Inkjet recording apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a multifunction machine (10) that performs image recording on a sheet (12) by jetting ink onto the sheet. A multifunction machine (10) includes: a recording head (38) including a nozzle (39) that ejects ink; a carriage (40) that supports the recording head (38); a storage unit (80) that stores ink and is supported by the carriage (40) at a position above the nozzle (39); a valve (89) capable of moving between an open position at which an air communication port (88) for communicating the inside and the outside of the reservoir (80) is opened and a closed position at which the air communication port (88) is closed; a solenoid (93) that moves the valve (89); a state sensor that detects the state of the multifunctional machine (10) and outputs a detection signal on the basis of the detection result; and a controller (130) that controls the solenoid (93) to move the valve (89) to the closed position when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the multifunctional machine (10) on the basis of the detection signal.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 2021800237960, application date March 26, 2021, and invention name “Inkjet recording device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink onto the recording medium. Background Art

[0003] In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with a recording head, a meniscus that is concave as viewed from the outside is formed in each nozzle of the recording head, thereby stabilizing ink ejection.

[0004] In an inkjet recording device, ink is supplied to a recording head from an ink storage section provided in a carriage on which the recording head is mounted, and a concave meniscus is formed in each nozzle by setting the interior of the ink storage section to a negative pressure. However, an excessively high negative pressure may cause the meniscus to rupture. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the negative pressure inside the ink storage section within an appropriate pressure range.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-94658 discloses a printer including a valve. When the negative pressure level in the ink storage section becomes large, the valve is opened to introduce air into the interior of the ink storage section. When the introduction of air returns the negative pressure level to within an appropriate pressure range, the valve is closed. In this way, in the printer disclosed above, the valve is automatically opened and closed according to the negative pressure level inside the ink storage section, thereby maintaining the negative pressure inside within an appropriate range.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-94658 Summary of the invention

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned conventional inkjet recording apparatus, when the nozzle contacts the recording medium, the ink may penetrate into the recording medium from the nozzle, resulting in ink leakage. Such contact may occur when the recording medium is stuck in the inkjet recording apparatus during image recording on the recording medium. Ink leakage causes the amount of ink in the ink storage section to decrease, which causes the pressure in the ink storage section to decrease (the negative pressure level to increase). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the ink from penetrating into the recording medium.

[0008] However, in the printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, the valve is temporarily opened in response to a decrease in the internal pressure (increase in the negative pressure level), thereby returning the pressure level in the ink storage portion to within an appropriate pressure range. As a result, the penetration of the ink in the nozzle into the recording medium is accelerated again. Therefore, in the printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, once the penetration of the ink into the recording medium occurs, the ink may leak endlessly.

[0009] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording apparatus capable of reducing ink leakage from nozzles.

[0010] In order to achieve the above and other purposes, the present invention provides an inkjet recording device, which is configured to record an image on a recording medium by spraying ink onto the recording medium, and the inkjet recording device includes: a recording head, including a nozzle, and the nozzle is configured to spray ink onto the recording medium; a supporting member, supporting the recording head; a storage portion, which is configured to store ink in the storage portion, and the storage portion has a portion located above the nozzle, and the storage portion has an air communication port that connects the interior of the storage portion with the exterior of the storage portion; a valve capable of moving between an open position and a closed position, in which the valve opens the air communication port and in which the valve closes the air communication port; an actuator, which is configured to move the valve; a state sensor, which is configured to detect the state of the inkjet recording device and output a detection signal based on the detected state; and a controller. The controller is configured to perform: processing a, determining whether the inkjet recording device has an abnormality based on the detection signal; and processing b, controlling the actuator to move the valve from the open position to the closed position when it is determined in processing a that the inkjet recording device has an abnormality.

[0011] According to the above structure, when the inkjet recording device enters an abnormal state such as a recording medium jam, the valve moves to the closed position. Therefore, even if the recording medium contacts the nozzle and the ink seeps into the recording medium from the nozzle, the negative pressure level in the storage portion increases as the ink seeps, so that the ink seeps.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce ink leakage from the nozzles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multifunction machine 10 according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the printer unit 11 .

[0015] Figure 3 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the platen 42 and the recording unit 24 cut along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction 8 , and shows a state where the carriage 40 is located at the maintenance position and the cover 70 is located at the covering position.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the platen 42 and the recording unit 24 cut along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction 8 , and shows a state in which the carriage 40 is located at the maintenance position and the cover 70 is located at the separated position.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the platen 42 and the recording unit 24 cut along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction 8 , and shows a state where the carriage 40 is located above the medium passage area 36 and the cover 70 is located at the separated position.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a functional block diagram of the multifunction machine 10.

[0019] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the opening and closing control of the valve 89 .

[0020] Figure 8 : is a flowchart showing error processing performed in the multifunction machine 10.

[0021] Fig. 9 1 is a partial flowchart showing image recording control in the multifunction machine 10.

[0022] Fig.10 is a flowchart showing the remaining portion of the image recording control in the multifunction machine 10.

[0023] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing error processing performed in a modification of the embodiment.

[0024] Fig.12 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the recording unit 24 cut along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction 8 in another modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following describes a multifunction machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the directions indicated by the arrows in the accompanying drawings are used as front, rear, up, down, left, and right. In addition, the two directions indicated by two arrows opposite to each other are referred to as the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-back direction. The up-down direction 7 is based on the state in which the multifunction machine 10 is placed to be usable ( Figure 1 The front-to-back direction 8 is defined as the front surface 23 formed with the opening 13 (described later) being located on the front side of the multifunction machine 10. The left-right direction 9 is defined based on viewing the multifunction machine 10 from the front side. The up-down direction 7, the front-to-back direction 8, and the left-right direction 9 are perpendicular to each other.

[0026] <Overall Structure of Multifunction Machine 10>

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the multifunction machine 10 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 14. A printer unit 11 is provided at the bottom of the housing 14. The multifunction machine 10 has various functions such as a fax function and a printing function. As a printing function, the multifunction machine 10 has a function of printing on a sheet 12 (see FIG. 1 ) by an inkjet recording method. Figure 2) on one side. The multifunction machine 10 may also be a type that records images on both sides of the sheet 12. The multifunction machine 10 is an example of an inkjet recording device. The sheet 12 is an example of a recording medium.

[0028] The operation unit 17 is provided at the upper portion of the housing 14. The operation unit 17 includes: buttons that can be operated to instruct image recording and various settings; and a liquid crystal display for displaying various information. In this embodiment, the operation unit 17 is composed of a touch panel that has both button and liquid crystal display functions. The operation unit 17 is an example of a receiving unit.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the printer section 11 includes a sheet tray 20, a sheet feeding unit 16, an outer guide member 18, an inner guide member 19, a conveying roller pair 59, a discharge roller pair 44, a platen 42, a recording unit 24, a cover 70 ( Figure 3 )、Solenoid valve 92( Figure 3 )、sheet sensor 120、rotary encoder 75 ( Figure 6 )、Controller 130( Figure 6 ) and memory 140( Figure 6 ). They are located inside the housing 14. In addition, on the inner side of the housing 14, various state sensors for detecting the state of the multifunction machine 10 and outputting signals according to the detection results are provided. The state sensors in this embodiment include a placement sensor 30, a tray sensor 110, a cover sensor 150, an encoder 35, and a sheet sensor 120. However, the state sensors are not limited thereto, and sensors used in known multifunction machines can also be used as state sensors.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the placement sensor 30 is located on the lower surface 14A of the housing 14. The placement sensor 30 is used to detect whether the multifunction machine 10 is placed. That is, the placement sensor 30 is used to detect the placement state of the multifunction machine 10. As the placement sensor 30, various known sensors can be used.

[0031] When the multifunction machine 10 is placed (put on) a table or the like, the lower surface 14A of the housing 14 and the placement sensor 30 located on the lower surface 14A are in contact with the upper surface of the table. At this time, the placement sensor 30 outputs one of a high-level signal and a low-level signal to the controller 130. In the present embodiment, the placement sensor 30 outputs a high-level signal to the controller 130 when the multifunction machine 10 is placed. The upper surface of a table or the like is an example of a placement surface. The high-level signal from the placement sensor 30 is an example of a placement signal and also an example of a detection signal.

[0032] On the other hand, when the multifunction machine 10 is separated from the upper surface of the table due to, for example, the user lifting the multifunction machine 10, the lower surface 14A and the placement sensor 30 are out of contact with the upper surface of the table (i.e., not in contact). At this time, the placement sensor 30 outputs the other of the high-level signal and the low-level signal to the controller 130. In the present embodiment, the placement sensor 30 outputs a low-level signal when the multifunction machine 10 is not placed. The low-level signal from the placement sensor 30 is an example of a non-placement signal and also an example of a detection signal.

