WO2013027475A1

WO2013027475A1 - Inkjet recording device

Info

Publication number: WO2013027475A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/065132
Authority: WO
Inventors: 裕子栗原; 河野　貴
Original assignee: 株式会社日立産機システム
Priority date: 2011-08-19
Filing date: 2012-06-13
Publication date: 2013-02-28
Also published as: JP2013039789A; CN103648787A; CN105856842B; CN105856842A; CN103648787B; JP5723723B2

Abstract

In order to incorporate multiple inkjet recording devices in a factory conveyor line when printing product-specific information on two or more areas on a printing object using separate inkjet recording devices for each area, one each of encoders and printing object sensors, which specified the position of the printing object, were necessary for each inkjet recording device and the number of the devices necessary equaled the number of printed areas. There also was the problem of an increased financial burden resulting from the device installation. The invention improves operability by newly adding the operational concept of determining priority ranking for a group of two or more inkjet recording devices with one being a higher rank device (referred to as "master") and others being lower rank devices (referred to as "slaves") and adding a so-called "master/slave function," in which the slave devices are basically operated in subjection to the master device.

Description

Inkjet recording device

The present invention relates to a charge control type ink jet recording apparatus, and more particularly to an ink jet recording apparatus specialized for a master / slave function.

As a background art in this technical field, there is JP-A-2011-46139. In this publication, “a control device having a CPU and a memory and a plurality of timing devices are used, and the timing information including the date and time acquired from the timing devices is used for printing on a printed material. Inkjet recording apparatus ".

JP 2011-46139 A

In various manufacturing technology fields such as food and industrial products, there is an increasing demand for displaying product-specific information such as manufacturing date and control number on each manufactured product for the purpose of individual identification of the manufactured product. As an example for performing this display, a charge control type ink jet recording apparatus capable of printing in a non-contact manner on a manufactured product is used. Inkjet recording devices can print by ejecting ink continuously from the nozzle to the substrate without contacting the nozzle of the print head to the substrate, especially in the factory transport line. It is widely used when processing and manufacturing in large quantities.

Here, let us consider an application in which product-specific information is printed on two or more portions of a substrate using different ink jet recording apparatuses. In order to incorporate a plurality of ink jet recording apparatuses into a transport line in a factory, an encoder for specifying the position of a print object and a print object sensor are required for each ink jet recording apparatus. A number of these devices are required. That is, in this case, there is a problem that the financial burden on the customer due to the introduction of the apparatus increases. Further, since different product specific information is printed at the same time, it is necessary to adjust the setting values relating to the identification of the object to be printed and the setting of the printing location among the settings of the plurality of introduced inkjet recording apparatuses. However, since the setting values of the ink jet recording apparatus can be set only on the screens of the respective apparatuses, the setting of the ink jet recording apparatus becomes very complicated, causing a problem of reduced operability for the customer.

In the present invention, a new concept for determining the priority order for the operation surface of one upper apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a master) and another lower apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a slave) is provided for a group of two or more inkjet recording apparatuses. In addition, a method of adding a “master / slave function”, that is, basically the slave device operates according to the master device, is described. By adding this, reducing the financial burden due to the introduction of a plurality of inkjet recording devices in applications where product-specific information is printed on two or more portions of the substrate using different inkjet recording devices, Improved operability when a plurality of ink jet recording apparatuses are introduced into the transport line.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is used for printing such as an input unit for setting a device, an output unit for displaying the device setting on a screen, a controller unit for controlling the input unit and the output unit, and a nozzle. Stores the printing unit to be connected, the physical external connection terminal for connecting to other devices, the engine unit for controlling the printing unit and the external connection terminal, and the values for storing programs and setting values necessary for control In an inkjet recording apparatus having a control unit that calculates a control method of the apparatus by memory and calculation, when simultaneously controlling a plurality of inkjet recording apparatus groups, one host apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a master) passes through the external connection terminal. One-to-one connection with a plurality of other lower-level devices (hereinafter referred to as slaves) has a higher priority than the lower-level devices with respect to the operation surface and control surface of the higher-level device. Determines that a state, characterized by having a "master / slave function" program for controlling.
In the above-described ink jet recording apparatus, the inkjet recording apparatus further includes means for inputting a setting value necessary for setting the master / slave function, means for visually displaying the setting value, and a memory for storing the setting value. It is characterized by that.

