation of the gear 21 causes the large gear 26d, the small gear 27d, the large gear 26e, and the small gear 27 to rotate.
e and the gear 26f rotate, and the rotation of the gear 26f is transmitted to the gear 12a of the thinning liquid tank 12.

The rotation of the gear 12a causes the stopper 4 shown in FIG.
5a rotates, and the stopper 45a moves upward by the action of the gear portion 46a and the female screw portion 47a. The upward movement of the plug 45a causes the tapered portion 48a at the lower end of the plug to move to the tank bottom 1
The thinning liquid 12b in the tank 12 is separated from the tapered portion 50a of 2a and flows out of the outflow hole 49a to the flow path 35a as shown in FIG. Thinning liquid 12b flowing out to flow path 35a
Flows into the ink chamber 36 for black ink. In the black ink chamber 36, the flowing thinning liquid 12b and the black ink are mixed, and the black ink is diluted.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the first embodiment.

The amount of the thinning liquid 12b flowing into the black ink chamber 36 is determined by the amount of movement of the stopper 45a, that is, the gear 12a.
, And can be adjusted by the rotation amount of the motor 15.

The thinned black ink in the black ink chamber 36 is supplied to the nozzle 4 of the print head 2 by a print signal.
The print head 2 is ejected from the leading end of the print head 2 to perform printing.

FIG. 13 shows the ink density after the ink near-end detection in this embodiment. FIG. 13 shows an example in which printing at a lower print density is started when an ink near end is detected, and the print density is gradually lowered as printing is performed. This is because the amount of the thinning liquid 12b is gradually increased as printing is performed. To adjust the flow rate of the thinning liquid 12b, the control unit 52 counts the printing amount and adjusts the rotation amount of the motor 15. This is done by:

FIGS. 14 to 16 show the positions to which the frame 23 has moved when the near end of another color ink has been detected, and FIG. 14 shows the positions of the frame 23 when the yellow ink near end has been detected. FIG. 15 shows the position of the frame 23 when the magenta ink near end is detected, and FIG. 16 shows the position of the frame 23 when the cyan ink near end is detected.

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
A thinning liquid tank was provided, and when an ink near-end was detected, the thinning liquid was poured from the thinning liquid tank into the ink tank where the near-end was detected, and the print density was reduced. There is an effect that it can be determined from the result that the ink is about to end.

Various modifications of the above embodiment are possible. For example, the timing of pouring the thinning solution into the ink in another tank may be from the start of use of the ink, and the print density may be gradually reduced until the ink is used up. The ink density in this case is shown in the graph of FIG. FIG. 17 is a graph showing the ink density of the first modification of the first embodiment. This can be performed with the same control as in the above embodiment. As described above, by gradually lowering the ink concentration from the start of use of the ink, it is possible to extend the life of the ink.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a second modification. FIG. 18 is a side view showing a printing unit according to a second modified example.
9 is a front view showing a printing unit according to a second modification. FIG.
8, in FIG. 19, the flow path body 5 is provided with flow paths 31 to 34, 61 for guiding inks and thinners of each color from the tanks 8 to 12 of the ink tank unit 4 to the print head 2. The flow path 61 is provided from the thinning liquid tank 12 to the thinning liquid 12b.
To the print head 2. On the print head 2 side of the flow path body 5, ink chambers 36 to 39 corresponding to the respective inks and a thinning liquid chamber 62 corresponding to the thinning liquid 12b are provided. Also, as shown in FIG. 18, a flow channel 61 for guiding the thinning liquid from the thinning liquid tank 12 is connected to a thinning liquid chamber 62.

The print head 2 is provided with two nozzle groups 40 to 43 corresponding to the respective inks, and a nozzle group 63 for discharging the thinning liquid 12b in the thinning liquid chamber 62 is formed. ing.

In the second modification of the above configuration, when performing normal printing, printing is performed by discharging each ink by the nozzle groups 40 to 43 of each ink. Further, for example, when near-end is detected during printing with black ink, after performing printing with black ink, the thinning liquid nozzle group 63 discharges the thinning liquid 12b onto the trace of the printing to perform overprinting. . Thereby, the density of printing with black ink can be reduced, and the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. Alternatively, the printing order of the black ink and the thinning liquid 12b may be reversed, and printing may be performed first with the thinning liquid 12b and then with black ink. This is not limited to printing with black ink, but can be similarly performed when printing is performed using ink of another color.

