JP4190319B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. In place Specifically, the present invention relates to a technique for preventing deterioration of the machine state due to an erroneous operation by an operator during a maintenance operation of the image forming apparatus, and is suitable for use in an ink jet printer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Due to the development of personal computers, image processing and the like can be performed relatively easily. For example, a recording apparatus capable of outputting a hard copy of a digital image displayed on a display with high quality is demanded, and such a request is met. Therefore, a recording apparatus equipped with an ink jet recording head is provided.
[0003]
As such an ink jet recording apparatus, for example, a recording medium (for example, paper, film) on which a recording head having a nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in the sub-scanning direction is moved in the main scanning direction and ink droplets are attached. , Cloth, etc.) are moved in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle array of the recording head to the recording medium in accordance with the recording signal, thereby achieving high-speed, high-density, and high-quality recording. Like to do.
[0004]
As the inkjet recording apparatus is speeded up, not only personal users and private businesses in general households but also office use are rapidly spreading.
The use of the office is characterized by a large demand for printing (paper size, image size, etc.) and the number of printed sheets compared to the use of an individual user, and it is necessary to provide a large capacity ink cartridge.
For this purpose, the ink jet recording apparatus has an ink cartridge disposed on the apparatus body side, a sub tank is disposed on a carriage on which the recording head is mounted, and each ink tank is connected to each sub tank via an ink supply tube. Ink is replenished, and ink is supplied from each sub tank to the recording head.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Even in such an ink jet recording apparatus, it is necessary to perform maintenance such as ink cartridge replacement and recording head cleaning when the ink runs out.
In this maintenance, an operator may inadvertently touch a non-target component, thereby deteriorating the state of the apparatus thereafter.
For example, when refilling ink from the ink cartridge to the sub-tank, there is a risk that the operator may erroneously touch the ink cartridge and remove it.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and can automatically recover from deterioration of the machine state due to an operator's erroneous operation during a maintenance operation, and can more quickly end the restart operation after interruption. Image forming equipment Place The purpose is to provide.
In addition, an image forming apparatus that can prevent maintenance operations from being interrupted due to erroneous operation by the operator. Place It is also intended to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a removable ink cartridge, a sub tank mounted on a print head to which ink is supplied from the ink cartridge, and states of the print head and the sub tank. An image forming apparatus having a maintenance / recovery mechanism for performing a maintenance operation for recovering / protecting the ink cartridge has cartridge attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge, and the maintenance / recovery mechanism is performing a maintenance operation. When the ink cartridge is detected as being dropped, the maintenance operation is interrupted And remember where the maintenance operation was interrupted, When the installation of the ink cartridge is detected after the interruption, From the place Maintenance operation The fruit Do Ruko And features.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect. ,in front The maintenance / recovery mechanism performs maintenance when the ink cartridge is replaced when the ink cartridge is detected to be dropped after the maintenance operation is interrupted when the dropout of the ink cartridge is detected during the maintenance operation that affects the sub tank. The operation is performed, and then the suspended maintenance operation is performed again.
[0009]
Further, the claims of the present invention 3 Claims 1 In the image forming apparatus described above, the maintenance and recovery mechanism operates continuously without interrupting the maintenance operation when the dropout of the ink cartridge is detected during the maintenance operation that does not affect the sub-tank. It is characterized by making it.
Further, the claims of the present invention 4 Claims 3 In the image forming apparatus, the maintenance / recovery mechanism may continue the maintenance operation as it is when the installation of the ink cartridge is detected before performing the operation affecting the sub tank. Features.
[0011]
With the above configuration, even if the cartridge is dropped due to an erroneous operation by the operator during the maintenance operation of the image forming apparatus, if the cartridge is mounted, the maintenance operation is automatically restored, so that the maintenance operation is continued even if there is an erroneous operation. The
Further, it is possible to avoid interruption of the operation of the machine due to an erroneous operation by the operator during the maintenance operation.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a print control mechanism of an image forming apparatus in which the present invention is implemented, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the print control mechanism.
