Recording device and control method for recording device

Abstract

To perform both determination of liquid leakage and determination of whether a liquid leakage detection terminal operates normally.SOLUTION: A recording device that discharges liquid onto a recording medium to record an image, includes: an electrical board that has a pair of detection terminals having a wiring pattern to detect connection to the electrical board and liquid leakage, and an element having a resistive component between the pair of detection terminals; and determination means that determines a connection state of the electrical board and whether liquid leakage has occurred at a location where the electrical board is arranged on the basis of the acquired voltage between the pair of detection terminals, a first threshold related to the connection detection of the electrical board, and a second threshold being a value different from the first threshold and related to liquid leakage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the art of liquid leak detection. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for detecting leakage of liquid using changes in resistance between electrodes in a recording device that forms an image by ejecting liquid (hereinafter also referred to as "ink") onto a recording medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-254362 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technique of Patent Document 1 cannot detect liquid leakage if the electric board is not connected or if the wiring pattern for detecting liquid leakage is disconnected, even if liquid is leaking. It is required to both determine whether there is a liquid leakage and whether the liquid leakage detection terminal is operating normally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The recording device according to the present disclosure is a recording device that records an image by ejecting liquid onto a recording medium, and is characterized in that it comprises an electric board including a pair of detection terminals having a wiring pattern for detecting connection and liquid leakage of the electric board, and an element having a resistance component between the pair of detection terminals, and a determination means for determining the connection state of the electric board and whether liquid leakage is occurring at the location where the electric board is located based on an acquired voltage between the pair of detection terminals, a first threshold value for detecting connection of the electric board, and a second threshold value for the liquid leakage which is a value different from the first threshold value. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to both determine whether there is a liquid leak and whether the liquid leak detection terminal is functioning normally. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the printing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an external view of the liquid leak detection unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a circuit for detecting connection and liquid leakage in the liquid leakage detection unit. [Diagram 5] 6 is a flowchart showing a process of determining a connection and determining a liquid leakage. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are graphs showing changes in acquired voltage over time under normal conditions, when an abnormal connection occurs, and when a liquid leak occurs. [Figure 7] 6A and 6B are graphs showing changes in acquired voltage over time under normal conditions, when an abnormal connection occurs, and when a liquid leak occurs. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an external view of the liquid leak detection unit. [Figure 9] 6 is a graph showing the time change of acquired voltage during normal operation and during an abnormal connection. [Figure 10] 6 is a graph showing the change over time of the acquired voltage in the normal state and when a liquid is leaking. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an external view of the liquid leak detection unit. [Figure 12] 6 is a graph showing the time change of acquired voltage during normal operation and during an abnormal connection. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an external view of the liquid leak detection unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that the same configurations will be described with the same reference numerals. Also, each process (step) in the flow chart will be indicated with a reference numeral beginning with "S".

[0009] In this specification, "recording" refers not only to the formation of meaningful information such as characters and figures, but also to the formation of meaningful or insignificant information. Furthermore, "recording" refers to the formation of an image, design, pattern, etc. on a recording medium, or the processing of the medium, regardless of whether it is manifested in a way that humans can visually perceive. Furthermore, "recording medium" refers not only to paper used in general recording devices, but also to cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, and other materials that can accept ink. Furthermore, "ink" (sometimes called "liquid") should be interpreted broadly in the same way as the definition of "recording" above. Therefore, it refers to a liquid that can be applied to a recording medium to form an image, design, pattern, etc., or to process the recording medium, or to process the ink (for example, to solidify or insolubilize the coloring material in the ink applied to the recording medium).

[0010] [First embodiment] <Overall composition> FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an inkjet recording device 100 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1(a) shows the external appearance of the inkjet recording device 100. FIG. 1(b) shows the internal structure with the top cover of FIG. 1(a) opened. The recording device 100 in this embodiment performs printing by applying a liquid (ink) as a recording material onto a recording medium using an inkjet recording method. The recording medium is transported in the Y direction as the transport direction. A carriage 101 carrying a recording head 102 moves back and forth in the X direction intersecting with the Y direction to perform printing. An inkjet recording device equipped with a so-called serial type recording head will be described. An inkjet recording device equipped with a so-called line type recording head in which a nozzle row is configured across the recording width in the transport direction of the recording medium may also be used. If ink is considered to be a more general "liquid," the inkjet recording device can also be called a liquid ejection recording device.