In the ink jet recording apparatus, when the master / slave function is set, means for inputting various print setting values of the slave device side device from the master device side device, and the setting values are visually displayed. And a memory for storing the set value.
Further, in the above-described ink jet recording apparatus, when the master / slave function is set, means for inputting the printability of the master device and the slave device according to the input of the print object sensor, and the set value visually It has a means for displaying and a memory for storing the set value.
The ink jet recording apparatus may further include a program in which the state of the slave device follows the state of the master device when the master / slave function is set.
The ink jet recording apparatus may further include a program for calculating a print setting value of the slave device in accordance with communication from the master device when the master / slave function is set.
Further, the ink jet recording apparatus includes a program for recalculating the print waiting time of the slave device in accordance with communication from the master device when the master / slave function is set.

In the present invention, a function for setting a master / slave function between a plurality of ink jet recording apparatuses is added to the charge control type ink jet recording apparatus. By adding this function, it is possible to centrally control the inkjet recording apparatus incorporated in the transport line of the factory, the apparatus for specifying the position of the printed material, and the like, so that the financial burden on the customer can be reduced. In addition, since the setting values relating to the identification of the object to be printed and the setting of the printing location can be set collectively, the operability can be improved.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the connection of the inkjet recording device group which added the master / slave function of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen of the inkjet recording device which added the master / slave function of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen of the inkjet recording device which added the master / slave function of this invention. It is a figure which shows the master / slave function operation | movement determination flowchart of this invention. It is a figure which shows the master / slave function operation | movement determination flowchart of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state change flowchart at the time of the master / slave function operation | movement of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state change flowchart at the time of the master / slave function operation | movement of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state change flowchart at the time of the master / slave function operation | movement of this invention. It is a figure which shows the print setting value change flowchart at the time of the master / slave function operation | movement of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart in the master apparatus at the time of external communication reception at the time of the master / slave function operation | movement of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart in the master apparatus at the time of external communication reception at the time of the master / slave function operation | movement of this invention. It is a figure which shows the conveyance line at the time of master / slave function operation | movement, internal signal movement in a master apparatus, and printing control time. It is a figure which shows the master apparatus time chart at the time of a master / slave function operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the internal signal movement in a slave apparatus at the time of master / slave function operation | movement, and printing control time. It is a figure which shows the slave apparatus time chart (before improvement) at the time of a master / slave function operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the slave apparatus time chart (after improvement) at the time of a master / slave function operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the printing time comparison of the master apparatus at the time of a master / slave function operation | movement, and a slave apparatus. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart in the master apparatus at the time of receiving a to-be-printed object sensor at the time of master / slave function operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flowchart in the slave apparatus at the time of various signal reception from a master apparatus at the time of master / slave function operation | movement.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.
(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is an ink jet recording apparatus, A is a controller unit, B is a printing device, 2 is an input unit, 3 is a control unit, 4 is a storage unit, 5 is an output unit, and 6 is a transport line. 7 is a product to be printed, 8 is a control device of the control unit, 9 is a memory, 10 is a program storage device, 11 is a print object sensor, 12 is a print object detection device, 13 is an encoder, and 14 is a conveyance speed detection device. , 15 is an input device, 16 is a touch panel, 17 is a display device, 18 is a display, 19 is an ink container, 20 is a pump, 21 is a print head, 22 is a nozzle, 23 is an excitation voltage generator, 24 is ink particles, 25 Is a charging voltage generation device, 26 is a charging electrode, 27 is a deflection voltage generation device, 28 is a deflection electrode, 29 is a device power supply, 30 is a power supply device, 31 is an external connection terminal, and 32 is a connection device.

The ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes a controller A and a printing apparatus B, and performs printing on a product 7 that is a printing object on the transport line 6. The ink jet recording apparatus 1 needs to analyze the information obtained from the input unit 2 in the control unit 3 having the control unit 8 and the storage unit 4 having the memory 9 and the program storage unit 10 so as to obtain an optimum printing result. The control signal is corrected and the output signal is transmitted from the output unit 5. Further, the printing object detection device 12 that receives a signal from the printing material sensor 11 at the input unit 2 of the controller A, the conveyance speed detection device 14 that receives a signal from the encoder 13, and an input device that receives an input signal from an operator. 15, information on the printing apparatus B and the product is input, and calculation processing is performed by the control unit 3, and an output signal is transmitted from the output unit 5 to the printing apparatus B. When setting and changing the print data and various printing conditions for printing, the setting value input to the input device 6 of the controller A from the touch panel 16 as the input means of the printing device B is stored in the memory 9 of the storage unit 4. The information is stored and processed by the control device 8 of the control unit 3 and displayed on the display 18 of the display device 17. When printing is started on the product 7 on the transport line 6, the position of the product 7 is specified by the printed material detection device 12 and the transport speed detection device 14. Next, the ink supplied from the ink container 19 by the pump 20 is excited by the excitation voltage generator 23 at the nozzle 22 in the print head 21 to form ink particles 24, and the charging voltage is adjusted in accordance with the print data on the memory 9. The generator 25 applies a charging voltage to the charging electrode 26. The charged ink particles 24 are deflected when passing through the deflection electrode 28 to which the voltage of the deflection voltage generator 27 is applied, and a printing dot is formed on the product 7 to perform printing. The uncharged ink particles 24 are collected without being used for printing and return to the ink container 19. In addition, the state of the device power supply 29 is managed by the power supply device 30, and the state of the external connection terminal 31 is managed by the connection device 32.

