Recording device, control method, and program

Abstract

This system resolves error conditions by replacing fewer parts compared to conventional methods. [Solution] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a recording device comprising: a recording unit on which a recording head that ejects ink based on supplied power and an electrical signal is mounted; a control board that supplies the electrical signal to the recording head and has a controller that converts image data into the electrical signal, the controller operating in either a first mode for recording an image or a second mode for performing an inspection; a connection part that electrically connects the control board and the recording head and serves as a path for transmitting the power and the electrical signal; and a determination means for determining what is mounted on the recording unit, wherein if it is determined that an inspection tool is mounted in place of the recording head, the controller starts up in the second mode; and the determination means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording apparatus, a control method, and a program, and more particularly to a technique for inspecting a recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A conventional thermal head type inkjet recording apparatus includes a heater mounted on a recording head which is an ink ejection unit, and a control circuit for controlling the heater.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a recording apparatus having a replaceable recording head and a control circuit for the recording head, in which the recording head and the control circuit are separated and electrically connected. A signal based on recording data is transmitted to the recording head by the control circuit, and an ink ejection operation is performed. At that time, temperature control for warming the surface of the head chip is executed in order to eject ink with a predetermined energy. In such a recording apparatus having such a configuration, it is necessary to obtain the state information of the recording head not only by sending a control signal from the control circuit to the recording head but also by returning temperature information from the recording head side.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which temperature information taken into a control circuit as an analog voltage is converted into a digital signal using an A / D converter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the aforementioned patent document, when a malfunction (also called an abnormality) occurs in any component within the recording device, it is not possible to determine whether the faulty component is the recording head, the control board, or the harnesses connecting them. For example, if a user replaces only the recording head even though a malfunction has occurred in the control board, the error will be reported again. In such cases, the user has to replace the control board again, which is troublesome. Thus, in order to reliably resolve the error condition by replacing the faulty component, it was necessary to replace the recording head, the control board, and the harnesses all at once.

[0007] Therefore, in light of the above issues, this disclosure aims to resolve the error condition by replacing fewer parts compared to conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a recording device comprising: a recording unit on which a recording head that ejects ink based on supplied power and an electrical signal is mounted; a control board that supplies the electrical signal to the recording head and has a controller that converts image data into the electrical signal, the controller operating in either a first mode for recording an image or a second mode for performing an inspection; a connection part that electrically connects the control board and the recording head and serves as a path for transmitting the power and the electrical signal; and a determination means for determining what is mounted on the recording unit, wherein if it is determined that an inspection tool is mounted in place of the recording head, the controller is started in the second mode; and the determination means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the error condition can be resolved by replacing fewer parts compared to conventional methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This figure shows the schematic configuration of the recording device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the configuration related to the control of the recording device in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the recording unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows the circuit configuration in the inspection mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart of the inspection process in the first embodiment [Figure 6] This figure shows the circuit configuration in the inspection mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the recording unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the circuit configuration in the inspection mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the circuit configuration in the inspection mode in the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The following embodiments are not intended to unnecessarily limit the scope of the claims, and not all features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The same reference numerals will be used for identical components.

[0012] [First Embodiment] <Recording device configuration> Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the recording device 100 in this embodiment. The recording medium, a sheet S, is transported by a first transport unit 101 that transports it via rollers, and is wound into a roll by a second transport unit 102. Note that the sheet S is not limited to roll paper wound into a roll. The recording device 100 records an image by performing a recording process on the transported sheet S, in which a recording unit 106 ejects ink onto the sheet S from above. The recording device 100 has a plurality of recording units 106, and these plurality of recording units 106 are arranged so that their respective transport direction positions are different. In the example in Figure 1, the recording unit 106 has four line-type recording heads, and these four line-type recording heads are recording heads corresponding to four colors of ink: Bk (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan). Note that the number of colors and the number of recording units 106 are not limited to four.

[0013] Each color of ink is supplied to the recording unit 106 from an ink tank (not shown) via an ink tube. The recording unit 106 includes a recording head 103 equipped with nozzles and heaters for ejecting ink, a control board 104, and a power supply board 105, all of which are electrically connected to each other. The recording head 103 is equipped with heaters corresponding to multiple nozzles, and the recording head 103 uses these heaters to eject liquids such as ink based on power supplied from the power supply board 105 and electrical signals supplied from the control board 104. The recording head 103 is also detachable from the control board 104, the power supply board 105, and the ink tanks (not shown), and can be replaced.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a configuration related to the control of the recording apparatus 100 in the present embodiment. The recording apparatus 100 includes an image controller 200, an engine control unit 202, a recording control unit 206, and a conveyance control unit 204 that control the entire recording apparatus 100. Each of the image controller 200, the engine control unit 202, the recording control unit 206, and the conveyance control unit 204 includes a CPU, a storage unit, and a communication unit, and is mutually connected via a communication I / F 201. Such a storage unit stores a boot program necessary for system startup, an application program executed by the CPU, etc., and is also used as a temporary storage area necessary for the CPU to execute the program.

