Printing apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a printing apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium, and provides a technique capable of reducing the influence of a stop on printing at the next start-up if the supply of power from the outside to a printing apparatus that can be driven with stored power is stopped. The printing apparatus includes: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from an external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto the printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit; a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation of maintaining or recovering inkjet characteristics of the printing unit; and a control unit configured to perform a recovery operation according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit after the supply of power from the external power source is stopped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a printing device, a control method and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] As a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink from a print head, a portable printing apparatus has been proposed that operates using power supplied from an external device through an interface cable such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable for outdoor use or the like.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-205945 discloses a technology in which, when a sequence is executed, power supplied from an external power source through a USB cable is stored in a power storage section, and then the sequence is executed using the stored power.

[0004] Here, the user removes the interface cable from the printing device when moving the printing device, etc. In addition, the interface cable may be removed from the printing device when the user does not expect it. Therefore, the timing of removing the USB cable may affect the printing to be performed after the printing device is started next time in various ways.

[0005] Specifically, the printing operation is followed by capping for protecting the nozzle surface and a maintenance process for maintaining or restoring the inkjet characteristics at the nozzle. Here, if the interface cable is removed immediately after the sheet ejection process (during which the user can recognize that the printing operation is being performed) is finished, it will not be possible to store power for the capping and maintenance processes performed after the sheet ejection process and perform these processes. This results in possible deterioration of the inkjet characteristics of the print head.

[0006] In addition, if the interface cable is removed during the printing operation, the printing device enters an uncertain state in which the positions of components in the printing device and the position of the print medium vary depending on the time of removal. For this reason, the printing device needs to perform an initialization process at the next startup to recover from the uncertain state, so that it takes some time to perform printing. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a technique that, when power supply from the outside to a printing device that can be driven with stored power is stopped, can reduce the influence of the stop on printing at the next start-up.

[0008] A printing device includes: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium transported by a transport unit; a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation of maintaining or recovering inkjet characteristics of the printing unit; and a control unit configured to perform the recovery operation according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit after the power supply from the external power source is stopped.

[0009] A printing device comprises: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium transported by a transport unit; a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation for maintaining or recovering inkjet characteristics of the printing unit; and a control unit configured to perform an initialization operation for initializing a device state according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit when the power supply from the external power source is stopped.

[0010] A method for controlling a printing device, wherein the printing device includes: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium transported by a transport unit; and a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation for maintaining or recovering inkjet characteristics of the printing unit, the method including: after the power supply from the external power source is stopped, performing the recovery operation according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit.

[0011] A method for controlling a printing device, wherein the printing device includes: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium transported by a transport unit; and a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation for maintaining or recovering the inkjet characteristics of the printing unit, the method including: in a case where the power supply from the external power source is stopped, performing an initialization operation for initializing the device state according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit.

[0012] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method, wherein the control method is a method for controlling a printing device, the printing device comprising: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium transported by a transport unit; and a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation for maintaining or restoring the inkjet characteristics of the printing unit, the control method comprising: in a case where the power supply from the external power source is stopped, performing an initialization operation for initializing the device state according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit.

[0013] According to the present invention, when the power supply from the outside to the printing device that can be driven by the stored power is stopped, the influence of the stop on the printing at the next startup can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the printing system;

[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system in a printing apparatus;

[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system in a printing apparatus;

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the printing section;

[0019] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing details of processing in the control process;

[0020] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing details of processing in a control procedure performed in the second embodiment;

[0021] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing details of processing in a control procedure performed in the third embodiment;

[0022] Figure 8 As Figure 7 A flowchart of a post-discharge process of a subroutine in a control process;

[0023] Fig. 9 is a table showing information about the maintenance process;

[0024] Fig.10is a table showing the amount of power to be supplied according to the connection standard;

[0025] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a configuration of a printing device;

[0026] Fig.12 is a diagram for explaining a conveying system in a printing device;

[0027] Fig.13 is a flowchart showing details of processing in a control procedure performed in the fourth embodiment;

[0028] Fig.14 is a table showing pre-termination operations and startup operations corresponding to device states;

[0029] Fig.15 is a flowchart showing details of processing in the post-startup process;

[0030] Fig.16 is a diagram showing an example of an indeterminate state; and

[0031] Fig.17 is a flowchart showing details of processing in a control procedure performed in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Examples of implementations of the printing device, control method, and storage medium will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention, and not all combinations of features described in these embodiments are necessary for the solution provided by the present invention. In addition, the positions, shapes, etc. of the constituent elements described in the embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention to these.

[0033] (First embodiment)

[0034] First, refer to Figures 1 to 5 A printing apparatus according to a first embodiment is described.

[0035] <Printing System>

[0036] Figure 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a printing system including a printing device according to the present embodiment. The printing system 12 including the printing device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the printing device 10 and a personal computer (PC) terminal 16. The printing device 10 performs printing by ejecting ink. The PC terminal 16 is connected to the printing device 10 via a local area network (LAN) 14 as an external device. Note that the printing system 12 includes a wireless LAN access point 18, and the printing device 10 can be connected to the LAN 14 by wirelessly connecting to the wireless LAN access point 18. The printing system 12 also includes a router 22 for connecting the LAN 14 to the Internet 20 and a cloud server 24 connected to the Internet 20. In this way, the printing device 10 and the PC terminal 16 can communicate with the cloud server 24 connected to the Internet 20 via the router 22.

[0037] The printing device 10 includes a USB interface 214 (see Figure 2 ), and is configured to be connectable to various devices. In the present embodiment, the printing device 10 includes a USB interface 214 (a USB cable can be inserted into and removed from the USB interface 214) and can be connected to the PC terminal 16 via a USB cable 28. In this way, the printing device 10 can operate using power supplied from the PC terminal 16 via the USB cable. As described above, in the present embodiment, the USB interface 214 is used as a connection portion connected to an external power source.

[0038] Furthermore, in the printing system 12, a smartphone 30 can be used as an external device. In this case, the smartphone 30 and the printing device 10 are connected by a USB cable 32, and the printing device 10 can operate with power supplied from the smartphone 30. Furthermore, in the printing system 12, the printing device 10 and a USB power adapter 34 are connected by a USB cable 36, and the printing device 10 can operate with power supplied from a commercial power source. Although illustration is omitted, a configuration may be adopted in which the printing device 10 is connected to a mobile battery by a USB cable and can operate with power supplied from the mobile battery.

[0039] The smartphone 30 and the printing device 10 are connected to the wireless LAN access point 18 using a wireless LAN infrastructure mode connection 38. The printing device 10 has a mode of operating as a wireless LAN access point. In the case where the printing device 10 operates as an access point, the smartphone 30 can be directly connected to the printing device 10 (direct connection 40). In addition, the smartphone 30 can be connected to the cloud server 24 connected to the Internet 20 via the mobile phone network 42.

[0040] In the case where the printing device 10 is connected to the PC terminal 16 and the smartphone 30 via a USB cable, the USB interface can be used for data communication between the printing device 10 and the PC terminal 16 and the smartphone 30, but data communication is not limited thereto. The printing device 10 can operate using power supplied from the PC terminal 16 and the smartphone 30 connected to the printing device 10 via a USB cable, and can perform data communication using a wireless LAN and / or near field communication. Note that Figure 1 The printing system 12 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a printing system including the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, and may have Figure 1 For example, instead of the wireless LAN access point 18 and the router 22, a single configuration having these functions, for example, a router having an access point function, may be used.

[0041] <Configuration of Control System in Printing Device>

[0042] Next, the configuration of a control system in the printing device 10 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system in the printing apparatus 10 .

[0043] The printing apparatus 10 includes a main board 202 that performs overall control of the printing apparatus 10, a reading section 204 that reads a document, a printing section 206 that performs printing on a printing medium, and an operation panel 208, with which a user can perform operations. The printing apparatus 10 also includes a wireless LAN unit 210 for connecting to a wireless LAN, a near field communication unit 212 for performing near field communication, and a USB interface 214 that can be connected to a USB cable.

[0044] The main board 202 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 216 in the form of a microprocessor, a program memory 218 in the form of a read-only memory (ROM), a data memory 220 in the form of a random access memory (RAM), and a nonvolatile memory 222 capable of retaining stored information even when no power is supplied. In addition, the main board 202 includes a reading unit control circuit 224 for controlling the reading unit 204, a printing unit control circuit 226 for controlling the printing unit 206, and an operation unit control circuit 228 for controlling the operation panel 208. In addition, the main board 202 includes a wireless LAN communication control circuit 230 for controlling the wireless LAN unit 210 and a near field communication control circuit 232 for controlling the near field communication unit 212. In addition, the main board 202 includes a USB communication control circuit 234 for controlling the driving of the USB interface 214 and a power supply control circuit 236 for controlling the amount of power to be supplied from the USB interface 214. These components provided in the main board 202 are connected to each other through an internal bus 238.

[0045] The CPU 216 operates using the data memory 220 as a work area based on the control program stored in the program memory 218 and the information held in the data memory 220. In addition, by writing various set values, data, and the like to the nonvolatile memory 222, the CPU 216 can continue to operate based on the set values ​​and data written to the nonvolatile memory 222 even when the power is turned off and then turned on again. For example, a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory can be used as the nonvolatile memory 222.

[0046] The CPU 216 controls the reading section 204 via the reading section control circuit 224 to read the document and stores the read data as image data in the data memory 220. Furthermore, the CPU 216 controls the printing section 206 via the printing section control circuit 226 to perform printing on a print medium based on print data obtained by performing image processing on the image data stored in the data memory 220. Furthermore, the CPU 216 can display the status of the printing apparatus 10 on the operation panel 208 and display selectable functions in the form of a menu, and accept the user's operation on the operation panel 208, for example, by controlling the operation section control circuit 228.

[0047] The CPU 216 performs wireless LAN communication with other communication terminal devices by controlling the wireless LAN unit 210 via the wireless LAN communication control circuit 230. In addition, the CPU 216 detects the connection with other near-field communication terminals and sends / receives data to / from other near-field communication terminals by controlling the near-field communication unit 212 via the near-field communication control circuit 232. In addition, the CPU 216 operates the USB interface 214 via the USB communication control circuit 234 to perform USB communication with other terminal devices (external devices) connected to the USB interface 214 via a USB cable, and detects the insertion and removal of the USB cable. In addition, the CPU 216 tracks and controls the amount of power supplied from the USB interface 214 and the amount of power stored in the power supply control circuit 236 by controlling the power supply control circuit 236. The CPU 216 can detect the insertion and removal of the USB cable via the power supply control circuit 236.

[0048] <Configuration of Power Supply System in Printing Apparatus>

[0049] Next, the configuration of a power supply system in the printing device 10 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply system in the printing apparatus 10 .