(Example 2)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system of an inkjet recording apparatus group to which a master / slave function is added. In FIG. 2A, 35 is a master ink jet recording apparatus, 36 is a slave ink jet recording apparatus, 37 is a connection line between the master 35 and the

slave

36, 38 is a network such as external communication, and 39 is an external device such as a personal computer. It is. FIG. 2A shows an inkjet recording apparatus group system, which includes a master inkjet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a master apparatus) 35 and a plurality of slave inkjet recording apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as slave apparatuses) 36. Further, the printing medium sensor 11 and the encoder 13 are connected to the master device 35, and the printing medium sensor and the encoder are not connected to the slave device.
In the system of the device group, the master device 35 and the plurality of slaves 36 are connected by a connection line 37 one-on-one. The connection with the external device 39 such as a personal computer and the network 38 such as external communication is performed only by the master device, and not by the slave device.

Next, the configuration and connection of the master device and the slave device will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2B, A of the master device is a controller unit, B is a printing device, A of the slave device is a controller unit, and B is a printing device. Further, the printing device B of the master device 35 is the same as the printing device B of FIG. 1 and includes a plurality of external connection terminals 31 and the like. Further, the printing apparatus sensor 11 and the encoder 13 are connected to the controller unit A in the master device 1. Further, an external device 39 and a network 38 are connected to the printing apparatus B. The slave device 36 is composed of a control device A composed of a printing object detection device and the like, and a printing device B composed of an external connection terminal and the like. The slave device 36 includes the printing device B of the master device 35 and the printing device B of the slave device 36. Connection is made by a connection line 37.

(Example 3)
Next, processing for registering the master device 36 as a master in the connection configuration of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. 3A and 3B show screens of the display of the ink jet recording apparatus to which the master / slave function is added. In the screen 40 of FIG. 3A (a), the screen 40 is a “communication environment setting” screen. First, an option 43 for selecting “present / absent” of “master / slave function” is installed. In addition, an item 44 for inputting the serial number of the master device is arranged, and an item 45 for inputting the serial number of the slave device is further arranged. The product number is a solid identification number consisting of an 8-digit numerical value set for each inkjet recording apparatus. The serial number 44 of the master device is set by inputting an 8-digit numerical value. Further, the slave device serial number 45 is the serial number of a plurality of slave devices, and an 8-digit numerical value is input and set.
Here, “Yes” is selected for the “master / slave function” on the screen 40, and the master device serial number and slave device serial number are entered with different serial numbers, and one or more slave device serial numbers are input. When the confirmation button 46 at the upper right is pressed while the input is in progress, the master / slave function operation determination flowchart 57 (FIG. 4A (a)) is executed. When “none” is selected for the “master / slave function” on the screen 40, and when the master device serial number and slave device serial number input do not satisfy the conditions, the master / slave function operation determination flowchart 57 ( FIG. 4A (a)) is not executed.

In the master / slave function operation determination flowchart 57, when it is determined that the master / slave function is valid and the apparatus is the master apparatus, the “detail setting” 47 button arranged on the right side of the screen is effective. When the detailed setting button 47 is pressed, the screen changes to the screen 41 in FIG. 3A (b). The screen 41 shows a “master / slave setting” screen. On the screen 41, the master device serial number 48 is displayed, the valid slave device serial numbers 49 are displayed, and the valid slave device serial numbers 49 are displayed in a list. When the serial number of an arbitrary slave device is selected from the list of slave devices and the “Select execution” button 50 in the lower right corner of the screen 41 is pressed, the screen changes to a screen where the print setting value of the selected slave device can be changed. To do. When the “return” button 51 on the right side of the screen 41 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen 40. When the “print program” button 52 in the lower right corner of the screen 41 is pressed, the screen shifts to the screen 42 shown in FIG.