[0015] The image controller 200 receives data that is the source of the image to be recorded on the sheet S from the host PC, converts it into image data that can be handled by the recording control unit 206, and transmits the image data to the recording control unit 206 via the communication I / F 201. The engine control unit 202 executes drying control for drying the moisture of the ink applied to the sheet S, head maintenance control for cleaning the nozzle surface of the recording unit 106, ink circulation control for supplying ink from the ink tank to the recording unit 106, etc. The conveyance control unit 204 controls the actuators including the first conveyance unit 101 and the second conveyance unit 102 shown in FIG. 1. Also, the conveyance control unit 204 can perform timing control of actuators etc. based on the information detected by the sensors 205. The recording control unit 206 expands the image data received from the image controller 200 into data for image recording on the sheet S, converts the data into data suitable for the nozzle array of the recording unit 106, and transmits the converted data to the recording unit 106. Also, the recording control unit 206 performs timing adjustment etc. between the plurality of recording units 106.

[0016] The recording unit 106 includes a control unit 207 and a recording head 103. The control unit 207 is mounted with the control board 104 and the power supply board 105 shown in FIG. 1. The control board 104 has a recording control unit 206 on which a CPU is mounted. In addition to image processing, it controls the power block of the power supply board 105 to supply power to the recording head 103. There are as many such recording units 106 as the number of ink colors (in this example, 4).

[0017] FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram of the recording unit 106 in the recording mode (also referred to as the first mode or the printing mode) in the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the solid lines connecting the blocks indicate power connections, the dotted lines indicate signal connections, and the chain lines indicate the grouping of the blocks. Note that the recording mode is an operation mode when ink is ejected from the recording head to record an image on the recording medium, and is a mode different from the inspection mode described later.

[0018] The AC / DC converter 301 connected to the end of the AC power supply 300 generates a DC power supply voltage V1, and the DC power supply voltage V1 is input to a plurality of DC / DC converters 303a to 303d. The DC / DC converter 303a generates a DC power supply voltage V2 based on the DC power supply voltage V1. Similarly, the DC / DC converters 303b to 303d generate DC power supply voltages V3 to V5 based on the DC power supply voltage V1.

[0019] The DC power supply voltage V5 is the power supply voltage used by the control board 104. The DC power supply voltages V2 to V4 are supplied to the recording head 103. The DC / DC converter 303a is connected to the recording head 103 via the second connection part 306, and the DC power supply voltage V2 generated by the DC / DC converter 303a is supplied to a heater drive circuit 311 that drives a heater 312 for ejecting ink. The DC / DC converters 303b and 303c are connected to the recording head 103 via the first connection part 305a, and the DC power supply voltages V3 and V4 are supplied to the heater drive circuit 311 as the power supply voltages in the recording head 103. Note that with respect to the magnitude relationship of the DC power supply voltages V2 to V4, V2 > V3, V4 is satisfied.

[0020] The control board 104 is equipped with a controller 313 and has communication lines for transferring image data sent from the host PC via the image controller 200. These communication lines include a CLK line and a DATA line, and differential communication, which is resistant to common-mode noise, is used for transferring image data. The controller 313 is composed of a combination of a CPU 302 and an FPGA (FieldProgrammableGateArray) 308, and a port number is assigned to the FPGA 308 for differential communication. In recording mode, the FPGA 308 transmits differential signals to the recording head 103.

[0021] The ports of FPGA308 are assigned after FPGA308 is powered up, according to a first setting value pre-stored in SROM304. This first setting value is the port setting value for using FPGA308 ports for recording operations. The first connection section 305a is a cable that includes signal lines for DC power supply voltages V3 and V4 and a communication line for image data. In this embodiment, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) is used as such a cable, but the type of cable is not limited. Also, the first connection section may be divided into multiple sections (first connection section 305a and first connection section 305b) or combined into one, depending on the number of signals, as shown in Figure 3. The second connection section 306 is a cable for supplying DC power supply voltage V2 to the recording head 103, and in this embodiment, bundled wires are used. Furthermore, the first connection section 305b is a port other than the image data transfer port, and is a port for detecting whether or not the recording head 103 is installed (presence or absence of the recording head 103), and has a port connected to terminal A of FPGA 308. Electrical connections are made between the control unit 207 and the recording head 103 at these connection sections (first connection section 305a, first connection section 305b, second connection section 306), and these connection sections function as paths through which power and signals are transmitted.

[0022] Next, we will describe the circuit for detecting the presence or absence of the recording head 103.