By adjusting the amount of the thinning liquid 12b to be ejected and performing overprinting with ink of another color, it is possible to express the gradation of printing. When the print density is to be reduced or blur is to be achieved, various shade expressions can be achieved by adjusting the discharge amount of the diluting liquid 12b.

As a third modification, a perfume or a deodorant liquid is stored in the thinning liquid tank 12 of the second modification, and after normal printing, during normal printing, or before normal printing. By discharging the perfume or deodorant liquid in the thinning liquid tank 12, the odor peculiar to the ink can be eliminated or the odor of the perfume can be changed. As a result, an unpleasant sensation due to the smell on the printing paper is eliminated, and further, an effect that a favorable printing result is obtained can be obtained.

In the first embodiment and its modification, the flow rate of the thinning liquid in the thinning tank 12 is controlled by the stopper 24.
The stopper 24 can be moved up and down by using a drive source different from the motor 15 as a drive source for moving the stopper 24. Stopper 24
By moving up and down, the print density can be adjusted finely, and the gradation can be expressed.
Further, the life of the ink can be extended.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ink jet printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 20, a print head 101 performs printing by discharging ink, and is connected to a microprocessor 103 via a head control unit 102. The microprocessor 103 controls the entire operation of the ink jet printer, and has a counter inside. The print dot counting section 104 counts the number of dots printed by the print head 101, and the print dot count section 104 is also connected to the microprocessor 103.

The ink storage unit 105 stores the ink supplied to the print head 101. The ink storage unit 105 is provided with an ink detection sensor 106.
The ink detection sensor 106 detects the remaining amount of the ink in the ink storage unit 105, and outputs a detection signal when the ink becomes near-end. The ink detection sensor 106 is connected to the microprocessor 103 via the sensor detection unit 107.
It is connected to the. The sensor detection unit 107 is a detection sensor 1
Process the detection signal from 06. The display unit 108 displays the status of the printer, for example, power ON / OFF, printer abnormality, presence or absence of print paper, and the like.
09 is connected to the microprocessor 103.

The pump motor 110 includes a print head 101
, Which is connected to the microprocessor 103 via the pump motor control unit 111. An interface (I / F) control unit 112 performs control such as receiving print data and the like from a higher-level device (not shown) and transmitting printer status and the like to the higher-level device, and is connected to the microprocessor 103. I have. R
The AM 113 temporarily stores print data and the like as needed for operation control. The ROM 114 stores a program and the like for the microprocessor 103, and stores a predetermined value of a plurality of print dot numbers described later.

The LF motor 115 drives a paper transport mechanism (not shown).
16 is connected to the microprocessor 103. The SP motor 117 drives a carriage (not shown) on which the print head 101 and the ink storage unit 105 are mounted, and is connected to the microprocessor 103 via the SP motor control unit 118. The print data processing circuit 119 processes print data sent from a higher-level device in accordance with an instruction from the microprocessor 103. That is, the print head 1
Such processing for reducing the amount of ink ejected from 01 is performed. The print data processing circuit 119 is controlled by the microprocessor 103.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 21 shows the second
9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the embodiment. First, when the microprocessor 103 receives a print instruction from the host device (step 101), the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage unit 105 is detected by the ink detection sensor 106 via the sensor detection unit 107 to detect the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage unit 105. The amount is detected (step 102).

If the detection signal from the ink detection sensor 106 indicates that the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage unit 105 is not near end, the microprocessor 103 resets a counter provided therein (step 10).
3). This counter counts printing dots. The microprocessor 103 receives the print data from the host device, transmits the print data to the print head 101, and performs printing (step 104). At this time, the counter counts the number of dots to be printed (step 1).
05).

The number of print dots counted by the counter is compared with a predetermined value stored in the ROM 114 by the microprocessor 103 (step 10).
6). If the counted value has not reached the predetermined value, the printing operation is continued, and if the counted value has reached the predetermined value, the process returns to step 102 and the ink detection sensor 106 determines whether or not the ink is near end. The printing performed in step 104 is normal printing, and the printing density is high as shown in FIG. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of normal printing.

When the ink near end is detected in step 102, the microprocessor 103 sets the display control unit 10
9, the ink near end is displayed on the display unit 108 (step 107), and the operator is notified. Then, the above-mentioned counter is reset (step 108), and the print data processing circuit 119 performs processing A of the print data (step 109). Process A is a process for reducing the amount of ink ejected by the print head 101 (reducing the print density).
FIG. 23 shows an example of printing performed after the process A.
After performing the process A, the microprocessor 103 performs printing (step 110), and the counter counts the number of dots to be printed (step 111).