[0013]
The image forming apparatus includes a carriage 13 that can move in the main scanning direction inside a main body 1 of the image forming apparatus, a recording head 14 that includes an inkjet head mounted on the carriage 13, and an ink cartridge 15 that supplies ink to the recording head 14. A paper feed cassette (or paper feed tray) in which a large number of recording media (paper sheets) 3 can be stacked from the front side in the lower part of the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus. (It may also be possible.) 4 can be removably mounted.
[0014]
In the following description, “recording medium” means a medium on which dots are formed by a recording head, and typically includes printing paper, recording paper, cut paper, continuous paper, roll paper, and the like. However, the recording medium does not need to be paper, and may be formed of other materials such as cloth, resin, ceramics, metal plate, and the like and can accept ink ejected by the recording head.
[0015]
Further, the manual feed tray 5 for manually feeding the recording medium 3 can be opened, the recording medium 3 fed from the paper feed cassette 4 or the manual feed tray 5 is taken in, and the print control mechanism unit 2 takes the required operation. After the image is recorded, it is discharged to a discharge tray 6 mounted on the rear side.
[0016]
The print control mechanism unit 2 holds a carriage 13 slidably in a main scanning direction (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2) by a main guide rod 11 which is a guide member horizontally mounted on left and right side plates (not shown). Is mounted with a recording head 14 composed of an inkjet head that ejects ink droplets of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (Bk) with the ink droplet ejection direction facing downward. Each sub-tank 12 for supplying ink of each color to the recording head 14 is mounted above 13.
[0017]
The sub tanks 12 corresponding to the inks of the respective colors are connected to the ink cartridges (ink tanks) 15 that are replaceably mounted via the ink supply tubes 16, and the inks of the corresponding colors are supplied from the ink cartridges 15.
[0018]
The carriage 13 is slidably fitted to the main guide rod 11 on the rear side (downstream side in the paper conveyance direction). In order to move and scan the carriage 13 in the main scanning direction, a timing belt 20 is stretched between a driving pulley 18 and a driven pulley 19 that are rotationally driven by a main scanning motor 17. It is fixed to.
[0019]
In addition, although the heads of the respective colors are used here as the recording heads 14, a single head having nozzles that eject ink droplets of the respective colors may be used.
The ink jet head used as the recording head 14 is a piezo type that pressurizes ink through a vibration plate that forms a liquid chamber (ink flow path) wall surface with an electromechanical conversion element such as a piezoelectric element, or a film made of a heating resistor. A bubble type that generates bubbles by boiling and pressurizes ink, or a static that pressurizes ink by displacing the diaphragm with an electrostatic force between the diaphragm that forms the wall surface of the ink flow path and the electrode facing it. An electric type or the like can be used, but here, an electrostatic ink jet head will be described.
[0020]
On the other hand, in order to transport the recording medium 3 set in the paper feeding cassette 4 to the lower side of the recording head 14, a paper feeding roller 21 and a friction pad 22 for separating and feeding the recording medium 3 from the paper feeding cassette 4, and a recording medium 3, a conveying roller 24 that reverses and conveys the fed recording medium 3, a conveying roller 25 that is pressed against the circumferential surface of the conveying roller 24, and the recording medium 3 from the conveying roller 24. A leading end roller 26 for defining the feed angle is provided. The transport roller 24 is rotationally driven by a sub-scanning motor 27 via a gear train.
[0021]
An electrostatic conveyance belt 29 is provided for guiding the recording medium 3 fed from the conveyance roller 24 to the lower side of the recording head 14 corresponding to the movement range of the carriage 13 in the main scanning direction. The electrostatic conveyance belt 29 serves to attract the recording medium 3 conveyed by being charged by the charger 30 and keep the recording medium surface and the head surface in parallel. A paper discharge roller 33 for sending the recording medium 3 to the paper discharge tray 6 is disposed on the downstream side of the electrostatic conveyance belt 29 in the paper conveyance direction.
