Detection apparatus and detection method

Abstract

To detect a remaining amount of ink stored in a storage container.SOLUTION: A detection apparatus includes: a first Peltier element disposed on a wall surface of a storage container that stores ink; and a detection unit that detects a remaining amount of ink stored in the storage container based on an output from the first Peltier element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device and a detection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various techniques have been proposed for detecting the remaining amount of ink contained in a container. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for detecting the remaining amount of ink in a container based on the electrical connection between two electrodes provided in the container that contains the ink. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-185623 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, there are cases where the electrode rod provided in the container is corroded by the ink in the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the detection device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a first Peltier element arranged on the wall surface of a storage container that stores ink, and a detection unit that detects the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage container based on the output from the first Peltier element.

[0006] Furthermore, the detection method according to the present invention is characterized in that the remaining amount of ink contained in a storage container is detected based on the output from a first Peltier element arranged on the wall surface of the storage container that contains the ink. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inkjet printer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the ink storage device 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ink storage device 1. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the relationship between the heating time TM and the output value AX. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inkjet printer 100B according to Modification 1. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an ink storage device 1B according to Modification 1.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, in each figure, the dimensions and scales of each part are appropriately different from the actual ones. Further, the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are imposed. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless there is a description to particularly limit the present invention in the following description.

[0009] <<A. Embodiment>> Hereinafter, the inkjet printer 100 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0010] <<1. Outline of Inkjet Printer 100>> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inkjet printer 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0011] The inkjet printer 100 is an inkjet printing device that discharges ink IK onto a medium PP, and executes a printing process, which is a process of forming a desired image on the medium PP. The medium PP is typically printing paper, but any printing target such as a resin film or cloth can be used as the medium PP.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the inkjet printer 100 includes a control device 8 that controls each part of the inkjet printer 100, an ink storage device 1 that stores ink IK, a plurality of liquid ejection heads HU that eject the ink IK, a transport mechanism 91 that transports the medium PP, and a movement mechanism 92 that moves the liquid ejection heads HU.

[0013] The control device 8 includes a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and controls each part of the inkjet printer 100. The processing device provided in the control device 8 executes a control program stored in a storage device provided in the control device 8, and operates based on the control program, thereby functioning as a print control unit 81 and a remaining amount detection unit 82.

[0014] The print control unit 81 supplies the liquid ejection head HU with a drive signal Com for driving the liquid ejection head HU and a control signal SI for controlling the liquid ejection head HU. The print control unit 81 also controls a transport mechanism 91 and a movement mechanism 92. The remaining amount detection unit 82 (an example of a “detection unit”) detects the remaining amount of ink IK contained in the ink containing device 1.

[0015] The transport mechanism 91 transports the medium PP in the sub-scanning direction MP1 under the control of the control device 8. The movement mechanism 92 reciprocates the multiple liquid ejection heads HU in a main scanning direction MH1 that intersects with the sub-scanning direction MP1, and a main scanning direction MH2 that is opposite to the main scanning direction MH1, based on the control of the control device 8. The movement mechanism 92 includes a storage case 921 that stores the multiple liquid ejection heads HU, and an endless belt 922 to which the storage case 921 is fixed. The storage case 921 may store the ink containing device 1 together with the liquid ejection heads HU.

[0016] The liquid ejection head HU is driven by a drive signal Com under control of a control signal SI, and ejects ink IK from some or all of the multiple nozzles provided in the liquid ejection head HU. Specifically, the liquid ejection head HU ejects ink IK from some or all of the multiple nozzles in conjunction with the transport of the medium PP by the transport mechanism 91 and the reciprocating movement of the liquid ejection head HU by the movement mechanism 92, and causes the ejected ink to land on the surface of the medium PP, thereby forming a desired image on the surface of the medium PP.

[0017] The ink storage device 1 includes a plurality of ink tanks TK each having a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of liquid ejection heads HU, a plurality of Peltier elements 2 each having a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of ink tanks TK, a plurality of voltage application circuits 31 each having a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of Peltier elements 2, and a plurality of voltage measurement circuits 32 each having a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of Peltier elements 2.