Next, the screen 42 in FIG. 3B (c) will be described. The screen 42 is a diagram showing a “print program”. On the screen 42, when the product 7 to be printed is detected by the substrate sensor 11, (1) printing is performed by all set master devices / slave devices or (2) printing is performed by any master device / slave device. The item 53 for setting whether or not to perform and the print execution program setting screen 54 in the case of (2) above are displayed. Here, the print execution program (or also described as a print program) is for setting for each apparatus whether or not to execute printing when the product sensor 11 detects the product 7 to be printed. The print execution program can be changed by changing the setting screen 54 and pressing the “OK” button 55 in the upper right corner. This print execution program is used when the print program function item is “valid”. When the “return” button 56 at the lower right corner of the screen is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen 41.
Next, the print execution program 54 shown in FIG. 3B (c) will be described.
First, in the list of print execution programs, No. The row of 1 indicates that the master is “O”, the slave 1 is “X”, the slave 2 is “O”, the slave 3 is “X”, the slave 4 is “O”, the slave 5 is “X”,. Are listed. Here, the “◯” mark indicates a device that performs printing, and the “X” mark indicates a device that does not print. Therefore, the master device prints, the slave device 1 does not print, the slave device 2 prints, the slave device 3 does not print, the slave device 4 prints, and the slave device 5 does not print.

Next, No. In the row 2, the master is “O”, the slave 1 is “O”, the slave 2 is “O”, the slave 3 is “X”, the slave 4 is “O”, the slave 5 is “X”, and the slave 6 is “X”. “O”, slave 7 continues with “O”,. No. The execution of printing or non-printing according to the setting of the master device and slave device in the second row is described in No. 2 above. 1 is executed after the product sensor 11 to be printed is detected. No. The above is executed in the same manner for the third and subsequent versions.

(Example 4)
Next, the master / slave function operation determination flowchart described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B is shown in FIG. 4A (a). The flowchart 57 shown in FIG. 4A (a) is configured by a setting content determination process and a communication confirmation process on the screen 40 in FIG. 3A (a). The communication confirmation process includes a connection confirmation process (step 60). The master / slave function is enabled only when both the determination results of the setting content determination process and the connection confirmation process are “OK”, and when any one of the determination results is “NG”, the master / slave function is enabled. Disable the function.
FIG. 4A shows a master / slave function operation determination flowchart 57. In the master / slave function operation determination flowchart 57, after the “confirm” button is pressed, a setting content determination process 58 on the screen 40 is executed, and then a communication confirmation process 59 is executed. The setting content determination process 58 and the communication confirmation process 59 will be described in detail below. The master / slave function is enabled only when both of the determination results of the setting content determination processing 58 and the communication confirmation processing 59 are “OK”, and the determination result of any one of them is “NG” Disables the master / slave function. The communication confirmation process 59 includes a connection confirmation process 60.

Next, the setting content determination processing 58 will be described with reference to FIG. 4A (b). In the flowchart 58 of FIG. 4A (b), it is first determined whether “Yes” or “No” is selected in the master / slave function option 43 on the screen 40. When the master / slave function is selected as “present”, the input of the master product number 44 is confirmed. When the product number is input to the master product number 44, the input of the slave product number 45 is confirmed. When the product number is input to the slave product number 45, the master product number and the slave product number are compared (step 61).

Next, the master product number and the slave product number are compared to determine whether the master product number is input to the slave product number. That is, it is confirmed whether the master product number and the slave product number have the same number. If the master product number is different from the slave product number, the determination is OK, and the master / slave function operation determination flowchart 58 ends. Also, if the master / slave function selection on the screen 40 is “None”, if the master product number is not entered, or if the slave product number is not entered, the same number is assigned to the master product number and the slave product number. If it exists, the determination is “NG”, and the master / slave function operation determination flowchart 58 ends.

Next, when the determination processing of the setting contents of the master / slave function is completed, the process proceeds to the communication confirmation process 59. A flowchart 59 of the communication confirmation process is shown in FIG. The communication confirmation is communication between the master device and the slave device. In the flowchart 59 of the communication confirmation process, first, the serial number of the device (hereinafter referred to as the input device) that has input the set value in the screen 40 is determined (step 62). When the production number of the input device is the production number 44 of the master device, the input device is “master device”. When the serial number of the input device is the slave serial number 45, the input device is “slave device” and the setting value of the screen 40 is communicated to the master device. When the communication is normally completed, the subsequent operation is performed by the master device (step 64). When the product number of the input device is neither the master product number nor the slave product number, the determination result is NG. After step 64, the setting values on the screen 40 are communicated again from the master device to all slave devices (step 65). After the communication is normally completed, the slave device that can normally communicate is specified in all the external connection terminals of the master device (step 60). When the specific process is normally completed, the determination result of the flow process 59 is “OK”. In other cases, the determination result of the flow process 59 is “NG”. Even when the determination result is “OK” or “NG”, the processing flowchart 59 ends.