[0022]
Further, a reliability maintenance / recovery mechanism (hereinafter referred to as a subsystem) 37 for maintaining and recovering the reliability of the recording head 14 is disposed on the right end side in the moving direction of the carriage 13. The carriage 13 is moved to the subsystem 37 side during printing standby, and the recording head 14 is capped by capping means or the like.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a front view of the print control mechanism of the image forming apparatus. The carriage 13 is equipped with two recording heads (101, 102), and the recording head 101 further includes two nozzle rows (105). 106) and the recording head 102 are provided with two nozzle rows (103, 104), and ink droplets are ejected from the respective nozzle rows.
[0024]
When the carriage 13 is in the capping position as shown in FIG. 3, the recording head 101 is covered with a cap 107 and the recording head 102 is covered with a suction cap 108, moisturizing the head surface, and clogging of ink in the nozzle array occurs. Protected to be difficult.
[0025]
The suction cap 108 can perform a suction operation on the capped recording head 102. When the suction operation is performed in a state where the recording head 102 is capped by the suction cap 108, ink can be sucked out from the nozzle row (103, 104) of the recording head 102, and foreign matters (bubbles, Ink mass) can be removed. Further, the pressure in the sub tank can be lowered by sucking out ink from the nozzle row.
[0026]
The paper detection sensor 109 is installed on the left side when viewed from the front of the carriage 13, has a light emitting part and a light receiving part, and detects the presence or absence of paper from the reflection of light.
The electrostatic conveyance belt 29 serves to convey the recording medium 3 while maintaining the flatness of the recording medium 3 by attracting the recording medium 3 by static electricity.
[0027]
FIG. 4 is a front view of the print control mechanism of the image forming apparatus. When the carriage 13 moves from the capping position in the main scanning forward direction for the printing operation, each nozzle row (103, 104, 105, 106) adheres to the paper, and an image is formed on the paper. At this carriage position, the paper detection sensor 109 detects the presence of paper.
Further, when the carriage 13 moves from the capping position, the suction / cap 108 and the cap 107 are lowered from the position at the time of capping, so the movement of the carriage 13 becomes free.
[0028]
FIG. 5 is a view of the state where the ink cartridge is mounted at the position shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus.
Ink cartridge (15 ₁ , 15 ₂ , 15 ₃ , 15 ₄ ) Are black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink cartridges, respectively.
The switches (111, 112, 113, 114) indicate the switches of the respective colors, and the ink cartridge (15 ₁ , 15 ₂ , 15 ₃ , 15 ₄ ) Are in the pressed state when mounted on the image forming apparatus.
6 shows the black cartridge 15 from the state shown in FIG. ₁ Is in a state of being removed. In this state, the switch 111 is in an open state.
[0029]
FIG. 7 is a circuit for detecting attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge 15.
One end of the switch 111 is connected to a power source that supplies a potential Vcc via a resistor R1. Vcc is set to 5 V or 3.3 V, for example.
The other end of the switch 111 is connected to GND via the resistor R2 and also serves as an output of the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit via the driver element 120.
[0030]
The output signal of the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit is obtained as a voltage output of a constant level of, for example, about 2.5 V when the switch 111 is pressed (closed), and is output as a ground level voltage when the switch 111 is opened. As obtained.
The switches (112, 113, 114) have the same circuit configuration.
In this circuit configuration, since the output signals indicating the pressed / released states of the switches (111, 112, 113, 114) are independent of each other, the ink cartridge (15 ₁ , 15 ₂ , 15 ₃ , 15 ₄ ) Can be detected independently.
[0031]
FIG. 8 shows another example of a circuit for detecting cartridge attachment / detachment.
In this example, the switches (111, 112, 113, 114) are respectively connected in series, and one end (switch 111) is connected to the power source that supplies the potential Vcc via the resistor R1, and the other end (switch 114). Is connected to GND via a resistor R2 and also serves as an output of a cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit via a driver element 120.
[0032]
In this circuit configuration, when all of the switches (111, 112, 113, 114) are pressed (closed), the output signal of the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit is, for example, a voltage output at a constant level of about 2.5V. can get. In addition, when any one of the switches (111, 12, 113, 114) is opened, it is obtained as a ground level voltage output.