[0033] <Sheet tray 20>

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the opening 13 is formed on the front surface 23 of the printer section 11. The sheet tray 20 can be moved in the front-rear direction 8 through the opening 13, so that the sheet tray 20 can be inserted into and removed from the housing 14. More specifically, the sheet tray 20 can be installed in a sheet feeding position (such as a sheet feeding position) in the housing 14. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sheet tray 20 moves between a position in which the sheet tray 20 is moved from the housing 14 and a non-sheet feeding position in which the sheet tray 20 is moved from the housing 14. The sheet tray 20 moves to the sheet feeding position by being inserted backward relative to the housing 14. The sheet tray 20 moves to the non-sheet feeding position by being pulled forward from the housing 14. The sheet tray 20 is an example of a tray.

[0035] The sheet tray 20 is in the shape of a box having an opening at the upper end, and is configured to accommodate the sheets 12 therein. Figure 2 As shown, the sheets 12 are supported in a stacked state on the bottom plate 22 of the sheet tray 20. The discharge tray 21 is located above the front portion of the sheet tray 20. The sheets 12 on which the images are recorded by the recording unit 24 are discharged from the recording unit 24 and then supported on the upper surface of the discharge tray 21.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, in a state where the sheet tray 20 is located at the sheet feeding position, the sheets 12 supported on the sheet tray 20 can be conveyed to the sheet conveying path 65 .

[0037] The tray sensor 110 is located at the rear lower part of the housing 14. The tray sensor 110 is supported by the lower wall 141 of the housing 14. The tray sensor 110 is used to detect whether the sheet tray 20 is located at the sheet feeding position. As the tray sensor 110, various known tray sensors can be used. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the disk sensor 110 of this embodiment includes a shaft 111, a detection probe 112, and an optical sensor 113. The detection probe can rotate around the axis of the shaft 111. The optical sensor 113 has a light emitting element and a light receiving element for receiving light emitted from the light emitting element.

[0038] When the sheet tray 20 is not located at the sheet feeding position, the detection probe 112 is in the Figure 2 . At this time, the upper portion of the detection probe 112 is located in the space where the rear end portion of the sheet tray 20 is located when the sheet tray 20 is located at the sheet feeding position. The detection probe 112 deviates from the optical path extending from the light emitting element to the light receiving element, and thus, the detection probe 112 allows light to pass through the optical path. Therefore, a high level signal is output from the optical sensor 113 to the controller 130. The detection probe 112 is pushed toward Figure 2 The high level signal from the optical sensor 113 of the disk sensor 110 is an example of a signal that cannot be supplied, and is also an example of a detection signal.

[0039] When the sheet tray 20 is inserted into the housing 14 and moves from the non-sheet feeding position to the sheet feeding position, the rear end portion of the sheet tray 20 pushes the detection probe 112 backward. Figure 2 The position shown by the dotted line in the figure is rotated to the position shown by the solid line. As a result, the upper rear end of the detection probe 112 enters the optical path and blocks the light. Therefore, a low-level signal is output from the optical sensor 113 to the controller 130. The low-level signal from the optical sensor 113 of the disk sensor 110 is an example of a signal that can be supplied and is also an example of a detection signal.

[0040] <Sheet Feeding Unit 16>

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the sheet feeding unit 16 is located below the recording unit 24 and above the bottom plate 22 of the sheet tray 20. The sheet feeding unit 16 includes a sheet feeding roller 25, a sheet feeding arm 26, a power transmission mechanism 27, and a shaft 28. The sheet feeding roller 25 is rotatably supported by the head end of the sheet feeding arm 26. The sheet feeding arm 26 has a base end at which the shaft 28 is located. The sheet feeding arm 26 can rotate around the axis of the shaft 28 in the direction indicated by the arrow 29. Therefore, the sheet feeding roller 25 can contact and separate from the sheet tray 20 or the uppermost sheet 12 among the plurality of sheets supported on the sheet tray 20.

[0042] The power transmission mechanism 27 includes a gear train (a plurality of gears) and is configured to transmit the sheet feeding motor 102 (see Figure 6 ) is transmitted to the sheet feeding roller 25, thereby rotating the sheet feeding roller 25. When the sheet feeding roller 25 rotates, the sheet 12 located on the uppermost side and in contact with the sheet feeding roller 25 among the plurality of sheets supported on the sheet tray 20 is conveyed to the sheet conveying path 65. The power transmission mechanism 27 may also include a belt wound around the shaft 28 and the shaft of the sheet feeding roller 25 instead of the gear train.

[0043] <Sheet Conveying Path 65>

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the sheet conveying passage 65 extends from the rear end of the sheet tray 20. The sheet conveying passage 65 includes a curved portion 33 and a straight portion 34. The curved portion 33 is U-shaped, extending obliquely upward and rearward, and then extending forward. The straight portion 34 extends substantially in the front-rear direction 8.

[0045] The curved portion 33 is defined by the outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 facing each other and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 extend in the left-right direction 9. A portion of the straight portion 34 is defined by the recording unit 24 and the platen 42 facing each other by a predetermined interval.

[0046] The sheet 12 supported by the sheet tray 20 is conveyed by the sheet supply roller 25 along the curved portion 33 and reaches the conveying roller pair 59. Then, the sheet 12 is clamped by the conveying roller pair 59 and conveyed forward along the straight portion 34 toward the recording unit 24. After the sheet 12 reaches the position directly below the recording unit 24, the image is recorded on the sheet 12 by the recording unit 24. Then, the sheet 12 with the image recorded is conveyed forward along the straight portion 34 and discharged onto the discharge tray 21. Thus, the sheet 12 is conveyed forward along the straight portion 34 and discharged onto the discharge tray 21. Figure 2 The conveying direction 15 is shown by the single-dot chain line in FIG.

[0047] <Movable cover 145>

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the movable cover 145 is supported by the rear wall 142 of the housing 14 so as to be rotatable about the axis of a shaft 145A extending in the left-right direction 9. The shaft 145A is located at the lower end of the movable cover 145. However, the position of the shaft 145A is not limited thereto. The movable cover 145 is an example of a movable cover.

[0049] The movable cover 145 can be respectively Figure 2 The outer guide member 18 is mounted on the movable cover 145. That is, the outer guide member 18 can rotate integrally with the movable cover 145. The outer guide member 18 forms the curved portion 33 when the movable cover 145 is in the closed position. At this time, the curved portion 33 is separated from the outside of the housing 14. When the movable cover 145 is in the open position, the curved portion 33 is exposed to the outside of the housing 14. Therefore, it is convenient for the user to remove the sheet stuck in the sheet conveying path 65.

[0050] The cover sensor 150 is located at the rear upper inner part of the housing 14. The cover sensor 150 is supported by a frame (not shown in the figure) of the housing 14. The cover sensor 150 is configured to detect the position of the movable cover 145. As the cover sensor 150, a known cover sensor can be used. The cover sensor 150 in the present embodiment includes, for example, a shaft 151, a detection probe 152 that can rotate around the axis of the shaft 151, and an optical sensor 153. The optical sensor 153 has a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the light receiving element is used to receive light emitted from the light emitting element.

[0051] When the movable cover 145 is in the open position, the detection probe 152 is Figure 2 . At this time, the head end of the detection probe 152 is located in the space where the upper part of the movable cover 145 is located when the movable cover 145 is in the closed position. The detection probe 152 deviates from the optical path extending from the light emitting element to the light receiving element, and therefore, the detection probe 152 allows light to pass through the optical path. Therefore, a high-level signal is output from the optical sensor 153 to the controller 130. The high-level signal from the optical sensor 153 of the cover sensor 150 is an example of an opening signal and also an example of a detection signal.

[0052] When the movable cover 145 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the rear end of the movable cover 145 pushes the detection probe 152 forward. Figure 2 The position shown by the dotted line in the figure is rotated to the position shown by the solid line. As a result, the head end of the detection probe 152 enters the optical path and blocks the light. Therefore, a low-level signal is output from the optical sensor 153 to the controller 130. Although the detection probe 152 is pulled toward the light path by its own gravity in this embodiment, Figure 2 However, other methods can also be used to apply force to the detection probe 152 toward Figure 2 For example, a spring may be used to force the detection probe 152 toward Figure 2 The low level signal from the optical sensor 153 of the cover sensor 150 is an example of a closing signal and also an example of a detection signal.

