Inkjet recording device, control method for inkjet recording device

Abstract

Without interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process during standby, operations are performed on the inkjet recording device while maintaining the execution of the ink circulation process. [Solution] An inkjet recording device that prints on a printing target by ejecting ink supplied from an ink container from a nozzle, comprising: a control unit that performs an ink circulation process during the idle state of the inkjet recording device, which circulates the ink in the path and enters a standby state at predetermined time intervals; and an operation display unit that displays a standby screen for the ink circulation process during the idle state, wherein the operation display unit displays information for operating the inkjet recording device on the standby screen while the control unit maintains the execution of the automatic circulation process during the idle state, and the inkjet recording device accepts operations on the inkjet recording device based on the information displayed on the standby screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus and a control method for an inkjet recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technique for automatically circulating ink when an inkjet recording apparatus such as an inkjet printer is in a standby state (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention is an inkjet recording apparatus that prints on a printing target by ejecting ink supplied from an ink container from a nozzle, and comprises a control unit that performs an ink circulation process during the idle state of the inkjet recording apparatus, which circulates the ink during the idle state, and repeats the circulation of ink in the path and a standby state at predetermined time intervals, and an operation display unit that displays a standby screen for the ink circulation process during the idle state, wherein the operation display unit displays information for operating the inkjet recording apparatus on the standby screen while the control unit maintains the execution of the automatic circulation process during the idle state, and the inkjet recording apparatus accepts operations on the inkjet recording apparatus based on the information displayed on the standby screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, operations on the inkjet recording device can be performed while maintaining the execution of the ink circulation process, without interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process during the idle state. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of how an inkjet recording device is used. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the overall circuit configuration of an inkjet recording device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of the schematic configuration of the control unit and printing mechanism (main body and print head) of an inkjet recording device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a fluid path diagram, illustrating the flow of liquid when ink circulation is taking place inside the book with thick lines. [Figure 5]This figure shows an example of a fluid path diagram, illustrating the flow of liquid and gas when ink is circulating in the main unit and print head, with thick lines indicating the flow. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of ink flow during nozzle cleaning and circulation path cleaning. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the setting screen for the ink circulation function during long-term shutdown of the print head unit of an inkjet recording device. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of ink circulation during prolonged downtime. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for accepting various operations from the operation display unit 8 (operation acceptance processing) when the automatic cyclic processing during pause is being executed. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a waiting screen during automatic cycle processing while paused. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a home screen that accepts various operations for an inkjet recording device. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for replacing a cartridge (cartridge replacement process) when the automatic circulation process is running during a pause. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the exchange screen during the automatic circulation process while the system is idle. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for accepting direct input (direct input acceptance processing) when automatic cyclical processing is being executed during a pause. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a standby screen that appears when the print head is removed while the automatic cycle processing is running during a pause. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of a standby screen when the print head is set while the automatic cycle processing is running during a pause. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of a waiting screen displaying a warning message. [Figure 18] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for accepting direct detection operations (direct detection operation acceptance processing) when automatic cyclical processing is being executed during a pause. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen when the liquid volume in the collection container becomes more than a predetermined amount during the execution of the automatic circulation process during standby. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen when the collection container after the waste liquid operation is set during the execution of the automatic circulation process during standby. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen on which a warning message is displayed.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following is an exemplification for explaining the present invention, and for the sake of clarity of explanation, omissions and simplifications are made as appropriate. The present invention can also be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise limited, each component may be singular or plural. In the drawings, the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. of each component shown may not represent the actual positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. For this reason, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. disclosed in the drawings.

[0010] As examples of various types of information, explanations may be given in expressions such as "table", "list", "queue", etc., but various types of information may also be represented by data structures other than these. For example, various types of information such as "XX table", "XX list", "XX queue", etc. may also be referred to as "XX information". When explaining identification information, expressions such as "identification information", "identifier", "name", "ID", "number", etc. are used, but these are mutually replaceable.

[0011] When there are a plurality of components having the same or similar functions, they may be described with the same reference numeral and different subscripts. Also, when it is not necessary to distinguish these plurality of components, the subscripts may be omitted in the description.

[0012] In the following, we may describe the processes performed by executing a program. Here, a computer executes a program using a processor (e.g., CPU, GPU) and performs the processing defined by the program using memory resources (e.g., memory) and interface devices (e.g., communication ports). Therefore, the processor may be the main entity performing the processing by executing the program. Similarly, the main entity performing the processing by executing the program may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node that has a processor. The main entity performing the processing by executing the program may be an arithmetic unit, and may include dedicated circuits that perform specific processing. Here, dedicated circuits include, for example, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices), etc.

[0013] A program may be installed on a computer from its program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. If the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server includes a processor and storage resources to store the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to other computers. Furthermore, two or more programs may be implemented as a single program, or one program may be implemented as two or more programs.

[0014] <Usage Status> First, the usage status of the inkjet recording device will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the usage status of the inkjet recording device.

[0015] In Figure 1, the inkjet recording devices 600A and 600B each comprise a main unit 1, a print head 2 connected to the main unit 1 by a cable (for the print head) 5, and a head mounting unit 3 connected to the main unit 1 by a cable (for the head mounting unit) 6. The head mounting unit 3 primarily functions to house the print head, but may also have a function to clean the print head by spraying cleaning solution. The head mounting unit 3 described below includes this function. Inkjet recording device 600A shows the print head 2 installed on the production line. Inkjet recording device 600B shows the print head 2 removed from the production line and mounted (set) on the head mounting unit 3. The recovery container 4 attached to the bottom of the head mounting unit 3 is provided to collect the liquid (cleaning solution) after the print head has been cleaned by the head mounting unit 3.

[0016] The inkjet recording device 600A is installed, for example, on a production line in a factory where food or beverages are produced, and the main unit 1 is installed in a location where space necessary for periodic maintenance work can be secured. The print head 2 is fixed to a print head fixing bracket 13 installed near the belt conveyor 11 and is installed in close proximity to the objects to be printed on 12A and 12B that are fed along the production line such as the belt conveyor 11 in the direction of arrow X. In addition, a protective cover 17 is attached to the print head 2 to protect the internal components of the print head 2. Note that the object to be printed on 12B is in a state where printing by the print head 2 has finished and it is being transported on the belt conveyor 11.

[0017] In Figure 1, the main unit 1 houses (holds) the ink for printing and controls the internal drive unit (pump and solenoid valve) to supply the ink to the print head 2 via the cable (for the print head) 5. The internal routing configuration of the main unit 1 and the details of the control unit will be described later. The operation display unit 8 is installed on the top surface of the main unit 1 and uses a touch-input display panel. By touching the operation display unit 8, the operator can instruct the control unit to start or stop the device, or set the content to be printed on the object 12A. Also in Figure 1, 16 in the print head 2 indicates the head base, and 17 indicates the protective cover.

[0018] The head mounting unit 3 is installed around the print head 2. In the inkjet recording device 600A, the head mounting unit 3 is fixed by combining a fitting part 93 attached to the head mounting unit 3 with a fixing jig 92 attached to the belt conveyor 11. The head mounting unit 3 has a head mounting part 81A for attaching the print head 2 to the head mounting unit. Furthermore, the head mounting unit 3 has a start button 18 for starting the cleaning process of the print head 2, a stop button 19 for stopping the cleaning process of the print head 2, and a display unit 20 for the operator to recognize confirmation messages, alarms, or abnormalities. This display unit 20 may, for example, allow the operator to recognize the operating status or abnormality by the presence or absence of light or differences in color.

[0019] In the inkjet recording device 600A, the head mounting unit 3 is fixed near the belt conveyor 11, but the head mounting unit 3 can be freely moved to a location that is easy for the user to operate. It is preferable that the length of the cable (for the head mounting unit) 6 connecting the main unit 1 and the head mounting unit 3 be the same as, or longer than, the cable 5 connecting the main unit 1 and the print head 2 of the inkjet recording device 600. This is to ensure flexibility in the placement of the head mounting unit.