[0033]
Therefore, in this circuit configuration, the ink cartridge (15 in FIG. ₁ , 15 ₂ , 15 ₃ , 15 ₄ ) Cannot be detected independently of each other, and only whether all are attached or at least one of them is removed can be detected.
[0034]
FIG. 9 is a view of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the front, and shows a state where the ink in the sub tank 12 is full. When the sub tank 12 is fully filled with the ink 133, the light emitted from the light emitting part 131 of the full tank detection sensor 130 is absorbed by the ink color, and the reflected light is incident on the light receiving part 132. Never happen. Thereby, the full tank detection sensor 130 can detect that it is full.
[0035]
FIG. 10 shows a state where the ink 133 is not full in the sub tank 12. When the ink 133 is not fully filled in the sub tank 12, the light emitted from the light emitting part 131 of the full tank detection sensor 130 passes through the transparent part 134 of the sub tank 12 and is then provided on the inner wall of the sub tank 12. The light is reflected by the white portion 135 and incident on the light receiving portion 132. Thereby, the full tank detection sensor 130 can detect that it is not a full tank state.
[0036]
FIG. 11 shows an operation unit of the image forming apparatus. The operation unit 160 is mounted on the main body 1 of the image forming apparatus, and includes six LEDs 1 to 6 (161 to 166) and three keys 1 to 3 (167 to 169).
The LED display indicates the state of the image forming apparatus by a combination of lighting / extinguishing / flashing states of one or a plurality of LEDs (see FIG. 12).
[0037]
For example, when black ink is in the near end state, LED1 (161) is lit or blinking and LED3 (163) is blinking. When black ink is in the end state, LED1 (161) is lit or The LED 3 (163) is lit in the blinking state.
Further, when the image forming apparatus is in a failure state, all the LEDs blink to indicate the state (service call state).
[0038]
FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of the print control mechanism unit 2 of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 13, the CPU 500 controls each unit of the print control mechanism unit 2 by giving a command.
When a command is given to the sub-scanning motor operation command circuit 509 and the paper feed clutch driver 511, the sub-scanning motor 27 and the paper feed clutch 512 are driven to feed the recording medium from the paper feed cassette 4 (see FIG. 2), Transport.
[0039]
Further, when a command is given to the main scanning motor operation command circuit 506, the main scanning motor 17 is driven via the main scanning motor driver 507 to move the carriage in the main scanning direction. At this time, the CPU 500 can know the position of the carriage by reading the output signal of the main scanning encoder 513 through the main scanning motor operation command circuit 506.
[0040]
Further, the CPU 500 gives a command to the ink supply motor operation command circuit 543, thereby driving the ink supply motor 545 via the ink supply motor driver 544, and the sub tank 12 (see FIG. 1) from the ink cartridge 15 (see FIG. 1). (See).
[0041]
FIG. 14 shows an ink supply system. There is an ink cartridge 15 connected by a sub tank 12 and an ink supply tube 16, and the ink supply motor 545 in the middle of the ink supply tube moves from the ink cartridge 15 to the sub tank 12. Ink can be sent out.
[0042]
The operation unit 503 includes the LEDs, keys, and the like illustrated in FIG. 11, and informs the operator of the state of the image forming apparatus according to a command from the CPU 500 and notifies the CPU 500 of key inputs from the operator. have.
The non-volatile memory 501 is a memory that can hold written data even when the power is turned off, and is configured by, for example, a battery built-in SRAM or E2PROM.
[0043]
The image memory 502 is a memory in which image data to be printed is stored, and is configured by, for example, an SDRAM.
The image data read from the image memory 502 is decompressed from the compressed state by the decompression circuit 520. Further, the image mask circuit 521 determines a mask for determining which nozzle row to eject ink droplets. Ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle row that is sent to the recording head 504 via the F circuit 522 and is not covered with a mask. Here, as many decompression circuits 520, image mask circuits 521, and I / F circuits 522 as the number of nozzle rows are prepared, and the data of each nozzle row is processed in parallel.
[0044]
Further, the output signal of the main scanning encoder 513 is input to the I / F circuit 522, and image data is sent to the recording head 504 in synchronization with the main scanning position of the carriage 13.