[0053] The movable cover 145 can be moved between the closed position and the open position by other movements besides rotation. For example, the movable cover 145 can slide upward from the closed position to the open position. Alternatively, a structure in which the movable cover 145 can be installed and removed relative to the housing 14 can be adopted. In this case, the closed position is set by installing the movable cover 145 on the housing 14, and the open position is set by removing the movable cover 145 from the housing 14.

[0054] <Conveying Roller Pair 59 and Ejecting Roller Pair 44>

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the transport roller pair 59 is located on the straight portion 34 . The discharge roller pair 44 is located on the straight portion 34 and downstream of the transport roller pair 59 in the transport direction 15 .

[0056] The conveying roller pair 59 includes a conveying roller 60 and a pinch roller 61 located below and facing the conveying roller 60. The pinch roller 61 is urged toward the conveying roller 60 by an elastic member such as a coil spring (not shown). The conveying roller pair 59 is configured to sandwich the sheet 12 between the conveying roller 60 and the pinch roller 61.

[0057] The discharge roller pair 44 includes a discharge roller 62 and a spur roller 63 located above and facing the discharge roller 62. The spur roller 63 is urged toward the discharge roller 62 by an elastic member such as a coil spring (not shown). The discharge roller pair 44 is configured to sandwich the sheet 12 between the discharge roller 62 and the spur roller 63.

[0058] The conveying roller 60 and the discharge roller 62 receive the electric current from the conveying motor 101 (see Figure 6 ) is driven to rotate. When the conveying roller 60 rotates in a state where the sheet 12 is clamped by the conveying roller pair 59, the sheet 12 is conveyed to the pressure plate 42 along the conveying direction 15 by the conveying roller pair 59. In addition, when the discharge roller 62 rotates in a state where the sheet 12 is clamped by the discharge roller pair 44, the sheet 12 is conveyed along the conveying direction 15 by the discharge roller pair 44 and discharged onto the discharge tray 21. A single common motor can be used as both the conveying motor 101 and the sheet feeding motor 102. In this case, the power transmission path from the common motor to each of the conveying roller 60 and the discharge roller 62 can be switched.

[0059] Instead of rollers such as the conveying roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44 , a conveying belt may be used to convey the sheet 12 .

[0060] <Press plate 42>

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the platen 42 is located at the straight portion 34 of the sheet conveying path 65. The platen 42 faces the recording unit 24 in the up-down direction 7. The platen 42 is configured to support the sheet 12 conveyed along the sheet conveying path 65 from below.

[0062] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, a medium passage area 36 is provided between left and right edges of the platen 42 in the left-right direction 9 . The sheet 12 conveyed along the sheet conveying path 65 passes through the medium passage area 36 .

[0063] <Recording Unit 24>

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the recording unit 24 is located above the platen 42, facing the platen 42. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 40, a recording head 38, and a storage portion 80. The carriage 40 is an example of a supporting member.

[0065] The carriage 40 is supported by the guide rails 56 and 57 so as to be movable in the left-right direction 9 perpendicular to the conveying direction 15. The left-right direction 9 is an example of a scanning direction. The guide rails 56 and 57 are separated from each other in the front-rear direction 8 and extend in the left-right direction 9. The carriage 40 can move between a right position of the medium passing area 36 and a left position of the medium passing area 36. The moving direction of the carriage 40 is not limited to the left-right direction 9, and may be a direction intersecting the conveying direction 15.

[0066] The guide rail 56 is located upstream of the recording head 38 in the conveying direction 15, and the guide rail 57 is located downstream of the recording head 38 in the conveying direction 15. The guide rails 56 and 57 are supported by a pair of side frames (not shown) located outside the straight portion 34 of the sheet conveying path 65 in the left-right direction 9. The carriage 40 receives a signal from the carriage drive motor 103 (see Figure 6 )’s driving force.

[0067] Encoder 35 (refer to Figure 6 ) includes an encoder bar and an optical sensor. The encoder bar is located on one of the guide rails 56, 57. The encoder bar extends in the left-right direction 9 and has a pattern in which light transmission parts and light blocking parts are alternately arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction 9. The optical sensor is arranged at a position facing the encoder bar of the carriage 40. The optical sensor is used to detect the light transmission part and the light blocking part, thereby generating a pulse signal. The generated pulse signal is a signal for identifying the position of the carriage 40 in the left-right direction 9. The generated pulse signal is output to the controller 130 ( Figure 6 ). The pulse signal from the optical sensor of the encoder 35 is an example of a position signal and also an example of a detection signal.

[0068] The recording head 38 is supported by the carriage 40. The recording head 38 has a lower surface 68 exposed downward and facing the platen 42. The recording head 38 includes a plurality of nozzles 39, ink channels 37, and a piezoelectric element 45 (see Figure 6 ).

[0069] A plurality of nozzles 39 are opened in the lower surface 68 of the recording head 38. The recording head 38 connects the reservoir 80 to the plurality of nozzles 39. Each piezoelectric element 45 is configured to deform a portion of the ink channel 37 so as to eject ink droplets downward from the corresponding nozzle 39. The piezoelectric element 45 is driven when power is supplied controlled by the controller 130.

[0070] The reservoir 80 is mounted on and supported by the carriage 40. The reservoir 80 has an internal space 81 capable of storing ink. In the present embodiment, the recording unit 24 includes a single reservoir 80 storing black ink. The color of the ink stored in the reservoir 80 is not limited.

[0071] The storage portion 80 is located above the recording head 38. In the present embodiment, the entire storage portion 80 is located above the recording head 38. However, as an alternative, a portion of the storage portion 80 may be located above the recording head 38, and the rest of the storage portion 80 may be lower than the recording head 38 or flush with the recording head 38.

[0072] The internal space 81 of the reservoir 80 communicates with the plurality of nozzles 39 through the ink passage 37. Therefore, ink can be supplied from the internal space 81 to the nozzles 39.

[0073] The reservoir 80 has an upper wall 82 formed with an ink inlet 83 for injecting ink into the internal space 81. The ink inlet 83 penetrates the upper wall 82 in the thickness direction, thereby communicating the internal space 81 with the outside of the reservoir 80.

[0074] The protruding wall 84 surrounding the ink inlet 83 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper wall 82. The ink inlet 83 is closed by fitting the cap 85 to the protruding wall 84. The ink inlet 83 is exposed to the outside by removing the cap 85 from the protruding wall 84. In this state, an ink bottle (not shown in the figure) can be inserted into the ink inlet 83, and ink can be injected from the ink bottle into the internal space 81 through the ink inlet 83, thereby replenishing the ink to the storage portion 80. The position of the ink inlet 83 is not limited as long as the ink inlet 83 is located at a position where the ink inlet 83 can communicate the upper part of the internal space 81 with the outside.

[0075] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the storage portion 80 has a side wall 87 formed with an air communication port 88. The air communication port 88 is configured to provide communication between the internal space 81 of the storage portion 80 and the outside thereof. A solenoid valve 92 is located adjacent to the air communication port 88. A known solenoid valve can be used as the solenoid valve 92. For example, the solenoid valve 92 includes a valve 89 and a solenoid 93 for moving the valve 89. The solenoid 93 is an example of an actuator.

[0076] The solenoid 93 is supported by a support portion 94 provided on the side wall 87. The valve 89 is supported by the solenoid 93 so as to be movable in the left-right direction 9 relative to the solenoid 93. When current flows through the coil in the solenoid 93, the valve 89 moves inward in the left-right direction 9 relative to the solenoid 93.

[0077] like Figure 3As shown by the solid line in FIG, when the valve 89 protrudes to the left relative to the solenoid 93, the valve 89 is located in a closed position where the valve 89 abuts against the air communication port 88 to close the air communication port 88. Figure 3 As shown by the dotted line in , when the protruding length of the valve 89 from the solenoid 93 is shorter than the protruding length when the valve 89 is in the closed position, the valve 89 is in the open position where the valve 89 is separated from the air communication port 88 and the air communication port 88 is opened.

[0078] <Cover 70>

[0079] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the cover 70 is located outside the pressure plate 42 in the left-right direction 9 (in this embodiment, on the right side of the pressure plate 42). That is, the cover 70 is located outside the medium passage area 36 in the left-right direction 9. In the maintenance position where the carriage 40 is located on the right side of the medium passage area 36 (that is, Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the state (the position shown in FIG. 1 ), the cap 70 is located below the carriage 40 and faces the carriage 40 (more specifically, the cap 70 faces the nozzles 39 of the recording head 38).