[0011] The carriage 101 has a print head 102 having a discharge port surface with discharge ports for discharging liquid supplied from a liquid tank in a liquid tank housing unit 110 via a liquid tube 108. The carriage 101 is configured to be able to move back and forth in the X direction (movement direction of the carriage 101) along a shaft 104 via a carriage belt 103 by driving a carriage motor (not shown). A recording medium 105 such as roll paper is transported in the Y direction on a platen 106 by a transport roller (not shown). A recording operation is performed by discharging liquid from the print head 102 while the carriage 101 moves in the X direction over the recording medium 105 transported onto the platen 106 by the transport roller.

[0012] An input / output unit 109 is provided on the top of the recording device 100. The input / output unit 109 is an operation panel that displays the remaining amount of liquid and possible types of recording media on a display. The user can select the type of recording media and configure print settings by operating the operation panel. Furthermore, when an error occurs, the user can check the details of the error based on the error notification number displayed on the operation panel.

[0013] A liquid tank housing section 110 is disposed on the rear surface of the recording device 100 to house liquid tanks for black, cyan, magenta, yellow, etc. and to supply liquid to the recording head. The liquid tank housing section may be disposed independently on the side surface of the recording device 100 instead of on the rear surface. A liquid leakage detection unit capable of detecting liquid leakage is disposed in the path through which liquid is supplied from the liquid tank in the liquid tank housing section 110 to the carriage 101. For example, it is advisable to dispose multiple units at locations where liquid leakage is likely to occur, such as the bottom surface of the liquid tank housing section 110 and the joints of the liquid tubes 108.

[0014] <Block diagram of control configuration> 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the recording device 100. A CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the recording device 100. A communication I / F 202 controls communication with a host device (PC) via a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, a USB, or the like. A motor / sensor control unit 205 controls a motor 206 that scans the carriage 101 and transports the recording medium 105, and a sensor 207 that detects the recording medium 105.

[0015] The motor 206 is a motor such as a stepping motor or a DC motor. The motor 206 conveys the recording medium 105 via gears, a belt, etc., and moves the carriage 101 carrying the recording head 211. The sensor 207 is an optical sensor or a mechanical sensor such as a mechanical lever. For example, when the recording medium 105 passes the sensor position, the sensor 207 detects the recording medium 105.

[0016] The memory 203 includes a ROM and a RAM. The memory 203 stores the control program of the CPU 201. The memory 203 is also used as an image processing buffer that temporarily stores image data transferred from the host device and received by the communication I / F 202, or as a working area. The memory 203 also stores reference voltage values ​​between electrodes that are generated when a constant current is supplied while liquid is reliably supplied into each liquid tank, such as during a cleaning or liquid filling operation.

[0017] The head control circuit 204 operates in synchronization with an encoder sensor 210 that indicates the position of the print head 211. The CPU 201 provides the head control circuit 204 with the memory address of the image data to be read before print scanning. As the print head 211 moves over the print medium, the head control circuit 204 reads image data corresponding to the print head position from the memory 203 and provides the print head 211 with the image data and ejection timing at the appropriate time. Liquid leakage detection units 209 are disposed at multiple locations within the printing apparatus 100 and detect liquid leakage.

[0018] A / D port 208 detects voltage when detecting the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid tank and when detecting liquid leaks. The detection results of A / D port 208 are reflected in information stored in memory 203 in the remaining liquid detection function and are used to manage the remaining amount of liquid in liquid tank 212. In the liquid leak detection function, an A / D conversion value of the detected voltage is notified to CPU 201. CPU 201 uses the A / D conversion value to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage.

[0019] <Liquid leak detection unit configuration> 3 is a schematic external view of liquid leakage detection unit 209. Liquid leakage detection unit 209 includes an electric board 301. On electric board 301, a connector terminal 302 for connecting electric board 301 with A / D port 208, a wiring pattern 303 for detecting liquid leakage, a detection terminal 304, and an element 305 having a resistance component (resistance element 305) are wired.