[0023] As indicated by the dotted arrow, the DC power supply voltage V5 supplied from the power supply board 105 reaches the control board 104. This DC power supply voltage V5 is supplied via a single signal line from the first connection part 305a → recording head 103 → first connection part 305a → control board 104 → first connection part 305b → recording head 103 → first connection part 305b → controller 313 on the control board 104. This configuration, in which the communication line of the DC power supply voltage V5 is ultimately connected to terminal A, is used to detect the presence or absence of the recording head 103. When the recording head 103 is installed, the DC power supply voltage V5 is detected via terminal A, and at this time, it is determined that the recording head 103 is installed. On the other hand, when the recording head 103 is not installed, terminal A on the control board 104 is connected to GND via the pull-down resistor 310, so the GND level is detected, and at this time, it is determined that the recording head 103 is not installed. In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the recording head 103 is installed based on the voltage read at terminal A.

[0024] Unlike this example, if the first connection point is not divided into multiple parts, the DC power supply voltage V5 from the control board 104 travels along a single signal line from the first connection point → recording head 103 → first connection point → controller 313 on the control board 104, and is finally input to terminal A. In this case as well, it is possible to determine whether or not the recording head 103 is installed based on the voltage input to terminal A.

[0025] <Power Error> The following describes errors in the recording unit that the recording device notifies, specifically power supply errors and data transfer errors. The signal lines for the DC power supply voltages V2 to V4 supplied from the power supply board 105 to the recording head 103 are connected to the power controller 309, which can detect abnormal voltage values. One example of an abnormal state is when the detected voltage value is higher than a predetermined voltage value. From this state, a failure of the DC / DC converter is suspected. It is also possible that the detected voltage value is lower than a predetermined voltage value. Possible failures from this state include not only a failure of the DC / DC converter but also a short circuit to GND. Possible locations for a short circuit to GND include anywhere in the control board 104, the second connection part, and the recording head 103.

[0026] <Data transfer error> During data transfer from FPGA 308 to recording head 103, not only is control data corresponding to the ejection nozzle sent, but a CRC bit is also attached to detect communication errors. This control data is the control data for the heater drive circuit 311 and is ejection control data that controls the ejection nozzle that ejects ink. In recording head 103, error determination calculations are performed when decoding the ejection control data corresponding to the ejection nozzle sent from FPGA 308. Possible causes of data transfer errors include FPGA failure, but also poor contact or open connections in the connector of the first connection part. It is also possible that a signal line has short-circuited with other signals or power supplies, and the failure location could be anywhere, such as within the control board 104, the second connection part, or within the recording head 103, similar to power supply errors. Therefore, when the recording device reports an error in the recording section, it is not possible to determine whether the failure is in the control board 104, the connection part, or within the recording head 103. For this reason, in this embodiment, an inspection tool is connected in place of the recording head 103 to determine whether parts other than the recording head 103 are normal or not. The following describes the determination process.

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates the state of the inspection mode (also called the second mode) when the inspection tool 400 is connected. The inspection mode is the operating mode when the inspection tool is attached in place of the recording head for inspection. As shown in Figure 4, unlike Figure 3, in inspection mode the inspection tool 400 is connected to the first connection part 305a, the first connection part 305b, and the second connection part 306 instead of the recording head 103. When the inspection tool 400 is connected, unlike Figure 3, there is no path for the DC power supply voltage V5 to be input to terminal A via a single signal line. As a result, when the inspection tool 400 is connected, the controller 313 reads that the recording head 103 is not attached. Also, when the inspection tool 400 is connected, the DC power supply voltage V2 is supplied to the inspection tool 400 via the second connection part 306, and the voltage is converted via the regulator 401 mounted on the inspection tool 400. The voltage V7 after this voltage conversion is input to the loop-connected terminal B. When voltage V7 is input to terminal B, it is determined that the test tool 400 has been connected. With this configuration, the connection of the second connection part can also be confirmed. The regulator 401 is used to convert the DC power supply voltage V2 of the device under test into a voltage V7 that can be detected at terminal B. A loop connection refers to a configuration in which a signal output from one component is input to the same component, and a signal transmitted through such a loop connection is called a loop signal. In the above example, loop connections are realized in FPGA 308, the first connection part 305a, and the test tool 400. The voltage signal (loop signal) output from FPGA 308 is input to FPGA 308.

[0028] With the connection status shown in Figure 4, the recording device starts up, and the control unit 207 of the recording unit 106 also starts up. At this time, the components connected to the first connection part 305a, the first connection part 305b, and the second connection part 306 are detected or determined. If this determination result indicates that the inspection tool 400 is connected, the controller 313 reads a second setting value from the SROM 304 and starts up or operates in inspection mode. This second setting value is the port setting value for using the FPGA 308 ports for inspection mode.

[0029] <About the inspection mode> When the aforementioned second setting value is assigned to FPGA308, the CLK terminals and DATA terminals such as CLK1, CLK2, DATA1, and DATA2, which are used for operational communication to send discharge control data to the heater drive circuit, are set as I / O terminals. I / O terminals refer to input terminals and output terminals. As shown in the figure, the test tool 400 is wired to connect in a loop from the terminal set as output (Out) to the terminal set as input (In). As a result, the controller 313, which has been started in test mode, outputs a single-ended signal, that is, changes the output from the output (Out) terminal from a low level to a high level, and this change can be read at the input (In) terminal. When the controller 313 reads such a change, it can be determined that the control board 104 and the first connection part (first connection part a, first connection part b) are connected normally without short circuits with other parts or disconnections along the way. Furthermore, in this case, it can be estimated that there is a high probability that not only the CPU 302 and FPGA 308, but also the SROM 304 will be in working order.