[0050] The power supply control circuit 236 includes an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) 302 capable of storing and supplying electric power, and a charger integrated circuit (IC) 304 that performs control of current input thereto, etc. In addition, the power supply control circuit 236 includes a DC-DC boost device 306 and a DC-DC buck device 308. The DC-DC boost device 306 is a boost circuit for boosting the voltage from the charger IC 304, and the DC-DC buck device 308 is a buck circuit for lowering the voltage output from the DC-DC boost device 306. In addition, the power supply control circuit 236 includes a motor driver 310 that drives the motors in the reading section 204 and the printing section 206, and a motor driver 310 that drives the reading head (not shown) and the printing head 404 (see Figure 4 )'s head driver 312.

[0051] The printing device 10 is configured to be driven in response to inputting the power supply VBAT from the EDLC 302 to the charger IC 304, and the power supply is controlled by the power supply system through the charger IC 304. That is, the printing device 10 is configured to operate using the power supplied from the EDLC 302. Specifically, the charger IC 304 charges the EDLC 302 using the current supplied through the power supply VBUS from the USB interface 214. At the same time, the charger IC 304 outputs the power supplied from the EDLC 302 to the DC-DC boost device 306. The voltage boosted by the DC-DC boost device 306 is used by the motor driver 310 to drive the motors of the reading section 204 and the printing section 206. In addition, the voltage boosted by the DC-DC boost device 306 is used by the head driver 312 to drive the reading head of the reading section 204 and the printing head 404 of the printing section 206. In the power supply control circuit 236, the voltage boosted by the DC-DC boost device 306 is used to drive a relatively large load, as described above. Furthermore, the power boosted by the DC-DC boost device 306 is input to the DC-DC buck device 308 to generate a logic power supply voltage to be used in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 314, a ROM 316, and a double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM) 318. Note that the ASIC 314 is a custom IC including the CPU 216 and peripheral circuits.

[0052] The charger IC 304 is an IC having functions of controlling input current from the USB interface 214, controlling charging of the EDLC 302, and protecting the EDLC 302 from abnormal operation. The charger IC 304 can communicate with the ASIC 314 connected to the charger IC 304 through the control serial bus 320. Note that the control serial bus 320 forms a part of the internal bus 238. In the present embodiment, communication between the charger IC 304 and the ASIC 314 is performed by a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART) method.

[0053] The charger IC 304 determines an input current suitable for a supply source external device such as the PC terminal 16 or the smartphone 30. In the present embodiment, for example, the charger IC 304 performs determination based on a determination (BC determination) in compliance with the USB battery charging (BC) standard and a determination (CC determination) in compliance with the USB power delivery (Power Delivery, PD) standard. Upon receiving the results of the BC determination and the CC determination from the charger IC 304, the ASIC 314 determines threshold values ​​for the charging current, full charge, over discharge voltage, etc. for the charger IC 304, and sets these threshold values ​​in the charger IC 304.

[0054] The EDLC 302 is an electric double layer capacitor, is subject to charging control by the charger IC 304 according to an instruction from the ASIC 314, and supplies power to the DC-DC boost device 306, the motor driver 310, and the head driver 312 using the power supply VBAT. In the printing device 10, for example, in the case where the amount of power stored in the EDLC 302 drops below a certain value, the EDLC 302 is charged with power supplied from an external device connected through a USB interface. Note that in the present embodiment, power can be supplied from the PC terminal 16, the smartphone 30, the USB power adapter 34, and a mobile battery (not shown) connected to the printing device 10 as an external device. Specifically, the voltage of the power supply VBAT at the EDLC 302 can be sent from the charger IC 304 to the ASIC 314. For example, in the case where the voltage of the power supply VBAT at the EDLC 302 drops during the printing operation of the printing device 10, the ASIC 314 issues an instruction to stop the printing operation and instructs the charger IC 304 to perform charging control until the voltage of the power supply VBAT at the EDLC 302 reaches a threshold value. Then, the ASIC 314 resumes the printing operation in response to receiving information indicating that the voltage of the power source VBAT has reached the threshold value from the charger IC 304. As described above, in this embodiment, the charger IC 304 and the EDLC 302 function as a power storage section that stores power supplied from an external power source.

[0055] <Configuration of Printing Unit in Printing Device>

[0056] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the printing section 206 in the printing apparatus 10. Note that various well-known components can be used for the reading section 204 in the printing apparatus 10, and thus a description thereof is omitted. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the printing section 206 .

[0057] The printing section 206 includes a conveying section 402 that conveys the printing medium M in the Y direction and a print head 404 that ejects ink onto the printing medium M conveyed by the conveying section 402 to perform printing. In addition, the printing section 206 includes a carriage 406 on which the print head 404 is mounted, and the carriage 406 is movable in a direction (X direction) that intersects (in this embodiment, is perpendicular to) the conveying direction (Y direction) of the printing medium M conveyed by the conveying section 402. In addition, the printing device 10 includes a maintenance section (recovery section) 408 that can perform a maintenance process (also referred to as a "recovery operation") to maintain or recover the ink ejection performance at the nozzles that eject ink in the print head 404 in a good manner.

[0058] The print head 404 is configured to be able to eject multiple types of ink. Multiple groups of nozzles that eject corresponding inks are arranged in a direction intersecting with the X direction to form a nozzle array. In the present embodiment, the print head 404 is configured to be able to eject four types of ink, i.e., black (K) ink, cyan (C) ink, magenta (M) ink, and yellow (Y) ink. Note that the type and quantity of ink to be ejected from the print head 404 are not limited to the above types and quantities. In addition, the print head 404 can be configured to eject one or more types of liquids, such as a treatment liquid, for performing a predetermined treatment on the ink after being ejected.

[0059] The carriage 406 is slidably disposed on a guide shaft 410 extending in the X direction and is connected to a carriage motor 414 via a belt 412. In this way, the carriage 406 can reciprocate in the X direction under the drive of the carriage motor 414. Therefore, the print head 404 mounted on the carriage 406 is configured to be able to reciprocate in the X direction with the carriage 406.

[0060] In the printing operation, a driving pulse is applied to the print head 404, thereby ejecting ink from the print head 404 onto the print medium M while the carriage 406 moves in the X direction, so that printing of a single scan is performed on the print surface MP of the print medium M. Note that the carriage 406 is provided with a detection portion 416 capable of detecting the print surface MP of the print medium M. This enables the printing device 10 to detect the print surface MP using the detection portion 416 while moving the carriage 406, and thus monitor the printing result of the print head 404 on the print surface MP.

[0061] The conveying unit 402 includes a conveying roller 418 for conveying the print medium M and a conveying motor 420 for driving the conveying roller 418. Figure 4 , for ease of understanding, the conveying roller 418 and the printing medium M are shown as being separated from each other in the Z direction, but the printing medium M and the conveying roller 418 actually abut against each other in the Z direction. The conveying unit 402 drives the conveying motor 420 to convey the printing medium M in the Y direction using the conveying roller 418. In the case of performing printing on the printing medium M based on a job, a printing operation is performed in which ink is ejected from the print head 404 onto the printing medium M conveyed to the printing start position by the conveying unit 402 to perform printing of a single scan. Thereafter, a conveying operation is performed in which a predetermined amount of the printing medium M is conveyed by the conveying unit 402, and then the printing operation is performed again. The printing device 10 performs printing on the printing medium based on the job by alternately repeating the printing operation and the conveying operation.

[0062] The maintenance unit 408 is disposed in the region where the carriage 406 moves in the X direction, but is disposed outside the region where the print head 404 performs printing on the print medium M in the X direction. The maintenance unit 408 includes a cover unit 422, which can abut (cover) on the print head 404 to protect the nozzle surface 404a of the print head 404. Incidentally, although not described or shown in detail, the maintenance unit 408 may include various well-known maintenance members, for example, a suction unit that performs suction to bring the inside of the cover unit 422 to a negative pressure, and a wiper unit that wipes the nozzle surface 404a. The nozzle surface 404a is a surface of the print head 404 that faces the print surface MP of the print medium M being conveyed and is formed with nozzles for ejecting ink.

[0063] When capping with the capping portion 422, the print head 404 moves to a position (a waiting position to be described later) where the nozzle surface 404a faces the capping portion 422 of the maintenance portion 408 (see Figure 4 ), and then lift the cover portion 422. In the present embodiment, the print head 404 waits at a waiting position, such as when a printing operation is not performed, at which the nozzle surface 404a faces the cover portion 422. By performing capping after completing job-based printing, the nozzle surface 404a can be protected, and the liquid component of the ink can be prevented from evaporating from the nozzle, and the ink in the nozzle can be prevented from thickening due to the evaporation. Note that even in the case of performing capping as described above, the inkjet performance of the nozzle will still deteriorate. To this end, the maintenance unit 408 performs a maintenance process to keep the ejection performance good or restore the ejection performance, for example in response to the user's input through the operation panel 208. In the present embodiment, the maintenance unit 408 is configured to include the cover portion 422, but is not limited thereto. The cover portion 422 can be provided as a component separate from the maintenance portion including the suction portion and the wiper portion.

[0064] <Control Process>

[0065] In the above-described configuration, the printing apparatus 10 executes a control process of controlling the release and execution of capping of the print head 404 in parallel with a printing process of executing printing on the print medium M based on a job. Figure 5 2 is a flowchart showing the details of the processing in the control process. The CPU 216 executes the program code stored in the program memory 218 by loading it into the data memory 220 and executing the program code. Figure 5 Alternatively, Figure 5 The functions of some or all of the steps in the flowchart may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or circuit. The symbol "S" in the description of each process in the flowchart herein represents a step in the flowchart.

[0066] The printing device 10 starts the control process in response to the instruction to start the printing process. When the control process starts, first in step S502, the CPU 216 obtains the amount of power required for capping from the nonvolatile memory 222. In the present embodiment, data indicating the amount of power required for capping is stored in the nonvolatile memory 222. The amount of power required for capping is the amount of power to be consumed when the print head 404 is capped using the cap portion 422. The amount of power required for capping may be set individually for the printing device 10, or the amount of power required for capping may be measured and obtained when configuring various settings of the printing device 10.

[0067] Then, in step S504, the CPU 216 releases the capping of the print head 404 by the cap 422, that is, separates the cap 422 from the print head 404. Note that after the capping of the print head 404 is released by the control unit, the printing process executed in parallel with the control process is started. Thereafter, in step S506, the CPU 216 determines whether the printing process is completed. Note that the CPU 216 determines that the printing process is completed when the last print in the printing process is completed. In addition, in the printing process, for example, the conveyance of the print medium is stopped when the last print is completed. That is, when it is determined in step S506 that the printing process is completed, the printing device 10 is in a state where the print medium M remains therein.