The number of print dots counted by the counter is compared with a predetermined value A stored in the ROM 114 by the microprocessor 103 (step 1).
12). This predetermined value A is a value different from the aforementioned predetermined value. If the counted value has not reached the predetermined value A, the printing operation is performed and the printing operation is continued, and if the counted value has reached the predetermined value A, the process proceeds to the next step 113.

At step 113, the microprocessor 10
3 resets the print dot counter. Next, the print data processing circuit 119 performs print data processing B (step 114). The process B is a process for further reducing the amount of ejected ink (reducing the print density) compared to the process A described above. FIG. 24 shows an example of printing performed after the process B. After performing the process B, the microprocessor 103 performs printing (step 115), and the counter counts the number of dots to be printed (step 116).

The number of print dots counted by the counter is compared with a predetermined value B stored in the ROM 114 by the microprocessor 103 (step 1).
17). The predetermined value B is a value different from the above-described predetermined value to the predetermined value A. If the counted value has not reached the predetermined value B, the printing operation is continued by performing the processing B of the print data. If the counted value has reached the predetermined value B, the process proceeds to the next step 118.

At step 118, the microprocessor 10
3 resets the print dot counter. Next, the print data processing circuit 119 performs print data processing C (step 119). The process C is a process for further reducing the amount of ejected ink (reducing the print density) compared to the process B described above. FIG. 25 shows an example of printing performed after the process C. After performing the process C, the microprocessor 103 performs printing (step 120), and the counter counts the number of dots to be printed (step 121).

The number of print dots counted by the print dot counter is determined by the microprocessor
It is compared with a predetermined value C stored in advance in M114 (step 122). This predetermined value C is a value different from the above-mentioned predetermined values, predetermined values A and B. If the counted value has not reached the predetermined value C, the process C of the print data is performed and the printing operation is continued, and if the counted value has reached the predetermined value B, the process proceeds to the next step 123. In step 123, the microprocessor 103 stops the printing operation and displays on the display unit 108 via the display control unit 109 that ink has run out.

As is obvious from the above description, the predetermined values A, B, and C are set as follows. Predetermined value A
Is the remaining amount of ink for which the near end has been detected, and is set to a value within the limit for printing the print data subjected to the process A. Similarly, the predetermined value B is within the limit of printing the print data subjected to the process B with the remaining ink remaining amount after printing the print data subjected to the process A for which the near end has been detected and subjected to the number of dots of the predetermined value A. Is set. The predetermined value C is the print data obtained by performing the processing A after the near end is detected.
Are printed, and the remaining amount of ink after printing the print data subjected to the processing B by the number of dots of the predetermined value B is set within a limit that the print data subjected to the processing C can be printed. .

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
After detecting the ink near end, the print density is reduced to print a predetermined amount, so the print amount after the ink near end detection is increased, and the print result is gradually reduced by decreasing the print density, There is also an effect that the operator can visually recognize the ink near end from the print result.

In the second embodiment, the processing of the print data is performed by the processing A, B, C shown in FIGS.
However, the processes shown in these figures are processes for thinning out the print dots without changing the print dot diameter. The thinning amount is increased from processing A to processing C (first processing method). However, apart from such a processing method, a process of changing the print dot diameter may be performed.

FIGS. 26 to 29 are explanatory views showing the second print data processing method. The second print data processing method shown in these figures performs a process of changing the print dot diameter without changing the number of print dots. FIG. 26 shows an example of normal printing.
The printing dot diameter is gradually reduced from FIG. 27 where processing A ′ has been performed to FIG. 29 where processing C ′ has been performed.

FIG. 3 shows a third print data processing method.
There are also methods shown in FIGS. In this method, the print dot diameter is changed while the print dots are thinned, and the print dot thinning amount is increased and the print dot diameter is reduced from FIG. 30 to FIG.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory view showing a print result by the first print data processing method, FIG. 35 is an explanatory view showing a print result by the second print data processing method, and FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing a print result by the third print data processing method. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a printing result. (A) of each of these figures shows a print result of normal printing, and (b)
Indicates a print result obtained by performing the processes A, A 'and A ", and (c)
Indicates a print result obtained by performing the processes B, B 'and B ", and (d)
Indicates a print result obtained by performing the processes C, C ′, and C ″.

Even if the second and third processing methods are used as the print data processing method in the second embodiment,
Alternatively, a processing method based on a combination of any of the above three processing methods may be used.