[0020] Furthermore, the main body 1 has a fixing part 91 for fixing the head mounting unit 3, and the head mounting unit 3 can also be used by removing the head mounting unit from the fixing jig (for conveyor) 92 and attaching it to the fixing part 91. When the inkjet recording device 600B is in use, the head mounting unit 3 can also be fixed to the main body 1 by combining the fitting part 93 with the fixing part 91 which is assembled to the main body 1. The head mounting unit 3 of the inkjet recording device 600B is attached to the main body 1. By making it possible to fix the head mounting unit 3 to the main body 1, it becomes possible to install the head mounting unit 3 even when there is no space to attach the head mounting unit 3 near the belt conveyor 11 or elsewhere.

[0021] Next, the state in which the print head 2 is set in the head mounting unit 3 in the inkjet recording device 600B will be described. The print head 2 is mounted and set from the tip of the print head 2 into the head mounting section 81A of the head mounting unit 3. By setting the print head 2 in the head mounting unit in this way, the inkjet recording device 600 can clean the print head 2 with solvent 69A supplied from the main body 1 via the cable (for the head mounting unit) 6.

[0022] <Route Configuration> Next, the routing configuration of the inkjet recording device 600 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the overall routing configuration of the inkjet recording device 600.

[0023] First, the ink supply paths (paths 801 to 804) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be explained. In Figure 2, the main body 1 is equipped with an ink container 31 that holds ink 68A for printing. The ink container 31 is equipped with a liquid level sensor 31A that detects whether the liquid (ink 68A) inside the ink container 31 has reached a reference liquid level, which is the appropriate amount to hold inside.

[0024] The ink container 31 is connected to the supply path 801 at the point where it is immersed in the ink 68A, and a solenoid valve (supply) 49 for opening and closing the path is installed along the way. Furthermore, the path 801 is connected to a pump (supply) 34 installed in the path 802 via a merging path 901, which is used to draw in and pump the ink 68A. The output side of the pump (supply) 34 is connected to a filter (supply) 39 for removing foreign matter mixed in the ink 68A.

[0025] The filter (for supply) 39 is connected to a pressure regulating valve 46 that adjusts the pressure of the ink 68A pumped from the pump (for supply) 34 to the appropriate pressure for printing. The pressure regulating valve 46 is connected to a pressure sensor 47 that measures the pressure of the ink 68A supplied to the nozzle 21. The path 802 in which the pressure sensor 47 is located is connected to a path 803 that passes through the cable (for print head) 5 via a branch path 921. The path 803 is connected to a switching valve 26 located in the print head 2 that controls whether or not to supply ink 68A to the nozzle 21.

[0026] The switching valve 26 is connected via a path 804 to a nozzle 21 equipped with an outlet 21A for discharging ink 68A. The switching valve 26 is a three-way solenoid valve, and is connected to an ink supply path 802 and a nozzle cleaning path 835, allowing the supply of ink 68A and solvent 69A to the nozzle 21 to be switched. In the straight direction of the discharge port 21A of the nozzle 21, there is a charging electrode 23 for adding a predetermined amount of charge to the ink particles 68B, a deflection electrode 24 for deflecting the ink particles 68B used for printing, and a gutter 25 for capturing ink particles 68B that are not used for printing and are therefore not charged or deflected and fly in a straight line.

[0027] Next, the ink recovery paths 811 and 812 of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. In Figure 2, the gutter 25 is connected to path 811, and a charge sensor 48 is located in path 811 to detect whether ink particles 68B to which an electric charge has been added by the charged electrode 23 are being recovered. Path 811 passes through the cable (for print head) 5 and is connected to a filter (for recovery) 40 located inside the main unit 1 that removes foreign matter mixed in the ink. The filter (for recovery) 40 is connected to a solenoid valve (for recovery) 50 that opens and closes the path.

[0028] The solenoid valve (for recovery) 50 is located in a path 812 connected via a merging path 902 and is connected to a pump (for recovery) 35 that sucks up the ink particles 68B captured by the gutter 25. The pump (for recovery) 35 is connected to the ink container 31. By opening the solenoid valve 50 and driving the pump 35, the ink particles 68B captured by the gutter 25 are recovered into the ink container 31.

[0029] Next, the exhaust path (path 814) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. The ink container 31 is connected to path 814 in the upper space that does not come into contact with the ink 68A, and path 814 is connected to an exhaust duct connection part 62 that communicates with the outside of the main body 1.

[0030] Next, the ink circulation paths (paths 821 and 822) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. The nozzles 21 located in the print head 2 are connected to a path 821 that passes through the cable (for the print head) 5, in addition to the ink supply path 804. A solenoid valve (for circulation) 59, located in the main body 1, is positioned in this path 821 to open and close the flow path. The solenoid valve (for circulation) 59 is connected to path 822 via a merging path 903, and a pump (for circulation) 36, which draws ink from the nozzles 21, is positioned in path 822. The pump (for circulation) 36 is connected to the ink container 31.

[0031] Next, the viscosity measurement paths (824 and 822) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. In Figure 2, the ink container 31 is connected to path (for viscosity measurement) 824 at the portion immersed in the ink 68A. Path (for viscosity measurement) 824 is connected to a viscometer 45 to determine the viscosity of the ink 68A in the ink container 31. The viscometer 45 is connected to a solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57, which opens and closes the path. The solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 is connected to a pump (for circulation) 36 located in path 822 via a merging path 903. This allows the ink 68A in the ink container 31 to be circulated through the viscosity measurement path, and the viscosity of the ink 68A can be measured. The viscosity measured in this way is input to the control unit 7 (not shown in Figure 2; see Figure 3) and used to control the viscosity of the ink 68A in the ink container 31.

[0032] Next, the solvent supply routes (routes 831 and 833) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. In Figure 2, the main body 1 is equipped with a solvent container 33 that holds solvent 69A for use in supplying solvent to the ink container 31, nozzle cleaning, or head cleaning. The solvent container 33 is connected to route 831 at the portion immersed in solvent 69A, and a pump (for solvent) 37 used for aspirating and pumping the solvent is located in route 831. The pump (for solvent) 37 is connected to a branch route 922 to change the supply destination of the solvent 69A depending on the purpose. In the solvent supply route, the branch route 922 is connected to a solenoid valve (for solvent supply) 53 to open and close the flow path located in route 833, and the solenoid valve (for solvent supply) 53 is connected to the ink container 31. Using this route, the viscosity of the ink 68A in the ink container 31 is controlled by the control unit 7.

[0033] Next, the ink supply path 806 of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. In Figure 2, the main body 1 is equipped with an auxiliary ink container 32 that holds the replenishment ink 68C. The auxiliary ink container 32 is connected to the path 806 at the portion immersed in the ink 68C. The path 806 is connected to a solenoid valve (for ink supply) 54 that opens and closes the path, and the solenoid valve (for ink supply) 54 is connected via a merging path 901 to a pump (for supply) 34 installed in the path 801 and used to suck and pump the ink 68C. The ink 68C in the auxiliary ink container 32 is then replenished into the ink container 31 via the nozzle 21, gutter 25, path 811, solenoid valve 50, and pump 35.

[0034] Next, the nozzle cleaning paths (paths 831 and 835) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. In Figure 2, the pump (for solvent) 37 located in path 831 is connected to path 835 via branch path 922. Path 835 is connected to a solenoid valve (for nozzle cleaning) 55 for opening and closing the flow path. The solenoid valve (for nozzle cleaning) 55 is connected to a filter (for nozzle cleaning) 41 for removing foreign matter mixed in the solvent 69A. The filter (for nozzle cleaning) 41 is located inside the print head 2 via path 821 passing through the cable (for print head) 5 and is connected to a switching valve 26 for controlling whether or not to send the cleaning solvent 69A to the nozzles 21.

[0035] Next, the main circulation paths (paths 808 and 812) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. Path 802 is connected to path 808 via a branch path 921. Path 808 is connected to a solenoid valve (for main circulation) 58, which opens and closes the path. The solenoid valve (for main circulation) 58 is connected to a pump (for circulation) 35 installed in path 812 via a merging path 902.

[0036] Next, the head cleaning paths (paths 831 and 837) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. In Figure 2, the pump (for solvent) 37 is connected to path 837 via branch path 922, and a solenoid valve (for head cleaning) 56 for opening and closing the flow path is located in path 837, and the solenoid valve (for head cleaning) 56 is connected to a filter (for head cleaning) 43 for removing foreign matter mixed in the solvent 69A.