[0020] The wiring pattern 303 is composed of a pair (2 poles) of wires and a pair (2 poles) of detection terminals 304. The wires of the wiring pattern 303 are etched during the electric board manufacturing process, and after forming a copper foil pattern, the surface is protected with a resist material. The electrodes of the detection terminals 304 have a gold-plated pattern arranged on the board surface. If liquid leaks across the two-pole detection terminals 304, the liquid leakage detection function is activated.

[0021] Furthermore, an element 305 having a resistance component is disposed between a pair (two poles) of detection terminals. For example, if electric board 301 is not connected, connector terminal 302 is not properly fitted, or wiring pattern 303 is broken, there is a risk that liquid leakage cannot be detected correctly by detection terminal 304. Element 305 having a resistance component determines whether detection terminal 304 is operating correctly, and CPU 201 can determine whether the liquid leakage detection function is operating correctly.

[0022] In this embodiment, the connection of the liquid leakage detection unit 209 is determined to determine whether the liquid leakage detection function is normal and liquid leakage is detected. For example, if the arrangement of the electric board 301 is difficult due to the printer structure, a flexible board such as an FPC (flexible printed circuits) may be used. By arranging a pair (2-pole) of wires for detecting liquid leakage on the FPC, a pair (2-pole) of detection terminals, and an element having a resistance component between the pair (2-pole) of detection terminals, it is possible to arrange the wiring even in a narrow area.

[0023] <Configuration of liquid leak detection circuit> 4 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a circuit configuration used for determining the connection of liquid leak detection unit 209 and detecting liquid leaks. CPU 201 executes a control program to realize various processing functions, using each unit 401 to 406, required for determining the connection of liquid leak detection unit 209 (also referred to as "connection detection") and detecting liquid leaks (also referred to as "leak detection").

[0024] The CPU 201 controls a liquid leak detection unit selection switching circuit 407, which selects liquid leak detection units 209 arranged at multiple locations in the recording device 100, based on a leak detection process start signal via a switching circuit control unit 401. In the selected liquid leak detection unit 209, a predetermined current is supplied or a predetermined voltage is applied to the pair of wiring patterns 303. At this time, if no liquid is attached between the pair of wiring patterns 303, the liquid leak detection unit 209 includes an element having a resistance component, and therefore a voltage based on the resistance component of the resistance element 305 is output from the liquid leak detection unit 209.

[0025] On the other hand, when liquid is attached between the pair of wiring patterns 303, a voltage based on a composite component of the resistance component of the resistive element 305 and the resistance component of the attached liquid is output from the liquid leakage detection unit 209. The obtained voltage is acquired by an A / D conversion control unit 403 provided in the CPU 201, and the acquired voltage value is converted into digital data. The voltage value converted into digital data is compared with the threshold value set by the threshold voltage determination unit 402 in a threshold voltage judgment unit 404, and the comparison result is judged. Then, based on the judgment result judged by the threshold voltage judgment unit 404, the unit detection judgment unit 405 judges whether a connection has been detected, and the leak detection judgment unit 406 judges whether a leak has been detected.

[0026] <Flowchart for checking connection and liquid leakage> Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the process flow for connection determination and liquid leakage determination of the liquid leakage detection unit 209 according to this embodiment. The process shown in Fig. 5 is executed by the CPU 201 of the recording device 100. In SS501, the process flow for connection determination and liquid leakage determination of the liquid leakage detection unit 209 starts when the recording device 100 is powered ON. The process for connection determination and liquid leakage determination operates continuously after the recording device 100 is powered ON. When the recording device 100 is powered ON, the connection error flag and liquid leakage error flag are OFF. When the recording device 100 is powered ON, the process proceeds to S502.

[0027] In S502, the CPU 201 selects a liquid leak detection unit 209 that is to be the target of leak detection. If liquid leak detection units 209 are arranged in multiple different locations within the recording device 100, the selected liquid leak detection unit 209 is designated as the first liquid leak detection unit 209. As the following process is performed on all liquid leak detection units 209, the selected liquid leak detection unit 209 is also referred to as the nth liquid leak detection unit 209. Once a liquid leak detection unit 209 has been selected, the process proceeds to S503.