[0030] In the test mode described here, the differential communication port of FPGA308 was switched to an I / O port, but this embodiment is not limited to this method. If there is a resistor (loop connection) between the P and N terminals of the differential communication port of FPGA308 within the control board 104, it is also possible to perform a test by performing a loop connection as a differential communication port without switching the differential communication port to an I / O port, and applying a signal to the test tool 400. For example, the terminals CLK2 and DATA2 are used as inputs for differential signals, and the differential signal outputs from the terminals CLK1 and DATA1 are looped within the test tool 400 and input to the terminals CLK2 and DATA2, and it is possible to test whether the transmitted data can be received. Based on the results of such a test, it is possible to determine whether the control board 104 and the first connection part are properly connected.

[0031] <Inspection of the power supply unit> Each signal line of DC power supply voltages V2 to V4 is connected to the test tool 400, and within the test tool 400, a fixed resistor is placed at the termination as a load to GND. The resistance value of this fixed resistor is determined for each DC power supply voltage so that each DC power supply (DC / DC converter 303a, 303b, 303c) can supply the desired current. The controller 313, activated in test mode, communicates with the power controller 309 to sequentially give drive commands to the DC / DC converters 303a to 303d. If the DC / DC converters 303a to 303c can output current while maintaining the output of the predetermined DC power supply voltages V2 to V4, it can be determined that the system is functioning normally. In this case, it can also be inferred that not only are the DC / DC converters 303a to 303c functioning normally, but that there are no short circuits to other parts of the power supply board 105 or the second connection part 306. The output voltages from the DC / DC converters 303a to 303c are monitored by the power controller 309. Therefore, in the event of an abnormality, the power controller 309 detects a drop in output voltage and stops the operation of the DC / DC converters 303a to 303d, preventing the power from remaining on in an abnormal state.

[0032] As described above, the recording device in this embodiment has a configuration in which it detects components connected to the connection part, and when the inspection tool 400 is detected, the controller 313 starts up in an inspection mode different from the normal recording mode and performs the inspection. Note that the circuit inside the inspection tool 400 shown in Figure 4 is an example of a circuit for determining the normal status of the control board 104 and the power supply board 105, and the contents of the circuit inside the inspection tool are not limited to this.

[0033] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the inspection process for the recording unit 106 in this embodiment. This inspection process is performed after an error occurs in the recording unit 106, such as a power supply error or an error in the transfer of ejection control data. By performing this inspection process, a service technician or user can determine whether the error that occurred in the recording unit 106 is due to a failure on the recording head 103 side or a failure on the circuit board (control board 104, power supply board 105) side. In order to properly perform the inspection process shown in Figure 5, a service technician or user needs to remove the recording head 103 and install the inspection tool 400 in its place.

[0034] In step S500, the recording device is activated. Hereafter, "step S~" will be abbreviated as "S~".

[0035] In S502, the control unit 207 of the recording unit 106 determines whether the inspection tool 400 is installed in place of the recording head 103. If the result of this step is YES, the process proceeds to S504. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO, the process proceeds to S518.

[0036] If the result of the judgment in S502 is YES (i.e., the inspection tool 400 is installed), then in S504, the controller 313 of the control board 104 starts up in inspection mode.

[0037] In S506, the controller 313 of the control board 104 performs a test in which it detects the signal output from the output port of FPGA 308 at the input port of FPGA 308, with the communication line for ejection control data connected in a loop (see Figure 4).

[0038] In S508, the controller 313 of the control board 104 determines whether the test results performed in S506 are normal (i.e., whether a signal was detected). If the result of this step is YES, the process proceeds to S510. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO, the process proceeds to S516.

[0039] In S510, the power controller 309 of the power supply board 105 sequentially activates the DC / DC converters 303a to 303c to sequentially output DC power supply voltages V2 to V4, detects each of the output voltages, and reads each detected voltage value. After this confirmation, the power controller 309 turns off the DC / DC converters 303a to 303c.

[0040] In S512, the power controller 309 of the power supply board 105 determines whether each voltage value read in S510 is a normal value, or in other words, whether each voltage value is not below a predetermined voltage value. If the result of this step is YES, the process proceeds to S514. On the other hand, if the result of this step is NO, the process proceeds to S516.

[0041] If the result of S512 is YES, it is presumed that some kind of abnormality (failure) has occurred in the recording head 103. Therefore, in this case, in S514, the control unit 207 of the recording unit 106 notifies the service technician or user to replace the recording head 103. For example, the control unit 207 displays a GUI screen on the display panel of the recording device 100 that includes a message prompting the replacement of the recording head 103. After this step, the series of inspection processes are terminated.