Furthermore, the CPU 500 can mask the output image at an arbitrary timing by giving a command to the image mask circuit 521.
[0045]
The cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit 541 is the same as the cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit shown in FIG. 7 or 8, and its output signal is input to the CPU 500.
The full tank detection sensor 542 is the same as the full tank detection sensor 130 of FIGS. 9 and 10, and its output signal is input to the CPU 500.
[0046]
The CPU 500 can know the current date and time by reading data from the clock / calendar IC 540.
The CPU 500 communicates with a PC (computer) connected to the outside via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface circuit 530.
FIG. 15 is a diagram in which the main body 300 of the image forming apparatus and the PC 301 are connected.
The operator gives a command from the PC 301 to the main body 300 of the image forming apparatus connected via USB, for example, and performs a printing operation.
For example, the operator designates the size and type of paper to be printed as shown in FIG. 16 on the screen of the display device of the PC 301, and designates the quality of the image to be printed as shown in FIG. be able to.
[0047]
FIG. 18 shows a flow of commands and data sent from the PC 301 to the main body 300 of the image forming apparatus when printing is executed.
First, when a print instruction is given by the operator, a job start command including information such as the total number of print pages included in the job is sent from the PC 301 to the main body 300 of the image forming apparatus.
[0048]
Next, a start command for page 1 including information such as the paper size and paper type of the page to be printed is sent, and then a start command for first scan of page 1 and print data are sent. The scan start command includes information such as ink consumption for each color printed as a result of the corresponding scan.
[0049]
Subsequently, the second and subsequent scans of page 1 are sent, and when the full scan of page 1 is completed, the start command of page 2, then the first scan of page 2 and so on, the start command of all pages and all scans After the data is transmitted, the end of the job is notified to the image forming apparatus, and a series of print commands is completed.
[0050]
Next, a processing procedure for detecting the remaining amount of ink will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, it is assumed that the remaining amount of ink has the following three states.
[0051]
Normal state: Ink cartridge has a remaining amount of ink, Ink near end state: Ink in the ink cartridge is empty, but there is a certain amount of ink remaining in the sub tank, and printing is possible.
Ink end state: The ink in the ink cartridge is empty and the remaining amount of ink in the sub tank is below a certain value, so printing cannot be performed.
[0052]
After the apparatus is turned on, an ink supply operation from the ink cartridge to the sub tank is performed (step S101).
If full tank is detected (YES in step S102), the ink near end flag and the C1 counter are cleared to 0 (step S104), and the display of the ink end and ink near end is hidden on the operation unit 503 (step S104). In step S105, the ink supply operation is stopped (step S108).
[0053]
If it is not full (NO in step S102), it is checked whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the ink supply operation. If not (NO in step S103), ink supply is continued as it is (step S102). Back to).
On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S103), the ink near end flag is set to 1, the C2 counter is cleared to 0 (step S106), and the ink near end is displayed on the operation unit 503 (step S107). ), The ink supply operation is stopped (step S108).
[0054]
After the ink supply operation is stopped, a scan request wait state is entered (step S109), and if there is a scan request, the scan operation is executed (step S110).
After the scanning operation is completed, the ink near end flag is checked. If it is 0 (that is, not in the ink near end state) (YES in step S111), a value obtained by adding the ink usage ls consumed in the previous scanning operation to C1 is obtained. Save as C1 (step S112). Here, the ink use amount ls is an ink use amount given together with a scan start command from the PC 301 in executing the scan.
[0055]
At this time, if C1 does not exceed the predetermined amount Ln (NO in step 113), the process returns to step S109 and directly waits for the next scan request. Here, the predetermined amount Ln is a numerical value determined in advance by the amount of ink used from the sub-tank full state for performing the ink supply operation.
On the other hand, if C1 exceeds Ln (YES in step S113), the process returns to step S101 and proceeds to the ink supply operation.
[0056]
On the other hand, if the ink near-end flag after the end of the scanning operation is 1 (that is, the ink near-end state is reached) (NO in step S111), the value obtained by adding the ink usage ls consumed in the previous scanning operation to C2. Is stored as C2 (step S114).