In the above-described second embodiment, the number of printed dots is counted by the counter. However, the number of printed lines or the number of printed sheets may be counted. You may make it count. The point is that it is only necessary to measure the amount of printing related to the amount of ink consumption. However, the number of lines corresponds more accurately to the remaining amount of ink than the number of sheets, and the number of dots corresponds to the remaining amount of ink more accurately than the number of lines.

Further, in the second embodiment, the process of gradually reducing the amount of ink ejected is performed in three stages (process A, process B, process C). Alternatively, the amount of ink consumption may be gradually reduced from the time when it is detected that the remaining amount of ink has reached a predetermined amount.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment includes a printer that prints print data on recording paper and a host device that sends print data to the printer.

In FIG. 37, the third embodiment comprises a host device 131 and a printer 132. The host device 131 includes a CPU 133 for performing operation control, and a keyboard 13 for inputting print data and the like and inputting operation instructions.
4. CRT 135 for displaying, print data image memory 136 for storing print data as an image, printer interface (I / F) 137 for controlling transmission and reception of signals to and from printer 132, and printer information memory 1
38.

The CPU 133 receives and decodes an input signal from the keyboard 134, executes an operator's command by decoding, and outputs a display signal to the CRT 135 to notify the operator of the processing result. The printer interface 137 is connected to the printer 132 and not only transmits print data to the printer 132 but also transmits
133 mediates when the printer information is read from the printer 132.

The printer information memory 138 stores the printer 1
32, and the CPU 133 can read and write the information. The information held is the amount of ink consumption per dot A (1
38a) and the ink consumption amount B (138) in the print mode.
b) and other printer information (138c). As a method of writing such information, the host device 131
And the method of writing by communication between the printer 132 and the method of writing in advance as basic information of the printer 132 (installation of a printer driver or the like corresponds to this).
There is a method and a method of selecting both of them for each information item, and the choice is left to the choice of the system designer.

The ink consumption A per dot indicates the amount of ink consumed by the print head of the printer 132 to print one dot. Regarding the ink consumption B in the print mode, the printer 132 has an ink save mode, that is, a mode in which printing is performed by reducing the number of print dots, thereby reducing the ink consumption. In this case, the ink consumption amount B indicates a ratio that can be saved by the ink save mode. In the present embodiment, the ink consumption rate B in this print mode is such that when the print data is printed without reducing the dots (normal printing), the ink consumption rate is B1 = 1, and the print data is saved in the ink save mode. The ink consumption rate when printing is B2 = 0.5
And

The printer 132 is an ink jet printer, and includes a CPU 140, a print driving unit 141, an ink remaining amount detecting unit 142, and a host interface (I / F) 1.
43. The CPU 140 controls the operation of the printer 132, receives print data transmitted from the host device 131 via the host interface 143, outputs a print drive command to the print drive unit 141, and Host interface 1 sends pudding and response to information request
The data is transmitted to the host device 131 via the communication device 43. Also CPU
140 can read information such as the amount of print data that the CPU 133 of the host device 131 grasps via the host interface 143.

The remaining ink amount detector 142 detects the remaining amount of ink in an ink tank (not shown), and the detection result is sent to the CPU 140 as a detection signal. Host device 13
The first CPU 133 can read out printer information such as the remaining ink amount that the CPU 140 grasps via the printer interface 137.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 38 shows the third
9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the embodiment, and illustrates a determination process of whether or not the CPU 133 of the host device 131 starts printing to the printer 132;

First, when a print command and a file designation for printing are input from the keyboard 134 (step 13).
1) The CPU 133 refers to the printer information 138c in the printer information memory 138 and converts the file designated for printing into dot-based image data actually printed by the printer 132. Convert the converted image data
The data is expanded in the print data image memory 136, and thereafter, it is determined whether or not the printer 132 is in a printable state via the printer interface 137 (step 1).
32). If the printer 132 is in a state where printing is not possible, a printer error is displayed on the CRT 135 (step 133), and the operator is notified that printing is not possible.

If the printer 132 can print,
Through the printer interface 137, the printer 13
2 is read (step 13).
4). That is, when the CPU 133 transmits a request for transferring the remaining amount of ink to the printer 132, the CPU of the printer 132
140 reads the remaining ink amount E from the remaining ink amount detecting unit 142 and transmits the remaining ink amount E to the host device 131 via the host interface 143.