Next, detailed processing of step 60 shown in FIG. 4B (d) is shown in FIG. 4B (c). In the flowchart 60 of “identifying slave devices that can normally transmit / receive communication with the master device” in step 60, first, a terminal to which some device is attached is acquired from all the external connection terminals of the master device (step 66). ) Then, the communication “product number transmission instruction” is transmitted to the device through the external connection terminal in the order of acquisition. The communication “manufacturing number transmission instruction” is set with the communication “own device manufacturing number”, and the ink jet recording apparatus that has received the communication “manufacturing number communication instruction” transmits the manufacturing number with the communication “own device manufacturing number”. . On the other hand, the master device waits for reception for a certain period of time until the communication “own device number” is received at the external connection terminal that has transmitted the communication “product number transmission instruction” (step 67). When the communication “own device serial number” is received, the received serial number is stored in the [effective slave list] as a valid slave device (step 68). Here, the valid slave list refers to a valid slave list. Further, “half of the time from when the communication“ product number transmission instruction ”is transmitted to when the communication“ manufactured device number ”is received” is stored in the master device and the corresponding slave device as [response time: λ] (step 69). This is repeated for all external connection terminals of the master device, and when completed, the number of valid slave devices is determined (step 70). If the number of valid slave devices is one or more, it is assumed that the specific processing has been completed normally. If the number of valid slave devices is 0, the specific processing has been terminated abnormally and the program processing is terminated.

(Example 5)
Next, a state change flowchart in the master device and the slave device when the master / slave function is valid will be described. The states here are (1) states relating to printing such as a pause state and a printable state, (2) a power-off state, (3) a power-on state, and (4) an apparatus abnormal state. In states (1), (2), and (3), when the state of the master device changes, the device state in the [valid slave list] changes accordingly. In the slave device, only the slave device can change the state. However, except for the state (4), basically, priority is given to the change in the state of the master device. In state (4), when the master device is in an abnormal state, the master / slave function is disabled until the abnormal state is resolved, and when the master device is recovered from the abnormal state, the master / slave function is enabled again. When the slave device is in an abnormal state, the master device or the slave device performs a recovery operation. If the slave device can be recovered, the slave device is changed to the same state. If the slave device cannot be recovered, the slave device is set as an invalid slave device.

First, the processing when the apparatus status is changed to the status (1) “status relating to printing such as the pause status and the printable status” will be described. FIG. 5A (a) shows a flowchart of processing when the state (1) is changed to “a state relating to printing such as a pause state or a printable state”. In the flowchart 71 of the process of FIG. 5A (a), first, when the state changes (step 75) and the apparatus whose state has changed is the master apparatus, the process of step 60 is executed, and when the apparatus is the slave apparatus, the step is performed. The process 78 is executed. The process of step 60 is as described above, and after the process of step 60, the apparatus of [effective slave list] is instructed to change the state (step 76). If the slave device does not have the same status change as that of the master device, the slave device is deleted from the [valid slave list] (step 77). If the device whose state has changed is a slave device, it is determined whether the device is in the [valid slave list] (step 78). If the device is in the valid slave list, whether the current state matches the state of the master device. Is determined (step 79). When the current state is different from the state of the master device, communication “slave invalid” for invalidating the slave device is communicated to the master device (step 80). When the communication “slave invalid” is transmitted to the master device, the master device deletes the corresponding slave device from the [valid slave list].

Next, the processing when the device state changes to state (2) “power off state” will be described. FIG. 5A (b) shows a flowchart 72 of processing when the state (2) is changed to “power off state”. In the flowchart 72 of the process in FIG. 5A (b), first, it is determined whether the device whose power is turned off is a master device or a slave device. If the device whose power is turned off is the master device, the process of step 60 is executed, and then the communication “power off” is transmitted to the device in the [valid slave list]. The communication “power off” is a set with the communication “off complete”, and the ink jet printing apparatus that has received the communication “power off” turns off the power of its own in software and immediately before the operation is completed, the communication “off” "Complete" is to be transmitted (step 81). After transmitting the communication “power off” to all the devices in the [valid slave list], the master device is turned off (step 82). If the device whose power is turned off is a slave device, it is determined whether or not the device is in the [valid slave list] (step 83). If the device is in the valid slave list, communication that invalidates the slave device. "Slave invalid" is communicated to the master device (step 84). Thereafter, the slave device is turned off (step 83). The above is the description of the processing flow in the case of “power off”.

Next, the processing when the device state changes to the state (3) “power on state” will be described. FIG. 5B (c) shows a flowchart 73 of the processing when the state (3) changes to “power-on state”. In the flowchart 73 of the process in FIG. 5B (c), first, the power is turned on (step 86), and it is determined whether the device that has been turned on is a master device or a slave device. When the power-on device is a master device, a terminal to which some device is attached is acquired from all the external connection terminals of the master device (step 87). Then, the communication “power on” is transmitted to the device through the external connection terminal in the order of acquisition (step 88). The communication “power on” is set with the communication “on complete”, and the ink jet recording apparatus that has received the communication “power on” turns on the power of its own device in software and immediately before the operation is completed, the communication “on” "Complete" is to be sent. This is repeated for all external connection terminals of the master device. When completed, the process of step 60 is executed. If the device whose power is turned off is a slave device, the process of step 60 is executed. The above is the description of the processing program when the state is changed to the “power-on state”.