[0028] In S503, the CPU 201 determines whether the connection error flag or liquid leakage error flag of the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 is ON. If the connection error flag or liquid leakage error flag of the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 is ON, the process proceeds to S511. If the connection error flag and liquid leakage error flag of the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 are OFF, the process proceeds to S504. In S504, the CPU 201 acquires the voltage of the target liquid leakage detection unit 209. The CPU 201 performs A / D conversion on the acquired voltage (Vs) using the A / D conversion control unit 403 to acquire a digital voltage value. Once the digital voltage value has been acquired, the process proceeds to S505.

[0029] In S505, in order to check the connection between the connector terminal 302 of the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 and the A / D port 208, the CPU 201 compares the digital voltage value with the connection detection threshold value (liquid leakage detection unit connection determination process). That is, the CPU 201 compares the acquired voltage (Vs) with the connection detection threshold voltage (Vth1) for determining whether the liquid leakage detection unit is connected. After comparing the digital voltage value with the connection detection threshold value, the process proceeds to S506. In S506, if the comparison result is Vs>Vth1 (the acquired voltage exceeds the threshold voltage), the CPU 201 determines that the connection determination of the target liquid leakage detection unit is "connection abnormality", and the process proceeds to S507. Here, "connection abnormality" refers to the electric board 301 including the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 not being connected, the connector terminal 302 of the electric board 301 not fitting properly, or the wiring pattern 303 being broken, etc. If the comparison result is Vs≦Vth1 (the acquired voltage is equal to or less than the threshold voltage), the CPU 201 determines that the connection of the target liquid leakage detection unit is “normal connection”, and the process proceeds to S508.

[0030] In S507, CPU 201 displays an error on input / output unit 109, and notifies the user that a connection error has occurred in the target liquid leak detection unit 209. The user can recognize that a connection error has occurred in the target liquid leak detection unit 209 from the error notification number displayed on input / output unit 109. CPU 201 also sets the connection error flag of the target liquid leak detection unit 209 to ON, and processing proceeds to S511.

[0031] In S508, in order to check for liquid leakage from the target liquid leakage detection unit 209, the CPU 201 compares the digital voltage value with the leakage detection threshold value. That is, the CPU 201 compares the acquired voltage (Vs) with the leakage detection threshold voltage (Vth2) for detecting liquid leakage. After comparing the digital voltage value with the leakage detection threshold value, the process proceeds to S509. In S509, if it is determined that the comparison result is Vs>Vth2 (the acquired voltage exceeds the threshold voltage), the CPU 201 determines that there is "no liquid leakage" at the location where the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 is disposed, and the process proceeds to S511. If it is determined that the comparison result is Vs≦Vth2 (the acquired voltage is equal to or less than the threshold voltage), the CPU 201 determines that there is "liquid leakage" at the location where the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 is disposed, and the process proceeds to S510.

[0032] In S510, CPU 201 displays an error on input / output unit 109, and notifies the user that a liquid leak has occurred (liquid leak error) at the location where the target liquid leak detection unit 209 is located. The user can recognize that a liquid leak has occurred at the location where the target liquid leak detection unit 209 is located from the error notification number displayed on input / output unit 109. CPU 201 also sets the liquid leak error flag of the target liquid leak detection unit 209 to ON, and processing proceeds to S511.

[0033] In S511, the CPU 201 determines whether the connection determination and liquid leak determination processes have been performed for all of the liquid leak detection units 209. If the connection determination and liquid leak determination processes have been performed for all of the liquid leak detection units, the process proceeds to S513. If the connection determination and liquid leak determination processes have not been performed for all of the liquid leak detection units 209, the process proceeds to S512. In S512, in order to perform the connection determination and liquid leak determination processes for the undetermined liquid leak detection units 209, the CPU 201 increments n by "1" and selects the (n+1)th liquid leak detection unit 209 using the liquid leak detection unit selection switching circuit 407. Once the (n+1)th liquid leak detection unit 209 has been selected, the process returns to S503.