[0037] The filter (for head cleaning) 42 is located inside the head mounting unit 3 via a path 822 that runs through the cable (for head mounting unit) 6, and is connected to the filter (for head cleaning) 43 to remove any foreign matter that may initially enter the path 837. The output side of the filter (for head cleaning) 43 is connected to a cleaning nozzle 72 located inside the cleaning tank 71 of the head mounting unit 3. The space inside the cleaning tank 71 is configured to communicate with a recovery container 4 located at the bottom. The recovery container 4 is provided to collect the solvent after cleaning with the cleaning liquid (solvent) ejected from the cleaning nozzle 72 grounded inside the cleaning tank 71. A float 74 is provided inside the recovery container 4 to detect the liquid level of the solvent after cleaning. When the float 74, which has a built-in magnet, reaches a predetermined liquid level, a magnetic sensor A76 detects the liquid level and outputs to the control unit (not shown in Figure 2) that the cleaning liquid in the recovery container 4 has reached the predetermined liquid level.

[0038] Next, the air supply path (path 841) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. In Figure 2, the main body 1 is equipped with a pump (for drying) 60 used for drawing in and pumping air, and the pump (for drying) 60 forms an air intake port that communicates with the inside of the main body 1. The pump (for drying) 60 is connected to an air supply nozzle 73 located inside the cleaning tank 71 of the head mounting unit 3 via path 841 which passes through the cable (for the head mounting unit) 6.

[0039] Next, the air suction path (path 843) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. The cleaning tank 71 provided in the head mounting unit 3 is connected to an air pump (for suction) 61, which is used to suck and pump air provided in the main body 1, via path 843 that passes through the cable (for the head mounting unit) 6. The pump (for suction) 61 is then connected to an exhaust duct connection part 62 that communicates with the outside of the main body 1.

[0040] <Configuration of the control unit> Next, the configuration of the control unit 7 of the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the control unit 7 and the printing mechanism (main body 1 and print head 2) of the inkjet recording device 600. In Figure 3, 301 is a microprocessing unit (hereinafter referred to as MPU), which is a control unit that controls the entire inkjet recording device 600. 302 is a bus line, which has the function of transmitting data and control signals between each device that constitutes the control unit. For example, the bus line 302 is used to input data and detection signals necessary for the calculations of the MPU 301 from each device and to transmit data signals, address signals, and control signals to each device. 306 is a read-only memory (ROM) that stores control programs and data necessary for the operation of the MPU 301. 307 is a rewritable memory (RAM) that temporarily stores data that the MPU 301 needs during program execution. 8 is an operation display unit for inputting print content and setting values, and for displaying the input data and print content. In this operation display unit 8, a touch-input type display panel is used, which consists of a transparent touch switch superimposed on the surface of a liquid crystal display screen.

[0041] Furthermore, the head-mounted unit 3 can be controlled from the operation display unit of the control unit 7, but the operation unit (start button 18 and stop button 19) is used when operating the head-mounted unit 3 near the head-mounted unit 3, rather than using the operation display unit 8. The display unit 20 is used when checking the operating status of the head-mounted unit 3, abnormal messages, etc., near the head-mounted unit 3, rather than using the operation display unit 8.

[0042] The print head 2 of the inkjet recording device 600 is equipped with a nozzle 21 that atomizes and ejects ink 68A supplied under pressure from an ink container 31. The nozzle 21 ejects the ink in a columnar shape, and the tip separates to eject ink particles 68B. The print head 2 is also equipped with a charging electrode 23 that surrounds the ink particles 68B, and charges the ink particles 68B according to the printing content.

[0043] Furthermore, the print head 2 deflects the ink particles 68B, which are charged by the charging electrode 23 and fly, according to the amount of charge, and directs them toward the object to be printed (not shown). Printing is performed when these flying ink particles hit the object to be printed. The deflection electrode 24 of the print head 2 consists of a ground electrode 24B and a positive electrode 24A. The print head 2 also includes a gutter 25 that captures ink particles 68B (unused ink) that were not used for printing, and a charge sensor 48 that generates a phase detection signal according to the amount of charge of the ink particles 68B1 that have a small charge among the ink particles 68B captured by the gutter 25. On the main body 1 side, there is a pump (for recovery) 35 that recovers the ink (ink particles) captured by the gutter 25 into the ink container 31, and ink recovery paths 811 to 812 that connect the gutter 25 and the ink container 31.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 7 has an excitation voltage generation circuit 331 that excites an electrostrictive element 22 (not shown) built into the nozzle 21 in order to ensure regularity in the timing of the separation of the ink column ejected from the nozzle 21 into ink particles 68B.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 7 includes a charging signal generation circuit 342 for printing and a charging signal generation circuit 341 for phase search, a D / A converter 343 that converts the digital charging signals output from these circuits into analog voltage signals, and an amplification circuit 344 that amplifies the analog voltage signals output from the D / A converter 343 to generate a charging voltage to be applied to the charging electrode 23. Alternatively, instead of providing both the charging signal generation circuit 342 for printing and the charging signal generation circuit 341, the charging amount may be controlled by the control unit using only the charging signal generation circuit 342. The inkjet recording device 600 also includes a deflection voltage generation circuit 332 that generates a deflection voltage to be applied to the deflection electrode 24.

[0046] Furthermore, the inkjet recording device 600 includes an amplification circuit 353 that amplifies the phase detection signal in analog signal form output from the charge sensor 48, a phase determination circuit 351 that receives the amplified phase detection signal and determines whether the charge is good or bad, and an A / D converter 352 that receives the amplified phase detection signal and performs A / D conversion.

[0047] Next, in Figure 3, the MPU 301 of the control unit 7 is connected via the bus line 302 to a liquid level detection circuit 313 for managing the liquid level of the ink container 31, a pressure detection circuit 312 for detecting whether the pressure of the ink supplied to the nozzle 21 is at an appropriate value, a viscosity measurement circuit 311 for measuring whether the viscosity of the ink 68A supplied to the nozzle 21 is at an appropriate value for printing using a viscosity meter 45, a pump control circuit 314 for controlling each of the pumps 34-37 located inside the main body 1 that suck up and pump the ink 68A and solvent 69A, and a solenoid valve drive circuit 315 for controlling the opening and closing operations of each of the solenoid valves 49-50 and 53-59 in each path, thereby controlling each part.

[0048] Furthermore, the MPU301 is connected via the bus line 302 to an air pump control circuit 321 for controlling pumps 60 and 61, a recovery container sensor detection circuit 322 for detecting, using magnetic sensors A76 and magnet A75, that the recovery container 4 is attached to the head mounting unit 3 and that the liquid 70 in the recovery container 4 is not above a predetermined amount, a print head detection circuit 323 for detecting, on the head mounting unit 3 side, that the print head 2 is attached to the head mounting unit 3 using magnetic sensors B84 and magnet B86, and a head mounting unit detection circuit 324 for detecting, on the print head 2 side, that the print head 2 is attached to the head mounting unit 3 using magnetic sensors C28 and magnet C87, thereby controlling each of these components.

[0049] The control unit 7 may use a computer. Specifically, the control unit 7 can consist of an MPU 301, a memory (306 and 307) that stores the program for the operation of the MPU 301 and the data and information necessary for its operation, and a drive unit that operates the print head 2, the head mounting unit 3, and the components inside the main unit 1 according to the instructions of the MPU 301. A detailed explanation of the control unit 7 is omitted here.

[0050] Next, the inkjet recording device 600 will be described. It employs the same configuration as in Figures 1 to 3. Therefore, the explanation of Figures 1 to 3 will be omitted.

[0051] <Operation and Fluid Flow> First, the operation of the main unit 1 and the print head 2 when ink circulation is being performed with the print head 2 set in the head mounting unit 3 will be explained using Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a fluid path diagram showing the flow of liquid when ink circulation is being performed inside the main unit, indicated by thick lines. Figure 5 is a fluid path diagram showing the flow of liquid and gas when ink circulation is being performed in the main unit and the print head, indicated by thick lines. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the flow of ink when nozzle cleaning and circulation path cleaning are being performed.

