Printing device and processing control device, method and program

Abstract

To provide a printing device that is configured to prevent increase of components damaged by operation in an inappropriate condition and expansion of a range contaminated by ink.SOLUTION: A printing device comprises a printing part 10 that applies printing processing to a printing medium, a power supply information obtaining part 21 that obtains information about a power supply, and a control part 30 that detects change of an installation position on the basis of the obtained information about the power supply by the power supply information obtaining part 21, and when detecting the change of the installation position, prohibits operation of the printing part 10 or performs restricted printing processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device that performs a printing process on a print medium, as well as a process control device, method, and program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when precision equipment such as inkjet printers are installed at a customer's location, a service technician who is familiar with the equipment performs the installation work. This involves not only unpacking the equipment (removing packaging materials and fixing parts), but also adjusting the equipment's level, filling it with ink, and checking the paper feed and image quality using the paper that the customer will actually use.

[0003] In this way, various parameter settings and mechanical adjustments are made to ensure that the device can be used safely and with the highest quality. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-164688 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when moving an inkjet printing device after installation, if the necessary fixation is not made or the ink in the ink paths is not drained, parts may become deformed or ink may be scattered inside the device. If an attempt is made to operate the device in this state, more parts may be damaged, the area of ​​ink contamination may expand, and the damage may become more severe, resulting in greater time and expense.

[0006] For example, in an inkjet printing device equipped with a belt platen, the belt platen is suspended from above by a wire, so if the belt platen is not secured to prevent movement during transportation, it may collide with surrounding parts and become deformed.

[0007] Furthermore, if excessive impact is applied to other rollers, there is a risk that they may fall off or that parts such as springs may fall off.

[0008] If the power is turned on and an attempt is made to operate the device in this state, the parts may deform, causing damage such as tears to the belt, or the parts may become caught between the rollers, causing deformation of the rubber parts or motor lock.

[0009] Furthermore, when the device is moved while it is filled with ink, ink may fall from the inkjet head or leak from the ink supply path, contaminating surrounding components. In this case, if ink adheres to the belt platen or rollers, the area of ​​ink staining may expand through the printing paper, or the rotation of the rollers may cause the ink to be scattered.

[0010] If the equipment is moved in an inappropriate state and operated in a malfunctioning state, the area requiring maintenance will expand, resulting in more parts having to be replaced or cleaned.

[0011] Inkjet printing devices also have many mechanical parts for transporting paper and performing printing processes, which undergo initialization when the power is turned on before the actual printing process begins.

[0012] However, because the initialization operation involves the rotation and movement of mechanical parts, it is best to avoid it if the above-mentioned damage or soiling has occurred due to the movement of the device, but it is difficult to detect deformation or detachment of parts or ink soiling before the initialization operation.

[0013] Furthermore, in any device that performs a specific process using a specific drive mechanism, not just inkjet printing devices, if the voltage or frequency of the power supply changes as the device is moved, the changed voltage or frequency may cause malfunctions.

[0014] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a printing device, processing control device, method, and program that can prevent an increase in damaged parts due to operation in an improper state and an expansion of the area of ​​ink contamination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The first printing device of the present invention comprises a printing unit that performs printing processing on a printing medium, a power supply information acquisition unit that acquires information on the supplied power source, and a control unit that detects a change in installation position based on the power supply information acquired by the power supply information acquisition unit, and when the change in installation position is detected, prohibits operation of the printing unit or performs limited printing processing.

[0016] The second printing device of the present invention comprises a printing unit that performs printing processing on a printing medium, an installation location information acquisition unit that acquires information about the installation location, and a control unit that detects a change in the installation location based on the information about the installation location acquired by the installation location information acquisition unit, and when a change in the installation location is detected, prohibits operation of the printing unit or performs a limited printing process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the first printing device of the present invention, information on the power supply being supplied is obtained, and a change in the installation position is detected based on that information on the power supply.If a change in the installation position is detected, the operation of the printing unit is prohibited or a restricted printing process is performed, thereby preventing an increase in damaged parts due to operation in an inappropriate state and an expansion of the area of ​​ink contamination.

[0018] According to the second printing device of the present invention, information on the installation location is acquired, and a change in the installation location is detected based on that information.If a change in the installation location is detected, the operation of the printing unit is prohibited or a restricted printing process is performed, thereby preventing an increase in damaged parts due to operation in an inappropriate state and an expansion of the area of ​​ink contamination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus using a first embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply voltage value detection circuit and a voltage waveform; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a power supply frequency detection circuit and a collector signal waveform. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of an inkjet printing apparatus using a first embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an installation state detection unit; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus using a second embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An inkjet printing apparatus using a first embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a printing unit 10, a power supply unit 20, and a control unit 30.

[0022] The printing unit 10 performs printing processing on print media such as paper. The printing unit 10 of this embodiment performs inkjet printing processing. The printing unit 10 includes an inkjet head that ejects ink onto the print medium, an ink supply mechanism that supplies ink to the inkjet head, a belt platen that transports the print medium, a paper feed mechanism that feeds the print medium, a paper discharge mechanism that discharges the printed print medium, sensor units (not shown) such as a paper detection sensor used to control the transport of the print medium and sensors and encoders that detect the reference positions (home positions) of each mechanism, and an actuator unit (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of ink supply and rotates rollers of the belt platen, paper feed mechanism, and paper discharge mechanism.