Next, the processing when the device state changes to state (4) “device abnormal state” will be described. FIG. 5C (d) shows a flowchart 74 of processing when the state (4) changes to “device abnormal state”. In the processing flowchart 74 of FIG. 5C (d), first, an abnormal state is displayed on the apparatus (step 89). Thereafter, the state is monitored until the abnormal state is cleared. Determine whether the device in an abnormal state is a master device or a slave device. If the device in an abnormal state is a master device, it is confirmed whether the abnormality has been resolved (step 90). If the abnormality has not been resolved, the master / slave function is disabled (step 91). When the abnormality is resolved, the display of the abnormal state on the apparatus is deleted (step 92). Then, a master / slave function operation determination flowchart is executed (step 57). If the device in an abnormal state is a slave device, it is displayed on the master device that the slave device is in an abnormal state (step 93), and it is confirmed whether the abnormality has been resolved (step 94). If the abnormality has not been resolved, communication “slave invalid” for invalidating the slave device is communicated to the master device (step 95). If the abnormality is resolved, the display of the abnormal state on the apparatus is deleted (step 96), and at the same time, the display of the abnormal state on the master apparatus is deleted (step 96). Thereafter, the process of step 60 is executed and the process ends.

(Example 6)
Next, a change method for changing the print setting value in the master device and the slave device when the master / slave function is valid will be described. The master device can change all print setting values in the master device and the slave device, and the slave device can change the print setting values only in the slave device.
FIG. 6A is a flowchart 97 showing a changing method when operated by the master device. In the flowchart 97 of the process in FIG. 6A, first, it is determined whether the print setting value to be changed is master / slave (step 99).
If the print setting value to be changed is that of the master device, the print setting value change screen (master) is displayed from the input device of the master device, and the print setting value is changed (step 100). If the print setting value to be changed is that of the slave device, the button 46 is pressed from the screen 40 of the master device to display the screen 41 (step 101). Thereafter, the serial number of the slave device to be changed is selected from the displayed slave device list, and the button 48 is pressed (step 102). Thereafter, communication is performed with the selected slave device, and the print setting value of the current slave device is acquired (step 103). Based on the acquired print setting value, a print setting value change screen (slave) is displayed to change the print setting value (step 104). After the print setting value is changed, it is determined again whether the changed print setting value is a master or a slave (step 105). If the changed print setting value is that of the master device, the print setting value in the master device is updated (step 106). If the changed print setting value is that of the slave device, the changed print setting value is transmitted to the slave device (step 107). The optimization of the print set value is executed as shown in the flowchart 145 shown in FIG. 11 in the slave device.

Next, the change method when the change method is operated on the slave device will be described with reference to FIG. In the flowchart 98 of the process in FIG. 6B, the print setting change screen (slave) is displayed from the input device of the slave device, and the print setting value is changed (step 108). After changing the print setting value, communication with the master device is performed (step 109), and based on the result, it is determined whether the print setting value is optimal as shown in the flowchart 145 (shown in FIG. 11). Correct the set value. Thereafter, the print setting value in the slave device is updated.

(Example 7)
Next, the external communication format 111 (FIG. 7A (a)), format 112 (FIG. 7 A (b)) when the master / slave function is valid, and the print setting value changing method by external communication in the master device An operation flowchart 113 (FIG. 7B (c)) is shown. External communication is managed in a batch by the master device, so both when changing the print setting value of the slave device by external communication and when changing the print setting value of the master device by external communication via the master device It must be made. Therefore, communication satisfying the format 111 in FIG. 7A (a) is external communication for the master device, and communication satisfying the format 112 in FIG. 7A (b) is external communication for the slave device. In the operation flowchart 113 in the master apparatus for the print setting value changing method by external communication in FIG. 7B (c), first, it is determined whether the communication x is in the external communication format (step 114), and then in the external communication format. It is determined whether the communication is z (step 115). Next, it is determined whether the product number is a master device or a slave device (step 116), and external communication is determined to be either a master device or a slave device by the processing of step 117 and step 118. If the external communication is for the master device, the print setting value in the master device is updated (step 119). If the external communication is for the slave device, it is determined whether the communication y is in the external communication format (step 120).
If the communication y in the external communication format is not received for a certain time, the series of external communication is invalidated (step 121). If there is communication y in the external communication format, the received print setting value is transmitted to the slave device (step 122). The optimization of the print setting value is performed by executing the flowchart 145 shown in FIG. 11 in the slave device.