[0018] The ink tank TK (an example of a "container") contains the ink IK. Based on the control of the control device 8, the ink tank TK supplies the ink IK contained in the ink tank TK to the liquid ejection head HU. The Peltier element 2 (an example of a "first Peltier element") is disposed on the outer wall surface of the ink tank TK. In this embodiment, it is assumed that one Peltier element 2 is disposed for one ink tank TK. The voltage application circuit 31 (an example of a "drive unit") applies a voltage to the Peltier element 2 based on the control of the remaining amount detection unit 82. Hereinafter, the voltage applied by the voltage application circuit 31 to the Peltier element 2 will be referred to as the drive voltage Vin. When the drive voltage Vin is applied to the Peltier element 2, the Peltier element 2 heats the ink tank TK. The voltage measurement circuit 32 measures the voltage output from the Peltier element 2. Hereinafter, the voltage output from the Peltier element 2 will be referred to as the output voltage VX. The voltage measurement circuit 32 also generates output voltage information DX by AD converting the output voltage VX, and supplies the generated output voltage information DX to the remaining amount detection unit 82. The Peltier element 2 outputs the output voltage VX indicating a value whose magnitude corresponds to the temperature of the ink tank TK. In other words, the voltage measurement circuit 32 supplies the remaining amount detection unit 82 with output voltage information DX indicating a value (hereinafter referred to as the "output value AX") that corresponds to the temperature of the ink tank TK. Hereinafter, the configuration including the Peltier element 2, voltage application circuit 31, voltage measurement circuit 32, and remaining amount detection unit 82 may be referred to as a remaining ink amount detection device 200 (an example of a "detection device").

[0019] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the inkjet printer 100 is equipped with four liquid ejection heads HU corresponding to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the ink containing device 1 is equipped with four ink tanks TK in one-to-one correspondence with the four liquid ejection heads HU, four Peltier elements 2 in one-to-one correspondence with the four ink tanks TK, four voltage application circuits 31 in one-to-one correspondence with the four Peltier elements 2, and four voltage measurement circuits 32 in one-to-one correspondence with the four Peltier elements 2. However, for the sake of convenience, the following description will focus on one liquid ejection head HU out of the four liquid ejection heads HU, one ink tank TK out of the four ink tanks TK that corresponds to one liquid ejection head HU, one Peltier element 2 out of the four Peltier elements 2 that corresponds to one ink tank TK, one voltage application circuit 31 out of the four voltage application circuits 31 that corresponds to one ink tank TK, and one voltage measurement circuit 32 out of the four voltage measurement circuits 32 that corresponds to one ink tank TK.

[0020] <<2. Ink storage device 1>> The ink containing device 1 will be outlined below with reference to FIGS.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the configuration of the ink containing device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the ink containing device 1 includes four ink tanks TK corresponding one-to-one to the four types of ink IK, and a storage case 11 that houses the four ink tanks TK. Each ink tank TK is provided with a supply port 12 for supplying ink IK to the interior space of the ink tank TK. A Peltier element 2 is affixed to the outer wall surface of each ink tank TK. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the Peltier element 2 is affixed to the side surface of the ink tank TK. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The Peltier element 2 may be affixed to the top or bottom surface of the ink tank TK. Note that, hereinafter, the direction from the top surface to the bottom surface of the ink tank TK, as shown in FIG. 2, in other words, the direction in which the ink IK contained inside the ink tank TK decreases, is referred to as the Z1 direction. Furthermore, hereinafter, the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is referred to as the Z2 direction.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ink containing device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the ink containing device 1 is provided with the Peltier element 2, the voltage application circuit 31, and the voltage measurement circuit 32 corresponding to each ink tank TK, as described above.

[0025] The Peltier element 2 has a surface PL1 and a surface PL2. The surface PL1 is the surface that is attached to the ink tank TK among the multiple surfaces of the Peltier element 2. The surface PL2 is the surface opposite to the surface PL1. The Peltier element 2 has a terminal Tn1 and a terminal Tn2. The voltage application circuit 31 applies a drive voltage Vin between the terminals Tn1 and Tn2 under the control of the remaining amount detection unit 82. When the drive voltage Vin is applied between the terminals Tn1 and Tn2, the surface PL1 is heated and the surface PL2 is cooled. An output voltage VX corresponding to the internal temperature of the ink tank TK is output from terminals Tn1 and Tn2 of the Peltier element 2. The voltage measurement circuit 32 measures the output voltage VX between terminals Tn1 and Tn2 under the control of the remaining amount detection unit 82. The voltage measurement circuit 32 also outputs output voltage information DX having an output value AX corresponding to the measured output voltage VX under the control of the remaining amount detection unit 82.