[0068] If it is determined in step S506 that the printing process is not completed, the CPU 216 performs the determination in step S506 again. In addition, if it is determined in step S506 that the printing process is completed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S508 and determines whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached a predetermined value. The predetermined value is an amount of electricity obtained by adding a certain amount of electricity to the amount of electricity required for capping obtained in step S502. Here, the certain amount of electricity is, for example, an amount of electricity required for the sheet discharge process described later and an amount of electricity required for performing preliminary ejection within a predetermined time (corresponding to a certain time in step S520 to be described later) combined, or an amount of electricity greater than the above-mentioned combined amount by a predetermined amount. The certain amount of electricity is a preset value. Note that the amount of electricity required for the sheet discharge process and the preliminary ejection within a predetermined time can also be obtained in step S502, and it can be determined in step S508 whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached the amount of electricity required for capping, the sheet discharge process, and the preliminary ejection. Note that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 is obtained based on the voltage of the power supply VBAT of the EDLC 302 at the charger IC 304, for example. Note that the technique for obtaining the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 is not limited to the above, and various well-known techniques may be used, such as providing a detection unit capable of detecting the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302.

[0069] If it is determined in step S508 that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached the predetermined value, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S512 described later. If it is determined in step S508 that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has not reached the predetermined value, the CPU 216 charges the EDLC 302 in step S510 until the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 reaches the predetermined value. Then, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S512 and executes a sheet discharge process for discharging the print medium M after printing. In the sheet discharge process, the print medium M remaining in the printing device 10 is discharged.

[0070] Next, in step S514, the CPU 216 determines whether the USB cable has been removed. In the present description, "the USB cable has been removed" includes a case where the USB cable connected to the printing device 10 has been removed from the printing device 10 and a case where the USB cable has been removed from the external power supply. That is, "the USB cable has been removed" is a case where the USB cable has been removed and thus the power supply from the external power supply has stopped. Note that "the USB cable has been removed" may include a case where the power supply to the printing device 10 from the external power supply connected via the USB cable has stopped. Therefore, in step S514, the CPU 216 determines whether the USB cable used to supply power has been removed from the USB interface 214 via, for example, the USB communication control circuit 234 or the power supply control circuit 236. In addition, in step S514, the CPU 216 determines whether power is currently being supplied to the EDLC 302 from the external power supply, for example, by checking the state of the input current control at the charger IC 304. Therefore, in a case where power is supplied from the USB power adapter 34 to the printing apparatus 10 through the USB cable 36 in the printing system 12 , the CPU 216 determines in step S514 whether the USB cable 36 has been removed from the USB interface 214 .

[0071] If it is determined in step S514 that the USB cable has been removed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S522 described later. If it is determined in step S514 that the USB cable has not been removed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S516 and determines whether it is time to perform a preliminary ejection. Note that the preliminary ejection refers to ejecting ink that is not used for printing from each nozzle. After the sheet discharge process in step S512, the preliminary ejection is performed at a predetermined time interval (e.g., 30 seconds). Therefore, in step S516, in the case where the determination is to be performed for the first time since the start of the control process, the CPU 216 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the end of the sheet discharge process. In addition, in step S516, in the case where the determination is to be performed for the second or subsequent time since the start of the control process, the CPU 216 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the last preliminary ejection. Note that when the sheet discharge process in step S512 ends, the CPU 216 starts counting the time and performs the determination in step S516 based on the count value.

[0072] If it is determined in step S516 that the time to perform preliminary ejection has not yet arrived, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S520 described later. If it is determined in step S516 that the time to perform preliminary ejection has arrived, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S518 and performs preliminary ejection. At this time, since the print head 404 has moved to the waiting position after the printing process ends, the nozzle surface 404a is in a position facing the cap portion 422. Therefore, ink is ejected into the cap portion 422 in the preliminary ejection.

[0073] Thereafter, in step S520, the CPU 216 determines whether a certain time has passed. In the present embodiment, the CPU 216 determines, for example, whether a certain time has passed since the sheet discharge process in step S512 ended. Therefore, in step S520, the CPU 216 determines whether the count value started counting after the process in step S512 has reached a certain time. The certain time is, for example, 10 minutes, and can be appropriately changed.

[0074] If it is determined in step S520 that a certain time has not passed, the CPU 216 returns to step S514. If it is determined in step S520 that a certain time has passed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S522. In step S522, the CPU 216 performs capping on the print head 404 at the waiting position using the cap portion 422, and terminates the control process. In the control process, before executing the sheet discharge process, a certain amount of electricity corresponding to the amount of electricity required for capping and the amount of electricity required for the sheet discharge process and preparatory ejection is stored. Therefore, when step S522 is executed, at least the amount of electricity required for capping is stored in the EDLC 302. This makes it possible to reliably perform capping in step S522 using the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302. As described above, in the present embodiment, the CPU 216 serves as a control unit that controls the execution of capping and the charging of the EDLC 302.

[0075] <Beneficial Effects>

[0076] As described above, the printing apparatus 10 is such that the amount of power that allows capping to be performed even if the user removes the USB cable at any time during or after the sheet ejection process is stored before the sheet ejection process, and it is possible to recognize that the printing apparatus is still operating during the sheet ejection process. Therefore, when the user removes the USB cable, the amount of power that allows capping to be performed is secured in the printing apparatus 10, so that capping of the print head 404 will be reliably performed. This prevents deterioration of the ink ejection performance of the print head and reduces the influence on printing at the next startup.

[0077] (Second embodiment)

[0078] Next, we will refer to Figure 6 In the following description, for components identical or corresponding to those in the printing apparatus according to the above-described first embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted by using the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment.

[0079] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that, before executing the printing process, the amount of electricity that allows capping to be performed even if the USB cable is removed after executing the sheet discharge process is stored in the EDLC 302. The control process performed by the printing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0080] <Control Process>

[0081] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing details of processing in a control procedure performed by the printing device 10 according to the second embodiment. The CPU 216 performs the control by loading the program code stored in the program memory 218 into the data memory 220 and executing the program code. Figure 6 Alternatively, Figure 6 The functions of some or all of the steps in the process may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or a circuit.

[0082] When the control process starts, first in step S602, the CPU 216 obtains the power required for capping and the power required for the printing process. The CPU 216 obtains the power required for capping from the nonvolatile memory 222. The CPU 216 calculates the power required for the printing process, that is, the power to be consumed when the printing process is executed, based on the settings of the job, print data, etc.

[0083] Then, in step S604, the CPU 216 releases the capping of the print head 404 by the cap portion 422. Thereafter, in step S606, the CPU 216 determines whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached a predetermined value. In the present embodiment, the predetermined value is an amount of electricity obtained by adding a certain amount of electricity to the amount of electricity required for the printing process and the amount of electricity required for capping obtained in step S602. Here, the certain amount of electricity is, for example, an amount of electricity required for the sheet discharge process described later and an amount of electricity required for performing preliminary ejection within a predetermined time (corresponding to a certain time in step S622 to be described later) combined, or an amount of electricity greater than the above combined amount by a certain amount. The certain amount of electricity is a preset value. Note that the amount of electricity required for the sheet discharge process and for performing preliminary ejection within a predetermined time may also be obtained in step S602, and it may be determined in step S606 whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached the amount of electricity required for capping, the printing process, the sheet discharge process, and the preliminary ejection.

[0084] If it is determined in step S606 that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached the predetermined value, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S610 described later. If it is determined in step S606 that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has not reached the predetermined value, the CPU 216 charges the EDLC 302 in step S608 until the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 reaches the predetermined value. Thereafter, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S610 and allows the printing process to start. In the present embodiment, after being allowed in the control process, the printing process executed in parallel with the control process is started.

[0085] Next, in step S612, the CPU 216 determines whether the printing process is completed. If it is determined in step S612 that the printing process is not completed, the CPU 216 performs the determination in step S612 again. If it is determined in step S612 that the printing process is completed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S614 and performs the sheet discharge process. Thereafter, in step S616, the CPU 216 determines whether the USB cable has been removed. If it is determined in step S616 that the USB cable has been removed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S624 described later. If it is determined in step S616 that the USB cable has not been removed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S618 and determines whether it is time to perform preparatory ejection.

[0086] If it is determined in step S618 that the time to perform the preliminary ejection has not yet arrived, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S622 described later. If it is determined in step S618 that the time to perform the preliminary ejection has arrived, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S620 and performs the preliminary ejection. Note that the print head 404 moves to the waiting position after the printing process. Thereafter, in step S622, the CPU 216 determines whether a certain time has passed. If it is determined in step S622 that a certain time has not passed, the CPU 216 returns to step S616. If it is determined in step S622 that a certain time has passed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S624. In step S624, the CPU 216 performs capping on the print head 404 at the waiting position using the cover portion 422, and terminates the control process. The details of the processing in steps S616 to S624 are the same as the details of the processing in steps S514 to S522 described above.

[0087] In the control process, before the printing process is executed, a certain amount of electricity corresponding to the amount of electricity required for the printing process and capping and the amount of electricity required for the sheet discharge process and preliminary ejection is stored. Therefore, when step S624 is executed, at least the amount of electricity required for capping is stored in the EDLC 302. This makes it possible to reliably perform capping in step S624 using the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302.

[0088] <Beneficial Effects>

[0089] As described above, in this embodiment, the amount of power that allows capping to be performed even if the USB cable is removed at any time after the sheet discharge process is stored before the printing process, during which the user can recognize that the printing device is still operating. Thus, in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects similar to those of the first embodiment described above.

[0090] (Third Embodiment)

[0091] Next, we will refer to Figures 7 to 9 A printing apparatus according to a third embodiment is described. In the following description, for components identical or corresponding to those in the printing apparatus according to the above-described first embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted by using the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment.

[0092] The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that, even in the case where the USB cable is removed after the sheet discharge process is performed, the maintenance process is performed according to the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302. Specifically, in the third embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 performs a control process of controlling the capping and maintenance processes to be performed on the print head 404 in parallel with the printing process. The control process performed by the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0093] <Control Process>

[0094] Figure 7 2 is a flowchart showing details of processing in a control procedure performed by the printing device 10 according to the third embodiment. The CPU 216 performs the control by loading the program code stored in the program memory 218 into the data memory 220 and executing the program code. Figure 7 Alternatively, Figure 7 The functions of some or all of the steps in the above may be implemented in hardware such as an ASIC or circuit. Figure 7 During the control process, the printing device 10 is in a state where power can be supplied to it via the USB cable.

[0095] When the control process starts, first in step S702, the CPU 216 obtains the power required for capping. Then, in step S704, the CPU 216 releases the capping of the print head 404 by the capping portion 422. The details of the processing in steps S702 and S704 are the same as those in steps S502 and S504, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

[0096] Thereafter, in step S706, the CPU 216 determines whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached a predetermined value. In the present embodiment, the predetermined value includes the amount of electricity required for capping obtained in step S702, the amount of electricity required for the printing process, and the amount of electricity required for the sheet discharge process to be described later. In addition, the predetermined value may be a value obtained by adding a certain amount of electricity to the sum of these amounts of electricity. The power required for the printing process is obtained based on the job settings and print data using the maximum amount of electricity per page, the amount of electricity for the size of the print medium, etc. stored in the non-volatile memory 222 or the program memory 218. That is, in step S706, the CPU 216 calculates the predetermined value, and compares the calculated predetermined value with the amount of electricity currently stored in the EDLC 302 to determine whether the stored amount of electricity has reached the predetermined value.