(Example 8)
Next, an example of the printed matter on the conveyance line until it is printed by the print head through the printed matter sensor, and printed on the printed matter after a lapse of time T from when the printed matter sensor is input to the master device. An example of movement of processing of the master device up to the point of time, a print control time and a time chart corresponding to the movement example will be described. FIG. 8A (a) shows FIG. 123 in which the printed matter on the transport line is printed through the printing object sensor. In FIG. 8A (a), T is the time from when the printed matter is detected by the printing object sensor until printing is started at the print start position of the printed matter by the print head.

8A (b) and FIG. 8A (c) are diagrams illustrating the time required for printing after the time T elapses after the print object sensor detects the print object on the master device. The composition and the contents of the required time are shown. In the block diagram 124 shown in FIG. 8A (b), the print control time of the master device is the time (1) until the signal from the print object sensor is detected in the device and the print setting value in the controller unit A. Time to perform control for printing (2), device internal communication time to communicate from the printing device in the controller unit A to the print head B (3), and ejection of ink from the print head B to the printed matter Ink flight time to reach (4). Here, the total time from (1) to (4) is defined as the control time α.

Next, in FIG. 8B (d), how the above-mentioned printing control time in the master device relates to printing will be described more specifically. FIG. 8B (d) is a time chart 126 showing the control time until printing by the master device. The top row shows the detection of the printed matter and the print start position, and the second row shows the detection state of the print sensor. The third stage and the fourth stage show time charts of the engine unit and the controller unit of the master device, and the fifth stage shows the total control time at time T of the master device. In addition to the print control time α, a print waiting time γ is required to detect a printed matter and perform printing after the time T has elapsed. Here, the print waiting time γ is the time calculated from the conveyance line speed calculated from the signal from the encoder and the set value of “distance between the print sensor and print head” which is one of the print setting values. Say. 8A (c) and 8B (d), it can be seen that time T = control time α + print waiting time γ is required.

Example 9
Next, when the master / slave function is valid, the processing of the master device and the slave device moves from the time when the print sensor is input to the master device to the time when the slave device prints on the printed material after the time T has elapsed. Example (FIG. 9A (a)) 127, print control time (FIG. 9A (b)) 128 of the master device and slave device corresponding to the movement example, and time chart (FIG. 9B (c), FIG. 9C (d)) 129 and 130 and their time comparison (FIG. 9D (e) 131 will be described. FIG. 9A shows the configuration of the master device and the slave device. The master device detects the printed matter and prints the slave device. 9A (b) shows the control time in the configuration diagram of FIG. 9A (a).
9A (a) and 9 (b), the control time from the printed matter detection to printing in the master device and the slave device is the time (1) until the signal from the printed matter sensor is detected in the master device and the slave device. The time (2) for performing control for printing from the print setting value in the control unit A in the apparatus, the time (3) required for internal communication processing in the slave apparatus, and the ink for printing by ejecting ink on the printed matter In addition to the flight time (4), the time required for internal communication processing in the master device (5), the time for performing various controls in the controller unit A in the master device (6), and between the master device and the slave device Communication response time λ (7) is required. Among these control times, (1) to (4) are the print control time α shown in FIG. (5) to (7) are newly added times by the master / slave function, and the total of these times is defined as an increase time β.

FIG. 9B (c) shows more specifically how the printing control time of FIG. 9A (b) relates to printing. FIG. 9B (c) is a time chart 129 showing the control time until printing of the slave device before improvement. The top row shows the detection of the printed matter and the printing start position, and the second row shows the detection state of the printing sensor. . The third and fourth stages show time charts of the engine unit and the controller unit of the master device, and the fifth and sixth stages show time charts of the engine unit and the controller unit of the slave device. The bottom row shows the total control time of the slave device before improvement. In FIG. 9B (c), since the printing waiting time γ is the same as that in FIG. 8B (d), it takes a longer time β from the detection of the printed matter to the printing, and printing cannot be performed at the printing start position. ing. FIG. 9C (d) 131 solves this time problem. FIG. 9C (d) is a time chart 129 showing the control time until printing of the slave device after improvement, and the elements of each time chart are the same as those of the time chart of FIG. 9B (c).
Specifically, the time chart 130 of FIG. 9C (d) is a control for recalculating the new print waiting time ω in consideration of the increase time β with reference to the set value and response time λ received from the master device (FIG. 11). Step 157) is performed by the slave device itself. As a result, printing can be performed at the printing start position after the time T has elapsed. FIG. 9D (e) summarizes the time charts of FIG. 8B (d), FIG. 9B (c), and FIG. 9C (d). In the time chart 130 of FIG. 9C (d), since the new print waiting time ω is recalculated, it can be seen that printing can be performed in the same time as in FIG. 8B (d) even if there is an increase time β.