[0080] The cover 70 is in the shape of a box with an open top. The cover 70 is made of an elastic member such as rubber. The cover 70 is supported by the frame 46 through a known movable mechanism 71 and is moved by a cover driving motor 104 (see Figure 6 ) applies driving force to the movable mechanism 71, so that the cover 70 can move in the up-down direction. The frame 46 is located on the right side of the pressure plate 42 and is a plate-like member extending in the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9. The movable mechanism 71 includes, for example, a ball screw or a cam.

[0081] Cover 70 can be Figure 3 The coverage positions shown and Figure 4 The cover 70 is moved up and down between the separated positions shown. Figure 3 In the state of the covering position shown, the upper end of the cap 70 is in pressure contact with the lower surface 68 of the recording head 38 from below. Therefore, in this state, the plurality of nozzles 39 opened in the lower surface 68 are covered from below by the cap 70. The separation position is located below the covering position. The cap 70 located at the separation position is separated from the lower surface 68 of the recording head 38.

[0082] The cover 70 has a bottom wall formed with a through hole 72. One end of the through hole 72 opens at the bottom surface 70A of the cover 70, and the other end is connected to one end of a tube 73. The other end of the tube 73 is connected to a waste ink tank (not shown) through a pump (not shown in the figure). The tube 73 is made of resin and has flexibility.

[0083] When the cap 70 is in the covering position to cover the nozzle 39, the ink and foreign matter in the nozzle 39 are sucked by the action of the pump and discharged toward the cap 70. The discharged ink and foreign matter are received by the cap 70, sucked into the tube 73, and discharged to the waste ink tank through the tube 73.

[0084] <Sheet Sensor 120>

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, the sheet sensor 120 is located in the sheet conveying passage 65, upstream of the conveying roller pair 59 in the conveying direction 15. The sheet sensor 120 is configured to detect whether the sheet 12 exists at the setting position of the sheet sensor 120 (that is, the position where the sheet sensor 120 is set). A known sheet sensor can be used as the sheet sensor 120. In the present embodiment, the sheet sensor 120 includes, for example, a shaft 121, a detection probe 122 that can rotate about the axis of the shaft 121, and an optical sensor 123. The optical sensor 123 has a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the light receiving element is used to receive light emitted from the light emitting element. The sheet sensor 120 is an example of a media sensor.

[0086] One end portion of the detection probe 122 protrudes to the sheet conveying path 65. The other end portion of the detection probe 122 is configured to be able to enter and exit the optical path extending from the light emitting element to the light receiving element.

[0087] When no external force is applied to one end of the detection probe 122, Figure 2 As shown by the solid line in FIG, the other end of the detection probe 122 is located in the optical path, blocking the light emitted from the light emitting element. At this time, a low-level signal is output from the optical sensor 123 to the controller 130. The low-level signal from the optical sensor 123 of the sheet sensor 120 is an example of a medium-absent signal and also an example of a detection signal.

[0088] When the leading end of the sheet 12 pushes one end of the detection probe 122 during the conveyance of the sheet 12, the detection probe 122 rotates, and the other end of the detection probe 122 exits from the optical path (such as Figure 2 120 is an example of a medium presence signal and an example of a detection signal.

[0089] The sheet sensor 120 may be located in the sheet conveying path 65 and downstream of the discharge roller pair 44 in the conveying direction 15. Alternatively, two sheet sensors 120 may be provided in the sheet conveying path 65: one located upstream of the conveying roller pair 59 in the conveying direction 15 and the other located downstream of the discharge roller pair 44 in the conveying direction 15.

[0090] <Rotary encoder 75>

[0091] Rotary encoder 75( Figure 6 ) includes: an encoding disk, which is arranged on the conveying motor 101 ( Figure 6 ) on an axis of the encoder 75 and capable of rotating together with the axis; and an optical sensor. The encoder disk is formed with a pattern in which light transmitting portions and light blocking portions are alternately arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the encoder disk. When the encoder disk rotates, the optical sensor detects the light transmitting portions and the light blocking portions, thereby generating a pulse signal. The generated pulse signal is output from the optical sensor of the rotary encoder 75 to the controller 130. The controller 130 calculates the rotation amount of the conveying motor 101 based on the output pulse signal. In addition to providing the rotary encoder 75 for the conveying motor 101, a rotary encoder may also be provided for, for example, the sheet feeding motor 102 and the conveying roller 60. The pulse signal from the optical sensor of the rotary encoder 75 is an example of a detection signal.

[0092] <Controller 130 and Memory 140>

[0093] The following will refer to Figure 6 The controller 130 and the memory 140 are described in detail. The features of the present invention are realized by the controller 130 executing processing according to the flowchart described later. The controller 130 is configured to control the overall operation of the multifunction machine 10.

[0094] The controller 130 includes a CPU 131 and an ASIC 135. The memory 140 includes a ROM 132, a RAM 133, and an EEPROM 134. The CPU 131, the ASIC 135, the ROM 132, the RAM 133, and the EEPROM 134 are connected to each other via an internal bus 137.

[0095] The ROM 132 stores therein programs for the CPU 131 to execute to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily storing data and signals used when the CPU 131 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores settings, flags, etc. that are retained after the power is turned off.

[0096] The ASIC 135 is connected to the conveying motor 101, the sheet feeding motor 102, the carriage driving motor 103, and the cover driving motor 104. The driving circuit for controlling the corresponding motor is included in the ASIC 135. The CPU 131 is configured to output a driving signal for rotating the motor to the corresponding driving circuit. Each driving circuit is configured to output a driving current based on the driving signal obtained from the CPU 131 to the corresponding motor, thereby rotating the corresponding motor.

[0097] That is, the controller 130 controls the sheet feeding motor 102 to control the sheet feeding unit 16 to feed the sheet 12. The controller 130 controls the conveying motor 101 to control the conveying roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44 to convey the sheet 12. The controller 130 controls the carriage driving motor 103 to move the carriage 40. In addition, the controller 130 controls the cover driving motor 104 to drive the movable mechanism 71 to move the cover 70.

[0098] The ASIC 135 is also connected to the placement sensor 30. When the controller 130 obtains a high-level signal from the placement sensor 30, the controller 130 determines (detects) that the multifunction machine 10 is placed on a placement surface such as the upper surface of a table. On the other hand, when the controller 130 obtains a low-level signal from the placement sensor 30, the controller 130 determines (detects) that the multifunction machine 10 is not placed on the placement surface, for example, the multifunction machine 10 is lifted from the placement surface.

[0099] Furthermore, the ASIC 135 is connected to the tray sensor 110. In the case where the controller 130 obtains a low-level signal from the tray sensor 110, the controller 130 determines (detects) that the sheet tray 20 is located at the sheet feeding position. On the other hand, in the case where the controller 130 obtains a high-level signal from the tray sensor 110, the controller 130 determines (detects) that the sheet tray 20 is not located at the sheet feeding position.

[0100] In addition, the ASIC 135 is connected to the cover sensor 150. When the controller 130 obtains a low-level signal from the cover sensor 150, the controller 130 determines (detects) that the movable cover 145 is located in the closed position. On the other hand, when the controller 130 obtains a high-level signal from the cover sensor 150, the controller 130 determines (detects) that the movable cover 145 is located in the open position.

[0101] Furthermore, the ASIC 135 is connected to the sheet sensor 120. In the case where the controller 130 obtains a high-level signal from the sheet sensor 120, the controller 130 determines (detects) that the sheet 12 exists at the setting position of the sheet sensor 120. On the other hand, in the case where the controller 130 obtains a low-level signal from the sheet sensor 120, the controller 130 determines (detects) that the sheet 12 does not exist at the setting position of the sheet sensor 120.

[0102] Furthermore, the ASIC 135 is connected to the optical sensor of the rotary encoder 75. Based on the pulse signal (electrical signal) received from the optical sensor of the rotary encoder 75, the controller 130 calculates the rotation amount of the conveying motor 101.

[0103] The controller 130 calculates (identifies) the position of the sheet 12 based on the rotation amount of the conveying motor 101 counted from the moment when the pulse signal received from the sheet sensor 120 changes from a low level signal to a high level signal (i.e., from the moment when the leading end of the sheet 12 is detected to reach the setting position of the sheet sensor 120).

[0104] Furthermore, the ASIC 135 is connected to the encoder 35. Based on the pulse signal (electrical signal) received from the encoder 35, the controller 130 recognizes the position of the carriage 40 and determines whether the carriage 40 is moving.