At this time, if C2 does not exceed the predetermined amount Le (NO in step S115), the process returns to step S109 and directly waits for the next scan request. Here, the predetermined amount Le is a numerical value determined in advance by the amount of ink used from the ink near-end state for determining the ink end.
When C2 exceeds the predetermined amount Le (YES in step S115), the ink end is displayed by the LED of the operation unit 503 (step S116).
[0057]
After the ink end state is reached, monitoring of ink cartridge removal is performed. If the ink cartridge is removed (step S117) and then remounted (step S118), it is assumed that the cartridge has been replaced. After the determination, the process returns to step S101 to start the ink supply operation.
[0058]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a process for restarting the maintenance operation when the cartridge attachment is detected after the cartridge drop is detected during the maintenance operation.
When it is detected that the cartridge has been dropped during the maintenance operation (YES in step S201), an interruption process is performed when the cartridge is dropped (step S202), and the process waits until the cartridge is loaded (step S203).
If cartridge mounting is detected after the interruption (YES in step S203), the process returns to step S201 to resume the maintenance operation.
[0059]
In the interruption / resumption process when the cartridge dropout is detected, the ink supply is stopped, the carriage is moved to the cap position, and the cap is raised to cap the print head. When the mounting of the cartridge is detected, the cap is lowered, the cap is removed from the print head, and ink supply is started.
Further, when the cartridge is dropped, the LED of the operation unit 503 may indicate that it has been dropped (the cartridge is not set), and when the cartridge is mounted, it may be displayed that it is mounted on the LED of the operation unit 503.
[0060]
On the other hand, when the cartridge dropout is not detected (NO in step S201), the maintenance operation of the recording head 101 is executed (step S204).
Here, when the cartridge drop is detected (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S202 in order to perform interruption processing when the cartridge is dropped.
On the other hand, if the cartridge drop-off is not detected (NO in step S205), the maintenance operation of the recording head 102 is executed (step S206), and the maintenance operation is ended as soon as the maintenance of the recording head 102 is completed.
[0061]
Therefore, even if the cartridge is dropped due to a user's erroneous operation or the like, the maintenance operation at that time is automatically executed if the cartridge is mounted, so that the state of the machine can be correctly maintained even if there is an erroneous operation.
[0062]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing another process for resuming the maintenance operation when the cartridge attachment is detected after the cartridge drop is detected during the maintenance operation.
After the start of the maintenance operation, when it is detected that the cartridge has been dropped (YES in step S301), an interruption process is performed when the cartridge is dropped (step S302), and the process waits until the cartridge is loaded (step S303).
If cartridge mounting is detected after the interruption (YES in step S303), if the maintenance of the recording head 101 is not completed (NO in step S304), the process returns to step S301 to perform the maintenance operation of the recording head 101.
If the maintenance of the recording head 101 has been completed (YES in step S304), the process proceeds to step S307 to detect cartridge dropout.
[0063]
On the other hand, if no cartridge dropout is detected (NO in step S301), the maintenance operation of the recording head 101 is executed (step S305), and the fact that the maintenance of the recording head 101 is completed is stored (step S306).
Here, when it is detected that the cartridge has been dropped (YES in step S307), the process proceeds to step S302 in order to perform interruption processing when the cartridge is dropped.
On the other hand, when the cartridge dropout is not detected (NO in step S307), the maintenance operation of the recording head 102 is executed (step S308), and the maintenance operation is ended as soon as the maintenance of the recording head 102 is completed.
[0064]
In this way, when the maintenance operation is being executed, before the cartridge is removed and the operation is interrupted, it is memorized how far the maintenance operation has been executed, and if it is restarted from the place where it is not executed when the cartridge is installed, The maintenance operation time can be made shorter than when all operations are re-executed again as in FIG.
[0065]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for resuming the interrupted maintenance operation after performing the maintenance operation at the time of cartridge replacement when the cartridge is removed during the maintenance operation.
For example, when ink is being supplied when the cartridge is removed, an inflow of air occurs from the ink supply motor (ink supply pump) 545, etc., and the state in the sub-tank cannot be printed normally (the pressure is regulated). There is a case where it is not in a state. At this time, as an operation for recovering the state in the sub tank, a maintenance operation at the time of cartridge replacement is performed, and then the original maintenance operation is performed again.