(Example 10)
FIG. 10 shows an operation flowchart 132 in the master apparatus when the print object sensor is input when the master / slave function is valid. In FIG. 10, first, the device state of the master device is determined (step 133). If the device status is not printable, the program ends. When the device status is ready for printing, a communication “print start” is transmitted to the devices in the [valid slave list] (step 134). The communication “start printing” instructs execution of printing. At the same time, the encoder signal starts counting for an arbitrarily set (step 135). The count number is judged (step 136), and when the set count is completed, the count is finished (step 137). Thereafter, the conveyance line speed is calculated from the count number and the count time (step 138). Next, the communication “line speed” is transmitted to the [valid slave list] apparatus (step 139). In the slave device, the print waiting time ω and the like are calculated from the communication “line speed” and the print set value “distance between the print object sensor and the print head”. If it is determined that the print set value correction is necessary from the calculated conveyance line speed (step 140), the print set value is corrected (step 141), and the print set value of the correction result is updated (step 142). When all of the steps up to step 142 are completed, the print control and the print waiting time γ in the master device are calculated for the first time (step 143), and printing is executed (step 144).

(Example 11)
FIG. 11 shows an operation flowchart 145 in the slave device when various communications are received from the master device when the master / slave function is valid. In the flowchart of FIG. 11, first, it is determined which communication is received (step 146). If the received content is the print set value, the print set value is updated (step 147). Thereafter, when it is determined that the print set value correction is necessary (step 148), the print set value correction is performed (step 149), and the print set value correction result is updated (step 150). If the received content is communication “print start”, the apparatus status is determined (step 151). If the device status is other than printable, a communication “slave invalid” for invalidating the slave device is communicated to the master device (step 152). When the received content is the communication “line speed”, if it is determined that the print set value correction is necessary from the received transport line speed (step 153), the print set value is corrected (step 154), and the print set value is corrected. The result is updated (step 155). Thereafter, the printing control in the slave device and the printing waiting time γ are calculated (step 155). A new printing waiting time ω is calculated from the result and the response time λ (step 157), and printing is executed (step 158).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inkjet recording device 2 ... Input part 3 ... Control part 4 ... Memory | storage part 5 ... Output part 6 ... Conveyance line 7 ... Product to be printed 8 ... Control device of control part 9 ... Memory 10 ... Program storage device 11 ... To be printed Object sensor 12 ... Printed material detector 13 Encoder 14 Transfer speed detector 15 Input device 16 Touch panel 17 Display 18 Display 19 Ink container 20 Pump 21 Print head 22 Nozzle 23 Excitation voltage Generator 24 ... Ink particles 25 ... Charge voltage generator 26 ... Charge electrode 27 ... Deflection voltage generator 28 ... Deflection electrode 29 ... Power supply 30 ... Power supply 31 ... External connection terminal 32 ... Connection device 35 ... Master ink jet recording apparatus 36. Slave ink jet recording device 37. Connection line 38 of network 36. Network 39. External equipment

Claims

An input unit for performing device settings, an output unit for displaying the device settings on a screen, a controller unit for controlling the input unit and the output unit, a printing unit used for printing such as nozzles,
Physical external connection terminal for connecting with other devices, engine unit for controlling the printing unit and external connection terminal, memory for storing values necessary for storing programs and setting values necessary for control, and device by calculation In an inkjet recording apparatus having a control unit that calculates the control method of
When simultaneously controlling a plurality of inkjet recording apparatus groups, one upper apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a master) is connected to the other plurality of lower apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as slaves) in a one-to-one manner through the external connection terminals.
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a “master / slave function” program for determining and controlling that the priority order of the operation surface and the control surface of the host device is higher than that of the lower device.
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1,
Means for inputting a set value necessary for setting the master / slave function;
Means for visually displaying the set value;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a memory for storing the set value.
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1,
When the master / slave function is set,
Means for inputting various print setting values of the slave device side device from the master device side device;
Means for visually displaying the set value;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a memory for storing the set value.
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1,
Means for inputting whether or not the master device and the slave device can print according to the input of the printing object sensor when the master / slave function is set;
Means for visually displaying the set value;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a memory for storing the set value.
In the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4,
An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a program in which the state of the slave device follows the state of the master device when the master / slave function is set.
In the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5,
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a program for calculating a print setting value of a slave device in accordance with communication from the master device when the master / slave function is set.
The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a program for recalculating a print waiting time of a slave device in accordance with communication from the master device when the master / slave function is set.