[0052] Figure 4 is a fluid path diagram showing the flow of liquid when the ink circulating inside the main body 1 is taking place, with the inkjet recording device 600 in a state where the print head 2 is set in the head mounting unit 3. The thick lines (C1-C2) illustrate this flow.

[0053] In the main unit 1, the solenoid valve (for supply) 49 and the solenoid valve (for main unit circulation) 58 are energized to open the flow path, and the pump (for supply) 34 and the pump (for recovery) 35 are operated. As shown by the thick line of arrow C1, the ink 68A contained in the ink container 31 of the main unit 1 passes through the solenoid valve (for supply) 49, the pump (for supply) 34, the filter (for supply) 39, the pressure regulating valve 46, the pressure sensor 47, the solenoid valve (for main unit circulation) 58, and the pump (for recovery) 35 and returns to the ink container 31, thereby circulating the ink 68A.

[0054] Furthermore, in the main unit 1, the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 is energized to open the flow path and activate the pump (for circulation) 36. As shown by the thick line of arrow C2, the ink 68A contained in the ink container 31 of the main unit 1 passes through the viscometer 45, the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57, and the pump (for circulation) 36 and returns to the ink container 31, thereby circulating the ink 68A. Also, if the viscosity of the ink 68A is measured using the viscometer 45 at the timing of this ink circulation within the main unit 1, it becomes easier to understand the state of the ink 68A when it is used next time.

[0055] Next, Figure 5 shows the inkjet recording device 600 with the print head 2 set in the head mounting unit 3, and is a fluid path diagram showing the flow of liquid when ink is circulating in the main unit and the print head, indicated by thick lines (D1~D7).

[0056] In the ink supply path (paths 801-804), the solenoid valve (for supply) 49 is energized to open the flow path, the switching valve 26 is energized to connect the ink supply path to the nozzle 21, and the pump (for supply) 34 is activated, so that the ink 68A contained in the ink container 31 of the main body 1 is supplied to the nozzle 21 of the print head 2, as shown by the thick line of arrow D1, and is ejected from the nozzle 21 as ink particles 68B. The ink particles 68B are subjected to a voltage by the charging electrode 23, and the amount of charge is checked by the charge sensor 48.

[0057] In the ink recovery paths 811-812, the solenoid valve (for recovery) 50 is energized to open the flow path, and the pump (for recovery) 35 is activated. As shown by the thick line of arrow D2, ink particles 68B and air around the print head 2 are drawn in from the gutter 25 and pumped into the ink container 31 of the main body 1. In the ink recovery paths 811-812, ink 68A and air flow in a gas-liquid mixture state, so the solvent components of ink 68A dissolve into the air, and the air becomes a solvent gas that flows into the ink container 31. The ink that flows into the ink container 31 is contained at the bottom, and the air that has become a solvent gas is discharged to the outside of the main body 1 as a solvent gas, as shown by the thick line of arrow D3.

[0058] In the inkjet recording device 600, the solvent component in the ink 68A is discharged outside the machine as solvent gas. As a result, if the operating time is long, the proportion of the solvent component in the ink 68A decreases, and the concentration of the ink 68A becomes high. Conversely, if the operating time is short, the solvent 69A that flows into the ink container 31 during nozzle cleaning and other processes results in a low concentration of ink. Therefore, in pathways (for viscosity measurement) 824 and 822, the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 is energized to open the flow path, and the pump (for circulation) 36 is operated to send the ink 68A in the ink container 31 to the viscometer 45, as shown by the thick line of arrow D5, and the viscosity (converted to concentration) of the ink 68A is measured periodically. The detected value of this measured viscosity is input to the control unit 7. As a result, the control unit 7 controls the system to replenish ink 68C from the auxiliary ink container 32 to the ink container 31 when the ink concentration 68A is low, and to replenish solvent 69A from the solvent container 33 to the ink container 31 when the ink concentration 68A is high, as shown by the thick line of arrow D7. In this way, the inkjet recording device 600 controls the system so that the viscosity of ink 68A remains within the control range.

[0059] Furthermore, in the ink circulation paths 821-822, as shown by the thick line of arrow D1, when ink 68A is supplied from the ink container 31 to the nozzle 21, the solenoid valve (for circulation) 59 is energized to open the flow path and operate the pump (for circulation) 36, so that at least a portion of the ink 68A supplied to the nozzle 21 is drawn into the pump (for circulation) 36 and returns to the ink container 31 in the flow shown by the thick line of arrow D3, thus circulating the ink 68A. In addition, by energizing the solenoid valve (for main body circulation) 58 to open the flow path and operate the pump (for circulation) 36 before energizing the switching valve 26, ink 68A can also be circulated in the path (for main body circulation) 808, as shown by the thick line of arrow D6.

[0060] Next, Figure 6 shows the ink flow in the inkjet recording device 600 with the print head 2 set in the head mounting unit 3, and the ink flow during nozzle cleaning and circulation path cleaning is indicated by thick lines (E1~E7).

[0061] In the nozzle cleaning pathways (paths 831 and 835), the solenoid valve (for nozzle cleaning) 55 is energized to open the flow path and activates the pump (for solvent) 37, so that the solvent 69A contained in the solvent container 33 of the main body 1 is supplied to the print head 2 and discharged from the nozzle 21, as shown by the thick line of arrow E1. Then, in the ink recovery pathways 811 to 812, the solenoid valve (for recovery) 50 is energized to open the flow path and activates the pump (for recovery) 35, so that the solvent 69A discharged from the nozzle 21 is captured by the gutter 25 and recovered into the ink container 31, as shown by the thick line of arrow E1.

[0062] In the ink circulation paths 821-822, as shown by the thick line of arrow E1, solvent 69A is supplied from the solvent container 33 to the nozzle 21. When the solenoid valve (for circulation) 59 is energized to open the flow path and the pump (for circulation) 36 is activated, at least a portion of the solvent 69A supplied to the nozzle 21 is drawn into the pump (for circulation) 36 and recovered into the ink container 31 in the flow shown by the thick line of arrow E3. In this way, the inkjet recording device 600 can use solvent 69A to clean the nozzle 21 and the ink circulation paths 811-812 and 821-822.

[0063] Furthermore, after the cleaning of the pathways (nozzle 21 and ink recovery pathways 811-812, ink circulation pathways 821-822) is completed, the solenoid valve (supply) 49 and solenoid valve (main body circulation) 58 in the main body 1 are energized to open the pathways, and the pump (supply) 34 and pump (recovery) 35 are operated to circulate the ink 68A contained in the ink container 31 of the main body 1, as shown by the thick line of arrow E7.

[0064] Furthermore, in the main unit 1, the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 is energized to open the flow path and the pump (for circulation) 36 is activated, supplying the ink 68A contained in the ink container 31 of the main unit 1 to the viscosity meter 45, as shown by the thick line of arrow E6. At the timing of this ink circulation within the main unit 1, the viscosity of the ink 68A is measured using the viscosity meter 45, so that the state of the ink 68A is known before the next use.

[0065] The screen for setting the ink circulation function during long-term shutdown of the print head unit of the inkjet recording device 600 will be explained using Figure 7. Note that the screen in Figure 7 is displayed on the operation display unit 8.

[0066] First, in the "(1) Ink Circulation Start Time Setting" field on the ink circulation function setting screen for long-term shutdown of the print head unit, enter "(a) What time and minute". In Figure 7, as an example, the ink circulation start time "(a) What time and minute" is specified. However, you could also specify a period of time since the previous ink circulation start time or the previous ink circulation stop time (for example, a time 100 hours later or a date 7 days later), and confirm that ink circulation has started after the specified period has elapsed.

[0067] Next, in the "(2) Number of Retry Settings in Case of Abnormality" section of the ink circulation function setting screen for long-term shutdown within the print head unit, you can set the number of retries in the range of 0 to 5 in "(b) Number of Retries Setting".

[0068] Next, in the "(3) Next Startup Date and Time Reservation" field on the setting screen for the ink circulation function during long-term shutdown of the print head unit, select either "(c) Do not do, (d) Schedule date and time". If you select "(c) Do not do", the ink circulation function during long-term shutdown of the print head unit will be executed, but the startup (ink ejection start) process at the specified time will not be performed. If you select "(d) Schedule date and time", you can set the "year, month, day, hour, and minute" at which you want the ink ejection to start in the print head unit.