[0097] If it is determined in step S706 that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached the predetermined value, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S710 described later. If it is determined in step S706 that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has not reached the predetermined value, the CPU 216 charges the EDLC 302 in step S708 until the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 reaches the predetermined value. Thereafter, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S710 and allows the printing process to start. In the present embodiment, after being allowed in step S710, the printing process executed in parallel with the control process is started.

[0098] Next, in step S712, the CPU 216 determines whether the printing process is completed. If it is determined in step S712 that the printing process is not completed, the CPU 216 performs the determination in step S712 again. If it is determined in step S712 that the printing process is completed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S714 and performs a sheet discharge process. Specifically, in step S714, the printed print medium currently present in the printing device 10 is discharged to the outside.

[0099] After completing the sheet discharge process, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S716 and executes a post-sheet discharge process. The post-sheet discharge process is a process including a maintenance process for the print head 404, the details of which will be described later. Thereafter, in step S718, the CPU 216 determines whether the USB cable has been removed. The details of the processing in step S718 are the same as those in the above-mentioned step S514, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0100] If it is determined in step S718 that the USB cable is removed, the CPU 216 terminates the control process. If it is determined in step S718 that the USB cable is not removed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S720 and determines whether there is a next job. If it is determined in step S720 that there is a next job, the CPU 216 returns to step S706. If it is determined in step S720 that there is no next job, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S722 and performs capping on the print head 404 at the waiting position using the cap portion 422, and terminates the control process.

[0101] <Post-sheet discharge process>

[0102] Next, a sheet discharge post-process executed in the control process will be described. Figure 8 2 is a flowchart showing details of processing in the sheet discharge post-process as a subroutine in the processing routine of the control process. The CPU 216 executes the control process by loading the program code stored in the program memory 218 into the data memory 220 and executing the program code. Figure 8 Alternatively, Figure 8 The functions of some or all of the steps in the process may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or a circuit.

[0103] When the process starts after the sheet is discharged, first in step S802, the CPU 216 determines whether the USB cable is removed. In step S802, similar to step S514, the CPU 216 determines whether the USB cable for supplying power has been removed from the USB interface via the USB communication control circuit 234 or the power supply control circuit 236. Alternatively, the CPU 216 determines whether power is currently being supplied from the external power supply to the EDLC 302 by checking the state of the input current control at the charger IC 304. In this case, if it is determined that power is not being supplied, the CPU 216 determines that the USB cable has been removed, and if it is determined that power is being supplied, the CPU 216 determines that the USB cable has not been removed.

[0104] If it is determined in step S802 that the USB cable is not removed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S804 and determines whether a maintenance process is required. Specifically, in step S804, the CPU 216 determines whether a maintenance process after the discharge process is required, and if it is determined that such a maintenance process is required, the type of maintenance process that can be performed is obtained. In the present embodiment, a table 900 indicating information about the maintenance process to be performed is stored in the non-volatile memory 222, the program memory 218, etc. In step S804, using the table 900, the CPU 216 determines whether a maintenance process needs to be performed, and determines the maintenance process to be performed. Fig. 9 is a table showing information on the maintenance procedure.

[0105] In table 900, the first mark is associated with the first maintenance process, and the recovery intensity of the first maintenance process indicating the maintenance effect (i.e., the effect of restoring the ejection characteristics) is the highest. The power required for the first maintenance process is 7 W. The details of the processing in the first maintenance process include: performing a wiping process (wiping operation) of wiping the nozzle surface 20 times; and performing a suction process (suction operation) of sucking and discharging the ink from the nozzle by decompressing the cover portion 422 10 times.

[0106] In addition, in Table 900, the second mark is associated with the second maintenance process of medium recovery intensity. The power required for the second maintenance process is 5W. Details of the processing in the second maintenance process include: performing 10 wiping processes; and performing 5 suction processes. In addition, in Table 900, the third mark is associated with the third maintenance process of the lowest recovery intensity. The power required for the third maintenance process is 3W. Details of the processing in the third maintenance process include: performing two wiping processes; and performing three suction processes. As described above, in Table 900, the number of times the suction process and the wiping process are performed is changed to change the recovery intensity.

[0107] The amount of electricity required for each maintenance process is calculated based on the amount of operation of the constituent components and the content of the process. For example, in the present embodiment, the amount of electricity required for each maintenance process is obtained by accumulating the amount of electricity required for performing a suction process and the amount of electricity required for performing a wiping process. Note that the information of the maintenance process to be performed is set based on the three recovery intensity levels in Table 900, but is not limited thereto, and can be set based on two or four or more recovery intensity levels. In addition, the processing details in each maintenance process are not limited to the wiping process and the suction process, and various types of maintenance processes known in the art can be used.

[0108] In step S804, using table 900 as described above, CPU 216 first determines which flag to turn on based on the state of print head 404, and the state of print head 404 is based on the number of injections in the last executed printing process, the time elapsed since the last executed printing process, etc. In the case where the flag is not turned on, the flag remains turned off. For example, in the case where the number of injections exceeds a first value, a first flag is turned on to perform a first maintenance process with the highest recovery strength. In addition, in the case where the number of injections is between a first value and a second value smaller than the first value, a second flag is turned on to perform a second maintenance process with a medium recovery strength. In addition, in the case where the number of injections is less than the second value, a third flag is turned on to perform a third maintenance process with the lowest recovery strength. Note that the turning on or off of each flag can be determined based on a combination of multiple conditions. In addition, only one of these flags can be turned on, or multiple flags can be turned on.

[0109] In addition, the on or off state of each flag determined in step S804 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 222. In step S804, if there is a flag that is turned on, the CPU 216 determines that a maintenance process is required, and if there is no flag that is turned on, the CPU 216 determines that a maintenance process is not required. In addition, in step S804, if it is determined that a maintenance process is required, the maintenance process corresponding to the flag with the highest recovery strength among the turned-on flags is selected as the maintenance process to be executed.

[0110] If it is determined in step S804 that the maintenance process is not required, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S718 in the control process. If it is determined in step S804 that the maintenance process is required, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S806 and determines whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached the first amount of electricity that can be used to perform the maintenance process. That is, in step S806, the CPU 216 determines whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 is greater than or equal to the amount of electricity required for the maintenance process determined in step S804. For example, in the case where the first maintenance process is determined in step S804, the CPU 216 determines in step S806 whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 is greater than or equal to the amount of electricity required for the first maintenance process (i.e., 7W). In step S806, if it is determined that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 is greater than or equal to the amount of electricity required for the maintenance process, the CPU 216 determines that the amount of electricity has reached the first amount of electricity. If it is determined that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 is less than the amount of electricity required for the maintenance process, the CPU 216 determines that the amount of electricity has not reached the first amount of electricity.

[0111] If it is determined in step S806 that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached the first amount of electricity, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S810 described later. If it is determined in step S806 that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has not reached the first amount of electricity, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S808 and charges the EDLC 302 until the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 reaches the first amount of electricity. Then, in step S810, the CPU 216 executes the maintenance process determined in step S804, and proceeds to step S718 in the control process. Note that in step S810, the CPU 216 initializes the flags stored in the nonvolatile memory 222 when executing the maintenance process, that is, turns off the flags.

[0112] Now, the maintenance process performed in this embodiment will be described. The suction process is a process of forcibly sucking and discharging thickened ink, bubbles, and foreign matter from the nozzle by driving the suction portion connected to the cap portion 422 to generate negative pressure in the cap portion 422 when the print head 404 is capped. The wiping process is a process of wiping away the ink and foreign matter such as paper dust attached to the nozzle surface 404a of the print head 404 using a wiper.

[0113] In the present embodiment, such a maintenance process is executed after the sheet discharge process, but is not limited thereto. For example, the maintenance process may be executed at various well-known times other than after the sheet discharge process at which the maintenance process may be executed (such as before the printing process, when the time elapsed since the last printing process exceeds a predetermined time, at software startup after abnormal termination, and when a user gives an instruction).

[0114] In the present embodiment, the maintenance process is executed as a post-sheet discharge process executed after the sheet discharge process. This is beneficial because, for example, a maintenance process to be executed at the start of the software or before the execution of the printing process can be executed in advance. That is, by executing the maintenance process after the sheet discharge process, the user will not have to wait when the next printing process starts or the software starts, so that the subsequent process can be executed efficiently.

[0115] If it is determined in step S802 that the USB cable is removed, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S812 and obtains the amount of power stored in the EDLC 302. Then, in step S814, the CPU 216 determines whether the capping and maintenance process can be performed, that is, whether the amount of power that can be used to perform the capping and maintenance process has been stored. As described above, in the printing device 10, the maintenance processes that can be performed and the amount of power required for these maintenance processes are stored in the non-volatile memory 222 (see Fig. 9 ). In addition, in the printing device 10, the amount of electricity required for capping is also stored in the non-volatile memory 222.

[0116] Therefore, in step S814, first, the CPU 216 subtracts the amount of electricity required for capping from the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 obtained in step S812 to calculate the amount of electricity available for the maintenance process. Here, if the calculated value is 0 or less, the CPU 216 determines that the amount of electricity that can be used to perform the capping and maintenance process is not stored. If the calculated value is greater than 0, the CPU 216 compares the value with the amount of electricity required for the maintenance process. In this embodiment, the calculated value is compared with "3" required to perform the first maintenance process, "5" required to perform the second maintenance process, and "7" required to perform the third maintenance process. If the comparison result shows that the calculated value is greater than at least one of the amounts of electricity required to perform multiple maintenance processes, the CPU 216 determines that the amount of electricity that can be used to perform the capping and maintenance process is stored. If the calculated value is less than at least one of the amounts of electricity required to perform multiple maintenance processes, the CPU 216 determines that the amount of electricity that can be used to perform the capping and maintenance process is not stored.

[0117] If it is determined in step S814 that the power that can be used to perform the capping and maintenance process is not stored, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S816 and determines whether the capping can be performed, that is, whether the power required for the capping is stored. That is, in step S816, if the power stored in the EDLC 302 obtained in step S812 is greater than the power required for capping, the CPU 216 determines that the power required for capping is stored, and if the power stored in the EDLC 302 obtained in step S812 is less than the power required for capping, the CPU 216 determines that the power required for capping is not stored. If it is determined in step S816 that the power required for capping is not stored, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S718 in the control process. If it is determined in step S816 that the power required for capping is stored, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S818 to perform capping, and proceeds to step S718 in the control process.

[0118] In addition, if it is determined in step S814 that power that can be used to perform the capping and maintenance process is stored, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S820 and determines whether a maintenance process is required. In step S820, similar to step S804, the CPU 216 determines which flag to turn on based on the state of the print head 404, which is based on the number of ejections in the last executed printing process, the time elapsed since the last executed printing process, etc. In step S820, if one of the first to third flags is turned on, the CPU 216 determines that a maintenance process is required, and if all three flags are turned off, the CPU 216 determines that a maintenance process is not required.

