Inkjet recording apparatus and method for controlling inkjet recording apparatus

Abstract

The inkjet recording device is operated while the ink circulation process is being continued, without interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process in the paused state. [Solution] An inkjet recording device that prints on a printing object by ejecting ink supplied from an ink container from a nozzle, and has a control unit that performs an idle ink circulation process that circulates ink when the inkjet recording device is in an idle state, and that performs the idle ink circulation process by repeating the circulation of ink in a path and a standby state at predetermined time intervals, and an operation display unit that displays a standby screen for the idle ink circulation process, and while the control unit continues to execute the idle automatic circulation process, the operation display unit displays information for operating the inkjet recording device on the standby screen, and the inkjet recording device accepts operations for the inkjet recording device based on the information displayed on the standby screen.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet printing apparatus and a method for controlling an inkjet printing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is a technique for automatically circulating ink when an inkjet recording device such as an inkjet printer is in a paused state (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-53031 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technologies such as that described in Patent Document 1, when ink is circulated in a paused state, various operations on the inkjet recording device (for example, operations to change the print font size or character pattern) must be performed after the circulation has been interrupted. Furthermore, in order to resume the ink circulation process after the operation is completed, resetting the ink circulation process is required. Therefore, if the resetting is forgotten after the interruption, the ink circulation process may not be performed, resulting in ink solidification. Therefore, to eliminate this possibility, there is a need for a system that allows various operations on the inkjet recording device to be performed without interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process, even when ink is circulated in a paused state.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a technology that enables operations to be performed on an inkjet recording device while maintaining the execution of the ink circulation process, without performing operations such as interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process in a paused state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inkjet recording device of the present invention is an inkjet recording device that prints on a printing object by ejecting ink supplied from an ink container from nozzles, and is configured as an inkjet recording device characterized in that it has: a control unit that performs an idle ink circulation process that circulates the ink when the inkjet recording device is in an idle state, the idle ink circulation process repeating the circulation of ink in a path and a standby state at predetermined time intervals; and an operation display unit that displays a standby screen for the idle ink circulation process, wherein the operation display unit displays information for operating the inkjet recording device on the standby screen while the control unit maintains execution of the idle automatic circulation process, and the inkjet recording device accepts operations for the inkjet recording device based on the information displayed on the standby screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to operate the inkjet recording device while maintaining the ink circulation process, without having to interrupt or reset the ink circulation process in the paused state. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become clear from the description of the following embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a usage situation of an inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall path configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a control unit and a printing mechanism unit (main body and print head) of an inkjet recording device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a fluid path diagram in which the flow of liquid when ink is circulating inside the main body is indicated by a thick line. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a fluid path diagram in which the flow of liquid and the flow of gas are indicated by thick lines when ink is circulating in the main body and the print head. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the flow of ink when nozzle cleaning and circulation path cleaning are performed. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of an ink circulation function setting screen for when the head mounting unit of the inkjet recording apparatus is stopped for a long period of time; FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of ink circulation during a long-term shutdown. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for accepting various operations from the operation display unit 8 (operation acceptance processing) when the automatic circulation process during pause is being executed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen in the automatic cycle processing during pause. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen that accepts various operations for the inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a process (cartridge replacement process) for replacing a cartridge when an automatic circulation process during a pause is being executed. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a replacement screen in the automatic circulation process during suspension. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for accepting a direct operation (direct operation acceptance processing) when the automatic loop processing during pause is being executed. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen when the print head is removed during execution of the automatic circulation process during pause. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen when a print head is set during execution of an automatic circulation process during a pause. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen on which a warning message is displayed. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for accepting a detected direct operation (detected direct operation acceptance processing) when the pause automatic circulation processing is being executed. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen displayed when the amount of liquid in the collection container exceeds a predetermined amount during automatic circulation processing during pause. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen when a collection container is set after a waste liquid operation while an automatic circulation process during pause is being performed. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen on which a warning message is displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following are examples for explaining the present invention, and appropriate omissions and simplifications have been made for clarity of explanation. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural. The position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc., in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings.

[0010] Examples of various types of information may be described using expressions such as "table," "list," and "queue," but the various types of information may also be expressed using data structures other than these. For example, various types of information such as "XX table," "XX list," and "XX queue" may also be expressed as "XX information." When describing identification information, expressions such as "identification information," "identifier," "name," "ID," and "number" are used, but these are interchangeable.