[0069] Then, after completing all settings (1) to (3) on the ink circulation function setting screen for long-term shutdown of the print head unit, press either the "(e) OK" or "(f) Cancel" button. If you press the "(e) OK" button, the displayed settings (1) to (3) will be overwritten in the control unit 7, and the ink circulation function for long-term shutdown of the print head unit will be started. If you press the "(f) Cancel" button, the displayed settings (1) to (3) will not be overwritten in the control unit 7, and the ink circulation function for long-term shutdown of the print head unit will not be started.

[0070] <Explanation of the ink circulation restart process during long-term downtime> Next, the operation flow of the ink circulation start process during long-term shutdown of the inkjet recording device 600 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart of ink circulation during long-term shutdown. In Figure 8, it is assumed that in the ink circulation start flow during long-term shutdown, after the start button for performing the ink circulation start process during long-term shutdown, displayed on the operation display unit 8, is pressed, the recovery container 4 is set (installed) on the head mounting unit 3, and the print head 2 is set (installed) on the head mounting unit 3. Hereafter, the process performed in this state will be referred to as the automatic circulation process during shutdown. As shown in Figure 8, the automatic circulation process during shutdown repeats ink circulation in the path and a standby state at a preset time interval. The conditions under which the start button for performing the ink circulation start process during long-term shutdown becomes effective are that the inkjet recording device 600 has stopped ejecting ink from the nozzles 21 of the print head 2, and that the ink circulation system components such as the pump (for supply) 34 and the solenoid valve (for supply) 49 are not receiving power and are not operating.

[0071] In step S811, the system checks whether the content of "(d) Date and Time Reservation" is set in the "(3) Next Startup Date and Time Reservation" field of the ink circulation function setting screen for long-term shutdown of the print head unit shown in Figure 7. If the set reservation time has arrived, the system determines "YES" and proceeds to step S812. If the set reservation time has arrived, the system determines "NO" and proceeds to step S821. In addition, if the content set in the "(3) Next Startup Date and Time Reservation" field shown in Figure 7 is "(c) Do not do", the system determines "NO" and proceeds to step S821.

[0072] In step S821, the setting for "(a) What time and minute" in the "(1) Ink circulation start time setting field" of the ink circulation function setting screen for long-term shutdown in the head mounting unit shown in Figure 7 is checked. The setting to be checked here may be different from the ink circulation start time "(a) What time and minute," for example, a period from the previous ink circulation start time or the previous ink circulation stop time (for example, a time 100 hours later or a date 7 days later), and it may be confirmed that ink circulation has started after the specified period has elapsed. The inkjet recording device 600 is in a dormant state (ink ejection from the nozzles 21 of the print head 2 has stopped, and power is not being supplied to ink circulation system components such as the pump (for supply) 34 and the solenoid valve (for supply) 49, and they are not operating), and waits until the set time.

[0073] Step S822 performs ink circulation within the main unit 1 as described in Figure 4.

[0074] In step S823, the same process as in S821 is executed.

[0075] In step S824, the ink ejection process begins because the time confirmed in step S821 has arrived.

[0076] In step S831, the ink ejection process that was started in S824 is performed.

[0077] In step S832, ink circulation is performed for the main unit 1 and the print head 2, as explained in Figure 5.

[0078] In step S841, the viscosity of the ink 68A is measured using the viscometer 45. The control unit 7 calculates the ink concentration based on the temperature-viscosity relationship for each ink type recorded.

[0079] In step S842, it is determined whether the ink density calculated in step 561 is higher than a predetermined threshold. If it is higher than the threshold, the result is "YES" and the process proceeds to step S851. If it is lower than the threshold, the result is "NO" and step S832 is executed again. In the inkjet recording device 600, the ink density of ink 68A can be increased by performing the ink circulation described in Figure 5.

[0080] In step S851, the power to the switching valve 26 is cut off, thereby stopping the ejection of ink from the nozzle 21.

[0081] In step S852, nozzle cleaning and circulation path cleaning as described in Figure 6 are performed, and then step S811 is executed again. In this process from S811 to S852, the state in which the inkjet recording device 600 is in standby mode from the time cleaning in S852 until the set time in S821 and S823 is called the standby state. The standby state is a state in which the physical mechanisms of the inkjet recording device 600, such as the print head 2 and the recovery container 4, are not being used for ink circulation.

[0082] In step S812, the same ink ejection process as performed in S831 is carried out.

[0083] Step S813 indicates that the operation start (ink ejection start) process is complete, as ink is ejected from the nozzle 21 of the print head 2, the ink particles 68B are captured by the gutter 25, and a normal charge phase search is being performed.

[0084] As explained above, according to the process shown in Figure 8, the inkjet recording device 600 can be provided that, when the print head 2 is set (mounted) in the head mounting unit 3 and the device is not used for a long period of time, automatically circulates ink between the main unit 1 and the print head 2 after a certain period of time has elapsed in order to prevent sticking of ink circulation system components, and if a problem such as beam bending occurs, it can be automatically repaired and ink circulation to the main unit 1 and the print head 2 can be resumed after a certain period of time has elapsed again.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the process shown in Figure 8, an inkjet recording device 600 can be provided that automatically circulates the ink in the main unit 1 and the print head 2 after a certain period of time has elapsed until the scheduled start date and time (start of ink ejection), thereby reducing malfunctions at the start of operation.

[0086] (Example 1) In conventional inkjet recording devices, when ink was circulating in a dormant state, various operations on the inkjet recording device (for example, changing the print font size or character pattern) had to be performed after interrupting the ink circulation. Furthermore, in order to restart the circulation after such operations, it was necessary to reset the device to enable circulation. Therefore, if the reset was forgotten after the interruption, there was a possibility that the ink would not circulate and would solidify. To eliminate this possibility, the following describes a process that allows various operations on the inkjet recording device to be performed while maintaining the execution of the ink circulation process, even when ink is circulating in a dormant state, without interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process.

[0087] The inkjet recording device 600 accepts various operations at any time when the physical mechanisms of the inkjet recording device 600, such as the print head 2 and the collection container 4, are not used for ink circulation, for example, when the automatic circulation process during idle is being performed. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for accepting various operations from the operation display unit 8 (operation acceptance processing) when the automatic circulation process during idle is being performed. Below, as an example of timing, we will explain the case in which various operations are accepted at timing A after the processing of S821 has been performed, among the processing from S821 to S852 in the automatic circulation process during idle. Various operations include, for example, operations related to printing, such as changing the size of the print font and the character pattern, and operations related to the operating environment of the inkjet recording device 600, such as changing the operating time and the language displayed on the operation display unit 8, which are controlled by software. On the other hand, even during idle, ink circulation is performed automatically in states other than standby. Therefore, as will be described later, operations on the physical mechanisms used for ink circulation, such as cleaning the head and nozzles, are not included in the various operations described above. The operation of the above physical mechanism will be described later using the drawings from Figure 12 onwards.

[0088] In the operation acceptance process shown in Figure 9, first, if the HOME button displayed on the standby screen during the automatic cycle process in pause is pressed (S911; YES), the system transitions from the standby screen to the home screen, and the operation display unit 8 displays the home screen (S912).

[0089] Figure 10 shows an example of a standby screen during the automatic ink circulation process while the printer is idle. The standby screen is displayed when the "(e) Confirm" button is pressed on the ink circulation function setting screen for long-term shutdown of the print head unit, as shown in Figure 7. The standby screen is used to hold other processes aside until the automatic ink circulation process while the printer is idle is completed.

[0090] As shown in Figure 10, the standby screen 1000 includes an operation guide area 1001 that displays the status of the inkjet recording device 600 displaying the standby screen, a HOME button 1002 for transitioning to a home screen that accepts various operations on the inkjet recording device 600, and an interrupt button 1003 for interrupting the automatic circulation process during standby. The operation guide area 1001 also displays an indicator 1011 that shows the remaining amount of replenishment fluid and an indicator 1012 that shows the remaining amount of ink. These indicators provide information for the operator to operate the physical mechanisms of the inkjet recording device 600, such as the print head 2 and the collection container 4, while the inkjet recording device 600 is in standby mode.