[0026] The specific heat of the entire ink tank TK system, including the ink tank TK, the air inside the ink tank TK, and the ink IK contained in the ink tank TK, depends on the amount of ink IK contained in the ink tank TK. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the specific heat of the ink IK is greater than the specific heat of air. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a large amount of ink IK is contained in the ink tank TK, the specific heat of the entire ink tank TK system is greater and the rate of temperature change of the entire ink tank TK system is slower than when a small amount of ink IK is contained in the ink tank TK. That is, in this embodiment, assuming that the ink level distance H is the distance in the Z1 direction from the bottom of the ink tank TK to the level of the ink IK contained in the ink tank TK, when the ink level distance H is large, the specific heat of the entire ink tank TK system is greater and the rate of temperature change of the entire ink tank TK system is slower than when the ink level distance H is small. In other words, in this embodiment, when the ink surface distance H is large, the rate of change of the output value AX of the entire system of the ink tank TK slows down compared to when the ink surface distance H is small. In this embodiment, the amount of ink IK contained in the ink tank TK is detected by utilizing fluctuations in the rate of change of the output value AX, which are caused by changes in the specific heat of the entire system of the ink tank TK.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the heating time TM of the ink tank TK by the Peltier element 2 and the output value AX indicated by the output voltage information DX output by the voltage measurement circuit 32 when the ink tank TK is heated by the Peltier element 2.

[0028] Specifically, in FIG. 4, the vertical axis represents the output value AX, and the horizontal axis represents the heating time TM. Also, the curve FV(H1) is a curve showing the relationship between the heating time TM and the output value AX when the ink liquid surface distance H is the distance H1. Further, the curve FV(H2) is a curve showing the relationship between the heating time TM and the output value AX when the ink liquid surface distance H is the distance H2. Here, the distances H1 and H2 are assumed to satisfy "H1 < H2". In this embodiment, it is assumed that the temperature of the ink tank TK is the reference temperature when the ink tank TK is not heated, and the value of the output voltage information DX output by the voltage measurement circuit 32 when the temperature of the ink tank TK is the reference temperature is the reference output value AX0.

[0029] As shown by the curve FV(H1) in FIG. 4, when the ink liquid surface distance H is the distance H1, the output value AX indicated by the output voltage information DX output from the voltage measurement circuit 32 when the ink tank TK is heated by the Peltier element 2 for a specific time TMK is defined as the output value AX(H1). Also, as shown by the curve FV(H2), when the ink liquid surface distance H is the distance H2, the output value AX indicated by the output voltage information DX output from the voltage measurement circuit 32 when the ink tank TK is heated by the Peltier element 2 for a specific time TMK is defined as the output value AX(H2). In this case, the output value AX(H1) is larger than the output value AX(H2). That is, in this embodiment, as the ink liquid surface distance H increases, the output value AX when the ink tank TK is heated by the Peltier element 2 for a specific time TMK decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, after the ink tank TK is heated by the Peltier element 2 for a specific time TMK, the remaining amount detection unit 82 detects the ink liquid surface distance H in the ink tank TK based on the output value AX having a magnitude corresponding to the temperature of the ink tank TK detected by the Peltier element 2.

[0030] <<3. Conclusion of the Embodiment>> As described above, the inkjet printer 100 in the present embodiment uses the Peltier element 2 disposed outside the ink tank TK to detect the temperature inside the ink tank TK, and based on the detection result, detects the remaining amount of the ink IK inside the ink tank TK. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, compared with the aspect of disposing electrodes inside the ink tank TK as in the prior art, corrosion of the Peltier element 2 by the ink IK can be reduced.

[0031] Also, according to the present embodiment, after heating the ink tank TK by the Peltier element 2, the temperature of the ink tank TK is detected by the Peltier element 2. Therefore, compared with the aspect of separately providing a configuration for heating the ink tank TK and a configuration for detecting the temperature of the ink tank TK, an increase in size and complexity of the ink storage device 1 can be suppressed.