[0105] In addition, the ASIC 135 is connected to the piezoelectric element 45. The piezoelectric element 45 is driven by supplying power from a driving circuit (not shown) under the control of the controller 130. The controller 130 controls the power supply to the piezoelectric element 45 so that the nozzle 39 ejects ink droplets. More specifically, the controller 130 supplies power to one or more piezoelectric elements 45 corresponding to one or more selected nozzles among the plurality of nozzles 39, so that the selected one or more nozzles eject ink droplets.

[0106] Furthermore, the ASIC 135 is connected to the solenoid 93. The controller 130 controls the supply of current to the coil of the solenoid 93, thereby causing the valve 89 to move.

[0107] The controller 130 alternately performs a conveying process and a printing process for recording an image on the sheet 12. The conveying process is a process for controlling the conveying roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44 to convey the sheet 12 by a predetermined line feed amount. The controller 130 performs control by controlling the conveying motor 101, the conveying roller pair 59, and the discharge roller pair 44 to perform the conveying process.

[0108] The printing process is a process in which the controller 130 controls the supply of power to the piezoelectric element 45 while moving the carriage 40 in the left-right direction 9 so that the recording head 38 ejects ink droplets from the nozzle 39. In the printing process, the carriage 40 is located in the medium passing area 36, ​​facing the platen 42, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 shown.

[0109] The controller 130 temporarily stops conveying the sheet 12 for a predetermined time between the previous conveying process and the next conveying process. During the stop of the sheet 12, the printing process is performed. That is, in the printing process, the controller 130 performs a pass operation of ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle 39 while moving the carriage 40 to the right or left. Therefore, an image is recorded on the sheet 12 in an amount corresponding to the pass operation.

[0110] The controller 130 repeatedly performs the conveying process and the printing process alternately, thereby performing image recording on the entire image recordable area of ​​the sheet 12. That is, the controller 130 performs the passing operation a plurality of times, thereby recording the image on the sheet 12.

[0111] The controller 130 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. For example, the controller 130 may be a structure in which only the CPU 131 performs various processes, a structure in which only the ASIC 135 performs various processes, or a structure in which the CPU 131 and the ASIC 135 cooperate with each other to perform various processes. In addition, the controller 130 may be a structure in which a single CPU 131 performs a process alone, or a structure in which a plurality of CPUs 131 share the processing. The controller 130 may also be a structure in which a single ASIC 135 performs a process alone, or a structure in which a plurality of ASICs 135 share the processing.

[0112] <Opening and Closing Control of Valve 89 by Controller 130>

[0113] In the printer section 11 configured as described above, the controller 130 performs opening and closing control on the valve 89. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The flowchart shown illustrates the opening and closing control of the valve 89.

[0114] When there is no abnormality in the multi-function machine 10, the valve 89 is in the Figure 3 The open position is shown by the dotted line in FIG. When the valve 89 is in the open position, the internal space 81 is connected to the atmosphere, so the pressure in the internal space 81 is equal to the atmospheric pressure.

[0115] like Figure 7As shown, the controller 130 repeatedly performs the processing of steps S10 to S30 at a predetermined time interval (e.g., several milliseconds). That is, the controller 130 refers to the signal acquired from the placement sensor 30 (S10), refers to the signal acquired from the tray sensor 110 (S20), and refers to the signal acquired from the cover sensor 150 (S30). Steps S10 to S30 may be performed in any order, or may be performed in parallel.

[0116] In the case where the controller 130 obtains a high-level signal from the placement sensor 30 (S10: No), the controller 130 determines that the multifunction machine 10 is in a normal state because the multifunction machine 10 is placed on a placement surface such as the upper surface of a table. On the other hand, in the case where the controller 130 obtains a low-level signal from the placement sensor 30 (S10: Yes), the controller 130 determines that the multifunction machine 10 is in an abnormal state. This is because, in this case, the multifunction machine 10 is not placed on the placement surface (for example, the multifunction machine 10 is lifted from the placement surface). When it is determined in S10 that the multifunction machine 10 is in an abnormal state, in S40, the controller 130 performs error processing, that is, processing performed in an abnormality (described later).

[0117] In the case where the controller 130 obtains a low-level signal from the tray sensor 110 (S20: No), because the sheet tray 20 is located at the sheet feeding position, the controller 130 determines that the multifunction machine 10 is in a normal state. On the other hand, in the case where the controller 130 obtains a high-level signal from the tray sensor 110 (S20: Yes), that is, in the case where the signal obtained from the tray sensor 110 changes from a low-level signal to a high-level signal, the controller 130 determines that the multifunction machine 10 is in an abnormal state. This is because, in this case, the sheet tray 20 is pulled out of the housing 14. In the latter case, error processing (S40) is performed.

[0118] When the controller 130 obtains a low-level signal from the cover sensor 150 (S30: No), the controller 130 determines that the multifunction machine 10 is in a normal state because the movable cover 145 is in a closed position. On the other hand, when the controller 130 obtains a high-level signal from the cover sensor 150 (S30: Yes), the controller 130 determines that the multifunction machine 10 is in an abnormal state. This is because, in this case, the movable cover 145 is in an open position. In the latter case, error processing (S40) is performed. In this way, in the processing of steps S10 to S30, the controller 130 determines whether the multifunction machine 10 is abnormal based on the obtained signal.

[0119] The following reference Figure 8The error handling is described below. The controller 130 energizes the coil in the solenoid 93 (i.e., passes current) to move the valve 89 from the open position to the closed position (S110). That is, when the controller 130 determines that the multi-function machine 10 is in an abnormal state (i.e., an abnormality occurs in the multi-function machine) based on the obtained signal, the controller 130 controls the solenoid 93 to move the valve 89 to the closed position. When the valve 89 moves to the closed position, the internal space 81 of the storage unit 80 is isolated from the atmosphere (i.e., enters a sealed state).

[0120] Then, the controller 130 determines whether the abnormality in the multifunction machine 10 is eliminated (S120). For example, in the case where it is determined in step S10 that the multifunction machine 10 is in an abnormal state, the controller 130 determines that the abnormality is eliminated in response to obtaining a high-level signal from the placement sensor 30 (S120: Yes). This is because, in this case, the high-level signal from the placement sensor 30 means that the multifunction machine 10 has been placed on the placement surface again. In addition, for example, in the case where it is determined in step S20 that the multifunction machine 10 is in an abnormal state, the controller 130 determines that the abnormality is eliminated in response to obtaining a low-level signal from the tray sensor 110 (S120: Yes). This is because, in this case, the low-level signal from the tray sensor 110 means that the sheet tray 20 has been inserted into the housing 14 again (that is, it means that the sheet tray 20 has returned to the sheet feeding position). In addition, for example, in the case where the multifunction machine 10 is in an abnormal state in step S30, the controller 130 determines that the abnormality is eliminated in response to obtaining a low-level signal from the cover sensor 150 (S120: Yes). This is because, in this case, the low-level signal from the cover sensor 150 means that the movable cover 145 has been closed again (ie, means that the movable cover 145 has returned to the closed position).

[0121] After the abnormality is eliminated, the controller 130 determines whether the carriage 40 is located at the maintenance position (S130). If the carriage 40 is not located at the maintenance position (S130: No), the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to the maintenance position (S140). Then, the controller 130 drives the cover drive motor 104 to move the cover 70 to the covering position (S150).

[0122] On the other hand, when the carriage 40 is located at the maintenance position (S130: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the cover 70 is located at the covering position (S160). This determination is made based on a signal input from a cover sensor (not shown). When the cover 70 is not located at the covering position (S160: No), the controller 130 drives the cover drive motor 104 to move the cover 70 to the covering position (S150).

[0123] In a state where the carriage 40 is located at the maintenance position and the cover 70 is located at the covering position ( S150 , S160 : Yes), the controller 130 moves the valve 89 from the closed position to the open position ( S170 ), and the error processing is terminated.

[0124] As described above, when the controller 130 determines that the abnormality in the multifunction machine 10 is eliminated based on the signal obtained after determining that the multifunction machine 10 is in the abnormal state (S120: Yes), the controller 130 controls the solenoid 93 to move the valve 89 to the open position (S170). In addition, when the controller 130 determines that the abnormality in the multifunction machine 10 is eliminated (S120: Yes), the controller 130 moves the cover 70 to the covering position to cover the nozzle 39 (S150), and after the cover 70 covers the nozzle 39, controls the solenoid 93 to move the valve 89 to the open position (S170).