[0091] The standby screen 1000 displays the HOME button 1002 and the Interrupt button 1003, but these buttons are displayed as objects on the screen. Hereafter, when referring to a button, it means that the button is displayed as an object on the screen. The HOME button 1002 is provided on the ink circulation function setting screen, and it is also possible to go directly to the home screen from the ink circulation function setting screen without going to the standby screen. The HOME button 1002 is a button used to switch from the standby screen 1000 to the home screen, where various other operations can be performed.

[0092] The operation guide 1001 displays the next scheduled operation time and ink viscosity during the paused automatic circulation process. The next scheduled operation time is the time set from the ink circulation function setting screen shown in Figure 7. The ink viscosity is the viscosity of the ink measured by the viscometer 45. In addition, indicators 1011 and 1012 are displayed based on the detection status of various sensors such as the liquid level sensor 31A, magnetic sensor A76, and magnet A75.

[0093] Figure 11 shows an example of a home screen that accepts various operations for the inkjet recording device 600. Unlike the standby screen described above, the home screen accepts operations from the operator when the inkjet recording device 600 is running. These operations include various operations on the inkjet recording device 600, including operations controlled by software.

[0094] As shown in Figure 11, the home screen 1100 displays a processing execution status display area 1101 for displaying the processing execution status of the inkjet recording device 600, an operation area 1102 for accepting various operations, an execution button 1103 for executing various operations, and a back button 1104 for returning from the home screen 1100 to the standby screen 1000 after various operations have been performed. Furthermore, the operation area 1102 is provided with an operation display area for accepting various operations and displaying the current operating status of the inkjet recording device 600.

[0095] Figure 11 shows an example of an operation display area provided in the operation area 1102, displaying the operating time 1111 of the inkjet recording device 600, the ink pressure 1112, an indicator 1113 showing the remaining amount of replenishing fluid, and an indicator 1114 showing the remaining amount of ink. In this example, the operating time of the inkjet recording device 600 is "12h" and the ink pressure is "0.009MPa". It also shows that the remaining amounts of replenishing fluid and ink are maintained at levels higher than predetermined levels. The processing execution status display area 1101 displays information indicating the processing status, such as the current number of prints. The indicators described above are the same as those shown in Figure 10, but in this example, they show that the replenishing fluid and ink have been replenished by the operator's operation on the inkjet recording device 600.

[0096] Returning to Figure 9, when the home screen is displayed in S912, the operator performs the various operations described above (S913). For example, the operator changes the ink pressure setting displayed on the home screen 1100 from "0.009 MPa" to "0.01 MPa".

[0097] When the operation display unit 8 receives confirmation from the operator that the various operations described above have been completed and that the back button 1104 has been pressed to return to the standby screen (S914; YES), it proceeds to S916 and returns to the standby screen 1000 shown in Figure 10.

[0098] On the other hand, if the operation display unit 8 does not receive a press of the back button 1104 from the operator (S914; NO), after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after (3 to 10 minutes)) (S915), it proceeds to S916 to transition to the standby screen 1000 and terminates the process.

[0099] In this way, by switching screens while maintaining the pause cycle, various operations can be accepted. Therefore, even when ink is circulating in a paused state, various operations controlled by software can be accepted as operations on the inkjet recording device without interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process, freeing users from troublesome operations such as interruption and resetting.

[0100] In Figure 11, while the automatic circulation process is running during downtime, the inkjet recording device 600 is capable of accepting software-controlled operations. However, depending on the operating status of the inkjet recording device 600, it may be necessary to operate on physical mechanisms that do not affect the ink circulation path. For example, if font blurring occurs due to insufficient replenishing fluid, it is necessary to replenish the fluid immediately. Therefore, the following section describes cases where operations on physical mechanisms not used in ink circulation are performed, in addition to software-controlled operations. Here, the case of replacing the replenishing fluid cartridge will be used as an example.

[0101] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for replacing a cartridge (cartridge replacement process) when the automatic circulation process is running during a pause.

[0102] In the cartridge replacement process shown in Figure 12, first, when the indicator 1011 showing the remaining amount of replenishment fluid displayed on the standby screen during the automatic circulation process is touched (S1211; YES), the system switches from the standby screen to the replacement screen, and the operation display unit 8 displays the replacement screen (S1212).

[0103] Figure 13 shows an example of a replacement screen during the automatic circulation process while the system is idle. As shown in Figure 13, the replacement screen 1300 includes a replacement procedure illustration area 1301 for illustrating the replacement procedure for the replenishment fluid cartridge, a replacement procedure explanation area 1302 for explaining the replacement procedure for the replenishment fluid cartridge, a start button 1303 to be pressed when the cartridge replacement is started, a complete button 1304 to be pressed when the cartridge replacement is completed, and a back button 1305 to return from the replacement screen 1300 to the standby screen 1000 after the cartridge replacement is complete. In this example, replacement procedure illustration A is displayed in the replacement procedure illustration area 1301. In addition, the replacement procedure explanation area 1302 displays the replacement procedure for the replenishment fluid cartridge 1322 along with an indicator 1322 that shows the remaining amount of replenishment fluid.

[0104] On the exchange screen 1300, when the start button 1303 is pressed (S1213; YES), the operator performs the exchange procedure according to the exchange procedure (S1214) and proceeds to S1215.

[0105] After the replacement process is complete, the completion button 1304 is pressed, and once the cartridge replacement is complete, the operation display unit 8 accepts the press of the back button 1305 on the replacement screen. When the back button 1305 is pressed (S1215; YES), the system returns to the standby screen 1000 shown in Figure 10.

[0106] On the other hand, if the operation display unit 8 does not receive a press of the back button 1305 from the operator (S1215; NO), after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after (3 to 10 minutes)) (S1217), it proceeds to S1216 to transition to the standby screen 1000 and terminates the process.

[0107] In this way, by switching screens while maintaining the paused circulation, various operations can be accepted. Therefore, even when ink is circulating in a paused state, various operations on the inkjet recording device can be accepted as operations on physical mechanisms that do not affect ink circulation, without interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process, thus freeing users from troublesome operations such as interruption and resetting.

[0108] (Example 2) In Example 1, when the automatic circulation process during pause is running, the system transitions from the standby screen 1000 to the home screen 1100 or the replacement screen 1300, and then allows software-controlled operations and operations on physical mechanisms not used for ink circulation. This makes it possible to accept various operations while maintaining the circulation without interrupting or resetting the automatic circulation process during pause.

[0109] However, the need to accept various operations while maintaining the above-mentioned cycle is not limited to cases where operations are performed via destination screens such as the home screen 1100 or the exchange screen 1300. In other words, there are cases where it is desirable to be able to perform various operations directly from the standby screen while the standby screen is displayed. For example, even when the automatic cycle processing during pause is being performed, if it is determined that font blurring is occurring in the printing process of the inkjet recording device 600, it is desirable from the standpoint of reducing the load on the printing process performed by the inkjet recording device 600 and improving the operator's work efficiency to immediately perform an operation to check for dirt on the print head without interrupting the automatic cycle processing during pause.

[0110] Therefore, the following describes a case in which, when a standby screen is displayed, various operations can be accepted while maintaining the automatic circulation process during pause without switching the standby screen. In this case, various operations include, for example, operations on physical mechanisms not used for ink circulation, such as removing and attaching the print head from the head mounting unit, or removing and attaching the cleaning solution recovery container from the head mounting unit. Since such operations are performed while the standby screen is displayed without switching screens, such operations performed on the inkjet recording device 600 will be referred to as direct operations below. In the following, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in Example 1, and their descriptions are omitted, while the differences from Example 1 are mainly described.

[0111] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for accepting direct operations (direct operation acceptance processing) when automatic cyclical processing is being executed during a pause.

[0112] In the direct operation acceptance process shown in Figure 14, first, if the print head 2 is removed while the standby screen for the automatic cycle process during pause is displayed (S1411; YES), the operation display unit 8 changes the display of the indicator showing the installation status of the print head on the standby screen from "detected" to "not detected" (S1412).