[0011] When there are multiple components with the same or similar functions, they may be described using the same reference numeral with different subscripts. When there is no need to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted.

[0012] In the following, processing performed by executing a program may be described. Here, a computer executes the program using a processor (e.g., a CPU or a GPU) and performs processing defined by the program using storage resources (e.g., a memory) and interface devices (e.g., a communication port). Therefore, the entity performing the processing by executing the program may be the processor. Similarly, the entity performing the processing by executing the program may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node having a processor. The entity performing the processing by executing the program may be any computing unit, and may include a dedicated circuit that performs specific processing. Here, the dedicated circuit may be, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device).

[0013] A program may be installed on a computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. When the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and storage resources for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. Also, in the following, two or more programs may be realized as one program, and one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0014] <Usage status> First, the usage state of the inkjet recording apparatus will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the usage state of the inkjet recording apparatus.

[0015] In FIG. 1, inkjet recording devices 600A and 600B each include a main body 1, a print head 2 connected to the main body 1 via a cable (for the print head) 5, and a head mounting unit 3 connected to the main body 1 via a cable (for the head mounting unit) 6. The head mounting unit 3 basically houses the print head, but may also have the added function of spraying cleaning fluid to clean the print head. The head mounting unit 3 described below is configured to have the additional function of cleaning the print head. Inkjet recording device 600A shows the print head 2 installed on the production line. Inkjet recording device 600B shows the print head 2 removed from the production line and mounted (set) in the head mounting unit 3. A collection container 4 attached to the bottom of the head mounting unit 3 is provided to collect the liquid (cleaning fluid) used to clean the print head after the head mounting unit 3 has been used to clean the print head.

[0016] Inkjet recording device 600A is installed on a production line in a factory where foods, beverages, etc. are produced, and main body 1 is installed in a location where there is enough space for regular maintenance work, etc. Print head 2 is fixed to print head fixing bracket 13 installed near belt conveyor 11 and installed in close proximity to print targets 12A and 12B fed in the direction of arrow X on the production line such as belt conveyor 11. In addition, protective cover 17 is attached to print head 2 to protect the internal components of print head 2. Note that print target 12B is shown in a state where printing by print head 2 has finished and it is being transported on belt conveyor 11.

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

[0018] The head mounting unit 3 is installed near the print head 2. The head mounting unit 3 in the inkjet recording apparatus 600A is fixed by combining a fixing jig 92 attached to the belt conveyor 11 with a mating part 93 attached to the head mounting unit 3. The head mounting unit 3 has a head mounting part 81A for mounting the print head 2 to the head mounting unit. The head mounting unit 3 also has a start button 18 for starting the cleaning process of the print head 2, a stop button 19 for stopping the cleaning process of the print head 2, and a display part 20 for displaying confirmation messages and alarms such as warnings and abnormalities to the operator. The display part 20 may be configured to let the operator know the operating status and whether or not there is an abnormality, for example, by the presence or absence of a light or by changing the color.

[0019] In the inkjet recording device 600A, the head mounting unit 3 is fixed near the belt conveyor 11, but the head mounting unit 3 can be freely relocated to a location that is easier for the user to operate. The length of the cable (for the head mounting unit) 6 that connects the main body 1 and the head mounting unit 3 is preferably the same as or longer than the cable 5 that connects the main body 1 and the print head 2 of the inkjet recording device 600. This is to ensure a degree of freedom in the placement of the head mounting unit.

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

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

[0022] <Route configuration> Next, the path configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the overall path configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 600.

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

[0024] The ink container 31 is connected to a path (for supply) 801 at a portion immersed in the ink 68A, and a solenoid valve (for supply) 49 that opens and closes the path is installed midway along the path 801. Furthermore, the path 801 is connected via a junction path 901 to a pump (for supply) 34 that is installed in a path 802 and is used to suck and pressure-feed the ink 68A. The output side of the pump (for supply) 34 is connected to a filter (for supply) 39 that removes foreign matter mixed in the ink 68A.