[0042] If the result of the judgment in S508 is NO or the result of the judgment in S512 is NO, there is a suspicion of an abnormality (failure) in the DC / DC converters 303a to 303d, or a break or short circuit in the control board 104 or the connection parts (first connection part 305a, first connection part 305b, second connection part 306). In this case, in S516, the control unit 207 of the recording unit 106 notifies the service technician or user to replace the control board 104, the power supply board 105 and the connection parts. For example, the control unit 207 displays a GUI screen on the display panel of the recording device 100 that includes a message prompting the replacement of the control board 104, the power supply board 105 and the connection parts. After this step, the series of inspection processes are terminated.

[0043] If the result of S502 is NO (i.e., the inspection tool 400 is not installed), the service technician or user has forgotten to install the inspection tool 400 on the recording unit 106. Therefore, in this case, in S518, the control unit 207 of the recording unit 106 notifies the service technician or user to install the inspection tool 400. For example, the control unit 207 displays a GUI screen on the display panel of the recording device 100 that includes a message prompting the user to install the inspection tool 400. After this step, the series of inspection processes is terminated.

[0044] <Effects of this embodiment> As explained above, according to this embodiment, if any error occurs in the recording unit 106, it becomes unnecessary to replace the recording head 103, the control board 104, and the power supply board 105, all of which are mounted in the recording unit 106. For example, if the normal operation of the board and connection part can be confirmed in inspection mode by connecting the inspection tool 400, the error can be resolved by replacing only the recording head 103. Therefore, this contributes to reducing the cost of replacing parts.

[0045] [Second Embodiment] This embodiment, like the first embodiment, switches the port settings of the FPGA308 for inspection mode, and is a modification of the first embodiment. In the following, explanations of the same parts as in the previously described embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings.

[0046] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the state (circuit configuration) of the inspection mode in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the control board 104 in this embodiment has a selector 603, which differs from the first embodiment (see Figure 4). The selector 603 receives a signal indicating whether or not the recording head 103 is installed (presence or absence of the recording head 103).

[0047] When the recording head 103 is detected, a DC power supply voltage V5 (high-level voltage) is input to the selector 603. On the other hand, when the recording head 103 is not detected, a relatively low-level voltage is input to the selector 603.

[0048] When a DC power supply voltage V5 (high-level voltage) is input, the first setting value for recording mode is read from the first SROM 601 and assigned to FPGA 308. On the other hand, when a low-level voltage is input, the second setting value for test mode is read from the second SROM 602 and assigned to FPGA 308.

[0049] Thus, regarding FPGA settings, multiple SROMs can be used, and the FPGA settings can be read from one of the SROMs depending on the mode, thereby enabling switching from recording mode to test mode.

[0050] [Third Embodiment] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor 700 is mounted on the recording head 103, and the analog signal output from the temperature sensor 700 is input to an A / D converter 702 mounted on the control board 104 via the first connection unit 305b.

[0051] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the recording unit 106 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the recording head 103 has a temperature sensor 700. This temperature sensor 700 outputs an analog signal generated by varying a voltage of V5 or less according to the temperature, and the signal line of this analog signal is included in the first connection part 305b. The analog signal output from the temperature sensor 700 is input to the A / D converter 702 in the control board 104, converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 702, and this digital signal is input to the FPGA 308 via the SPI terminal for digital communication. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, it is necessary to check that the A / D converter 702 is operating normally.

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates the state of the inspection mode when the inspection tool 400 is connected. As shown in Figure 8, unlike Figure 7, in inspection mode, the inspection tool 400 is connected to the first connection part 305a, the first connection part 305b, and the second connection part 306 instead of the recording head 103. Regarding the configuration of the input voltage to the A / D converter 702, a predetermined voltage V6, which is converted by the regulator 801 from the DC power supply voltage V2, is input to the A / D converter 702. The voltage V6 is set to a value that the A / D converter 702 can detect, and the A / D converter 702 is confirmed to be operating normally by comparing the digital value read when a pre-known voltage V6 is input with the reading value in the actual inspection. In other words, if the digital value read when a pre-known voltage V6 is input is equal to the reading value in the actual inspection, the A / D converter 702 is determined to be normal, while if they are not equal, the A / D converter 702 is determined to be abnormal. Furthermore, the aforementioned known digital values ​​are pre-stored, for example, in a ROM (not shown) around the CPU 302 within the control board 104.

[0053] In the first embodiment, poor contact between the second connection part 306 and the inspection tool 400 could not be confirmed, but in this embodiment, such poor contact can be confirmed. In other words, in this embodiment, since the inspection voltage V6 is generated based on the DC power supply voltage V2 supplied via the second connection part 306, if the inspection result is normal, it can also be confirmed that there is no poor contact between the second connection part 306 and the inspection tool 400.