[0023] The power supply unit 20 receives power from a commercial power source and supplies the power to the control unit 30 and the printing unit 10. Power is supplied to the printing unit 10 from the power supply unit 20 via the control unit 30.

[0024] The power supply unit 20 is a power supply unit rated for input of commercial AC (Alternating Current) 85 to 264 V. When a power switch (not shown) is turned on, power is supplied to the power supply unit 20 from the commercial power supply.

[0025] The power supply unit 20 is configured to be able to supply power supply voltages of 5V and 24V to the control unit 30. When the power switch is turned on, the power supply unit 20 automatically supplies the 5V power supply voltage to the control unit 30. On the other hand, when the power switch is turned on, the power supply unit 20 cuts off the supply of the 24V power supply voltage. The power supply unit 20 turns the supply of the 24V power supply voltage on and off in response to a control signal from the control unit 30.

[0026] The power supply unit 20 also includes a power supply information acquisition unit 21. The power supply information acquisition unit 21 acquires information about the commercial power supplied to the power supply unit 20. In this embodiment, the power supply information acquisition unit 21 acquires the voltage value and frequency of the commercial power supply as information about the commercial power supply. The power supply information acquisition unit 21 includes a power supply voltage value detection circuit 22 and a power supply frequency detection circuit 23.

[0027] Fig. 2A is a diagram showing an example of power supply voltage value detection circuit 22. Power supply voltage value detection circuit 22 includes transformer 22a, diode bridge 22b, and capacitor 22c. Fig. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a voltage waveform of a commercial power supply, a voltage waveform full-wave rectified by diode bridge 22b, and a voltage waveform detected by the capacitor.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2B, the commercial power supply, supplied as a sine wave, passes through transformer 22a and is then full-wave rectified by diode bridge 22b. As shown in FIG. 2B, the full-wave rectified voltage waveform is transformed into an envelope waveform by capacitor 22c in the subsequent stage, resulting in a voltage near its peak value. That is, power supply voltage detection circuit 22 shown in FIG. 2A detects a direct current (DC) of 141V when the commercial power supply is AC 100V, and a direct current (DC) of 325V when the commercial power supply is AC 230V. Changing the winding ratio of transformer 22a can reduce the voltage, making subsequent stages easier to handle. The commercial power supply voltage may also be detected by dividing it using resistors.

[0029] After being converted to a DC voltage by the power supply voltage value detection circuit 22, a predetermined voltage value can be detected by passing through an A / D converter and a comparator. The A / D converter and comparator may be provided in the power supply information acquisition unit 21 or in the microcomputer 31 of the control unit 30.

[0030] Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of power supply frequency detection circuit 23. Power supply frequency detection circuit 23 includes transformer 23a, two light emitting diodes (LEDs) 23b and 23c, and phototransistor 23d. Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the voltage waveform of a commercial power supply and the relationship between the voltage applied across LEDs 23b and 23c and the collector signal waveform of phototransistor 23d.

[0031] The voltage waveform of the commercial power supply is supplied to LEDs 23b and 23c after passing through transformer 23a. When the sine wave voltage of the commercial power supply is supplied to both ends of LEDs 23b and 23c, only one of LEDs 23b and 23c emits light, depending on whether the sine wave voltage is positive or negative. In this case, if the base of phototransistor 23d is connected to GND and a pull-up resistor is connected to the collector, phototransistor 23d turns on due to the light from LED 23b or LED 23c, and the voltage of the collector signal becomes close to the GND level, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0032] When the sine wave voltage of the commercial power supply reaches near 0 V, both LEDs 23b and 23c turn off. At this time, since no light is input, phototransistor 23d turns off and the collector voltage becomes close to the voltage of the pulled-up power supply.

[0033] That is, the power supply frequency detection circuit 23 shown in FIG. 3 can detect when the commercial power supply approaches 0 V (zero crossing). As shown in FIG. 3B, the collector signal of the phototransistor 23d turns on when the sine wave voltage of the commercial power supply crosses 0 V. Therefore, the commercial power supply period is twice the period during which the collector signal turns on, thereby enabling detection of the commercial power supply frequency. That is, the frequency is measured by counting the number of clock pulses of the collector signal per second, and the commercial power supply frequency is obtained by doubling this number. Alternatively, the clock period of the collector signal may be measured by counting the number of reference clock pulses, the period of which is known in advance, contained in the collector signal clock period, and the commercial power supply frequency may be obtained by doubling this number. The frequency may be measured by the power supply information acquisition unit 21, or by using a timer built into the microcomputer 31 (described later).

[0034] The control unit 30 controls the entire inkjet printing apparatus 1. In particular, the control unit 30 of this embodiment detects a change in the installation location based on the commercial power source information acquired by the power source information acquisition unit 21, and inhibits the operation of the printing unit 10 when a change in the installation location is detected.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 30 includes a microcomputer 31, an actuator driver 32, and an interface unit with a sensor unit (not shown).

[0036] The microcomputer 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory stores a print processing control program and various setting values ​​for operating the inkjet printing device 1. In this embodiment, the print processing control program corresponds to the process control program of the present invention.