[0032] <<B. Modified Example>> Each of the above embodiments can be variously modified. Specific modification modes are exemplified below. Two or more modes arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined within a range not conflicting with each other. In the modified examples exemplified below, for elements whose actions and functions are equivalent to those in the embodiment, the reference numerals referred to in the above description are reused, and the detailed description of each is appropriately omitted.

[0033] <<B.1. Modified Example 1>> In the above-described embodiment, the aspect in which one Peltier element 2 is provided corresponding to one ink tank TK has been exemplified and described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. A plurality of Peltier elements 2 may be provided corresponding to one ink tank TK.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inkjet printer 100B according to this modified example. FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the configuration of the ink storage device 1B provided in the inkjet printer 100B.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the inkjet printer 100B differs from the inkjet printer 100 according to the embodiment in that it includes an ink containing device 1B instead of the ink containing device 1 and a control device 8B instead of the control device 8. The ink containing device 1B differs from the ink containing device 1 according to the embodiment in that it includes two Peltier elements 2[1] and 2[2] corresponding to one ink tank TK, two voltage application circuits 31[1] and 31[2] corresponding to one ink tank TK, and two voltage measurement circuits 32[1] and 32[2] corresponding to one ink tank TK. Note that this modification assumes that the Peltier element 2[1] is attached to the ink tank TK at a position in the Z1 direction as viewed from the Peltier element 2[2], as shown in FIG. 6. The control device 8B differs from the control device 8 according to the embodiment in that it includes a remaining amount detection unit 82B instead of the remaining amount detection unit 82.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the voltage application circuit 31[1] applies a drive voltage Vin[1] to the Peltier element 2[1] (another example of a "first Peltier element"). The voltage measurement circuit 32[1] measures the output voltage VX[1] output from the Peltier element 2[1] and supplies output voltage information DX[1] indicating an output value AX[1] corresponding to the measured output voltage VX[1] to the remaining charge detection unit 82B. The voltage application circuit 31[2] applies a drive voltage Vin[2] to the Peltier element 2[2] (an example of a "second Peltier element"). The voltage measurement circuit 32[2] measures the output voltage VX[2] output from the Peltier element 2[2] and supplies output voltage information DX[2] indicating an output value AX[2] corresponding to the measured output voltage VX[2] to the remaining charge detection unit 82B. The remaining amount detection section 82B (another example of a "detection section") detects the remaining amount of ink IK in the ink tank TK based on the output voltage information DX[1] and output voltage information DX[2].

[0037] Thus, according to this modification example, the temperature of the ink tank TK is detected by the Peltier elements 2[1] and 2[2]. Therefore, according to this modification example, compared with the aspect of detecting the temperature of the ink tank TK by a single Peltier element 2, the remaining amount of the ink IK in the ink tank TK can be detected more accurately.

[0038] Note that, in this modification example, a configuration including the Peltier elements 2[1] and 2[2], the voltage application circuits 31[1] and 31[2], the voltage measurement circuits 32[1] and 32[2], and the remaining amount detection unit 82B may be referred to as an ink remaining amount detection device 200B (an example of a "detection device").

[0039] <<B.2. Modification Example 2>> In the above-described embodiment and modification example 1, both the heating of the ink tank TK and the detection of the temperature of the ink tank TK were performed by the Peltier element 2, but the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. The Peltier element 2 may perform one of the heating of the ink tank TK and the detection of the temperature of the ink tank TK. For example, the ink tank TK may be heated by the Peltier element 2, and the temperature of the ink tank TK may be detected by a temperature sensor different from the Peltier element 2. Further, for example, the ink tank TK may be heated by a heat source different from the Peltier element 2, and the temperature of the ink tank TK may be detected by the Peltier element 2.

[0040] <<B.3. Modification Example 3>> In the above-described embodiment and modification examples 1 to 2, a serial inkjet printer in which the storage case 921 equipped with the liquid ejection head HU is reciprocated in the main scanning direction MH1 was exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to such an aspect. The inkjet printer may be a line-type liquid ejection device including a liquid ejection head HU capable of ejecting the ink IK over the entire width of the medium PP.