[0119] If it is determined in step S820 that the maintenance process is not required, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S718 in the control process. If it is determined in step S820 that the maintenance process is required, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S822 and determines the maintenance process to be performed. Here, for example, it is assumed that the first flag is on in step S820, the power required for capping is 3W, and the power stored in the EDLC 302 obtained in step S812 is 9W. In this case, performing the first maintenance process will consume 3W+7W=10W, which exceeds the power stored in the EDLC 302 obtained in step S812, that is, 9W.

[0120] Therefore, in step S822, the CPU 216 determines the maintenance process of the highest recovery intensity that can be executed using the power obtained by subtracting the power required for capping from the power stored in the EDLC 302 as the maintenance process to be executed. Specifically, the CPU 216 selects the maintenance process of the highest recovery intensity that can be executed using the power obtained by subtracting the power required for capping from the power stored in the EDLC 302 in the table 900, and determines the selected maintenance process as the maintenance process to be executed. Note that if there is no maintenance process that can be executed using the power obtained by subtracting the power required for capping from the power stored in the EDLC 302, the CPU 216 does not determine the maintenance process to be executed or determines that there is no maintenance process to be executed.

[0121] Thereafter, in step S824, CPU 216 determines whether the maintenance process has been determined in step S822. If the maintenance process to be performed is not determined in step S822 or it is determined that there is no maintenance process to be performed, then in step S824, CPU 216 determines that the maintenance process to be performed has not yet been determined. If it is determined in step S824 that the maintenance process has not yet been determined, CPU 216 proceeds to step S718 in the control process. If it is determined in step S824 that the maintenance process has been determined, CPU 216 proceeds to step S826 and performs the maintenance process determined in step S822. Note that when the maintenance process is performed in step S826, CPU 216 initializes the flag, that is, turns off the flag. Thereafter, CPU 216 performs capping in step S828 and proceeds to step S718 in the control process.

[0122] <Beneficial Effects>

[0123] As described above, in the present embodiment, in the case where the removal of the USB cable is detected during the post-sheet discharge process, it is determined whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 at this time is greater than or equal to the amount of electricity that can be used to perform the capping and maintenance processes. Then, capping is preferentially performed based on the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302, and the executable maintenance process is performed at the same time. In this way, even in the case where the USB cable is removed at a time during or after the sheet discharge process, the printing device 10 according to the present embodiment can prevent the deterioration of the ejection performance at the nozzle of the print head 404. This reduces the influence on printing at the next startup of the printing device 10.

[0124] (Fourth embodiment)

[0125] Next, we will refer to Figures 10 to 15 A printing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment is described. In the following description, for components identical or corresponding to those in the printing apparatus according to the above-described first embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted by using the same reference numerals as those described in the first embodiment.

[0126] For example, in the case where the USB cable is removed during the printing process, the printing device 10 stops the printing process. Here, the positions of the components in the printing device 10, the position of the print medium in the conveying path, etc. change according to the time when the USB cable is removed or the time when the printing process is stopped, which leads to an uncertain state in which the positions of the components and the print medium in the printing device 10 are uncertain. Therefore, the printing device 10 will perform an initialization process for recovering from the uncertain state when it is started next time. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the process of recovering from the uncertain state is effectively performed. The technology for effectively performing the process of recovering from the uncertain state will be described in detail below.

[0127] <Connection Standard>

[0128] First, the connection standard for the printing device 10 and the external power source (external device) will be described. Fig.10 is a table showing the amount of power to be supplied according to the connection standard.

[0129] BC1.2 is the USB-BC (Battery Charging) standard, and defines a method of electrically determining a charging USB port (CDP) using a D+ signal line and a D- signal line for USB port data communication. In addition, in the case where a standard USB port is not a charging port, communication is performed based on the USB standard after the above-mentioned detection is completed, and the USB version can be determined through the communication.

[0130] In addition, for USB Type-C, a power delivery (Power Delivery) standard is defined, which allows notification of the amount of power supplied by communicating with the Configuration Channel (CC) pin. Note that although the power supply voltage to be supplied can be controlled to 5V to 48V according to the Power Delivery standard, Fig.10 The maximum power is the value when 5V is supplied.

[0131] (Schematic Configuration of Printing Device)

[0132] Next, a schematic structure of the printing apparatus 10 will be described. Fig.11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the printing device 10 .

[0133] The printing device 10 includes an operation panel 1002. On the front side, the operation panel 1002 includes a user interface such as a button and a touch panel. In addition, the printing device 10 includes an ejection tray 1004 on the front side below the operation panel 1002, on which the printed print medium is ejected. The ejection tray 1004 is configured to be movable in the Y direction, and in the case of performing printing, is ejected from a retracted position ( Fig.11 The ejection tray 1004 is pulled out from the ejection tray 1004 and set to a pull-out position for receiving the ejected print medium. Note that the printing device 10 may include a sensor (not shown) that detects whether the ejection tray 1004 is in the pull-out position.

[0134] The printing device 10 includes a cassette 1006 that contains print media to be fed below the discharge tray 1004. In addition, the printing device 10 includes an automatic sheet feeder (ASF) 1008 that can feed print media at the upper portion of the back. In addition, the printing device 10 includes a reading section 204 (such as a scanner) located at the top.

[0135] <Print Media Transport System>

[0136] Next, a printing medium conveying system in the printing device 10 will be described. Fig.12 1 is a diagram for explaining a conveying system in the printing apparatus 10 .

[0137] As described above, the printing device 10 is configured so that the print medium M can be fed from the cassette 1006, and the print medium M can also be fed from the ASF 1008. Each of the print medium M fed from the cassette 1006 and the ASF 1008 is fed to a position where it can be detected by the detection sensor 1202. Then, the print medium M is fed by the first conveying roller 1204 (corresponding to the Figure 4 The conveying roller 418 in the middle is conveyed to the bracket 1206 (corresponding to Figure 4The printing device 10 is a device that moves the print head 404 on the carriage 406 in the printing apparatus 10 to a position where the print head 404 can print on the print medium M. When the print medium M moves to the position, the printing device 10 drives the print head 404, the conveying motor 1208, and the carriage motor 1210 based on the print data to print on the print medium while conveying the print medium. Note that the conveying motor 1208 corresponds to Figure 4 The conveying motor 420 in FIG. 1 and the carriage motor 1210 correspond to Figure 4 The bracket motor 414 in.

[0138] In the cassette 1006, the print medium M accommodated in the cassette 1006 is fed to the first conveying path CP1 by the cassette roller 1212, and is conveyed toward the detection sensor 1202 by the second conveying roller 1214 provided in the first conveying path CP1. On the ASF 1008, the print medium M set on the ASF 1008 is pushed upward until it abuts against the ASF roller 1216, and is then conveyed toward the detection sensor 1202 through the second conveying path CP2 by the ASF roller 1216. Note that the first conveying path CP1 and the second conveying path CP2 merge on the upstream side of the detection sensor 1202 in the conveying direction of the print medium M. In the present embodiment, the cassette roller 1212 and the ASF roller 1216 serve as feeding rollers for feeding the print medium.

[0139] The first conveying roller 1204, the box roller 1212, the second conveying roller 1214 and the ASF roller 1216 are all driven by the conveying motor 1208. As the conveying motor 1208 rotates forward, the first conveying roller 1204 rotates forward; as the conveying motor 1208 rotates backward, the first conveying roller 1204 rotates backward. As the conveying motor 1208 rotates forward and as the conveying motor 1208 rotates backward, the second conveying roller 1214 rotates forward. In other words, the driving force of the conveying motor 1208 is transmitted to the second conveying roller 1214, so that the forward rotation and backward rotation of the conveying motor 1208 always cause the second conveying roller 1214 to rotate forward.

[0140] The driving force of the conveying motor 1208 is transmitted to the box roller 1212 and the ASF roller 1216 through the switching mechanism 1218. The switching mechanism 1218 can selectively switch the transmission target of the driving force of the conveying motor 1208 to the box roller 1212 and the ASF roller 1216, and can also not transmit the driving force to any one of the box roller 1212 and the ASF roller 1216. Alternatively, the driving force of the conveying motor 1208 is always transmitted to the first conveying roller 1204 and the second conveying roller 1214, without being affected by the switching of the driving target by the switching mechanism 1218. The switching mechanism 1218 switches the transmission target of the driving force by combining the drive of the first conveying roller 1204 and the drive of the bracket 1206.

[0141] <Control Process>

[0142] The printing device 10 having the above configuration executes a control process that controls execution of an initialization process for recovering from an uncertain state after the USB cable is removed, in parallel with a printing process that performs printing on the printing medium M based on a job. In the present embodiment, a case where the control process is executed in parallel with the printing process will be described, but the control process may be executed in parallel with a process (such as a maintenance process) executed in the printing device 10. The control process is executed regardless of the state of the printing device 10 except for an error state such as an inability to drive the motor.

[0143] Fig.13 : is a flowchart showing details of processing in a control procedure executed by the printing apparatus 10 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig.14 The table associates the state of the printing device when the USB cable is removed with the initialization process to be performed before the drive ends and at the next startup. The CPU 216 performs the operation by loading the program code stored in the program memory 218 into the data memory 220 and executing the program code. Fig.13 A series of processes as shown in the flowchart in . Alternatively, Fig.13 The functions of some or all of the steps in the process may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or a circuit.

[0144] When the control process starts, first in step S1302, the CPU 216 determines whether the USB cable is removed. Specifically, in step S1302, similar to step S802, the CPU 216 determines whether the USB cable for supplying power has been removed from the USB interface via the USB communication control circuit 234 or the power supply control circuit 236. Alternatively, the CPU 216 determines whether power is currently being supplied to the EDLC 302 from an external device or the like by checking the state of input current control at the charger IC 304.

[0145] Next, in step S1304, the CPU 216 sets the variable n to 1. The variable n indicates the situation number in the table 1400, in which the state of the printing device when the USB cable is removed is associated with the initialization process to be executed before the drive ends (before power is turned off) and at the next startup. Then, in step S1306, the CPU 216 obtains information of the situation number n from the table 1400.

[0146] Now, refer to Fig.14Table 1400 is described. Table 1400 shows information that the state of the printing device when the USB cable is removed (device state) is associated with the initialization process to be performed before the end of driving (pre-termination operation), the amount of power required for this (power condition), and the initialization process to be performed at the next startup (start-up operation). Each piece of information is assigned a situation number. In the present embodiment, the power condition is the threshold value of the voltage of the power supply VBAT at the EDLC 302, but is not limited thereto, and may be the amount of power required to perform the pre-termination operation.

[0147] The device state indicates whether the initialization process is required for the three states of "conveying path state", "driving state" and "capping state" respectively. For each state, "○" indicates that the initialization process is not required (i.e., the same state as the state after initialization). For each state, "×" indicates that the initialization process is required (i.e., the state is different from the state after initialization). For example, for the conveying path state, "×" indicates a state in which the print medium M remains in the conveying path, while "○" indicates a state in which no print medium remains in the conveying path. For the driving state, "×" indicates that the conveying motor 1208 is connected to the box roller 1212 or the ASF roller 1216 through the switching mechanism 1218. In addition, for the driving state, "○" indicates that the conveying motor 1208 is not connected to any one of the box roller 1212 and the ASF roller 1216 through the switching mechanism 1218. For the capping state, "×" indicates that the print head 404 is not capped, while "○" indicates that the print head 404 is capped.