[0037] By executing the print processing control program by the CPU, each mechanism of the printing unit 10 is controlled to perform the print processing, and the functions of the power supply information acquisition unit 21 and the control unit 30 are realized.

[0038] In this embodiment, the power supply information acquisition unit 21 and the control unit 30 are made to function by executing the print processing control program by the CPU, but some or all of the functions executed by the print processing control program may be configured from hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other electrical circuits.

[0039] Microcomputer 31 also includes a power supply information storage unit 33, which is configured from a flash memory or the like. Power supply information storage unit 33 stores information (power supply voltage value and power supply frequency) about the commercial power supply connected to inkjet printing device 1 at the previous installation location. For example, power supply information storage unit 33 stores information (power supply voltage value and power supply frequency) about the commercial power supply connected to inkjet printing device 1 at the initial installation location after inkjet printing device 1 was shipped.

[0040] In addition, when a service technician or the like completes maintenance on the inkjet printing device 1 after changing the installation location of the inkjet printing device 1, the information on the commercial power source stored in the power source information memory unit 33 is updated to the information on the commercial power source connected to the inkjet printing device 1 after the installation location has been changed.

[0041] Furthermore, the microcomputer 31 receives a sensor signal output from a sensor unit provided in the printing unit 10, and uses this sensor signal to perform initialization operations, control the transport of the printing medium, and the like.

[0042] The microcomputer 31 also outputs a control signal to the actuator driver 32 .

[0043] The actuator driver 32 drives the DC motors, stepping motors, and the like that each mechanism of the printing unit 10 has, based on the control signals output from the microcomputer 31.

[0044] Furthermore, the microcomputer 31 outputs a control signal for turning on and off the supply of the 24V power supply voltage to the power supply unit 20. That is, the microcomputer 31 can control the supply and cut-off of the 24V power supply voltage at any timing.

[0045] Because the actuators provided in each mechanism of the printing unit 10 operate on 24V, if the microcomputer 31 does not output a control signal to the power supply unit 20 to turn on the supply of 24V power supply voltage, no power supply voltage will be supplied to the actuator driver 32 and the actuators of the printing unit 10 will not operate. In other words, the microcomputer 31 controls the operation of the printing unit 10 by controlling the supply of 24V power supply voltage.

[0046] The microcomputer 31 acquires the current commercial power supply information (power supply voltage value and power supply frequency) acquired by the power supply information acquisition unit 21 at the time the power switch is turned on, and compares it with past commercial power supply information stored in the power supply information storage unit 33.

[0047] The microcomputer 31 then detects a change in the installation location by detecting a difference between the past commercial power source information and the current commercial power source information. That is, if the difference between the past commercial power source information and the current commercial power source information is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the microcomputer 31 determines that a change has occurred in the installation location of the inkjet printing device 1.

[0048] Here, commercial power refers to AC power supplied from the walls of homes and offices. In Japan, the power supply frequency differs between western and eastern Japan, and the power supply voltage or power supply frequency differs from country to country. Therefore, if there is a change in the power supply voltage or power supply frequency of the commercial power supplied to inkjet printing apparatus 1, microcomputer 31 determines that the installation location of inkjet printing apparatus 1 has changed.

[0049] For example, in Japan, the power supply voltage is AC 100V in both eastern and western Japan, but the power supply frequency is 50Hz in eastern Japan and 60Hz in western Japan. Therefore, if the power supply voltage value of the past commercial power supply and the power supply voltage value of the current commercial power supply are both 100V, which is the same, but the difference in power supply frequency is about 10Hz, microcomputer 31 determines that inkjet printing apparatus 1 has moved across western and eastern Japan and its installation location has changed.

[0050] Table 1 below shows examples of commercial power supply voltages and power supply frequencies in various countries.

[0051] [Table 1]

[0052] As shown in Table 1 above, the power supply voltage value in Japan is AC 100V, the power supply voltage value in the United States is AC 115V, and the power supply voltage value in Canada is 120V. Therefore, if the difference in the power supply voltage value is approximately AC 15V to AC 20V, the microcomputer 31 may determine that the inkjet printing device 1 has moved between Japan and the United States or Canada, and that its installation location has changed.

[0053] However, even if a commercial power supply is nominally AC 100V, it fluctuates depending on the location of use and the load. Therefore, when detecting a change in installation location using the difference in power supply voltage value, it is preferable to set the threshold value taking this fluctuation into account.

[0054] Furthermore, it is preferable to take into consideration not only the power supply voltage value but also the difference in power supply frequency, as is the case in Japan, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting changes in installation location.

[0055] It is also possible to detect a change in installation location using only the difference in power supply frequency, but since the power supply frequency is the same in China and Australia, for example, at 50 Hz, it is preferable to detect a change in installation location using both the power supply voltage value and the power supply frequency, as described above.

[0056] When the microcomputer 31 detects a change in the installation position of the inkjet printing apparatus 1, it cuts off the supply of 24V power supply voltage from the power supply unit 20, thereby prohibiting the operation of the printing unit .

[0057] Furthermore, when the microcomputer 31 detects a change in the installation position of the inkjet printing apparatus 1, it causes an operation panel (not shown) provided on the inkjet printing apparatus 1 to display a message urging maintenance to be performed.