[0034] In S513, the CPU 201 determines whether the recording device 100 has finished operating. If the recording device 100 has finished operating, the process proceeds to S514. If the recording device 100 has not finished operating, the process returns to S502. In S514, the recording device 100 is turned off, and the process flow for connection determination and liquid leakage determination ends. Note that, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the connection determination process in S504 and the liquid leakage determination process in S509 are performed in that order, but this is not limited to this. A configuration in which the connection determination process and the liquid leakage determination process are performed simultaneously is also possible.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the time change of the threshold voltages (Vth1, Vth2) and the acquired voltage (Vs) determined by the threshold voltage determination unit 402 according to the connection determination and liquid leakage determination of the liquid leakage detection unit 209. FIG. 6(a) shows a diagram of the voltage change when the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 is normally connected. When the liquid leakage detection unit 209 is normally connected, the acquired voltage (Vs) is equal to or lower than the threshold voltage (Vth1). In normal times, the acquired voltage (Vs) is a value based on the resistance component of the resistive element 305. FIG. 6(b) shows a diagram of the voltage change when a connection abnormality occurs in the target electric board 301 (target liquid leakage detection unit 209). As described above, a connection abnormality is also detected when the electric board 301 is not connected, the connector terminal 302 of the electric board 301 is not properly fitted, or the wiring pattern 303 is broken. When the target electric board 301 has a connection abnormality, the acquired voltage (Vs) is higher than the threshold voltage (Vth1).

[0036] 6(c) shows a diagram of voltage changes when a liquid leak is detected in the liquid leak determination of the target liquid leak detection unit 209. When a liquid leak is detected, a voltage based on the composite component of the resistance component of the resistive element 305 and the resistance component of the liquid is acquired, so the acquired voltage (Vs) when a liquid leak has occurred is lower than the acquired voltage when no liquid leak has occurred. Therefore, the threshold voltage (Vth2) for liquid leak detection is set to a voltage value lower than the threshold voltage (Vth1) for connection detection.

[0037] In the above configuration, when it is determined that Vs > Vth1 (the acquired voltage exceeds the threshold voltage), the target electric substrate 301 (the target liquid leakage detection unit 209) determines that there is an "abnormal connection". As shown in FIG. 7(b), a threshold voltage Vth1 where Vs < Vth1 may be set, and the connection of the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 may be determined as "none". This can be realized by adopting the following configuration. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the upper wiring pattern 303 in FIG. 3 is connected to the power supply and the CPU 201, and the lower wiring pattern 303 in FIG. 3 is connected to GND. If the above connection is reversed, that is, the upper wiring pattern 303 in FIG. 3 is connected to GND, and the lower wiring pattern 303 in FIG. 3 is connected to the power supply and the CPU 201, then when Vs < Vth1, the connection of the target electric substrate 301 is determined to be "abnormal connection". Also, in this case, Vth1 is set such that Vth1 < Vth2. The acquired voltage when liquid leakage occurs changes as shown in FIG. 7(c). When the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 is operating normally, the acquired voltage shown in FIG. 7(a) is obtained.

[0038] In the present embodiment, when an abnormal connection occurs, the power of the recording apparatus 100 is turned off to check the insertion of the electric substrate 301 or replace the electric substrate 301. Also, when liquid leakage occurs, the power of the recording apparatus 100 is turned off and the member where liquid leakage has occurred is repaired or replaced as necessary. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the connection error or liquid leakage error of the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 is notified only once. The error detection method is not limited to this. A processing flow that does not perform the process of S503 may also be used. In this case, when a connection error or liquid leakage error of the target liquid leakage detection unit 209 occurs, the CPU 201 constantly notifies the connection error or liquid leakage error.

[0039] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the liquid leakage detection unit is connected and whether a liquid leakage has been detected. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the liquid leakage detection terminal is operating normally and to detect a liquid leakage. This improves usability.

[0040] [Second embodiment] 8 is a schematic external view of the liquid leak detection unit of this embodiment. The wiring pattern 303 of the liquid leak detection unit 209 is made up of a pair (2-pole) of wires and a pair (2-pole) of detection terminals 304. The wires of the pair of wiring patterns 303 are etched during the electric board manufacturing process, and after the copper foil pattern is formed, the surfaces of the pair of wiring patterns 303 are protected by a resist material. The electrodes of the detection terminals 304 have a gold-plated pattern arranged on the board surface. If liquid leaks across the two-pole detection terminals 304, the liquid leak detection function is activated.