[0113] Figure 15 shows an example of the standby screen when the print head 2 is removed during the execution of the automatic circulation process while the system is idle. The standby screen 1500 displays the operation guide area 1001 of the standby screen 1000 in Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 9, as well as a print head indicator 1501, which is an indicator showing the installation status of the print head on the standby screen, and a recovery container indicator 1502, which shows the installation status of the recovery container on the standby screen. In Figure 15, since the print head 2 is removed, the print head indicator 1501 is displayed as "Not Detected".

[0114] Returning to Figure 14, when the print head 2 is set (S1413; YES), the operation display unit 8 changes the display of the print head indicator 1501 from "Not detected" to "Detected" (S1414), and the inkjet recording device 600 starts the automatic rest cycle processing when the next scheduled operation time arrives (S1415).

[0115] Figure 16 shows an example of the standby screen when the print head 2 is set while the automatic cycle processing during pause is being executed. In Figure 16, it can be seen that the print head indicator 1501, which was shown in the standby screen in Figure 15, has changed from "Not Detected" to "Detected".

[0116] On the other hand, if the print head 2 is not set (S1413; NO), the operation display unit 8 displays a warning message (S1416) if the print head indicator 1501 still shows "Not Detected" even after the next scheduled operation time has elapsed.

[0117] Figure 17 shows an example of a standby screen with a warning message displayed. In Figure 17, it can be seen that the print head 2 has not been set even though the next scheduled operation time has arrived, and a warning message 1701 is displayed to that effect and prompting the user to set the print head 2.

[0118] In this way, even when ink is circulating in a dormant state, the standby screen remains displayed, and the system can accept operations on physical mechanisms not used for ink circulation based on the operator's judgment. This frees the operator from cumbersome operations such as interruption, resetting, and screen switching. For example, even if the operator determines that font blurring is occurring during printing, they can check for dirt on the print head while the standby screen remains displayed, without stopping the automatic ink circulation process during dormancy.

[0119] Figures 14 to 17 illustrate the concept using direct operation of the print head as an example, but the same considerations apply to the collection container. In this case, in the explanation of Figures 14 to 17, "print head 2" should be replaced with "collection container 4". When this embodiment is applied to a cleaning solution collection container, the same effects as in the case of the print head can be obtained. For example, even if the operator has not performed waste liquid disposal for a predetermined period during the printing process and wants to determine whether waste liquid disposal is necessary immediately, they can check the liquid level in the collection container while displaying the standby screen without stopping the automatic circulation process during downtime.

[0120] Furthermore, Figures 14 to 17 illustrate the case where direct operation is performed according to the operator's judgment while the automatic circulation process is running during pause. However, this direct operation can be extended to cases where it is performed not only based on the operator's judgment, but also based on the detection results of sensors in the inkjet recording device 600, without the operator's judgment. For example, if the magnetic sensor A76 and magnet A75 of the inkjet recording device 600 detect that the amount of liquid 70 in the recovery container 4 has exceeded a predetermined amount, the direct operation acceptance process shown in Figure 14 may be performed. In the sense that it is an operation on a physical mechanism that is the target of the operation and whose state can be detected by sensors, such direct operations will be referred to as detection direct operations below.

[0121] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for accepting direct detection operations (direct detection operation acceptance processing) when automatic cyclic processing is being performed during a pause.

[0122] In the detection direct operation acceptance process shown in Figure 18, first, when the standby screen for the paused automatic circulation process is displayed, if it is detected that the amount of liquid 70 in the recovery container 4 has exceeded a predetermined amount (S1811; YES), the operation display unit 8 changes the display of the indicator showing the mounting status of the print head of the recovery container on the standby screen from "normal" to "abnormal" (S1812).

[0123] Figure 19 shows an example of a standby screen when the liquid volume 70 in the recovery container 4 exceeds a predetermined amount during the execution of the automatic circulation process while the system is idle. The standby screen 1900 displays the operation guide area 1001 of the standby screen 1500 shown in Figure 15, as well as a recovery container liquid volume indicator 1901, which is an indicator that shows the state of the liquid volume 70 in the recovery container 4 on the standby screen. In Figure 19, "Abnormal (Liquid Volume)" is displayed on the recovery container liquid volume indicator 1901, indicating that the liquid volume 70 in the recovery container 4 is greater than a predetermined amount.

[0124] Returning to Figure 18, when the liquid level indicator 1901 shows a value, the operator performs the waste disposal procedure (S1813). When the operation display unit 8 detects that the waste disposal procedure has been performed on the waste disposal container 4, it changes the display on the waste disposal container liquid level indicator 1901 from "abnormal" to "normal" (S1815), and the inkjet recording device 600 starts the automatic circulation process during downtime when the next scheduled operation time arrives (S1816).

[0125] Figure 20 shows an example of the standby screen when the recovery container 4 is set after waste liquid processing while the automatic circulation process is running during pause. In Figure 20, it can be seen that the recovery container liquid level indicator 1901, which was shown on the standby screen in Figure 19, has changed from "abnormal (liquid level)" to "normal (liquid level)".

[0126] On the other hand, if the operation display unit 8 does not detect that the recovery container 4 has been set after the waste liquid operation (S1814; NO), and if the display of the recovery container liquid level indicator 1901 is "abnormal (liquid level)" even after the next scheduled operation time has elapsed, it displays a warning message (S1817).

[0127] Figure 21 shows an example of a standby screen displaying a warning message. In Figure 21, it can be seen that the waste liquid collection container 4 has not been set up even though the next scheduled operation time has arrived, and a warning message 2101 is displayed to that effect and prompting the user to set up the waste liquid collection container 4.

[0128] Thus, the same effect as in the case of direct operation can be obtained not only when performing direct operation based on the operator's judgment, but also when performing detection direct operation based on the detection results of the sensors of the inkjet recording device 600. For example, even if the sensor detects that the amount of liquid 70 in the recovery container is greater than a predetermined amount, waste liquid processing can be performed while the standby screen is displayed, without stopping the automatic circulation process during pause.

[0129] As explained above using diagrams, in an inkjet recording device (for example, an inkjet recording device 600) that prints on a printing target by ejecting ink supplied from an ink container through a nozzle, the inkjet recording device performs an ink circulation process during the idle state (automatic circulation process during idle), which circulates the ink during the idle state, and includes a control unit (for example, a control unit 7) that performs the ink circulation process during the idle state, which repeats the circulation of ink in the path and a standby state at predetermined time intervals (for example, the setting in the (1) Ink circulation start time setting field in Figure 7), and an operation display unit (for example, an operation display unit 8) that displays a standby screen (for example, a standby screen 1000) for the ink circulation process during the idle state. The operation display unit displays information for operating the inkjet recording device (for example, a HOME button 1002, indicators 1011 and 1012 for cartridge replacement, indicators 1501 and 1502 for installation status, and an indicator 1901 for detection status) on the standby screen while the control unit maintains the execution of the automatic circulation process during the standby state. The inkjet recording device accepts operations on the inkjet recording device based on the information displayed on the standby screen. Therefore, operations on the inkjet recording device can be performed while maintaining the execution of the ink circulation process without interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process during the standby state.

[0130] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 9 and 10, the information for performing the above operation is an object that accepts an operation to transition to the home screen, which accepts operations from the operator when the inkjet recording device is running (for example, the HOME button 1002). The operation display unit accepts the pressing of the object and transitions to the home screen, where it accepts software-controlled operations. Therefore, the operator can display the home screen and perform various operations simply by touching the standby screen.

[0131] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 9 and 11, the home screen displays an object for returning to the standby screen (for example, a back button 1104). The operation display unit returns to the standby screen when an operation controlled by the software is performed and the object is pressed. Therefore, the user can return to the original state simply by touching the screen after completing the operation.

[0132] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 14-16, etc., the information for performing the above operations is an indicator showing the mounting status of physical mechanisms not used for ink circulation (e.g., print head 2, recovery container 4) (e.g., print head indicator 1501, recovery container indicator 1502). The operation display unit changes the display of the indicator when the physical mechanisms are attached to the inkjet recording device (e.g., changes from "abnormal" to "normal"). Therefore, the operator can easily confirm the results of operations performed on the inkjet recording device simply by glancing at the indicators on the screen.

[0133] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 14 and 17, the operation display unit displays the time for circulating the ink based on the predetermined time interval on the standby screen, and if the physical mechanism is not installed by the time, a warning message is displayed on the standby screen. Therefore, after an operation is performed on the inkjet recording device, the operator can easily confirm that the operations necessary for the automatic circulation process during standby have not been performed.