[0054] In this embodiment, the inspection is performed, similar to the first embodiment, when a signal indicating the detection result of the recording head 103 is input to terminal A, triggering the controller 313 to start in inspection mode. This prevents the system from entering inspection mode in the wrong procedure while the recording head 103 is still installed. By informing service personnel or users to replace the recording head 103 with the inspection tool 800, the inspection can be performed using the correct procedure.

[0055] In this embodiment, an A / D converter 702 is used, and the temperature information acquired by the temperature sensor 700 is input to the A / D converter 702 as an analog signal. Therefore, if there is an abnormality in the reading of the digital signal converted from this analog signal, it can be inferred that there is some kind of abnormality (fault) in the A / D converter 702 or its surrounding wiring. Thus, in this embodiment, it is also possible to perform tests related to analog voltage input.

[0056] [Fourth Embodiment] In this embodiment, the control board 904, the first connection part 305a, the first connection part 305b, the second connection part 306, and the power supply board 105 are inspected without using the inspection tool 400 (see Figure 1) as in the first embodiment. However, by not using the inspection tool 400, the number of inspection items may be limited compared to the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 9 shows the circuit configuration of the recording unit 106 in inspection mode in this embodiment. A signal indicating the detection result of the recording head 103 is input via terminal A and read. If this read signal indicates that the recording head 103 is not installed (not installed), the FPGA 308 port is set for inspection mode. The signal indicating the detection result of the recording head 103 is also input to and read by selector 901. If this read signal is a Low level indicating that the recording head 103 is not installed (not installed), the output signal from selector 901 switches from a Low level to a High level.

[0058] The differential signal line used for transferring ejection control data is input to the connection circuit 902, and when the absence (unconnected) state of the recording head 103 is detected, the connection in the connection circuit 902 is turned on. When the connection is turned on, it means that a loop connection state is formed between the CLK1 terminal and the CLK2 terminal, and also between the DATA1 terminal and the DATA2 terminal. Similar to the inspection tool 400 of the first embodiment, the data output from the DATA1 terminal is input or read via the DATA2 terminal, whose state has been switched to input setting. Therefore, if the transmitted data sent from the DATA1 terminal and the received data received at the DATA2 terminal are the same, it can be assumed that the operation of the FPGA 308 and the wiring pattern of the board are normal. However, in this embodiment, the connector contacts between the first connection part 305a and the first connection part 305b are not inspected, so it may be assumed that the first connection part will be replaced.

[0059] Here, the analog signal input to the A / D converter 702 of this embodiment will be described. The output of the selector 901 switches in conjunction with the detection of the presence or absence of the recording head 103. Specifically, the voltage generation unit 903 is activated in inspection mode, and the activated voltage generation unit 903 generates a predetermined analog voltage V7. This analog voltage V7 is input to the A / D converter 702. Similar to the third embodiment, the digital reading value read when a pre-known voltage V7 is input is compared with the reading value in the actual inspection, and the A / D converter 702 is checked for normal operation based on whether these values ​​match.

[0060] In this embodiment, the selector 901, connection circuit 902, and voltage generation unit 903 are mounted on the control board 904. Because these components need to be mounted on the control board 904, the manufacturing cost of the control board 904 is higher than in the first to third embodiments. However, in this embodiment, the inspection tool 400 is not required, which has the advantage of saving costs.

[0061] As described above, the recording device of this embodiment has a configuration that allows it to change to an inspection mode in conjunction with the detection of whether or not the recording head 103 is installed, without the use of inspection tools. With this configuration, the normal state of the circuit boards can be confirmed.

[0062] [Other embodiments] This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0063] [Technical Features of This Disclosure] This disclosure includes the following components:

[0064] (Configuration 1) A recording device comprising: a recording unit on which a recording head that ejects ink based on supplied power and electrical signals is mounted; a control board that supplies the electrical signals to the recording head and has a controller that converts image data into electrical signals, the controller operating in either a first mode for recording images or a second mode for performing inspections; a connection part that electrically connects the control board and the recording head and serves as a path for transmitting the power and the electrical signals; and a determination means for determining what is mounted on the recording unit, wherein if it is determined that an inspection tool is mounted in place of the recording head, the controller is activated in the second mode; and the determination means. (Configuration 2) The recording device according to Configuration 1, wherein the controller has an FPGA, the FPGA has a plurality of terminals, and each terminal of the FPGA used as a CLK terminal and a DATA terminal in the first mode is used as an I / O terminal when the controller operates in the second mode. (Configuration 3) The recording device according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that in the first mode, a differential signal is transmitted as the electrical signal, and in the second mode, a single-ended signal is transmitted as the electrical signal. (Configuration 4) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that when the inspection tool is attached to the recording unit, a loop connection is realized in the FPGA, the connection part and the inspection tool, in which the signal output from the FPGA is input to the FPGA. (Configuration 5) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that when the determination means determines that the recording head is installed, the controller starts up in the first mode. (Configuration 6) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when the controller operates in the second mode, the single-ended signal is output from the output terminal of the I / O terminal, and the output single-ended signal is input to the input terminal of the I / O terminal via the loop connection. (Configuration 7) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a power supply board that supplies the power to the recording head, wherein the power supply board has a plurality of DC / DC converters as a plurality of power sources. (Configuration 8) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the controller further has control means for determining whether or not the single-ended signal output from the output terminal could be detected via the input terminal, and if the controller determines that the single-ended signal cannot be detected, it controls the controller to notify that the power supply board, the control board and the connection part should be replaced. (Configuration 9) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the plurality of DC / DC converters are sequentially started up to sequentially output DC power supply voltages, each of the output voltages is detected, the readings of each detected voltage value are determined to be normal, if the readings are determined to be normal, the control means is controlled to notify that the recording head should be replaced, and if the readings are determined not to be normal, the control means is controlled to notify that the power supply board, the control board and the connection part should be replaced. (Configuration 10) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that if the determination means determines that the inspection tool is not installed, the control means controls to notify that the inspection tool should be installed. (Configuration 11) The recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 10, wherein the control board has a selector, a first SROM, and a second SROM, and a first voltage of high level or a second voltage of low level is input to the selector as a signal indicating whether or not the recording head 103 is installed. (Configuration 12) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that when the first voltage is input to the selector, a first setting value for the first mode is read from the first SROM and assigned to the FPGA, and when the second voltage is input to the selector, a second setting value for the second mode is read from the second SROM and assigned to the FPGA. (Configuration 13) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that the recording head has a temperature sensor that outputs an analog signal generated by varying the voltage according to the temperature, the control board further has an A / D converter that converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and the FPGA further has terminals into which the digital signal is input. (Configuration 14) The recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 13, wherein the inspection tool further comprises a regulator for converting a DC power supply voltage, and when the inspection tool is mounted on the recording unit, the voltage converted by the regulator is input to the A / D converter, and it is determined whether the A / D converter is functioning correctly based on the reading of the voltage. (Configuration 15) A recording device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 14, characterized in that the recording head is replaceable. (Configuration 16) A recording device comprising: a recording unit on which a recording head that ejects ink based on supplied power and electrical signals is mounted; a control board that supplies the electrical signals to the recording head and has a controller that converts image data into electrical signals, the controller operating in either a first mode for recording images or a second mode for performing inspections; a connection part that electrically connects the control board and the recording head and serves as a path for transmitting the power and the electrical signals; and a determination means for determining what is mounted on the recording unit, wherein if it is determined that the recording head is not mounted, the controller starts up in the second mode; and the determination means. (Configuration 17) The recording device according to Configuration 16, wherein the control board further comprises a selector and a connection circuit, the controller comprises an FPGA, the FPGA comprises a first CLK terminal, a second CLK terminal, a first DATA terminal and a second DATA terminal, the selector receives a signal indicating whether or not the recording head is installed, and when a signal indicating that the recording head is not installed is received by the selector, the output signal from the selector switches from a low level to a high level, and the connection in the connection circuit is turned on. (Configuration 18) The recording device according to Configuration 16 or 17, characterized in that when the connection in the connection circuit is turned on, a loop connection state is formed between the first CLK terminal and the second CLK terminal, and a loop connection state is formed between the first DATA terminal and the second DATA terminal. (Control Method) A control method for a recording device comprising: a recording unit on which a recording head that ejects ink based on supplied power and electrical signals is mounted; a control board that supplies the electrical signals to the recording head and has a controller that converts image data into electrical signals, the controller operating in either a first mode for recording images or a second mode for performing inspections; the control board and the recording head are electrically connected and a connection part that serves as a path for transmitting the power and the electrical signals, the control method comprising a determination step for determining what is mounted on the recording unit, and if it is determined in the determination step that an inspection tool is mounted in place of the recording head, the controller is started in the second mode. A program for causing a computer to execute a control method for a recording device having a recording unit on which a recording head that ejects ink based on power supplied to the computer and electrical signals is mounted, a control board that supplies the electrical signals to the recording head and has a controller that converts image data into electrical signals, the controller operating in either a first mode for recording images or a second mode for performing inspections, the control board and the recording head are electrically connected and a connection part that serves as a path for transmitting the power and the electrical signals, the method comprising a determination step for determining what is mounted on the recording unit, and if it is determined in the determination step that an inspection tool is mounted in place of the recording head, the controller is started in the second mode. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 100... Recording device 103... Recording head 104... Control board 106... Recording Unit 302···CPU 305a...First connection section 305b...First connection section 306...Second connection section 313... Controller

Claims

1. A recording unit equipped with a recording head that ejects ink based on supplied power and electrical signals, A control board that supplies the aforementioned electrical signals to the recording head, comprising a controller that converts image data into the aforementioned electrical signals, wherein the controller operates in either a first mode for recording images or a second mode for performing inspections, and the control board, The control board and the recording head are electrically connected, and the connection part serves as a path for transmitting the power and the electrical signal. A determination means for determining what is mounted on the recording unit, and if it determines that an inspection tool is mounted in place of the recording head, the controller starts up in the second mode, the determination means and Having, A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. The controller has an FPGA, The FPGA has multiple terminals, With respect to each of the FPGA terminals used as CLK terminals and DATA terminals in the first mode, when the controller operates in the second mode, the terminals used as I / O terminals are as follows: The recording device according to feature 1.