[0041] In addition, a connection detection pattern 806, which is different from the wiring pattern 303 for detecting liquid leakage, is disposed between the pair (two-pole) of detection terminals 304. By using the connection detection pattern 806, it is possible to accurately detect the occurrence of a connection abnormality such as a disconnection of the electric board 301, a poor fit of the connector terminal 302, or a break in the connection detection pattern 806. In addition, by detecting the connection acquisition voltage between both ends of the connection detection pattern 806 and the liquid leakage acquisition voltage between the connection detection pattern 806 and the wiring pattern 303, it is possible to determine whether the detection terminals 304 are operating correctly and therefore whether the liquid leakage detection function can be operated correctly.

[0042] In the first embodiment, since the element 305 having a resistive component was connected between the detection terminals 304, the dynamic range of the acquired voltage Vs could not be widened. By adopting the configuration of this embodiment, the dynamic range of the connection acquired voltage Vs1 can be widened without being affected by the error of the element 305 having a resistive component as shown in FIG. 9. Furthermore, the liquid leakage acquired voltage Vs2 when liquid leakage occurs changes over time as shown in FIG. 10. As with the connection acquired voltage, the dynamic range of the liquid leakage acquired voltage can also be widened. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the liquid leakage detection terminal is operating normally and to detect liquid leakage. In addition, it is also possible to improve the accuracy of connection detection and liquid leakage detection.

[0043] [Third embodiment] FIG. 11 is an external view showing a schematic view of the liquid leakage detection unit in this embodiment. An element 1107 having a resistance component is disposed between the connection detection patterns 1106. One end of the connection detection pattern 1106 is connected to one of the pair of wiring patterns 303. In FIG. 11, one end of the connection detection pattern 1106 is connected to the wiring pattern 303 on the lower side in the figure, but one end of the connection detection pattern 1106 may be connected to the wiring pattern 303 on the upper side in the figure. For example, if a connection abnormality occurs such as the electric board 301 not being connected, the connector terminal 302 not fitting properly, or the connection detection pattern 1106 being disconnected, there is a risk that liquid leakage detection cannot be performed correctly. The CPU 201 judges the connection state of the liquid leakage detection unit 209 (electrical board 301) based on the connection acquisition voltage Vs1 between both ends of the connection detection pattern 1106 including the element 1107 having a resistance component. As shown in FIG. 12(a), when the connection acquisition voltage Vs1 is equal to or lower than the threshold voltage Vth1, the CPU 201 determines that the liquid leakage detection unit 209 (electrical board 301) is normally connected and operates normally. As shown in FIG. 12(b), when the connection acquisition voltage Vs1 is higher than the threshold voltage Vth1, the CPU 201 determines that the liquid leakage detection unit 209 (electrical board 301) is abnormally connected and cannot correctly detect liquid leakage. Therefore, even when the configuration of this embodiment is used, it is possible to determine whether the liquid leakage detection terminal operates normally and to detect liquid leakage. Furthermore, since the number of pins used in the electric board 301 in this embodiment is smaller than in the first and second embodiments, it is also possible to reduce the area of ​​the liquid leakage detection unit 209 (electrical board 301).

[0044] [Fourth embodiment] FIG. 13 is an external view showing a schematic diagram of the liquid leakage detection unit in this embodiment. Between a pair of (two-pole) detection terminals 304, a connection detection pattern 1306 different from the wiring pattern 303 for detecting liquid leakage is connected to a board 1307 that is a connection destination different from the CPU 201. By determining the communication state between the CPU 201 and the board 1307, the CPU 201 determines whether the electric board 301 is normally connected to the CPU 201. If the CPU 201 and the board 1307 are able to communicate, the CPU 201 determines that the connection of the liquid leakage detection unit 209 (electric board 301) is normal. If the CPU 201 and the board 1307 are not able to communicate, the CPU 201 determines that the connection of the liquid leakage detection unit 209 (electric board 301) is abnormal. Therefore, even when the configuration of this embodiment is used, it is possible to determine whether the liquid leakage detection unit operates normally and to detect liquid leakage.