[0125] <Image Recording Control by Controller 130>

[0126] In the printer section 11 configured as described above, the controller 130 performs a series of image recording controls for conveying the sheet 12 and recording an image on the conveyed sheet 12. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 is used to explain the image recording control of the controller 130. In addition, in the case where an abnormality occurs in the multifunction machine 10 during the image recording control, the controller 130 executes the above-mentioned error processing ( Figure 8 ). Error handling during image recording control will also be described.

[0127] In execution Fig. 9 and Fig.10 During the image recording control period shown, the Figure 7 In this case, you can perform Figure 7 The image recording control may be interrupted when the error processing (S40) shown in FIG. Figure 7 The image recording control is continued during the error processing (S40) shown.

[0128] When the image recording control is not executed, the recording unit 24 and the cover 70 are located Figure 3 Specifically, the carriage 40 is in the maintenance position and the cover 70 is in the covering position. In addition, when the multifunction machine 10 is not abnormal, the valve 89 is in the Figure 3 The open position is shown by the dashed line.

[0129] The print command is sent from the operation unit 17 (see Figure 1) or is sent from an external device connected to the multifunction machine 10 to the controller 130. The print command contains a command to start image recording control, information about the size of the sheet 12, and print data of an image to be recorded on the sheet 12.

[0130] When the print command is acquired ( S310 : YES), the controller 130 starts feeding the sheet 12 supported on the sheet tray 20 ( S320 ).

[0131] In step S320, the controller 130 starts driving the sheet feeding motor 102 so that the sheet feeding roller 25 feeds the sheet 12 supported on the sheet tray 20 to the sheet conveying path 65. Furthermore, the controller 130 drives the conveying motor 101 so that when the leading end (downstream end in the conveying direction 15) of the sheet 12 fed to the sheet conveying path 65 by the sheet feeding roller 25 reaches the conveying roller pair 59, the conveying roller pair 59 conveys the sheet 12 in the conveying direction 15.

[0132] Furthermore, in step S320, the controller 130 drives the cover drive motor 104, thereby driving the movable mechanism 71, so that the cover 70 moves from the covering position to the separation position. That is, the cover 70 is removed from the recording head 38. Next, the controller 130 drives the carriage drive motor 103 to move the carriage 40 from the maintenance position to the print start position. The print start position is a position where the carriage 40 starts to move from the print start position when the print process (S360) is executed. The print start position is determined based on the print data.

[0133] In step S320 , the feeding of the sheet 12 , the movement of the cover 70 , and the movement of the carriage 40 are performed in parallel.

[0134] The controller 130 determines whether a supply abnormality (sheet supply abnormality) has occurred (i.e., whether the multifunction machine 10 has a supply abnormality) (S330). For example, the controller 130 measures the length of time that has passed since the moment the sheet feed motor 102 starts to be driven in S320. When the controller 130 does not obtain a high-level signal from the sheet sensor 120 within a predetermined length of time from the moment the sheet feed motor 102 starts to be driven, the controller 130 determines that the multifunction machine 10 is in an abnormal state (multifunction machine 10 supply abnormality) (S330: Yes). This is because, in this case, one of the following supply abnormalities may occur: supply abnormality A (sheet 12 has not yet been supplied from the sheet tray 20), supply abnormality B (there is no sheet 12 on the sheet tray 20), and supply abnormality C (the sheet 12 supplied from the sheet tray 20 is stuck in the curved portion 33). Then, the above-mentioned error processing is performed (S340, Figure 8 ).

[0135] The error handling in step S340 is based on Figure 8. At this time, in step S120, when a high-level signal is obtained from the disk sensor 110 and then a low-level signal is obtained from the disk sensor 110, the controller 130 determines that the supply abnormality A or B is eliminated. This is because, in this case, the change of the signal obtained from the disk sensor 110 from the high-level signal to the low-level signal is likely to mean that the sheet tray 20 is removed from the housing 14, the sheet is replenished, and then the sheet tray 20 is inserted into the housing 14 again. In addition, in step S120, when a high-level signal is obtained from the cover sensor 150 and then a low-level signal is obtained from the cover sensor 150, the controller 130 determines that the supply abnormality C is eliminated. This is because, in this case, the change of the signal obtained from the cover sensor 150 from the high-level signal to the low-level signal is likely to mean that the movable cover 145 is opened, the jammed sheet 12 is removed, and then the movable cover 145 is closed again. When it is determined that the abnormality is eliminated, the controller 130 resumes the supply of the sheet (S320).

[0136] In step S120, the controller 130 may determine that the abnormality has been eliminated when an input signal from the operation unit 17 is obtained in addition to the change in the signal obtained above. Specifically, in this case, when a supply abnormality occurs, the controller 130 simultaneously displays a notification of the occurrence of the supply abnormality and a button pressed by the user after the user eliminates the supply abnormality on the touch panel of the operation unit 17. When the user presses the button after he replenishes a new sheet 12 or removes a jammed sheet 12, that is, when the operation unit 17 receives an input signal from the outside indicating that the replenishment of the sheet 12 is completed or the removal of the jammed sheet is completed, the operation unit 17 sends the input signal to the controller 130. When the controller 130 obtains the above-mentioned input signal from the operation unit 17 in addition to detecting a change in the signal from the tray sensor 110 or the cover sensor 150, the controller 130 determines that the abnormality has been eliminated.

[0137] In addition, a sheet sensor for detecting (judging) feeding abnormality B (absence of sheet 12 on sheet tray 20) may be provided on sheet tray 20. For example, the sheet sensor is located on the upper surface of bottom plate 22 of sheet tray 20, and is configured to output different detection signals depending on whether sheet 12 exists on the upper surface (i.e., output a detection signal indicating whether sheet 12 exists on the upper surface).

[0138] In the case where the supply abnormality does not occur (S330: No), the controller 130 performs a cueing process (S350). In the cueing process, the controller 130 stops the sheet 12 being conveyed in the conveying direction 15 at the image recording start position. The image recording start position is a position where the head end (downstream end) of the image recording area of ​​the sheet 12 in the conveying direction 15 faces the nozzle 39 located most downstream in the conveying direction 15 among the plurality of nozzles 39.

[0139] Next, the controller 130 performs a printing process (S360). The controller 130 performs a passing operation. That is, the controller 130 controls the nozzle 39 to eject ink droplets while moving the carriage 40 from the printing start position. The carriage 40 that started to move from the maintenance position in step S320 may continue to move during the printing process without stopping at the printing start position. Alternatively, the carriage 40 may also temporarily stop at the printing start position.

[0140] During the printing process, the controller 130 keeps the valve 89 in the open position as long as no abnormality occurs. That is, as long as the recording head 38 ejects ink droplets from the nozzle 39 to the sheet 12, and the controller 130 determines that the multifunction machine 10 is in a normal state (that is, the multifunction machine 10 has no abnormality) based on the obtained signal, the controller 130 controls the solenoid 93 to keep the valve 89 in the open position.

[0141] Then, the controller 130 determines whether a printing abnormality has occurred (i.e., whether the multifunction machine 10 has a printing abnormality) (S370). For example, based on the signals obtained from the sheet sensor 120, the rotary encoder 75, and the encoder 35, the controller 130 determines that an abnormality such as the following has occurred (S370: Yes): a sheet is stuck in the straight portion 34, or the slide 40 cannot move due to the sheet 12 grabbing the slide 40. For example, when a pulse signal is not obtained from the encoder 35, the controller 130 determines that an abnormality has occurred in which the slide 40 cannot move. In this case, the above-mentioned error processing is performed (S380, Figure 8 ).

[0142] The error handling in step S380 is also based on Figure 8. In step S120 of the error handling, the controller 130 determines that the abnormality has been eliminated in response to obtaining a low-level signal from the cover sensor 150 again after obtaining a high-level signal from the cover sensor 150. This is because, in this case, this may mean that the movable cover 145 is opened once, the sheet 12 stuck in the straight portion 34 is removed, and then the movable cover 145 is closed again. When it is determined that the abnormality has been eliminated, the controller 130 resumes the printing process (S360). Similar to the case where a supply abnormality occurs, the controller 130 can determine that the abnormality has been eliminated when an input signal is obtained from the operation unit 17.

[0143] In a case where printing abnormality has not occurred (S370: No), the controller 130 determines whether image recording on the current sheet 12 is completed based on the information on the sheet size and the print data contained in the print command (S390).

[0144] If image recording on the current sheet 12 is not completed ( S390 : No), a sheet conveying process is executed ( S400 ). In the sheet conveying process, the controller 130 drives the conveying motor 101 to cause the conveying roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44 to convey the sheet 12 by a predetermined line feed amount.