[0058] Next, the processing flow of the inkjet printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. Note that here, the prohibition of printing processing based on the change in the installation position of the inkjet printing apparatus 1 described above will be mainly described.

[0059] First, the power switch of the inkjet printing apparatus 1 is turned on (S10). In response to the power switch being turned on, the power supply unit 20 supplies a power supply voltage of 5V to the microcomputer 31 (S12).

[0060] Furthermore, the power supply information acquisition unit 21 of the power supply unit 20 acquires information about the current commercial power supply (power supply voltage value and power supply frequency) and outputs it to the microcomputer 31 (S14).

[0061] Next, the microcomputer 31 reads out the past commercial power information stored in the power information storage unit 33 (S16), and detects whether the installation location has changed based on the difference between the past commercial power information and the current commercial power information (S18).

[0062] If no change in the installation position is detected (S18, NO), the microcomputer 31 starts the initialization operation of the printing unit 10 as usual (S20). Note that the initialization operation is necessary to check whether the locations of mechanical components become undefined when the inkjet printing device 1 is powered off and to confirm whether the desired printing process will be performed before the printing process. For example, the initialization operation sets each mechanism to a reference position (home position) and performs a POST (Power On Self Test) to check that each mechanism is functioning normally. For example, the transport roller is rotated, its rotation speed is detected by an encoder, and it is confirmed that it rotates at the specified rotation speed.

[0063] On the other hand, if the microcomputer 31 detects a change in the installation position (S18, YES), it outputs a control signal to the power supply unit 20 and cuts off the supply of 24V power supply voltage, thereby prohibiting the initialization operation of the printing unit 10 and any subsequent operations (S22).

[0064] Furthermore, the microcomputer 31 displays a message on the operation panel of the inkjet printing apparatus 1 urging the user to call a service technician to perform maintenance (S24).

[0065] Upon seeing the message on the operation panel, the user requests inspection, adjustment, etc. from a service technician or the like (S26).

[0066] Then, after the service technician has replaced parts, cleaned, and adjusted the printer (S28), he or she starts up the inkjet printing device 1 in maintenance mode (S30). In maintenance mode, it is possible to check the individual operation of parts, turn sensors and actuators on and off, and print a chart for checking image quality.

[0067] In principle, transition to maintenance mode can be performed by a service technician or other relevant person, but in emergencies or for simple repairs or confirmations, the method for transitioning to maintenance mode may be leaked by requesting the user to perform the operation by phone. In such cases, to prevent device failure due to inappropriate personnel performing maintenance by simply transitioning to maintenance mode, it is preferable to display a screen for setting a personal identification number (passcode) on the operation panel, for example, and enable transition to maintenance mode when the service technician enters the password.

[0068] The service technician then repeats steps S28 and S30 until the inkjet printing device 1 is no longer malfunctioning, and when the malfunction is resolved (YES in S32), the service technician releases the operation prohibition state of the printing unit 10 (S34). The operation prohibition state of the printing unit 10 is released, for example, by accepting a predetermined operation on the operation panel of the inkjet printing device 1. In this case, it is also preferable to display a screen for entering a personal identification number (passcode) on the operation panel, and release the operation prohibition state when the service technician enters the personal identification number.

[0069] Then, when the microcomputer 31 releases the operation prohibition state, it updates the commercial power information by storing the commercial power information acquired by the power information acquisition unit 21 this time in the power information storage unit 33 (S36).

[0070] According to the inkjet printing device 1 of the above embodiment, information on the supplied commercial power source is acquired, and a change in the installation position is detected based on the power source information. If a change in the installation position is detected, the operation of the printing unit 10 is prohibited, thereby preventing an increase in damaged parts due to operation in an inappropriate state and an expansion of the area of ​​ink contamination.

[0071] Specifically, if ink leakage occurs within the inkjet printing device 1 due to a change in installation position, for example, it is possible to prevent ink from scattering onto surrounding rollers, etc., or from spreading to the area of ​​contamination through the printing medium.

[0072] In addition, secondary disasters such as roller damage or motor lock due to parts getting caught between rollers can be prevented by operating the printing unit 10 in a damaged or deformed state, which could lead to damage to many parts.

[0073] Furthermore, in the inkjet printing device 1 of the above embodiment, an installation position detection process is performed before the initialization operation of the printing unit 10, thereby preventing damage to parts and expansion of the area of ​​ink contamination due to the initialization operation.

[0074] Furthermore, in the inkjet printing device 1 of the above embodiment, the voltage value and frequency of the power supply are acquired as commercial power supply information, so that information for detecting changes in installation position can be acquired with a simpler configuration and at no additional cost.

[0075] Furthermore, in the inkjet printing device 1 of the above embodiment, a change in the installation location is detected based on information about the commercial power source. However, it is also possible to measure the unused time of the inkjet printing device 1, and if the unused time is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, determine that the installation location of the inkjet printing device 1 has changed, since the installation location of the inkjet printing device 1 may have moved.

[0076] Specifically, the timer function of the microcomputer 31 can be used to measure the unused time since the last printing process was performed, and if the unused time is equal to or greater than a preset threshold (for example, three months), a change in the installation location can be detected and the operation of the printing unit 10 can be prohibited.