[0045] [Other embodiments] The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0046] The disclosure of the above-described embodiment includes the following configurations.

[0047] (Configuration 1) A recording device that ejects liquid onto a recording medium to record an image, comprising: an electric board including a pair of detection terminals having a wiring pattern for detecting a connection and liquid leakage of the electric board, and an element having a resistance component between the pair of detection terminals; and a determination means for determining a connection state of the electric board and whether liquid leakage is occurring at a location where the electric board is located based on an acquired voltage between the pair of detection terminals, a first threshold value for detecting connection of the electric board, and a second threshold value for the liquid leakage that is a value different from the first threshold value.

[0048] (Configuration 2) The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein the first threshold value is higher than the second threshold value.

[0049] (Configuration 3) The recording device according to configuration 2, wherein when the acquired voltage is higher than the first threshold value, the determining means determines that the connection state of the electric board is an abnormal connection.

[0050] (Configuration 4) The recording device according to configuration 3, wherein the connection abnormality is any one of a disconnection of the electric board, a poor fit of a connector of the electric board, or a break in the wiring pattern of the electric board.

[0051] (Configuration 5) The recording apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein, when the acquired voltage is lower than the second threshold value, the determining means determines that a liquid leak is occurring at the location where the electric board is disposed.

[0052] (Configuration 6) The recording device according to configuration 1, wherein the first threshold value is lower than the second threshold value.

[0053] (Configuration 7) The recording device according to configuration 6, wherein when the acquired voltage is lower than the first threshold value, the determining means determines that the connection state of the electric board is an abnormal connection.

[0054] (Configuration 8) The recording apparatus according to configuration 6, wherein, when the acquired voltage is higher than the second threshold value, the determining means determines that a liquid leak is occurring at the location where the electric board is disposed.

[0055] (Configuration 9) The recording device according to configuration 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying an error when it is determined that the electric board has a connection abnormality or when it is determined that the liquid leak is occurring at the location where the electric board is located.

[0056] (Configuration 10) The recording device according to configuration 9, wherein the notification means is a display means for displaying the error.

[0057] (Configuration 11) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the electric board is a plurality of electric boards arranged at different positions.

[0058] (Configuration 12) The recording device according to configuration 11, further comprising a selection switching circuit for selecting the electric board to be the object of judgment from among the plurality of electric boards.

[0059] (Configuration 13) A recording device that ejects liquid onto a recording medium to record an image, comprising: an electric board including a first wiring pattern including a pair of detection terminals for detecting liquid leakage, and a second wiring pattern different from the first wiring pattern for detecting a connection of the electric board; a connection determination means that uses the second wiring pattern to determine the connection state of the electric board; and a liquid leakage determination means that determines whether the liquid leakage is occurring at the location where the electric board is located based on a voltage value between the pair of detection terminals and a third threshold value.

[0060] (Configuration 14) The recording device described in Configuration 13, characterized in that when the voltage value between both ends of the second wiring pattern is higher than the third threshold value, the connection determination means determines that the connection state of the electric board is an abnormal connection.

[0061] (Configuration 15) The recording device according to configuration 14, wherein the connection abnormality is either the electrical board being unconnected, a connector of the electrical board being improperly fitted, or a break in the second wiring pattern of the electrical board.

[0062] (Configuration 16) In the recording apparatus according to configuration 13, the second wiring pattern includes an element having a resistance component and is connected to the first wiring pattern.

[0063] (Configuration 17) The recording device described in Configuration 13, characterized in that the second wiring pattern is connected to a connection destination different from the electric board, and the connection determination means determines the connection status of the electric board based on the communication status with the different connection destination via the second wiring pattern.

[0064] (Configuration 18) The recording device according to configuration 17, wherein the connection determination means determines that the electric board has a connection abnormality when the connection determination means is not capable of communicating with the different connection destination.

[0065] (Configuration 19) The recording device according to Configuration 13, wherein when the voltage value between the pair of detection terminals is lower than the third threshold value, the liquid leakage determination means determines that the liquid leakage is occurring at the location where the electric board is located.