[0145] The controller 130 determines whether a conveying abnormality has occurred (i.e., whether the multifunction machine 10 has conveyed abnormally) (S410). For example, based on the signals sent from the sheet sensor 120 and the rotary encoder 75, the controller 130 determines that an abnormality has occurred, such as the sheet 12 being stuck in the curved portion 33 or the straight portion 34 (S410: Yes). In this case, the above-mentioned error processing is performed (S420, Figure 8 ).

[0146] The error handling in step S420 is also based on Figure 8 . In step S120 of the error handling, the controller 130 determines that the abnormality has been eliminated in response to obtaining a low-level signal from the cover sensor 150 again after obtaining a high-level signal from the cover sensor 150. This is because, in this case, this may mean that the movable cover 145 is opened once, the sheet 12 stuck in the curved portion 33 or the straight portion 34 is removed, and then the movable cover 145 is closed again. When it is determined that the abnormality has been eliminated, the controller 130 resumes the conveying process (S400). Similar to the case where a supply abnormality and a printing abnormality occur, the controller 130 can determine that the abnormality has been eliminated when an input signal is obtained from the operation unit 17.

[0147] When the image recording on the current sheet 12 is completed (S390: Yes), the controller 130 controls the conveying roller pair 59 and the discharge roller pair 44 to convey the sheet 12 in the conveying direction 15 and discharge the sheet 12 onto the discharge tray 21 (S430). In this case, similar to steps S410 and S420, the controller 130 determines whether the multifunction machine 10 has a conveying abnormality (S440), and performs error processing if a conveying abnormality occurs (S450, Figure 8 ).

[0148] Then, the controller 130 determines whether the image data included in the print command has image data to be recorded on the sheet 12 (i.e., whether the image data included in the print command has image data not yet recorded on the sheet 12). That is, the controller 130 determines whether there is an image record for the next page (S460).

[0149] If image recording is required for the next page (S460: Yes), the controller 130 supplies the next sheet 12 from the sheet tray 20 to the sheet conveying path 65 (S320). Supplying the next sheet 12 (S320) may be performed in parallel with discharging the previous sheet 12 (S430).

[0150] In the case where there is no image recording of the next page (S460: No), the controller 130 terminates a series of image recording controls.

[0151] <Effects and Technical Advantages of Implementation Methods>

[0152] According to the present embodiment, when an abnormality such as a jam of the sheet 12 occurs in the multifunction machine 10, the valve 89 moves to the closed position. Therefore, even in the case where the sheet 12 contacts the nozzle 39 and the ink penetrates into the sheet 12 from the nozzle 39, as the ink penetrates, the internal pressure of the reservoir 80 decreases (the negative pressure level in the reservoir 80 increases). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from further penetrating.

[0153] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as long as the multifunction machine 10 is in a normal state, the valve 89 is in the open position when an image is recorded on the sheet 12. Therefore, during image recording, there is no need to open the valve 89 in order to prevent the internal pressure of the storage section 80 from decreasing. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the image recording speed on the sheet 12 from being slowed down.

[0154] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the valve 89 is moved to the open position after the abnormality is eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ink leakage caused by moving the valve 89 to the open position during the abnormal state of the multifunction machine 10.

[0155] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, after the cap 70 covers the nozzle 39, the valve 89 is moved to the open position. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the nozzle 39 due to the movement of the valve 89 to the open position, the cap 70 can receive the leaked ink. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink from adhering to the rest of the multifunction machine 10.

[0156] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the controller 130 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the sheet 12 based on the presence or absence of a high-level signal and a low-level signal from the sheet sensor 120 and the output timing of the signal.

[0157] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the controller 130 can determine whether the carriage 40 is moving normally based on the presence or absence of a pulse signal output from the encoder 35 .

[0158] Furthermore, in the case where the sheet 12 is stuck in the sheet conveying passage 65, the stuck sheet 12 may come into contact with the nozzle 39, and there is a risk that the ink will endlessly penetrate into the sheet 12 from the nozzle 39. Normally, when the sheet 12 is stuck in the sheet conveying passage 65, the movable cover 145 is opened in order to remove the stuck sheet 12. According to the present embodiment, when the movable cover 145 is opened, that is, when the sheet 12 may be stuck in the sheet conveying passage 65, the valve 89 moves to the closed position. Therefore, the above-mentioned endless penetration of ink can be prevented.

[0159] Furthermore, in the case where the sheet 12 is stuck in the sheet conveying passage 65, the stuck sheet 12 may come into contact with the nozzle 39, and there is a risk that the ink in the nozzle 39 will endlessly penetrate into the sheet 12. Furthermore, in the state where the sheet 12 is stuck in the sheet conveying passage 65, the sheet tray 20 may be pulled out of the housing 14. However, in this case, in the present embodiment, the valve 89 is moved to the closed position, thereby preventing the above-mentioned endless penetration of ink.

[0160] Furthermore, when the housing 14 is separated from the placement surface (for example, when the housing 14 is lifted), the meniscus of the nozzle 39 may be broken due to the impact generated during the separation, thereby causing ink to leak from the nozzle 39. In this case, in the present embodiment, the valve 89 is moved to the closed position, thereby being able to reduce ink leakage.

[0161] <Modification>

[0162] In the above embodiment, in error handling ( Figure 8 In S110 in the embodiment, the valve 89 is first moved from the open position to the closed position. However, when performing error processing, the valve 89 may be moved from the open position to the closed position under the condition that the nozzle 39 and the sheet 12 face each other.

[0163] That is, Fig.11As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 , in the error processing, the controller 130 first determines whether the carriage 40 is located at the maintenance position ( S510 ).

[0164] In the case where the carriage 40 is not located at the maintenance position (S510: No), the controller 130 waits until the abnormality in the multifunction machine 10 is eliminated without moving the valve 89 to the closed position (S520: Yes) Then, the controller 130 terminates the error processing.

[0165] On the other hand, in the case where the carriage 40 is located at the maintenance position (S510: Yes), that is, in the case where the nozzle 39 and the sheet 12 may face each other, the controller 130 moves the valve 89 from the open position to the closed position (S110). Then, step S120 and subsequent steps are performed similarly to the error processing performed in the above-mentioned embodiment (refer to Figure 8 However, in step S120 and subsequent steps, since the carriage 40 is already located at the maintenance position, the maintenance operation is not performed. Figure 8 Steps S130 and S140 in .

[0166] In the case where the carriage 40 is not located at the maintenance position ( S510 : NO), the controller 130 may also move the valve 89 to the closed position after the controller 130 moves the carriage 40 to the maintenance position.

[0167] In the case where the multifunction machine 10 becomes an abnormal state in a state where the nozzle 39 and the sheet 12 face each other, the sheet 12 easily contacts the nozzle 39. In the case where the valve 89 is located in the open position when the sheet 12 contacts the nozzle 39, the ink in the nozzle 39 may endlessly penetrate into the sheet 12. However, in this case, in the above-mentioned modification, the valve 39 is moved to the closed position, thereby preventing the above-mentioned ink from endlessly penetrating into the sheet 12.

[0168] In the above-mentioned embodiment, as an image recording method, a serial recording head type is adopted in which an image is recorded on a sheet while the recording head 38 is moved by the carriage 40. However, a line head type may be used, that is, the recording unit 24 does not include the carriage 40, and the image is recorded on the sheet without moving the recording head 38. In the case of adopting the line head type, the recording head 38 extends across the length from the left edge to the right edge of the medium passing area 36. In addition, the conveying process and the printing process are continuously performed in parallel. That is, while the sheet 12 is conveyed, ink droplets are continuously ejected from the nozzle 39. In addition, in the line head type, the recording head 38 is fixed to the frame of the housing 14. The frame is an example of a supporting member.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the number of the storage unit 80 is one. However, a plurality of storage units 80 may be provided. Fig.12 As shown, the recording unit 24 may include four storage sections 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80B.

[0170] The storage section 80C stores cyan ink therein. The storage section 80M stores magenta ink therein. The storage section 80Y stores yellow ink therein. The storage section 80B stores black ink therein. The storage sections 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80B are arranged in sequence in the left-right direction 9. The storage sections 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80B may also be arranged in a direction other than the left-right direction 9, for example, in the front-back direction 8. In addition, the arrangement order of the storage sections 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80B is not limited to Fig.12 In addition, the sizes of the storage parts 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80B may be the same as or different from each other.