[0077] In this case, the microcomputer 31 detects a change in the installation location based on the commercial power information or the unused time, and if a change in the installation location is detected by either, it prohibits the operation of the printing unit 10. In this way, by using not only the commercial power information but also the unused time, the accuracy of detecting a change in the installation location can be improved. Note that in the above description, the microcomputer 31 corresponds to the unused time acquisition unit of the present invention.

[0078] Furthermore, the microcomputer 31 may detect a change in the installation location based on commercial power information and the unused time. That is, the microcomputer 31 may detect a change in the commercial power source and detect a change in the installation location when the unused time is equal to or greater than a threshold. This improves the accuracy (precision) of detecting a change in the installation location.

[0079] Furthermore, a change in the installation position may be detected by detecting the contact state between the inkjet printing apparatus 1 and the installation floor. Specifically, for example, the inkjet printing apparatus 1 may be provided with an installation state detection unit 40 that detects a change in the contact state between the inkjet printing apparatus 1 and the installation floor, as shown in FIG.

[0080] The installation state detection unit 40 shown in FIG. 5 is provided at the bottom of the inkjet printing apparatus 1, and includes a detection switch 41 and a support member 42.

[0081] The support member 42 is made up of a rod-shaped member, one end of which is in contact with the installation floor and the other end of which is in contact with the detection switch 41 .

[0082] The detection switch 41 is configured to be turned on while the support member 42 is in contact with the detection switch 41, and turned off while the support member 42 is not in contact with the detection switch 41.

[0083] 5, when the inkjet printing apparatus 1 is installed in a predetermined position, the support member 42 is in contact with the installation floor and is disposed so as to abut against the detection switch 41. In other words, at this time, the detection switch 41 is in an ON state.

[0084] When the casters on the bottom of the inkjet printing device 1 rotate and the inkjet printing device 1 moves, the support member 42 falls over and the detection switch 41 turns off. The microcomputer 31 detects that the detection switch 41 has turned off, and therefore detects that the installation position has changed, and prohibits the operation of the printing unit 10.

[0085] When the installation state detection unit 40 detects a change in the contact state with the installation floor in this way, the microcomputer 31 may detect a change in the installation position based on commercial power supply information or a change in the contact state with the installation floor, and when a change in the installation position is detected by either of these, the operation of the printing unit 10 may be prohibited. In this way, by detecting a change in the installation position using a change in the contact state with the installation floor as well, it is possible to reliably prohibit the operation of the printing unit 10 when the inkjet printing device 1 has moved.

[0086] Furthermore, if a support member 42 is attached at a new location where the inkjet printing apparatus 1 has been moved, the change in installation position can be detected solely from the change in commercial power supply information.

[0087] It should be noted that the microcomputer 31 and the detection switch 41 may be configured to be powered by a battery so that a change in the detection switch 41 can be detected even when commercial power is not being supplied.

[0088] In addition, by detecting changes in the installation location using information about the commercial power source, for example, if the inkjet printing device 1 has not been moved but an abnormality has occurred in the commercial power source supplied to the inkjet printing device 1, the abnormality can be detected and the operation of the printing unit 10 can be prohibited, thereby preventing a malfunction of the printing unit 10.

[0089] The microcomputer 31 may also be configured to detect a change in the installation position based on information about the commercial power supply and a change in the contact state with the installation floor. That is, when the microcomputer 31 detects both a change in the commercial power supply and a change in the contact state (the detection switch 41 being turned off), it may detect a change in the installation position and prohibit operation of the printing unit 10.

[0090] The configuration of the installation position state detection unit 40 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and other configurations may be used as long as they are capable of detecting changes in the contact state between the inkjet printing apparatus 1 and the installation floor. For example, a sensor such as an optical sensor may be used.

[0091] Furthermore, in the inkjet printing apparatus 1 of the above embodiment, if a change in installation location is detected, the operation of the printing unit 10 is prohibited. However, there may be cases where you want to immediately use the inkjet printing apparatus 1. For example, there may be cases where you do not have time before a service technician performs maintenance, where you have simply moved the inkjet printing apparatus 1 to a nearby location, or where the commercial power information has changed because a backup power source was used in an emergency.

[0092] However, even in such cases, there are risks associated with moving the inkjet printing device 1, so it is best to avoid operating it with all of its functions and capabilities, and have a service technician perform maintenance as soon as possible.

[0093] Therefore, instead of prohibiting the operation of the printing unit 10 in the above embodiment, a restricted printing process may be performed in which the functions and performance are restricted in order to reduce damage to components and ink scattering due to high-speed operation.

[0094] In the limited printing process, the microcomputer 31 may control the print medium transport system and the inkjet head to slow down the printing speed, reduce the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet head, or stop the supply of ink to the ink head while still executing the printing process. More specifically, the inkjet printing device 1 with a productivity of 120 ppm may be operated at 30 ppm, the inkjet head may be driven at a voltage lower than normal to reduce the risk of ink scattering or ink leakage due to an inkjet head malfunction, or the ink supply mechanism may be controlled to stop the ink supply so as not to supply new ink to prevent the spread of damage from ink leakage due to an ink path malfunction, thereby performing the limited printing process.

[0095] In addition, in the above explanation, restricted printing processing is performed instead of prohibiting the operation of the printing unit 10, but the microcomputer 31 may automatically switch between prohibiting the operation of the printing unit 10 and restricted printing processing depending on the difference between the current commercial power source information and the past commercial power source information.