[0066] (Configuration 20) A control method for a recording device having an electric board including a pair of detection terminals having a wiring pattern for detecting connection and liquid leakage of the electric board, and an element having a resistance component between the pair of detection terminals, the control method for a recording device comprising the steps of: acquiring an acquired voltage between the pair of detection terminals; and determining a connection state of the electric board and whether liquid leakage is occurring at a location where the electric board is located based on the acquired voltage acquired in the acquiring step, a first threshold value for detecting connection of the electric board, and a second threshold value for the liquid leakage, which is a value different from the first threshold value.

Claims

1. A recording device that records an image by ejecting a liquid onto a recording medium, An electric board including a pair of detection terminals having a wiring pattern for detecting a connection and a liquid leakage of the electric board, and an element having a resistance component between the pair of detection terminals; a determination means for determining a connection state of the electric board and whether or not liquid leakage has occurred at a location where the electric board is disposed, based on an acquired voltage between the pair of detection terminals, a first threshold value related to connection detection of the electric board, and a second threshold value related to the liquid leakage, the second threshold value being a value different from the first threshold value; A recording device comprising:

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold value is higher than the second threshold value.

3. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determining unit determines that the connection state of the electric board is an abnormal connection when the acquired voltage is higher than the first threshold value.

4. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the connection abnormality is any one of a disconnection of the electric board, a fitting failure of a connector of the electric board, and a break in the wiring pattern of the electric board.

5. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the acquired voltage is lower than the second threshold value, the determining unit determines that a liquid leak has occurred in a location where the electric board is disposed.

6. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold value is lower than the second threshold value.

7. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the determining unit determines that the connection state of the electric board is an abnormal connection when the acquired voltage is lower than the first threshold value.

8. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, when the acquired voltage is higher than the second threshold value, the determining unit determines that a liquid leak has occurred in a location where the electric board is disposed.

9. The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying an error when it is determined that the electrical board has a connection abnormality or when it is determined that the liquid is leaking at the location where the electrical board is located.

10. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the notification means is a display means that displays the error.

11. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electric board comprises a plurality of electric boards arranged at different positions.

12. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a selection switching circuit that selects the electric board to be a target of judgment from among the plurality of electric boards.

13. A recording device that records an image by ejecting a liquid onto a recording medium, an electric board including a first wiring pattern including a pair of detection terminals for detecting liquid leakage, and a second wiring pattern different from the first wiring pattern for detecting a connection of the electric board; a connection determination means for determining a connection state of the electric board by using the second wiring pattern; a liquid leakage determination means for determining whether the liquid leakage is occurring at the location where the electric board is disposed, based on a voltage value between the pair of detection terminals and a third threshold value; A recording device comprising:

14. 14. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, when the voltage value between both ends of the second wiring pattern is higher than the third threshold value, the connection determination means determines that the connection state of the electric board is an abnormal connection.

15. 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the connection abnormality is any one of a disconnection of the electric board, a fitting failure of a connector of the electric board, and a break in a second wiring pattern of the electric board.

16. 14. The printing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second wiring pattern includes an element having a resistance component and is connected to the first wiring pattern.

17. the second wiring pattern is connected to a different connection destination from the electric board, 14. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the connection determining means determines the connection state of the electric board based on a communication state with the different connection destination via the second wiring pattern.

18. 18. The recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said connection determination means determines that said electric board is abnormally connected when said connection determination means is not capable of communicating with said different connection destination.

19. 14. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, when the voltage value between the pair of detection terminals is lower than the third threshold value, the liquid leakage determination means determines that the liquid leakage is occurring at a location where the electric board is disposed.

20. A method for controlling a recording device having an electric board including a pair of detection terminals having a wiring pattern for detecting a connection and a liquid leakage of the electric board, and an element having a resistance component between the pair of detection terminals, comprising: acquiring an acquired voltage between the pair of detection terminals; determining a connection state of the electric board and whether or not liquid leakage has occurred at a location where the electric board is disposed, based on the acquired voltage acquired in the acquiring step, a first threshold value related to connection detection of the electric board, and a second threshold value related to liquid leakage, the second threshold value being a value different from the first threshold value; 13. A method for controlling a recording apparatus comprising:

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