3. In the first mode, a differential signal is transmitted as the electrical signal, and in the second mode, a single-ended signal is transmitted as the electrical signal. The recording device according to feature 2.

4. When the inspection tool is attached to the recording unit, a loop connection is realized in the FPGA, the connection unit, and the inspection tool, in which the signal output from the FPGA is input to the FPGA. The recording device according to feature 3.

5. If the determination means determines that the recording head is installed, the controller starts up in the first mode. A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the controller operates in the second mode, the single-ended signal is output from the output terminal of the I / O terminal, and the output single-ended signal is input to the input terminal of the I / O terminal via the loop connection. The recording device according to feature 4.

7. The system further includes a power supply board that supplies the aforementioned power to the recording head, The power supply board has multiple DC / DC converters as multiple power sources. The recording device according to feature 6.

8. The controller determines whether or not the single-ended signal output from the output terminal was detected via the input terminal. The controller further includes control means that, if it determines that it cannot detect the single-ended signal, will notify that the power supply board, the control board, and the connection part should be replaced. The recording device according to feature 7.

9. By sequentially starting the aforementioned multiple DC / DC converters, the DC power supply voltage is sequentially output, each output voltage is detected, and it is determined whether the read value of each detected voltage is a normal value. If the above-mentioned normal value is determined, the control means controls to notify that the recording head should be replaced. If it is determined that the value is not within the normal range, the system will control the system to notify that the power supply board, the control board, and the connection part will be replaced. The recording device according to feature 8.

10. If the determination means determines that the inspection tool is not installed, the control means controls itself to notify that the inspection tool should be installed. The recording device according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The control board includes a selector, a first SROM, and a second SROM. The selector receives a signal indicating whether or not the recording head 103 is installed, which is either a high-level first voltage or a low-level second voltage. The recording device according to feature 9.

12. When the first voltage is input to the selector, the first setting value for the first mode is read from the first SROM and assigned to the FPGA. When the second voltage is input to the selector, the second setting value for the second mode is read from the second SROM and assigned to the FPGA. The recording device according to feature 11.

13. The recording head has a temperature sensor that outputs an analog signal generated by varying the voltage according to the temperature. The control board further includes an A / D converter that converts the analog signal into a digital signal. The FPGA further has terminals to which the digital signal is input. The recording device according to feature 9.

14. The inspection tool further includes a regulator for converting the DC power supply voltage, When the inspection tool is attached to the recording unit, the voltage converted by the regulator is input to the A / D converter, and it is determined whether the A / D converter is functioning correctly based on the reading of the voltage. The recording device according to feature 13.

15. The aforementioned recording head is replaceable. A recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

16. A recording unit equipped with a recording head that ejects ink based on supplied power and electrical signals, A control board that supplies the aforementioned electrical signals to the recording head, comprising a controller that converts image data into the aforementioned electrical signals, wherein the controller operates in either a first mode for recording images or a second mode for performing inspections, and the control board, The control board and the recording head are electrically connected, and the connection part serves as a path for transmitting the power and the electrical signal. A determination means for determining what is installed in the recording unit, and if it determines that the recording head is not installed, the controller starts up in the second mode, the determination means and Having, A recording device characterized by the following features.

17. The control board further comprises a selector and a connection circuit. The controller has an FPGA, The FPGA has a first CLK terminal, a second CLK terminal, a first DATA terminal, and a second DATA terminal. The selector receives a signal indicating whether or not the recording head is installed. When a signal indicating that the recording head is not installed is input to the selector, the output signal from the selector switches from a low level to a high level, and the connection in the connection circuit is turned on. The recording device according to feature 16.

18. When the connection in the aforementioned connection circuit is turned on, a loop connection state is formed between the first CLK terminal and the second CLK terminal, and a loop connection state is formed between the first DATA terminal and the second DATA terminal. The recording device according to feature 17.

19. A recording unit equipped with a recording head that ejects ink based on supplied power and electrical signals, A control board that supplies the aforementioned electrical signals to the recording head, comprising a controller that converts image data into the aforementioned electrical signals, wherein the controller operates in either a first mode for recording images or a second mode for performing inspections, and the control board, The control board and the recording head are electrically connected, and the connection part serves as a path for transmitting the power and the electrical signal. A control method for a recording device having, The system includes a determination step for determining what is mounted on the recording unit, and if, in the determination step, it is determined that an inspection tool is mounted in place of the recording head, the controller starts up in the second mode. A control method characterized by the following:

20. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method described in claim 19.

Images