[0096] Specifically, for example, in Japan, as described above, the power supply frequency differs between eastern and western Japan, but if the inkjet printing device 1 is moving within Japan, the travel distance is short and the impact is small, so it may be permitted, and if only the power supply frequency differs between the power supply voltage value and the power supply frequency, restricted printing processing may be performed rather than prohibiting operation of the printing unit 10. Note that the present example is not limited to this, and based on the difference between the current commercial power supply information and the past commercial power supply information, restricted printing processing may be performed if the travel distance of the inkjet printing device 1 is deemed to be short, and operation of the printing unit 10 may be prohibited if the travel distance is deemed to be long.

[0097] As described above, if the operation of the printing unit 10 is switched between being prohibited and performing limited printing processing based on information about the commercial power source, printing processing can be performed while minimizing risk if the impact of moving the inkjet printing device 1 is deemed small, and if the impact of moving the inkjet printing device 1 is deemed large, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of an increase in broken parts, etc.

[0098] Furthermore, the microcomputer 31 may automatically switch between restricted printing processing and prohibiting operation of the printing unit 10 based on the difference between the current power supply voltage value of the commercial power source and the past power supply voltage value of the commercial power source. Specifically, for example, if the difference between the current power supply voltage value of the commercial power source and the past power supply voltage value of the commercial power source is equal to or less than a preset threshold, it is determined that there is little risk and restricted printing processing is performed, but if the difference exceeds the preset threshold, it is determined that there is a high risk and operation of the printing unit 10 is prohibited, and a message indicating that the power supply voltage values ​​are different is displayed on the operation panel to prompt a service technician to check.

[0099] Furthermore, instead of the microcomputer 31 automatically switching between the restricted printing process and the operation prohibition of the printing unit 10 as described above, for example, when a change in the installation location is detected and a message prompting a service technician to call for maintenance is displayed on the operation panel, the microcomputer 31 may display a button for the restricted printing process and a button for prohibiting the operation of the printing unit 10 on the operation panel. Then, when the user selects the button for the restricted printing process, the microcomputer 31 may enable the restricted printing process described above, and when the user selects the button for prohibiting the operation of the printing unit 10, the microcomputer 31 may prohibit the operation of the printing unit 10. Alternatively, the operation of the printing unit 10 may be prohibited as the default setting, and only the button for the restricted printing process may be displayed on the operation panel.

[0100] Furthermore, in the inkjet printing apparatus 1 of the above embodiment, a change in installation position is detected based on information about the commercial power source, but the information about the commercial power source may also be used for other purposes.

[0101] For example, the inkjet printing apparatus 1 may have different operation panel languages, different power cable shapes, different commercial power supply voltage values, etc. depending on the country of destination (export destination).

[0102] Therefore, for example, in an inkjet printing device 1 whose destination is Japan, information about the commercial power source in Japan is stored in the power source information storage unit 33, and in an inkjet printing device 1 whose destination is a country other than Japan, information about the commercial power source in that country is stored in the power source information storage unit 33.

[0103] After the inkjet printing device 1 is installed at each destination and connected to a commercial power source, the power source information acquisition unit 21 acquires information about the commercial power source at the time the power switch is first turned on, and the microcomputer 31 compares the acquired commercial power source information with the commercial power source information previously stored in the power source information storage unit 33.

[0104] If the commercial power information differs, the microcomputer 31 may prohibit operation of the printing unit 10. For example, in an inkjet printing device 1 for Japan, AC 100V is stored in the power supply information storage unit 33 as the commercial power information. However, if the commercial power information acquired by the power supply information acquisition unit 21 indicates a power supply voltage value other than AC 100V, the microcomputer 31 prohibits operation of the printing unit 10. This makes it possible to alert the user to a power supply abnormality. It also makes it possible to recognize that the inkjet printing device 1 is installed in a different destination.

[0105] Next, an inkjet printing apparatus using a second embodiment of the printing apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail. In the inkjet printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, a change in installation position is detected based on information about the commercial power source, but the inkjet printing apparatus 2 of the second embodiment acquires information about the installation position of the inkjet printing apparatus 2 and detects a change in installation position based on the acquired information about the installation position. The following description will focus on the differences from the inkjet printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

[0106] 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. The inkjet printing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment includes an installation location information acquisition unit 50 instead of the power supply information acquisition unit 21 of the first embodiment, and an installation location information storage unit 34 instead of the power supply information storage unit 33 of the first embodiment.

[0107] The installation location information acquisition unit 50 acquires information about the installation location of the inkjet printing apparatus 2. Specifically, the installation location information acquisition unit 50 acquires information about the installation location of the inkjet printing apparatus 2 using a GPS (Global Positioning System). Note that the installation location information acquisition unit 50 is not limited to using a GPS, and may also acquire information about the installation location using a geomagnetic sensor or the like.

[0108] The timing for acquiring information about the installation location by the installation location information acquiring unit 50 is the same as the timing for acquiring information about the commercial power source, that is, when the power switch of the inkjet printing apparatus 2 is turned on.

[0109] The installation position information acquired by the installation position information acquisition unit 50 is output to the microcomputer 31 of the control unit 30.

[0110] The microcomputer 31 detects a change in the installation position based on the input installation position information, and inhibits the operation of the printing unit 10 when a change in the installation position is detected.