[0148] The operation before termination is an initialization operation performed as an initialization process before power failure due to the removal of the USB cable. In addition, the operation at startup is an initialization operation performed as an initialization process when the power is turned on by the power supplied by the USB cable. In the present embodiment, the operation before termination and the operation at startup are sheet discharge operation, drive stop operation and capping operation. The sheet discharge operation is an operation that the print medium M present in the conveying path is discharged outside the conveying path. In addition, the drive stop operation is an operation that utilizes the switching mechanism 1218 to make the conveying motor 1208 neither connected to the box roller 1212 nor connected to the ASF roller 1216. In other words, the drive stop operation is a switching operation that the switching mechanism 1218 switches from the transmission state that the driving force of the conveying motor 1208 is transmitted to both the box roller 1212 and the ASF roller 1216 to the non-transmission state that does not transmit the driving force. In addition, the capping operation is an operation that utilizes the capping portion 422 to cap the print head 404. Note that the operation before termination and the operation at startup are not limited to the above-mentioned operation. For example, the pre-termination operation and the start-up operation may include operations performed in various well-known initialization processes, such as operations to initialize the states of a cam and a maintenance portion.

[0149] In the present embodiment, in Table 1400, the above-mentioned operations as the initialization process are divided into pre-termination operations and startup operations according to the combination of the device state and the power condition. In the present embodiment, the capping operation is performed preferentially. For example, in the case where all states in the device state are "×" and the power condition is 7V (large enough), the above-mentioned three operations as the initialization process are performed in the pre-termination operation, and the startup operation is not performed. In addition, in the case where all states in the device state are "×" and the power condition is 0V, the pre-termination operation is not performed, and the above-mentioned three operations as the initialization process are performed in the startup operation. In addition, in the case where all states in the device state are "×" and the power condition is 5V or 6V, at least the capping operation is performed in the pre-termination operation, and the operation not performed in the pre-termination operation is performed in the startup operation, that is, the sheet discharge operation, or the sheet discharge operation and the drive stop operation.

[0150] As described above, in table 1400, the more the number of operations in the pre-termination operation is, the fewer the number of operations in the startup operation is, and the operations performed in the pre-termination operation are not performed in the startup operation. Therefore, the startup operation will be completed in a short time, so that printing can be performed in a short time when the printing device is started next time.

[0151] If the power is turned off in the state where the USB cable is connected (i.e., the state where power can be supplied through the USB cable), all states in the device state are initialized, and the printing device is turned off in the state where the capping is performed as the last operation. In addition, in the case where the power stored in the EDLC 302 is sufficient, the content of the operation in the pre-termination operation will be similar to the case of the power off in the state where the USB cable is connected, and there will be no operation at startup (see case number 1 in table 1400).

[0152] In the case of a power condition of 0V, that is, when the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 is 0V or close to 0V when the USB cable is removed, it is assumed that even the capping cannot be performed in the pre-termination operation. Therefore, the overall initialization operation involving the execution of all initialization operations will be performed in the startup operation (see case numbers 4, 7, 10, and 12 in Table 1400).

[0153] In table 1400, the situation number and the operation before termination are set so that the operation to be performed with priority will be reliably performed. For example, in order to prevent the print head 404 from drying out, it is preferred to set a cap. Note that the order of priority can be changed according to the device state. For example, in the case where the USB cable is removed when the job is almost completed, it is preferred to give priority to the conveying path state rather than the driving state, that is, to discharge the print medium with priority. Therefore, multiple pieces of information related to the situation number are changeable. In addition, in the present embodiment, the power required for sheet discharge is fixed. In fact, the position of the print medium in the conveying path changes according to the moment when the USB cable is removed. For this reason, the power required for sheet discharge can be dynamically calculated.

[0154] Now, the description returns to Fig.13 . Therefore, in step S1306, CPU 216 obtains information related to situation number n in table 1400, that is, power condition, device state, operation before termination, and operation at startup. In step S1306, CPU 216 saves the obtained information (including situation number) in a storage area in non-volatile memory 222 or the like. Then, CPU 216 proceeds to step S1308 and determines whether the current device state and the device state obtained in step S1306 match each other. In step S1308, first, CPU 216 detects the current device state, that is, the current conveying path state, the drive stop state, and the capping state. Note that in order to detect each state, a sensor capable of detecting the state is provided, for example, the state is detected based on the detection result from the sensor. Note that various well-known technologies can be used with respect to the technology for detecting each state. Then, CPU 216 compares the detected current device state with the device state obtained in step S1306. If the current device state and the conveying path state, drive stop state, and capping state of the device state obtained in step S1306 all match each other, the CPU 216 determines that they match each other. If the current device state and at least one of the conveying path state, drive stop state, or capping state of the device state obtained in step S1306 do not match each other, the CPU 216 determines that they do not match each other.

[0155] If it is determined in step S1308 that the current device state and the device state obtained in step S1306 do not match each other, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1310 and determines whether the situation number n+1 exists in the table 1400. If it is determined in step S1310 that the situation number n+1 exists in the table 1400, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1312 and increments the variable n by 1, and proceeds to step S1306. Here, the CPU 216 initializes the information related to the situation number n saved in the storage area in step S1306. If it is determined in step S1310 that the situation number n+1 does not exist in the table 1400, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1314. In step S1314, the CPU 216 stores error information indicating that the initialization process based on the table 1400 has failed in the non-volatile memory 222, and terminates the control process.

[0156] If it is determined in step S1308 that the current device state and the device state obtained in step S1306 match each other, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1316 and determines whether the amount of power stored in the EDLC 302 is greater than or equal to the amount of power corresponding to the power condition obtained in step S1306. In step S1316, first, the CPU 216 obtains the amount of power currently stored in the EDLC 302. Then, the CPU 216 compares the obtained stored power with the amount of power corresponding to the power condition obtained in step S1306 to determine whether the above-mentioned stored power is greater than or equal to the above-mentioned power.

[0157] If it is determined in step S1316 that the amount of electricity currently stored in the EDLC 302 is neither greater than nor equal to the amount of electricity corresponding to the power condition obtained in step S1306, that is, the above-mentioned stored electricity is less than the above-mentioned electricity, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1310. If it is determined in step S1316 that the amount of electricity currently stored in the EDLC 302 is greater than or equal to the amount of electricity corresponding to the power condition obtained in step S1306, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1318 and executes the pre-termination operation obtained in step S1306. Thereafter, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1320 and determines whether an error has occurred due to the execution of the pre-termination operation. In step S1320, for example, in the case where a jam (paper jam) has occurred in the sheet discharge operation, the CPU 216 determines that an error has occurred.

[0158] If it is determined in step S1320 that no error has occurred, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1322, and stores the situation number n corresponding to the information obtained in the immediately preceding step S1306 in the non-volatile memory 222, and terminates the control process. Note that information including the situation number and related to the situation number has been stored in step S1306. Therefore, in this step S1320, the CPU 216 only stores the situation number and initializes other information. If it is determined in step S1320 that an error has occurred, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1324, and stores information on the error that has occurred due to the execution of the pre-termination operation in the non-volatile memory 222, and terminates the control process. Here, the CPU 216 initializes the information related to the situation number n stored in the storage area in step S1306.

[0159] Note that, in the case of terminating the control process, the CPU 216 powers off the printing apparatus 10. Here, in the case where there is a process that needs to be executed at the time of power off, the CPU 216 executes the process and then powers off the printing apparatus 10. Furthermore, in response to the printing apparatus 10 being powered off after the control process is executed, power-off information indicating that the printing apparatus 10 was powered off during the control process is stored in a storage area in the nonvolatile memory 222 or the like.

[0160] <Post-Startup Process>

[0161] Next, a description will be given of a post-startup process to be performed immediately after starting the printing apparatus 10. Through the above-described control process, the printing apparatus 10 performs an operation corresponding to the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 when the USB cable is removed, thereby simplifying the content of the initialization process to be performed at the next startup of the printing apparatus 10. Therefore, the printing apparatus 10 performs the post-startup process at startup to perform the startup operation corresponding to the content of the pre-termination operation performed in the previous control process.

[0162] Fig.15 1 is a flowchart showing details of processing in the post-startup process performed by the printing device 10 according to the fourth embodiment. The CPU 216 performs the operation by loading the program code stored in the program memory 218 into the data memory 220 and executing the program code. Fig.15 Alternatively, Fig.15 The functions of some or all of the steps in the process may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or a circuit.

[0163] When the post-startup process starts, first, in step S1502, the CPU 216 determines whether the last power-off of the printing device 10 was performed by the control process. In the case where the USB cable is removed, the control process is executed, and the printing device 10 is powered off by the control process. On the other hand, in the case where the USB cable is not removed or in the case of an error state that cannot be determined by the control process, such as when the motor cannot be driven, the power-off corresponding to the situation is performed. In the case where the power is turned off during the control process, the power-off information indicating the power-off by the control process is stored in the non-volatile memory 222. Therefore, in step S1502, the CPU 216 determines whether the power-off information is stored in the non-volatile memory 222. If the power-off information is stored in the non-volatile memory 222, the CPU 216 determines that the last power-off was performed during the control process. If the power-off information is not stored, the CPU 216 determines that the last power-off was not performed during the control process.

[0164] If it is determined in step S1502 that the last power-off was not performed by the control process, the CPU 216 terminates the post-startup process. If it is determined in step S1502 that the last power-off was performed by the control process, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1504 and obtains error information stored in the nonvolatile memory 222 in the control process. Then, in step S1506, the CPU 216 determines whether an error occurs in the control process. In step S1506, if error information is obtained from the nonvolatile memory 222 in step S1504, the CPU 216 determines that an error occurs in the control process. If no error occurs in the control process, no error information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 222. Therefore, if error information is not obtained from the nonvolatile memory 222 in step S1504, the CPU 216 determines in step S1506 that no error occurs in the control process.

[0165] If it is determined in step S1506 that no error has occurred in the control process, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1508 and obtains the situation number stored in the non-volatile memory 222 in the control process. Then, in step S1510, using the situation number obtained in step S1508 and table 1400, the CPU 216 obtains the startup operation and executes the obtained startup operation, and terminates the post-startup process. In step S1510, the CPU 216 obtains the startup operation in the information related to the situation number obtained in step S1508 in table 1400, and executes the obtained startup operation. If it is determined in step S1506 that an error has occurred in the control process, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1512 and executes the initialization process corresponding to the error that has occurred, and terminates the post-startup process. Note that the initialization process corresponding to the error has been set in advance. In addition, in the case of terminating the post-startup process, the power-off information, the situation number stored in the non-volatile memory 222, the error information, etc. are initialized.