[0134] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 14-16, etc., the above physical mechanism may be a print head or a cleaning solution collection container. This makes it possible to perform the above check on the print head or the cleaning solution collection container.

[0135] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 18-20, etc., the information for performing the above operation is an indicator that shows the detection status of the liquid volume (for example, the liquid volume of liquid 70) of the cleaning solution recovery container attached to the inkjet recording device as a physical mechanism (for example, recovery container liquid volume indicator 1901). The operation display unit changes the display of the indicator (for example, from "normal" to "abnormal") when the detection status satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, the liquid volume of liquid 70 is greater than a predetermined amount). Therefore, the operator can easily confirm the result detected by the inkjet recording device by simply glancing at the indicator on the screen.

[0136] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 18-20, etc., the operation display unit displays the time for circulating the ink based on the predetermined time interval on the standby screen. If the detection state remains at the time and the physical mechanism is not installed at the time, a warning message is displayed on the standby screen. Therefore, the operator can easily confirm that the necessary operations for automatic ink circulation processing during standby have not been performed based on the results detected by the inkjet recording device.

[0137] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and in the implementation stage, the components can be modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the invention, or the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments can be appropriately combined.

[0138] For example, in the automatic circulation process during pause described in Examples 1 and 2, in S811 of Figure 8, if the set ink ejection reservation time has not yet arrived (S811; NO), the process proceeds to step S821 and the automatic circulation process during pause is executed. However, the inkjet recording device 600 may start the process from step S821 onwards when it detects the completion of a job in which printing is being performed or when the print head and collection container have been installed. This makes it possible to execute the automatic circulation process during pause without being affected by the ink ejection reservation time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 1...Main unit, 2...Print head, 3...Head mounting unit, 4...Collection container, 5...Cable (for print head), 6...Cable (for head mounting unit), 7...Control unit, 8...Operation display unit, 11...Belt conveyor, 12A...Print target, 12B...Print target, 13...Print head fixing bracket, 16...Head base, 17...Protective cover, 18...Start button, 19...Stop button, 20...Display unit, 21...Nozzle, 23...Charging electrode, 24...Declining electrode, 24A...Positive electrode, 24B...Ground electrode, 25...Gutter, 26...Switching valve, 27...Temperature sensor A, 28...Magnetic sensor C, 28 A...Electric wire, 31...Ink container, 31A...Liquid level sensor, 32...Auxiliary ink container, 33...Solvent container, 34...Pump (for supply), 35...Pump (for recovery), 36...Pump (for circulation), 37...Pump (for solvent), 39...Filter (for supply), 40...Filter (for recovery), 41...Filter (for nozzle cleaning), 43...Filter (for head cleaning), 45...Viscometer, 46...Pressure regulating valve, 47...Pressure sensor, 48...Charge sensor, 49...Solenoid valve (for supply), 50...Solenoid valve (for recovery), 53...Solenoid valve (for solvent replenishment), 54...Solenoid valve (for ink replenishment), 55...Solenoid valve (for nozzle cleaning) 56…Solenoid valve (for head cleaning), 57…Solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement), 58…Solenoid valve (for main body circulation), 59…Solenoid valve (for circulation), 60…Pump (for drying), 61…Pump (for suction), 62…Exhaust duct connection, 68A…Ink, 68B…Ink particles, 68B1…Ink particles, 68B2…Charged charge, 68C…Ink, 69A…Solvent, 70…Liquid, 71…Cleaning tank, 71A…Mounting part, 72…Cleaning nozzle, 72A…Liquid discharge hole A, 72B…Liquid discharge hole B, 73…Air supply nozzle, 73A…Air discharge hole, 74…Float, 75…Magnet A, 76…Magnetic sensor A, 76A ...electric wire, 77...container, 77A...mounting part, 77B...liquid storage part, 77C...internal thread part, 78...partition, 78A...liquid inlet hole, 78B...liquid outlet hole, 79...holder, 80...temperature sensor B, 80A...electric wire, 81...cleaning block, 81A...head mounting part, 81B...head insertion part, 81C...hole part, 81D...flow path A part, 81E...flow path B part, 81F...flow path C part, 82...lid hinge, 83...lid member, 84...magnetic sensor B, 84A...electric wire, 85...cover, 86...magnet B, 87...magnet C, 88...suction fitting, 88A...chamber, 88B...fitting A part, 88C...fitting B part, 89...liquid fitting,90...Air fitting, 91...Fixing part, 92...Fixing jig (for conveyor), 93...Matching part, 301...MPU, 302...Bus line, 306...ROM, 307...RAM, 311...Viscosity measurement circuit, 312...Pressure detection circuit, 313...Liquid level detection circuit, 314...Pump control circuit, 315...Solenoid valve drive circuit, 321...Air pump control circuit, 322...Recovery container sensor detection circuit, 323...Print head detection circuit, 324...Head mounting unit detection circuit, 331...Excitation voltage generation circuit, 332...Deflection voltage generation circuit, 341...Charging signal generation circuit for phase search, 342...Charging signal generation circuit for printing, 343...D / A converter, 344... Amplifier circuit, 351…Phase determination circuit, 352…A / D converter, 353…Amplifier circuit, 600…Inkjet recording device, 801~804…Path (for supply), 806…Path (for replenishment), 808…Path (for main unit circulation), 811~812…Path (for recovery), 814…Path (for exhaust), 821~822…Path (for head circulation), 824…Path (for viscosity measurement), 831…Path (for solvent supply), 833…Path (for solvent replenishment), 835…Path (for nozzle cleaning), 837…Path (for head cleaning), 841…Path (for air supply), 843…Path (for air suction), 901~903…Merging path, 921~922…Branching path,

Claims

1. An inkjet recording device that prints on an object by ejecting ink supplied from an ink container through a nozzle, The inkjet recording device is in a standby state, and the standby ink circulation process involves a control unit that performs the standby ink circulation process, which repeats the circulation of ink in the path and a standby state at predetermined time intervals. It has an operation display unit that displays a standby screen for the ink circulation process during pause, The operation display unit displays information for operating the inkjet recording device on the standby screen while the control unit maintains the execution of the automatic cycle processing during pause. The inkjet recording device accepts operations on the inkjet recording device based on the information displayed on the standby screen. An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The information for the aforementioned operation is an object that accepts an operation to transition to the home screen, which accepts operations from the operator when the inkjet recording device is running. The operation display unit receives a press on the object and transitions to the home screen, and on the home screen, it accepts operations controlled by the software. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The home screen displays an object for returning to the standby screen. The operation display unit returns to the standby screen when an operation controlled by the software is performed and the object is pressed. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The information for performing the operation is an indicator showing the mounting status of a physical mechanism not used for ink circulation. The operation display unit changes the display of the indicator when the physical mechanism is attached to the inkjet recording device. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The operation display unit displays the time for circulating the ink based on the predetermined time interval on the standby screen, and if the physical mechanism is not installed at the time, it displays a warning message on the standby screen. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The aforementioned physical mechanism is a print head or a cleaning fluid collection container. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 4.

7. The information for performing the operation is an indicator that shows the detection status of the liquid level in the cleaning solution recovery container attached to the inkjet recording device, as the physical mechanism. The operation display unit changes the display of the indicator when the detection state satisfies predetermined conditions. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 1.

8. The operation display unit displays the time for circulating the ink based on the predetermined time interval on the standby screen, and if the detection state is still in place at the time and the physical mechanism is not installed at the time, it displays a warning message on the standby screen. The inkjet recording apparatus according to feature 7.

9. A control method for an inkjet recording device that prints on an object by ejecting ink supplied from an ink container through a nozzle, The control unit performs an ink circulation process during the idle state of the inkjet recording device, which involves circulating the ink in the path and entering a standby state at predetermined time intervals. The operation display unit displays the standby screen for the ink circulation process during pause. The operation display unit displays information for operating the inkjet recording device on the standby screen while the control unit maintains the execution of the automatic cycle processing during pause. The inkjet recording device accepts operations for the inkjet recording device based on the information displayed on the standby screen. A control method for an inkjet recording apparatus, characterized by the following:

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