[0111] Specifically, the microcomputer 31 calculates the travel distance of the inkjet printing device 2 using the input information on the current installation location of the inkjet printing device 2 and information on past installation locations stored in the installation location information memory unit 34.

[0112] When the movement distance of the inkjet printing device 2 is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the microcomputer 31 detects a change in the installation position. When the microcomputer 31 detects a change in the installation position based on the movement distance of the inkjet printing device 2, the microcomputer 31 prohibits the operation (initialization operation) of the printing unit 10, similar to the inkjet printing device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0113] According to the inkjet printing device 2 of the second embodiment, information on the installation position is acquired, and a change in the installation position is detected based on that information. If a change in the installation position is detected, the operation of the printing unit is prohibited, thereby preventing an increase in damaged parts due to operation in an inappropriate state and an expansion of the area of ​​ink contamination.

[0114] The inkjet printing device 2 of the second embodiment differs from the inkjet printing device 1 of the first embodiment only in the method of detecting changes in installation position, and the processing after detecting changes in installation position is the same as that of the inkjet printing device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0115] Furthermore, in the inkjet printing device 2 of the second embodiment, when a change in the installation position is detected, instead of prohibiting the operation of the printing unit 10, a restricted printing process may be performed.

[0116] Also, in the inkjet printing device 2 of the second embodiment, the microcomputer 31 may switch between prohibiting the operation of the printing unit 10 and performing limited printing processing based on information about the installation location.

[0117] Specifically, for example, when the microcomputer 31 detects a change in the installation position based on the movement distance of the inkjet printing device 2, if the movement distance is less than a preset threshold, it may perform a limited printing process, assuming that the movement distance of the inkjet printing device 2 is short and the impact of the movement is small, and if the movement distance exceeds the threshold, it may prohibit operation of the printing unit 10, assuming that the impact of the movement is large.

[0118] In addition, if the threshold value of the movement distance used when detecting a change in the installation position is defined as the first threshold value, and the threshold value used when automatically switching between prohibiting the operation of the printing unit 10 and restricted printing processing as described above is defined as the second threshold value, the relationship between the first threshold value and the second threshold value is first threshold value < second threshold value.

[0119] As described above, if the prohibition of operation of the printing unit 10 and the restricted printing process are switched based on information on the installation location (movement distance) of the inkjet printing device 2, then if the impact of the movement of the inkjet printing device 1 is deemed small, printing process can be carried out while minimizing risk, and if the impact of the movement of the inkjet printing device 1 is deemed large, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of an increase in broken parts, etc.

[0120] Furthermore, in the inkjet printing device 2 of the second embodiment, the microcomputer 31 may also be configured to display a button for the limited printing process and a button for prohibiting the operation of the printing unit 10 on the operation panel, rather than automatically switching between the limited printing process and the prohibition of operation of the printing unit 10. Then, when the user selects the button for the limited printing process, the microcomputer 31 may enable the limited printing process described above, and when the user selects the button for prohibiting the operation of the printing unit 10, the microcomputer 31 may prohibit the operation of the printing unit 10. Furthermore, the prohibition of operation of the printing unit 10 may be set as the default setting, and only the button for the limited printing process may be displayed on the operation panel.

[0121] The above first and second embodiments are examples in which the printing device of the present invention is applied to an inkjet printing device, but the printing method is not limited to the inkjet method, and the printing device of the present invention may also be applied to a laser method or a stencil printing method.

[0122] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments are examples in which the present invention is applied to a printing device, the present invention is not limited to printing devices. The present invention may be applied to any device as long as it is a processing control device that receives commercial power supply, operates a predetermined drive mechanism, and has a processing unit that performs predetermined processing. In the case of a printing device, the printing unit corresponds to the processing unit. The present invention can also be applied to, for example, a scanner device that reads an original by moving a reading sensor using a drive mechanism. Specifically, moving the scanner device may change the installation state of the drive mechanism, resulting in an inappropriate state. Therefore, for example, if a change in the installation position of the scanner device is detected, the reading process may be prohibited or the reading speed may be slowed down to perform a limited reading process. This can prevent malfunctions of the scanner device.

[0123] The following additional notes are also disclosed regarding the printing device of the present invention. (Addendum)

[0124] In the first printing device of the present invention, the control unit can perform a process of detecting the installation position before the initialization operation of the printing unit.

[0125] In the first printing device of the present invention, the power supply information acquisition unit can acquire at least one of the voltage value and frequency of the power supply as the information about the power supply.

[0126] In the first printing device of the present invention, the control unit can switch between prohibiting the operation of the printing unit and performing limited printing processing based on information about the power source.

[0127] In addition, the first printing device of the present invention can be provided with an unused time acquisition unit that acquires unused time, and the control unit can detect changes in the installation location based on the unused time or power source information acquired by the unused time acquisition unit.

[0128] In addition, the first printing device of the present invention can be provided with an installation state detection unit that detects changes in the contact state with the installation floor, and the control unit can detect changes in the installation position based on changes in the contact state detected by the installation state detection unit or power supply information.

[0129] In the second printing device of the present invention, the control unit can switch between prohibiting printing processing by the printing unit and restricting printing processing based on information about the installation location.