[0166] <Beneficial Effects>

[0167] As described above, in the present embodiment, when the USB cable of the printing apparatus 10 that performs the processing operation is removed, the operation executable in the initialization process is performed according to the apparatus state at that time and the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302, and then the power is turned off. Then, immediately after the printing apparatus 10 is started, the remaining operations in the initialization process are performed according to the operations performed before the power is turned off.

[0168] In this way, in the case where the printing device 10 according to the present embodiment is powered off due to the removal of the USB cable and then started and performs printing, the time required for the initialization process to be performed will be short. This shortens the time before starting printing. In addition, as the initialization process to be performed in the case of removing the USB cable, the capping operation is preferentially performed. This prevents the deterioration of the ejection characteristics at the nozzle of the print head 404 and reduces the influence on the next printing.

[0169] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0170] Next, we will refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 In the following description, for components identical or corresponding to those in the printing apparatus according to the above-described fourth embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted by using the same reference numerals as those described in the fourth embodiment.

[0171] Fig.161 shows a case where the print medium remains in the conveying path when the USB cable is removed during printing. Note that, although not specifically described in the fourth embodiment above, the first conveying roller 1204 and the second conveying roller 1214 each include a driving roller that rotates with the driving force of the conveying motor 1208 and a driven roller that is pressed against the driving roller to be driven by the driving roller. In addition, the first conveying roller 1204 and the second conveying roller 1214 each clamp the print medium M with the driving roller and the driven roller, and rotate to convey the print medium M.

[0172] exist Fig.16 , the preceding print medium M1 is nipped by the first conveying roller 1204, but the following print medium M2 has not yet reached the second conveying roller 1214 and is being fed by the cassette roller 1212. In this state, a drive stop operation can be performed using the power of the EDLC 302, but a sheet discharge operation may be impossible.

[0173] Specifically, assuming that Fig.16 In the case where the USB cable is removed in the state of, for example, the drive stop operation and the capping operation are performed as the pre-termination operation to be performed in the control process, and the sheet discharging operation is performed in the startup operation performed in the post-startup process. In this case, in the sheet discharging operation in the startup operation, the preceding print medium M1 is discharged by the first conveying roller 1204, and the following print medium M2 that has not yet reached the second conveying roller 1214 needs to be conveyed by the cassette roller 1212. Here, due to the drive stop operation performed in the pre-termination operation, the switching mechanism 1218 is in a state where the driving force of the conveying motor 1208 cannot be transmitted to the cassette roller 1212.

[0174] Therefore, in order to discharge the print medium M2, the switching mechanism 1218 needs to be in a state so that it can transmit the driving force of the conveying motor 1208 to the cassette roller 1212. Fig.16 If the USB cable is removed while the drive is running, skipping the drive stop operation in the pre-termination operation will shorten the time required for the operation at startup.

[0175] For this reason, in the present embodiment, in the case where the sheet discharging operation is skipped and the drive stop operation is performed in the pre-termination operation, the printing medium which is not clamped by the roller driven by the conveying motor 1208 is conveyed to the position where the printing medium is to be clamped by the roller regardless of whether the drive stop operation is performed. Thereafter, the pre-termination operation is performed. The control process performed by the printing device 10 in the present embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0176] <Control Process>

[0177] Fig.171 is a flowchart showing details of processing in a control procedure performed by the printing device 10 according to the fifth embodiment. The CPU 216 performs the control by loading the program code stored in the program memory 218 into the data memory 220 and executing the program code. Fig.17 A series of processes as shown in the flowchart of Fig.17 The functions of some or all of the steps in the process may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or a circuit.

[0178] When the control process starts, in step S1702, the CPU 216 determines whether the USB cable is removed. If it is determined in step S1702 that the USB cable is removed, then in step S1704, the CPU 216 sets the variable n to 1. Then, in step S1706, the CPU 216 obtains information of the situation number n from the table 1400. Thereafter, in step S1708, the CPU 216 determines whether the current device state and the device state obtained in step S1706 match each other.

[0179] If it is determined in step S1708 that the current device state and the device state obtained in step S1706 do not match each other, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1710 and determines whether the situation number n+1 exists in the table 1400. If it is determined in step S1710 that the situation number n+1 exists in the table 1400, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1712 and increments the variable n by 1, and proceeds to step S1706. If it is determined in step S1710 that the situation number n+1 does not exist in the table 1400, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1714. In step S1714, the CPU 216 stores error information indicating that the initialization process based on the table 1400 has failed in the nonvolatile memory 222, and terminates the control process.

[0180] If it is determined in step S1708 that the current device state and the device state obtained in step S1706 match each other, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1716 and determines whether the amount of power stored in the EDLC 302 is greater than or equal to the amount of power corresponding to the power condition obtained in step S1706. Note that the details of the processing in steps S1702 to S1716 are the same as those of steps S1302 to S1316 described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0181] If it is determined in step S1716 that the amount of power currently stored in the EDLC 302 is neither greater than nor equal to the amount of power corresponding to the power condition obtained in step S1706, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1710. If it is determined in step S1716 that the amount of power currently stored in the EDLC 302 is greater than or equal to the amount of power corresponding to the power condition obtained in step S1706, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1718. In step S1718, the CPU 216 determines whether the pre-termination operation obtained in step S1706 is an operation including performing a drive stop operation without performing a sheet ejection operation. In Table 1400, the pre-termination operation under situation number 2 and situation number 5 includes performing a drive stop operation without performing a sheet ejection operation.

[0182] If it is determined in step S1718 that the pre-termination operation obtained in step S1706 is not an operation including performing a drive stop operation without performing a sheet discharge operation, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1726 described later. If it is determined in step S1718 that the pre-termination operation obtained in step S1706 is an operation including performing a drive stop operation without performing a sheet discharge operation, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1720 and determines whether there is a print medium M that is not clamped by a predetermined roller. In the present embodiment, the predetermined rollers are the first conveying roller 1204 and the second conveying roller 1214, to which the driving force of the conveying motor 1208 is transmitted regardless of whether the drive stop operation is performed. In addition, the position of the print medium M in each conveying path is detected based on the operation sequence of the process performed when the USB cable is removed.

[0183] If it is determined in step S1720 that there is no print medium M that is not clamped by the predetermined roller, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1726 described later. If it is determined in step S1720 that there is a print medium M that is not clamped by the predetermined roller, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1722. In step S1722, the CPU 216 determines whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 obtained in step S1716 is greater than a value obtained by adding a predetermined amount to an amount of electricity required for the operation before termination (an amount of electricity corresponding to the power condition). The predetermined amount is calculated based on the distance from the position of the print medium M in the conveying path obtained in step S1720 to the predetermined roller that is downstream of the position in the conveying direction and closest to the print medium M and the amount of electricity (preset value) required to convey the print medium M over the predetermined distance.

[0184] If it is determined in step S1722 that the amount of power stored in the EDLC 302 obtained in step S1716 is less than the value obtained by adding the predetermined amount to the amount of power required for the operation before termination, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1710. Fig.16 , the pre-termination operation including the drive stop operation will not be performed. If it is determined in step S1722 that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 obtained in step S1716 is greater than the value obtained by adding the predetermined amount to the amount of electricity required for the pre-termination operation, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1724. In step S1724, the CPU 216 conveys the print medium M that is not clamped by the predetermined rollers, and clamps the print medium M with one of the predetermined rollers. That is, the CPU 216 moves the print medium M to a position where it can be conveyed by the predetermined rollers.

[0185] In order to clamp the print medium M with the predetermined roller nearby, the print medium M only needs to be conveyed from the position of the print medium M obtained in step S1720 to a position such that the leading edge of the print medium M exceeds the predetermined roller by a certain amount. Therefore, the power required for such conveyance of the print medium M is significantly less than the power required for the sheet discharge operation for discharging the print medium M from the conveying path. That is, in the case where there is not enough power to perform the sheet discharge operation but there is enough power to convey the print medium M to the position where the print medium M is clamped with the predetermined roller nearby, before performing the pre-termination operation, the print medium M is conveyed until it is clamped by the predetermined roller. In this way, in the initialization operation after startup, the sheet discharge operation can be smoothly performed as the startup operation.

[0186] In the case of proceeding to step S1726, the CPU 216 executes the pre-termination operation obtained in step S1706. Thereafter, in step S1728, the CPU 216 determines whether an error has occurred due to the execution of the pre-termination operation. If it is determined in step S1728 that no error has occurred, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1730, and stores the situation number n corresponding to the information obtained in the immediately preceding step S1706 in the non-volatile memory 222, and terminates the control process. If it is determined in step S1728 that an error has occurred, the CPU 216 proceeds to step S1732, and stores the information of the error that has occurred due to the execution of the pre-termination operation in the non-volatile memory 222, and terminates the control process. The processing details in steps S1726 to S1732 are the same as the processing details in steps S1318 to S1324 described above, so their specific description is omitted.

[0187] Here, in the case where there is a process that must be executed when the power is turned off when the control process is terminated, the CPU 216 executes the process and then powers off the printing apparatus 10. In addition, in response to the printing apparatus 10 being powered off after the control process is executed, information indicating that the printing apparatus 10 was powered off during the control process is stored in a storage area in the nonvolatile memory 222 or the like.

[0188] <Beneficial Effects>

[0189] As described above, in the present embodiment, in the case where the sheet discharging operation is not performed in the pre-termination operation but the drive stop operation is performed, it is determined whether the print medium M is clamped by a predetermined roller that can be driven regardless of whether the drive stop operation is performed. Then, in the case where it is determined that the print medium M is not clamped by the predetermined roller, the pre-termination operation is performed after the print medium M is conveyed to a position where the predetermined roller can clamp the print medium M. This allows advantageous effects similar to those of the fourth embodiment described above, and also enables the sheet discharging process to be smoothly performed in the startup operation, and thus shortens the time taken before printing after startup is performed, and reduces the influence on printing.

[0190] (Other implementation schemes)

[0191] Note that the above-described embodiment may be modified as described in (1) to (12) below.

[0192] (1) In the above-mentioned first embodiment and second embodiment, the amount of electricity for capping is stored in EDLC 302 even if the USB cable is removed at any time after the printing process ends or after the sheet discharge process before the printing process starts, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the method to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to the printing method. For example, the present invention can be applied to a predetermined process performed after the cap of the print head 404 is released, such as a maintenance process, a mechanical initialization process, for example, determining the initial position of the carriage 406, etc. In the case of applying the present invention to a maintenance process, examples of a process corresponding to the sheet discharge process during printing include a process for notifying the end of the maintenance process, etc.

[0193] (2) In the first and second embodiments described above, the preliminary ejection is performed before a certain time has passed after the sheet discharge process, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition to the preliminary ejection, another maintenance process may be performed. In the above embodiments, a USB cable is used as an interface cable, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any of various known types of cables may be used as an interface cable.

[0194] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the printing device 10 is a so-called serial scanning type printing device that uses a print head that ejects ink while moving in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the print medium, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The printing device 10 may be a so-called full-line printing device that uses a long print head that extends over the entire printing area of ​​the print medium in the width direction.