The CPU 133 calculates the total number of dots D of the image data previously developed in the print data image memory 136 (step 135). CPU 133
Reads the ink consumption amount A per dot from the printer information memory 138 (step 136),
The ink consumption rate B1 = 1 of the currently set print mode (the print mode is set when printing is started by the keyboard 134, and here, the normal print mode is set) is read (step 137). Next, the total ink usage amount C when the image data developed in the print data image memory 136 is printed in the set print mode is calculated (step 138). The total ink usage amount C is obtained by C = D × A × B1.

Next, it is determined whether the image data developed in the print data image memory 136 can be printed in the set print mode with the remaining ink amount E read in step 134 (step 139). This determination is made by determining whether the remaining ink amount E is larger or smaller than the total ink usage amount C.

When the remaining ink amount E is larger than the total ink usage amount C, printing is possible, so that normal print data transmission processing is performed (step 140), and the processing shifts to printing processing in the printer 132. If the remaining ink amount E is smaller than the total ink usage amount C, printing cannot be performed in the currently set print mode (normal print mode). Therefore, is there a print mode with a lower ink consumption rate than the normal print mode? A search is performed (step 141).

If there is no print mode in which the ink consumption rate is lower than the currently set print mode, since printing is not possible, a process for urging the operator to replace the ink cartridge or the like is performed (step 147). If there is a print mode in which the ink consumption rate is lower than the currently set print mode, the ink consumption rate B is changed to the consumption rate B in the normal print mode.
1 is replaced with the consumption rate B2 of the ink save mode (step 142).

Next, the total ink consumption C when the image data developed in the print data image memory 136 is printed in the ink save mode is calculated (step 143). The total ink usage amount C is obtained by C = D × A × B2.

Next, it is determined whether or not the image data developed in the print data image memory 136 can be printed in the ink save mode with the remaining ink amount E read in step 134 (step 144). This determination is made by determining whether the remaining ink amount E is larger or smaller than the total ink usage amount C.

If the remaining ink amount E is smaller than the total ink usage amount C, printing cannot be performed in the currently set print mode (ink save mode).
The process returns to step 1 to search for a print mode having a lower ink consumption rate than the ink save mode. If the remaining ink amount E is larger than the total ink usage amount C, printing in the ink save mode is possible, so that an indication to the effect that printing in the ink save mode is possible is displayed on the CRT 135 (step 145). This notifies the operator that printing in the ink save mode is possible, and inquires the operator whether to print in this mode.

An operator makes a reply via the keyboard 134, and if the reply is "print in ink save mode", the printer 1 sets the ink save mode.
32, the normal print data transmission process is performed (step 140), and the process proceeds to the print process in the ink save mode. If the answer of the operator is "do not print in the ink save mode", a process for prompting the operator to replace the ink cartridge or the like is performed (step 147).

As described above, before the printer starts printing, the amount of ink required for printing is calculated from the print data and the print mode, and the calculated value is compared with the remaining amount of ink. If the number of prints is small, the operator can be notified and print can be performed in a print mode with a lower ink consumption rate, thereby preventing the occurrence of an ink end during the printing of one print unit and making it possible to consume ink without waste. It is possible.

In the above embodiment, the printer information memory 138 and the print data image memory 136 are provided in the host device 131.
3 and the CPU 140 of the printer 132 can mutually transfer information. Therefore, even if the printer information memory and the print data image memory are arranged in the printer 132,
The invention according to the embodiment can be configured. In this case, FIG.
The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG.
U140 will do this.

In the third embodiment, the print data developed in the print data image memory 136 is a bit image (dot unit) to be printed by the printer 132.
Printer information memory 1
The amount of ink consumption A per dot of 38 is calculated by the printer 132.
, The data to be developed in the print image memory 138 can be stored as character codes.

Further, in the third embodiment, the remaining ink amount detecting section 142 of the printer 132 can linearly detect the remaining ink amount. A near-end detection function may be used. In this case, a memory for managing the remaining amount of ink is provided in the printer information memory 138, and the remaining amount of ink at the time when the ink near end is detected is compared with the calculated amount of ink consumption to shift to the print mode with a low ink consumption rate. Perform processing.

In the third embodiment, the total ink consumption C is calculated from the total number of dots D of the image data, the ink consumption A per dot, and the ink consumption rate B of the currently set print mode. The print data image memory 1 is calculated in each print mode having a different ink consumption rate.
By performing the bit expansion of 36, the total ink usage C
Can be obtained as C = D × A using only the total number of dots D of the image data and the ink consumption amount A per dot.

[0088]

According to the present invention as described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained. First, according to the first invention, when the amount of ink in the ink tank is low, the print density is reduced by using the thinning liquid, so that the operator can easily recognize that the amount of ink is low,
Actions to be taken when the ink level is low can be taken before the ink runs out.