[0066]
Further, when an operation that does not affect the state of the sub-tank has already been performed when the cartridge is removed, for example, the wiping of the recording head has been executed, the operation does not need to be interrupted, so that the operation is continued as it is.
[0067]
Further, the maintenance operation is continuously performed with the cartridges dropped, and it is not necessary to interrupt the operation if the mounting of the cartridge is detected before the operation (ink supply) affecting the sub tank is performed again. Therefore, the operation is continued as it is.
[0068]
In such a case, in the figure, after the start of the execution of the maintenance operation, when the cartridge dropout is detected (YES in step S401), an interruption process at the time of the cartridge dropout is performed (step S402), and waiting until the cartridge is mounted. (Step S403).
If cartridge mounting is detected after the interruption (YES in step S403), if the maintenance supply execution of the recording head n has not been completed (NO in step S404), a maintenance operation at the time of cartridge replacement is executed (step S405). Returning to step S401, the maintenance operation of the recording head n is performed.
If the maintenance supply operation of the recording head n has been completed (YES in step S404), the process proceeds to step S408 to detect the dropout of the cartridge.
[0069]
On the other hand, if the cartridge dropout is not detected (NO in step S401), the maintenance supply operation of the print head n is executed (step S406), and the fact that the maintenance supply execution of the print head n is completed is stored (step S407). .
When the cartridge is detected to be dropped (YES in step S408), the process proceeds to step S402 in order to perform interruption processing when the cartridge is dropped.
On the other hand, if no cartridge dropout is detected (NO in step S408), a post-supply post-processing maintenance operation is executed (step S409), and if the maintenance operation of all the printheads n has not been completed. (NO in step S410), the process returns to step S401 to perform the maintenance operation for the print head n that has not been completed.
Further, as soon as the maintenance operation of all the recording heads n is completed (YES in step S410), the execution of the maintenance operation is terminated.
[0070]
In the present invention, each function constituting the image forming apparatus of the above-described embodiment is programmed, written in advance in a ROM recording medium, the ROM is mounted on the image forming apparatus, and these programs are executed by a microprocessor. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can be achieved by executing.
In this case, the executed state read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program and the recording medium on which the program is recorded also constitute the present invention.
[0071]
Note that programs that realize such functions include semiconductor media (eg, ROM, nonvolatile memory, etc.), optical media (eg, DVD, MO, MD, CD, etc.), magnetic media (eg, magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.). Etc.) may be provided in any form of recording medium.
Alternatively, the program stored in the storage device may be directly supplied from the server computer via a communication network such as a network. In this case, the storage device of this server computer is also included in the recording medium of the present invention.
[0072]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and corrections can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, even if the cartridge is dropped due to an erroneous operation by the operator during the maintenance operation of the image forming apparatus, if the cartridge is mounted, the operation automatically returns to the maintenance operation. Maintenance operation continues.
Further, it is possible to avoid interruption of the operation of the machine due to an erroneous operation by the operator during the maintenance operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a print control mechanism unit of an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a print control mechanism unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the print control mechanism unit of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the front, showing a state in which the recording head is capped.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the print control mechanism unit of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the front, showing the recording head in a printing state.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a mounting state of the ink cartridge.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where the ink cartridge is dropped.
FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit that detects attachment / detachment of individual cartridges.
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit that detects attachment / detachment of the entire cartridge.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram when it is detected by a full tank detection sensor that the sub tank ink is full.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram when it is detected by the full tank detection sensor that the ink in the sub tank is not full.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 12 is an LED display specification of the operation unit.
FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of a print control mechanism unit.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an ink supply system.
FIG. 15 is a connection example of a PC and an image forming apparatus.
FIG. 16 is a screen example when the operator sets the paper size and paper type.
FIG. 17 is a screen example when the operator sets the print quality.
FIG. 18 is a flow of commands and data sent from the PC to the image forming apparatus when printing is executed.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when detecting a remaining ink state.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure for resuming maintenance after a cartridge is removed and maintenance is interrupted.