[0130] The processing control device of the present invention comprises a processing unit that receives a power supply and operates a specified drive mechanism to perform specified processing, a power supply information acquisition unit that acquires information about the power supply, and a control unit that detects a change in the installation position based on the power supply information acquired by the power supply information acquisition unit, and if a change in the installation position is detected, prohibits processing of the processing unit or performs restricted processing.

[0131] The processing control method of the present invention acquires information about the power supply supplied to a processing unit that performs a specified processing by operating a specified drive mechanism, detects a change in installation position based on the acquired power supply information, and if a change in installation position is detected, prohibits processing of the processing unit or performs restricted processing.

[0132] The processing control program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the steps of acquiring information about the power supply supplied to a processing unit that operates a specified drive mechanism to perform a specified processing, detecting a change in the installation position based on the acquired power supply information, and, if a change in the installation position is detected, prohibiting processing of the processing unit or performing restricted processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1. Inkjet printing device 2. Inkjet printing device 10 Printing Department 20 Power supply section 21 Power information acquisition section 22 Power supply voltage detection circuit 22a transformer 22b Diode Bridge 22c capacitor 23 Power supply frequency detection circuit 23a transformer 23b, 23c LED 23d Phototransistor 30 Control Unit 31 Microcomputer 32 Actuator Driver 33 Power information storage section 34 Installation position information storage unit 40 Installation status detection unit 41 Detector switch 42 Support member 50 Installation location information acquisition section

Claims

1. a printing unit that performs printing processing on a print medium; a power supply information acquisition unit that acquires information about the power supply being supplied; a control unit that detects a change in the installation location based on the power source information acquired by the power source information acquisition unit, and inhibits operation of the printing unit when the change in the installation location is detected; a control unit that prohibits the operation of the printing unit and then cancels the prohibition of the operation of the printing unit after a maintenance mode ends, The control unit switches between prohibiting operation of the printing unit and limited printing processing based on the power supply information.

2. the power supply information acquisition unit acquires a voltage value and a frequency of the power supply as information about the power supply; 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the restricted printing when, of the voltage value and frequency of the power supply, only the frequency differs from a previously stored frequency, and prohibits operation of the printing unit when both the voltage value and frequency differ from a previously stored voltage value and frequency and when only the voltage value differs from a previously stored voltage value.

3. the power supply information acquisition unit acquires a voltage value of the power supply as information about the power supply; The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the restricted printing when the difference between the acquired voltage value and a previously stored voltage value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and prohibits operation of the printing unit when the difference exceeds the threshold.

4. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls an ink supply mechanism that supplies ink to the inkjet head of the printing unit when performing the limited printing, and stops supplying new ink to the inkjet head.

5. 5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when performing the limited printing, reduces a drive voltage applied to the inkjet head of the printing unit below a normal drive voltage.

6. A printing unit that performs printing processing on a print medium; a power supply information acquisition unit that acquires information about the power supply being supplied; a control unit that detects a change in the installation location based on the power source information acquired by the power source information acquisition unit, and inhibits operation of the printing unit when the change in the installation location is detected; a control unit that prohibits the operation of the printing unit and then cancels the prohibition of the operation of the printing unit after a maintenance mode ends, further comprising an unused time acquisition unit that acquires unused time; The control unit detects a change in the installation location of the printing device based on the unused time acquired by the unused time acquisition unit or the information on the power source.

7. A printing unit that performs printing processing on a print medium; a power supply information acquisition unit that acquires information about the power supply being supplied; a control unit that detects a change in the installation location based on the power source information acquired by the power source information acquisition unit, and inhibits operation of the printing unit when the change in the installation location is detected; a control unit that prohibits the operation of the printing unit and then cancels the prohibition of the operation of the printing unit after a maintenance mode ends, Further provided is an installation state detection unit that detects a change in the contact state with the installation floor, The control unit detects a change in the installation position based on the change in the contact state detected by the installation state detection unit and the information on the power supply.

8. a printing unit that performs printing processing on a print medium; an installation location information acquisition unit that acquires information about the installation location; a control unit that detects a change in the installation position based on the installation position information acquired by the installation position information acquisition unit, and inhibits operation of the printing unit when the change in the installation position is detected; a control unit that prohibits the operation of the printing unit and then cancels the prohibition of the operation of the printing unit after a maintenance mode ends, The control unit switches between prohibiting operation of the printing unit and performing limited printing processing based on the information about the installation location of the printing device.

9. Acquire information about the power supply supplied to a printing unit that performs printing processing on a print medium; Detecting a change in the installation position based on the acquired power supply information; If a change in the installation position is detected, the operation of the printing unit is prohibited. A print control method for a print control unit that prohibits operation of the print unit and then cancels the prohibition of operation of the print unit after a maintenance mode ends, A print control method for switching between prohibiting operation of the printing unit and limited printing processing based on the power supply information.

10. Acquire information on the installation location of a printing unit that performs printing processing on a print medium, detecting a change in the installation position based on the acquired installation position information, and prohibiting the operation of the printing unit when the change in the installation position is detected; A print control method for a print control unit that prohibits operation of the print unit and then cancels the prohibition of operation of the print unit after a maintenance mode ends, A print control method for switching between prohibiting operation of the printing unit and limited printing processing based on the information on the installation location.

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