According to the second aspect of the invention, when the amount of ink in the ink tank is reduced, the printing is performed with the print density lowered, so that the operator can easily recognize that the amount of ink has been reduced. Actions to be taken when the ink level is low can be taken before the ink runs out.

According to the third aspect of the invention, when the amount of ink in the ink tank is low, printing can be performed in the print mode in which the amount of ink consumption is small, so that the operator can recognize from the print result that the amount of ink is low. In addition, there is an effect that the use efficiency of the ink is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a printing unit of an inkjet printer according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a printing unit of the inkjet printer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a moving unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a part of the moving unit.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a part of the moving unit.

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a printing unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a printing unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the inside of the thinning liquid tank.

FIG. 9 is a cutaway perspective view showing the lower end of the plug.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a control system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing an ink density according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing the ink density of the first modified example.

FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating a printing unit according to a second modification.

FIG. 19 is a side view illustrating a printing unit according to a second modification.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an inkjet printer according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of normal printing.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example in which a process A is performed.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example in which a process B is performed.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example in which a process C is performed.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of normal printing.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example in which a process A ′ has been performed.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example in which a process B ′ is performed.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example in which a process C ′ has been performed.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of normal printing.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example in which a process A ″ has been performed.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example in which a process B ″ has been performed.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a print example in which a process C ″ has been performed.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a print result by the first print data processing method.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a print result obtained by a second print data processing method.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a print result obtained by a third print data processing method.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the third embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink-jet printer printing part 2 Print head 4 Ink tank unit 12 Thinner tank 12b Thinner 14 Moving unit 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d Stopper

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Hisashi Yuasa 4-11-11, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo Within the company offshore data (72) Inventor Yoichi Hayakawa 4-11-22, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo offshore In data

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A printing apparatus which performs printing by discharging ink from a print head, wherein a storage tank for storing a thinning liquid is provided, and printing is performed with a density reduced by the ink and the thinning liquid flowing out of the storage tank. A printing device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thinning liquid is mixed with the ink and sent to a print head. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thinning liquid is sent directly to a print head and discharged from the print head. 4. A printing apparatus for performing printing by discharging ink from a print head, comprising: an ink near-end detecting means for detecting an ink near-end; and a density reducing means for reducing a printing density. A printing apparatus, wherein when the near end is detected, printing is performed by lowering the printing density by the density lowering unit. 5. A printing apparatus which performs printing by discharging ink from a print head, comprising: an ink near-end detecting unit for detecting an ink near-end; a measuring unit for measuring a print amount of printing performed by the print head; Before detecting the ink near-end by the ink near-end detecting means, the ink near-end detecting means measures the printed print amount by the measuring means and every time the print amount becomes a predetermined amount. A printing apparatus comprising: determining whether or not an ink near end is detected; and performing printing by lowering a printing density by the density lowering unit when the ink near end detecting unit detects the ink near end. 6. A printing apparatus for performing printing by discharging ink from a print head, a mode setting means for setting a plurality of printing modes having different amounts of ink consumption, a remaining amount detecting means for detecting an ink remaining amount, and a printing method. A consumption calculating unit that calculates an ink consumption amount when printing is performed based on the data; and a comparison between the remaining ink amount detected by the remaining amount detecting unit and the ink consumption amount calculated by the consumption amount calculating unit. When the detected ink remaining amount is larger than the calculated ink consumption amount, printing is performed in the set print mode, and the detected ink remaining amount is calculated. And a control means for enabling a transition to a print mode in which the amount of ink consumption is smaller than the set print mode when the amount is smaller than the amount of ink consumption. 7. A printing system comprising a printing apparatus for performing printing by discharging ink from a printing head and a host apparatus connected to the printing apparatus, wherein a remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the printing apparatus. A mode setting unit configured to set a plurality of print modes having different ink consumption amounts in the host device; a consumption amount calculation unit calculating an ink consumption amount when printing is performed based on print data; Comparing means for comparing the remaining amount of ink detected by the remaining amount detecting means with the amount of ink consumption calculated by the consumption amount calculating means; and the ink on which the detected remaining amount of ink is calculated as a result of the comparison by the comparing means If the amount is larger than the consumption, the printing is performed in the set print mode.If the detected remaining amount of the ink is smaller than the calculated ink consumption, the printing is performed from the set printing mode. Control means for enabling a shift to a print mode in which the amount of consumed ink is small.