[0171] An air communication port 88 is formed in each of the reservoirs 80C, 80M, 80Y, and 80B. A valve 89 is provided for each of the four air communication ports 88. The four valves 89 are supported by a common solenoid 93 so as to be movable in the up-down direction 7. Fig.12 The four valves 89 are shown in their closed positions. Fig.12 The illustration of the member supporting the solenoid 93 is omitted. The four valves 89 are simultaneously moved from the open position to the closed position by supplying current from the controller 130 to the solenoid 93. That is, by the movement of all the four valves 89 from the closed position to the open position, all the four air communication ports 88 are opened. In addition, by the movement of the four valves 89 from the open position to the closed position, all the four air communication ports 88 are closed.

[0172] According to the above-described modification, it is not necessary to provide a separate operation for each of the four reservoirs 80 to communicate and isolate the inside and outside of the reservoir 80. Therefore, the length of time required to open and close the valve 89 can be reduced.

[0173] According to the above modification, as described above, a single solenoid 93 is used to move the plurality of valves 89. However, a plurality of solenoids 93 may be provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of valves 89. In this case, the plurality of solenoids 93 move the valves 89 at the same time or at different times.

[0174] The sheet 12 may also be supplied to the sheet conveying passage 65 from a tray other than the sheet tray 20. For example, instead of the sheet tray 20 of the multifunction machine 10, or on the basis of the sheet tray 20, a tray supported by the upper surface or side surface of the housing 14 in a rotatable manner may be provided. The tray may be rotated between an upright position in which the tray extends along the upper surface or side surface of the housing 14 and an inclined position in which the tray is inclined relative to the upper surface or side surface. When the tray is in the inclined position, at least one sheet 12 may be supported on the upper surface of the tray. The sheet 12 supported on the tray in the inclined position is supplied to the sheet conveying passage 65 through an opening formed on the upper surface or side surface of the housing 14 on which the tray is provided. In this case, it goes without saying that the controller 130 determines whether a supply abnormality related to the sheet 12 supported on the tray occurs.

[0175] In the present embodiment, the reservoir 80 is assembled to the carriage 40, and the ink is replenished by injecting ink from the ink inlet 83. However, the reservoir 80 is not limited to this structure. For example, the reservoir 80 may be a cartridge that can be mounted on and removed from the carriage 40. In the latter case, when the ink in the cartridge becomes low or runs out, it is replaced with a new cartridge.

[0176] In the present embodiment, the storage section 80 is supported by the carriage 40. However, the storage section 80 is not necessarily supported by the carriage 40. For example, the storage section 80 may be provided at a portion of the multifunction machine 10 different from the portion where the carriage 40 is located. In the latter case, the storage section 80 and the recording head 38 are connected to each other through a tube, and the ink stored in the storage section 80 is supplied to the recording head 38 through a tube or the like. Furthermore, in this case, at least a portion of the storage section 80 is located above the recording head 38.

[0177] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and modifications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments and modifications.

[0178] Description of Reference Numerals

[0179] 10: Multifunctional machine (inkjet recording device)

[0180] 12: Sheet (recording medium)

[0181] 38: Record header

[0182] 39: Nozzle

[0183] 40: Slide (support member)

[0184] 80: Storage Department

[0185] 88: Air connection port

[0186] 89: Valve

[0187] 93: Solenoid

[0188] 130: Controller

Claims

1. An inkjet recording device configured to record an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink onto the recording medium, the inkjet recording device comprising: a recording head including a nozzle configured to eject ink toward the recording medium; a supporting member supporting the recording head; a storage portion configured to store ink therein, the storage portion having a portion located above the nozzle, the storage portion having an air communication port that communicates the interior of the storage portion with the exterior of the storage portion; a valve movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve opens the air communication port in the open position and closes the air communication port in the closed position; an actuator configured to move the valve; a state sensor configured to detect an abnormal state and output a detection signal based on the detected state; a cover movable between: a covering position in which the cover covers the nozzle, and a detached position in which the cover is detached from the nozzle; as well as A controller is configured to: Processing a: determining whether the abnormal state occurs according to the detection signal; Process b: when it is determined in the process a that the abnormal state has occurred, controlling the actuator to move the valve from the open position to the closed position; Process c: judging whether the abnormal state is eliminated according to the detection signal obtained after the abnormal state is judged to have occurred in the process a; Process d: when it is determined in the process c that the abnormal state is resolved, moving the cap to the covering position so that the cap covers the nozzle; and Process e: After the cap covers the nozzle by the movement in the process d, controlling the actuator to move the valve to the open position.

2. The inkjet recording device according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to further perform a process f of controlling the actuator to hold the valve at the open position if the recording head is ejecting ink from the nozzles to the recording medium and the controller determines based on the detection signal that the abnormal state has not occurred.

3. The inkjet recording device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a conveying passage along which the recording medium is conveyed; a movable cover capable of moving between a closed position in which the movable cover blocks the conveying passage from the outside and an open position in which the conveying passage is exposed to the outside; as well as The receiving unit is composed of: receiving an input from the outside indicating that the recording medium has been removed from the transport path; as well as In response to receiving the input, an input signal is output to the controller, the state sensor includes a cover sensor, and the cover sensor is configured as follows: When the movable cover is located at the closed position, outputting a closing signal as the detection signal; as well as When the movable cover is located at the open position, an opening signal is output as the detection signal, In the determination of the process c, when the controller obtains the closing signal from the cover sensor and the input signal from the receiving unit after obtaining the opening signal from the cover sensor, the controller determines that the abnormal state is resolved.

4. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The storage unit includes a plurality of storage units, The air communication port includes a plurality of air communication ports formed in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of storage portions. When the valve moves from the open position to the closed position, all of the plurality of air communication ports are closed, and when the valve moves from the closed position to the open position, all of the plurality of air communication ports are opened.

5. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The controller is configured to further perform processing g: determining whether the nozzle and the recording medium face each other, When it is determined in the process a that the abnormal state has occurred and it is determined in the process g that the nozzle and the recording medium face each other, the control in the process b is performed.

6. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: further comprising a conveying path along which the recording medium is conveyed in a conveying direction, The state sensor includes a media sensor located in the conveying passage, the media sensor is arranged at one of an upstream position of the nozzle in the conveying direction and a downstream position of the nozzle in the conveying direction, and the media sensor is configured as follows: When the recording medium exists at the setting position where the media sensor is set, outputting a medium existence signal as the detection signal; as well as When the recording medium does not exist at the setting position, a medium absence signal is output as the detection signal.

7. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The support member is movable in a scanning direction, The state sensor includes an encoder configured to output a position signal for identifying a position of the supporting member in the scanning direction as the detection signal.

8. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: a conveying passage along which the recording medium is conveyed; Movable cover, capable of moving between the following positions: The movable cover is in a closed position to shield the conveying passage from the outside; and an open position in which the delivery channel is exposed to the outside, The state sensor includes a cover sensor, and the cover sensor is configured as follows: When the movable cover is located at the closed position, outputting a closing signal as the detection signal; as well as When the movable cover is located at the open position, an opening signal is output as the detection signal, In the determination in the process a, when the controller obtains the open signal from the cover sensor, the controller determines that the abnormal state has occurred.

9. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Also includes: a housing in which the recording head, the supporting member, the storage portion, the valve, the actuator, the state sensor, and the controller are accommodated; as well as The disk can be moved between the following positions: a sheet feeding position in which the tray can support the recording medium so that the recording medium can be fed to a position where an image is recorded on the recording medium by the recording head; as well as a non-sheet feeding position different from the sheet feeding position, The state sensor includes a disk sensor, and the disk sensor is configured as follows: When the tray is located at the sheet feeding position, outputting a feed-enabled signal as the detection signal; as well as When the tray is located at the non-sheet feeding position, a supply failure signal is output as the detection signal, In the determination in the process a, when the detection signal obtained from the disk sensor changes from the supply-enabled signal to the supply-disabled signal, the controller determines that the abnormal state has occurred.

10. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: further comprising a tray configured to support the recording medium, In the determination in the process a, when the controller determines based on the detection signal that the disk does not support the recording medium, the controller determines that the abnormal state has occurred.

11. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: further comprising a housing in which the recording head, the supporting member, the storage portion, the valve, the actuator, the state sensor, and the controller are accommodated, The state sensor includes a placement sensor, and the placement sensor is configured as follows: When the housing contacts the placement surface, a placement signal is output as the detection signal; as well as When the housing is not in contact with the placement surface, a non-placement signal is output as the detection signal, In the determination of the process a, when the controller obtains the non-placed signal from the placement sensor, the controller determines that the abnormal state has occurred.

12. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The storage portion is supported by the supporting member.

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