FIG. 21 is another flowchart for explaining a maintenance resumption processing procedure after a cartridge is removed and maintenance is interrupted.
FIG. 22 is another flowchart for explaining a maintenance restart processing procedure when a cartridge is removed and replaced with a new cartridge.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main body of image forming apparatus, 2 ... Print control mechanism part, 3 ... Recording medium, 4 ... Paper feed cassette, 5 ... Manual feed tray, 6 ... Paper discharge tray, 11 ... Main guide rod, 12 ... Sub tank, 13 ... Carriage , 14... Recording head, 15, 15 ₁ , 15 ₂ , 15 ₃ , 15 ₄ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Ink cartridge, 16 ... Ink supply tube, 17 ... Main scanning motor, 18 ... Drive pulley, 19 ... Driven pulley, 20 ... Timing belt, 21 ... Feed roller, 22 ... Friction pad, 23 ... Guide member, 24 ... Conveyance Roller, 25 ... conveying roller, 26 ... tip roller, 27 ... sub-scanning motor, 29 ... electrostatic conveying belt, 30 ... charger, 33 ... discharge roller, 37 ... maintenance and recovery mechanism (subsystem), 101,102 ... recording Head, 103 to 106 ... Nozzle array, 107 ... Cap, 108 ... Cap for suction, 109 ... Paper detection sensor, 111, 112, 113, 114 ... Switch, 120 ... Driver element, 130 ... Full detection sensor, 131 ... Light emission Part, 132 ... light receiving part, 133 ... ink, 134 ... transparent part, 135 ... white part, 160 ... operation part, 161 LED1, 162 ... LED2, 163 ... LED3, 164 ... LED4, 165 ... LED5, 166 ... LED6, 167 ... Key1, 168 ... Key2, 169 ... Key3, 300 ... Main body of image forming apparatus, 301 ... PC, 500 ... CPU, 501 ... nonvolatile memory, 502 ... image memory, 503 ... operation unit, 504 ... recording head, 506 ... main scanning motor operation command circuit, 507 ... main scanning motor driver, 509 ... sub-scanning motor operation command circuit, 510 ... sub scanning motor driver, 511 ... feed clutch driver, 512 ... feed clutch, 513 ... main scanning encoder, 520 ... expansion circuit, 521 ... image mask circuit, 522 ... I / F circuit, 530 ... USB interface circuit, 540 ... Clock / calendar IC, 541 ... Cartridge attachment / detachment detection circuit, 542 ... Full Down detection sensor, 543 ... ink supply motor operation command circuit, 544 ... ink supply motor driver, 545 ... ink supply motor.

Claims (4)

A removable ink cartridge, a sub-tank mounted on a print head supplied with ink from the ink cartridge, and a maintenance / recovery mechanism for performing a maintenance operation for recovering and protecting the state of the print head and the sub-tank The image forming apparatus further includes a cartridge attachment / detachment detecting unit that detects attachment / detachment of the ink cartridge, and the maintenance / recovery mechanism interrupts the maintenance operation when detecting the dropout of the ink cartridge during the maintenance operation. stores the location where interrupted maintenance operation, upon detecting the mounting of the ink cartridge after an interruption, the image forming apparatus, wherein the run to Turkey maintenance operation from the interrupted point. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when the maintenance / recovery mechanism detects a dropout of the ink cartridge while performing a maintenance operation that affects the sub-tank, the maintenance / recovery mechanism detects the ink cartridge after the maintenance operation is interrupted. An image forming apparatus, wherein when an attachment is detected, a maintenance operation performed at the time of ink cartridge replacement is executed, and then the interrupted maintenance operation is executed again. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the maintenance / recovery mechanism does not interrupt the maintenance operation when detecting the dropout of the ink cartridge while performing a maintenance operation that does not affect the sub-tank. An image forming apparatus that is continuously operated. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the maintenance / recovery mechanism continues the maintenance operation as it is when the installation of the ink cartridge is detected before the operation affecting the sub-tank is performed. An image forming apparatus.

Images