[0195] (4) In the first embodiment described above, it is determined whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached a predetermined value after the printing process ends, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be determined whether the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has reached a predetermined value at a predetermined time before the printing process ends, and in the case where the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 has not reached the predetermined value, the EDLC 302 may be charged during the printing process. For example, the charging of the EDLC 302 during the printing process is performed during the waiting time provided for each single scan of the print head 404.

[0196] (5) Although not specifically described in the first and second embodiments described above, determination of whether the USB cable is removed may be started immediately after uncapping, and capping may be performed immediately if the USB cable is removed. Specifically, in this case, if it is determined that the USB cable is removed, the currently executed process is stopped, the print head 404 moves to the waiting position, and then the print head 404 is capped. Note that in this case, the charging of the EDLC 302 is controlled so that the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 after uncapping will always be greater than or equal to the sum of the amount of electricity required for capping and the amount of electricity required to move the print head 404 to the waiting position.

[0197] (6) Although not specifically described in the third embodiment described above, in step S716, the configuration may be such that the capacity of the EDLC 302 and the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 are checked so that in the case where the USB cable is removed in the post-sheet discharge process in step S716, the amount of electricity stored in the EDLC 302 will always be greater than or equal to the amount of electricity required for capping. In this case, the CPU 216 monitors the status of the charger IC 304 and the EDLC 302 at regular intervals during the printing process, so that the removal of the USB cable can be immediately detected. After the detection, in the case where the printing process is in progress, the printing operation is immediately stopped and the sheet discharge process is executed. Thereafter, the post-sheet discharge process is executed.

[0198] (7) Although not specifically described in the third embodiment described above, in a state where the USB cable is connected to the printing device (a state where power is supplied), a predetermined maintenance process and a post-startup operation may be performed when the printing device is started next time. For example, the recovery strength of the maintenance process performed in step S826 may be lower than the recovery strength of the maintenance process determined to be necessary in step S820. Therefore, in this case, the maintenance process selected in step S820 (determined to be necessary) and the maintenance process performed in step S826 are stored in the non-volatile memory 222. Then, the next time the printing device 10 is supplied with power and started, a predetermined maintenance process is determined based on the maintenance process determined to be necessary stored in the non-volatile memory 222 and the maintenance process performed in the last post-discharge process. For example, the maintenance process selected in step S820 may be performed as a predetermined maintenance process. Alternatively, a maintenance process corresponding to the difference between the recovery strength of the maintenance process selected in step S820 and the recovery strength of the maintenance process performed in step S826 may be performed as a predetermined maintenance process. Specifically, for example, in a case where the maintenance procedure selected in step S820 is the first maintenance procedure and the maintenance procedure performed in step S826 is the second maintenance procedure, the maintenance procedure corresponding to the above difference is the third maintenance procedure.

[0199] (8) In the third embodiment described above, the wiping process and the suction process are performed as maintenance processes, and when a sufficient amount of electricity is stored in EDLC302, the capping process is performed after the maintenance process is performed, but the present invention is not limited to this. The suction process is performed when the print head 404 is capped. On the other hand, the wiping process cannot be performed when the print head 404 is capped. For this reason, in the third embodiment described above, the capping process is performed after the maintenance process is performed. For example, by limiting the maintenance process to a process that can be performed in the capped state, the maintenance process can be performed after the capping process is performed. This shortens the time required for the capping and maintenance processes.

[0200] (9) Although not specifically described in the above fourth and fifth embodiments, an operation based on a post-startup process or an overall initialization operation may be performed according to the state of the printing apparatus 10 after being started up.

[0201] The printing device 10 may fall into an uncertain state due to the user's operation after power failure. For example, after the operation at the time of termination is performed by the control process, the print medium may remain in the conveying path, and after the subsequent power failure, the user performs an operation such as removing the print medium remaining in the conveying path, thereby changing the device state. In this case, if the user's operation is correctly performed after power failure and the printing device 10 is in the initialization state (the state after the initialization process is performed), there will be no problem. However, if an incorrect operation or an incomplete operation is performed, the printing device 10 will fall into an uncertain state.

[0202] To solve this problem, after the control process is completed, the sensor state is stored in the nonvolatile memory 222, and when the post-startup process starts, first, the current sensor state and the sensor state at the end of the control process are compared with each other. Then, in the case where the two sensor states match each other, the post-startup process is executed. In the case where the two sensor states are different, the post-startup process is skipped, and the overall initialization operation including the execution of all initialization operations is performed. Note that the sensor state includes, for example, the sensor 1220 (see FIG. 1 ) that can detect the print medium M. Fig.12 ), the print medium M is respectively arranged near and downstream of the first conveying roller 1204 and the second conveying roller 1214 in the conveying direction. In addition, the sensor status includes the detection result from the sensor 1222 (see Fig.12 ), the sensor 1222 can detect the state in which the driving force of the conveying motor 1208 is transmitted to the box roller 1212 through the switching mechanism 1218. In addition, the sensor state includes a detection result from a sensor (not shown) that can detect the capping of the print head 404 by the cap portion 422.

[0203] (10) One or more embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by a computer of a system or device through a method executed by a computer of the system or device, wherein the computer reads and executes computer executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (also referred to as "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the method, for example, reads and executes computer executable instructions from a storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments and / or controls one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-mentioned embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a memory of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a Blu-ray disk (BD)) TM ), one or more of flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0204] (11) In addition, Figure 5 In the process, for example, a notification prompting the user not to disconnect the USB cable or the external power supply before completing the capping can be issued on the operation panel 208. In addition, the notification can be issued after the printing process is started or after the sheet discharge process is started.

[0205] (12) The above-described embodiments and various configurations described in (1) to (11) above may be combined as appropriate.

[0206] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing device, comprising: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit; a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation for maintaining or recovering inkjet characteristics of the printing unit; as well as A control unit is configured to perform the recovery operation according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit after the power supply from the external power source is stopped.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The recovery unit is a capping portion that performs capping as the recovery operation to protect a nozzle surface in the printing unit where nozzles for ejecting the ink are formed, and The control unit stores the power supplied from the external power source at a predetermined timing so that the capping can be completed after the power supply from the external power source is stopped.

3. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein: The predetermined timing is before a sheet discharge process of discharging the print medium is started, the sheet discharge process being executed after a printing process of performing printing based on a job is finished.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein: The amount of electricity to be stored in the electricity storage unit at the predetermined time includes the amount of electricity required for the sheet discharging process and the amount of electricity required for capping.

5. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein: The predetermined time is before the start of a printing process for executing printing based on the job.

6. The printing device according to claim 5, wherein: The amount of power to be stored in the power storage unit at the predetermined time includes the amount of power required for the printing process, the amount of power required for a sheet discharge process for discharging the print medium performed after the printing process ends, and the amount of power required for capping.

7. The printing device according to claim 4 or 6, wherein: The control unit causes the printing unit to perform preliminary ejection after the sheet discharge process, the preliminary ejection being ink ejection not used for printing, and The amount of electricity to be stored in the power storage unit at the predetermined timing also includes an amount of electricity required for the preparatory injection.

8. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein: The predetermined time is during execution of a printing process for performing printing based on a job.

9. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The recovery unit comprises: a capping portion that performs capping to protect a nozzle surface in the printing unit where nozzles for ejecting the ink are formed; and A maintenance part, which makes the interior of the cover reach a negative pressure by suction, and The control unit: performing the capping using the cap portion and a first operation of discharging the ink from the nozzle by causing the interior of the cap portion to reach a negative pressure in a state where the capping is performed as the recovery operation, and In a case where the power supply from the external power source is stopped, the recovery operation is performed in a manner that the capping is preferentially performed according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit.

10. The printing device according to claim 9, wherein: In a case where the capping and the first operation are performed according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit, the control unit performs the first operation after performing the capping.

11. The printing device according to claim 9, wherein: The maintenance unit also wipes the nozzle surface, and The control unit performs the capping using the cap portion, the first operation, and a second operation of wiping the nozzle surface as the recovery operation.

12. The printing device according to claim 11, wherein: In a case where the capping, the first operation, and the second operation are performed according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit, the control unit performs the capping after performing the first operation and the second operation.

13. The printing device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The control unit changes the number of times the recovery operation is performed using the maintenance section according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit.

14. A printing device, comprising: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit; a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation for maintaining or recovering inkjet characteristics of the printing unit; as well as A control unit is configured to perform an initialization operation of initializing a device state according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit in a case where the power supply from the external power source is stopped.

15. The printing device according to claim 14, wherein: The conveying unit comprises: A feeding roller for feeding the printing medium using a driving force of the driving unit; a conveying roller that conveys the printing medium fed by the feeding roller, the conveying roller conveying the printing medium using the driving force of the driving unit; and a switching unit configured to switch between a transmission state in which the driving force of the driving unit is transmitted to the feed roller and a non-transmission state in which the driving force of the driving unit is not transmitted to the feed roller, The initialization operation includes: an operation of discharging a printing medium using the conveying unit; An operation of switching to the non-transmitting state by using the switching unit; and The operation of the printing unit is capped using the recovery unit.

16. The printing device according to claim 15, wherein: In a case where the initialization operation is performed based on the amount of electricity stored in the power storage unit in response to stopping the power supply from the external power source and the printing device is powered off, and then the printing device is started with power supplied from the external power source, the control unit performs at least one of the initialization operations, and the at least one operation is not included in the initialization operation performed when the power is turned off.

17. The printing device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: In the initialization operation to be performed according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit, the capping operation is preferentially performed.

18. The printing device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The initialization operation is performed after the printing medium is conveyed to the position according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit, if the printing medium is not in a position that cannot be conveyed by the conveying roller when the power supply from the external power source is stopped.

19. The printing device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: When the device state when the printing device is started with power supplied from the external power supply does not match the device state when the initialization operation is performed based on the amount of power stored in the power storage unit in response to stopping the power supply from the external power supply and the printing device is powered off, the control unit performs all operations in the initialization operation.

20. A method for controlling a printing device, wherein: The printing device comprises: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit; and a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation for maintaining or recovering the ink jetting characteristics of the printing unit, The method includes performing the recovery operation according to the amount of power stored in the power storage unit after the power supply from the external power source is stopped.

21. A method for controlling a printing device, wherein: The printing device comprises: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit; and a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation for maintaining or recovering the ink jetting characteristics of the printing unit, The method includes performing an initialization operation of initializing a device state according to an amount of power stored in the power storage unit in a case where power supply from the external power source is stopped.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method, wherein: The control method is a method for controlling a printing device, and the printing device comprises: a connection unit configured to be connected to an external power source; a power storage unit configured to store power supplied from the external power source through the connection unit; a printing unit configured to perform printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit; and a recovery unit configured to perform a recovery operation for maintaining or recovering the ink jetting characteristics of the printing unit, The control method includes performing an initialization operation of initializing a device state according to an amount of power stored in the power storage unit in a case where power supply from the external power source is stopped.

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