[0041] <<B.4. Modification Example 4>> In the above-described embodiments and Modifications 1 to 3, the liquid ejection device exemplified by the inkjet printer can be adopted not only for devices dedicated to printing but also for various devices such as facsimile machines and copying machines. However, the use of the liquid ejection device of the present invention is not limited to printing. For example, a liquid ejection device that ejects a solution of a coloring material is used as a manufacturing device for forming a color filter of a liquid crystal display device. In addition, a liquid ejection device that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing device for forming wirings and electrodes on a wiring board.

[0042] <<C. Supplementary Note>> Aspects related to the above description are appended below. For ease of understanding of each aspect, hereinafter, reference numerals in the drawings are appended in parentheses for convenience, but the present invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated aspects.

[0043] <<C.1. Supplementary Note 1>> The ink remaining amount detection device 200 according to Supplementary Note 1 includes a Peltier element 2 disposed on the wall surface of an ink tank TK that stores ink IK, and a remaining amount detection unit 82 that detects the remaining amount of the ink IK stored in the ink tank TK based on the output from the Peltier element 2.

[0044] According to Supplementary Note 1, after heating the ink tank TK by the Peltier element 2 or another heat source, the remaining amount of the ink IK in the ink tank TK can be detected by detecting the temperature of the ink tank TK by the Peltier element 2. Further, according to Supplementary Note 1, compared with the aspect of disposing an electrode inside the ink tank TK, the configuration for detecting the remaining amount of the ink IK in the ink tank TK such as the Peltier element 2 can reduce the possibility of being corroded by the ink IK.

[0045] <<C.2. Supplementary Note 2>> The ink remaining amount detection device 200B according to Supplementary Note 2 includes a Peltier element 2[1] arranged on the wall surface of an ink tank TK that houses ink IK, a Peltier element 2[2] arranged on the wall surface of the ink tank TK that houses ink IK, and a remaining amount detection unit 82B that detects the remaining amount of ink IK housed in the ink tank TK based on the outputs from the Peltier element 2[1] and the Peltier element 2[2]. It is characterized by this.

[0046] According to Supplementary Note 2, since the temperature of the ink tank TK is detected by the Peltier element 2[1] and the Peltier element 2[2], the remaining amount of ink IK in the ink tank TK can be accurately detected.

[0047] <<C.3. Supplementary Note 3>> The ink remaining amount detection device 200 according to Supplementary Note 3 includes a Peltier element 2 arranged on the wall surface of an ink tank TK that houses ink IK, a voltage application circuit 31 that drives the Peltier element 2, and a remaining amount detection unit 82 that detects the remaining amount of ink IK housed in the ink tank TK based on the output from the Peltier element 2. The Peltier element 2 heats the ink tank TK when driven by the voltage application circuit 31. It is characterized by this.

[0048] According to Supplementary Note 3, since the Peltier element 2 performs both heating of the ink tank TK and detection of the temperature of the ink tank TK, it is possible to suppress the increase in size and complexity of the ink storage device 1 compared to a mode in which a configuration for heating the ink tank TK and a configuration for detecting the temperature of the ink tank TK are provided separately.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0049] 1... Ink storage device, 2... Peltier element, 8... Control device, 31... Voltage application circuit, 32... Voltage measurement circuit, 81... Printing control unit, 82... Remaining amount detection unit, 91... Conveying mechanism, 92... Moving mechanism, 100... Inkjet printer, 200... Ink remaining amount detection device, HU... Liquid ejection head, TK... Ink tank.

Claims

1. a first Peltier element disposed on a wall surface of a container that contains ink; a detection unit that detects the remaining amount of ink contained in the container based on an output from the first Peltier element; Equipped with A detection device characterized by:

2. a second Peltier element disposed on a wall surface of the container; the detection unit detects the remaining amount of ink contained in the container based on an output from the second Peltier element.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection device comprises:

3. a drive unit that drives the first Peltier element, the first Peltier element heats the container when driven by the drive unit; 2. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection device comprises:

4. detecting the remaining amount of ink contained in the ink container based on an output from a first Peltier element disposed on a wall surface of the ink container; A detection method characterized by:

5. detecting the remaining amount of ink contained in the storage container based on an output from a second Peltier element disposed on a wall surface of the storage container; The detection method according to claim 4 .

6. a first Peltier element disposed on a wall surface of a storage container that stores ink is driven to cause the first Peltier element to heat the storage container; detecting the remaining amount of ink contained in the container based on an output from the first Peltier element; A detection method characterized by:

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