[0025] Filter (for supply) 39 is connected to pressure regulating valve 46, which adjusts the pressure of ink 68A pumped from pump (for supply) 34 to an appropriate pressure for printing, and pressure regulating valve 46 is connected to pressure sensor 47, which measures the pressure of ink 68A supplied to nozzles 21. Path 802, in which pressure sensor 47 is arranged, is connected via branch path 921 to path 803, which passes through cable (for print head) 5, and path 803 is connected to switching valve 26, which is provided in print head 2 and controls whether ink 68A is supplied to nozzles 21.

[0026] The switching valve 26 is connected via a path 804 to a nozzle 21 having an ejection port 21A that ejects ink 68A. The switching valve 26 is a three-way solenoid valve, and is connected to an ink supply path 802 and a nozzle cleaning path 835, allowing the supply of ink 68A and solvent 69A to be switched to the nozzle 21. In the straight direction of the ejection port 21A of the nozzle 21, there are arranged a charging electrode 23 for adding a predetermined amount of charge to the ink droplets 68B, a deflection electrode 24 for deflecting the ink droplets 68B to be used for printing, and a gutter 25 for capturing the ink droplets 68B that are not used for printing and therefore fly straight without being charged or deflected.

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

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

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

[0030] Next, the ink circulation paths (paths 821 and 822) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 will be described. In addition to the ink supply path 804, the nozzles 21 provided in the print head 2 are connected to a path 821 that passes through the cable (for print head) 5. This path 821 is provided with a solenoid valve (for circulation) 59 that is provided in the main body 1 and opens and closes the flow path. The solenoid valve (for circulation) 59 is connected to a path 822 via a junction path 903, and a pump (for circulation) 36 that sucks ink from the nozzles 21 is provided in the path 822. The pump (for circulation) 36 is connected to an ink container 31.

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

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

[0033] Next, the ink supply path 806 of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 will be described. In FIG. 2, the main body 1 is provided with an auxiliary ink container 32 that holds refill ink 68C. The auxiliary ink container 32 is connected to the path 806 at a portion immersed in the ink 68C. The path 806 is connected to a solenoid valve (for ink supply) 54 that opens and closes the path, and the solenoid valve (for ink supply) 54 is connected via a junction path 901 to a pump (for supply) 34 that is installed in the path 801 and is used to suck and pressure-feed the ink 68C. The ink 68C in the auxiliary ink container 32 passes through the nozzle 21, the gutter 25, the path 811, the solenoid valve 50, and the pump 35, before being replenished into the ink container 31.

[0034] Next, the nozzle cleaning paths (paths 831 and 835) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 will be described. In FIG. 2, pump (for solvent) 37 arranged in path 831 is connected to path 835 via branch path 922. Path 835 is connected to solenoid valve (for nozzle cleaning) 55 for opening and closing the flow path. Solenoid valve (for nozzle cleaning) 55 is then connected to filter (for nozzle cleaning) 41 for removing foreign matter mixed in solvent 69A. Filter (for nozzle cleaning) 41 is provided in print head 2 via path 821 that passes through cable (for print head) 5, and is connected to switching valve 26 for controlling whether solvent 69A for cleaning is sent to nozzles 21.

[0035] Next, we will explain the main body circulation paths (paths 808 and 812) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600. Path 802 is connected to path 808 via branch path 921. Path 808 is connected to solenoid valve (for main body circulation) 58, which opens and closes the path, and solenoid valve (for main body circulation) 58 is connected to pump (for circulation) 35, which is installed in path 812, via junction path 902.

[0036] Next, we will explain the head cleaning paths (paths 831 and 837) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600. In Fig. 2, the pump (for solvent) 37 is connected to the path 837 via a branch path 922, and the path 837 is provided with an electromagnetic valve (for head cleaning) 56 for opening and closing the flow path, and the electromagnetic valve (for head cleaning) 56 is connected to a filter (for head cleaning) 43 for removing foreign matter mixed in the solvent 69A.

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

[0038] Next, the air supply path (path 841) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 will be described. In Fig. 2, the main body 1 is provided with a pump (for drying) 60 used to suck and pressurize air, and the pump (for drying) 60 forms an air suction port that communicates with the inside of the main body 1. The pump (for drying) 60 is connected to an air supply nozzle 73 provided inside the cleaning tank 71 of the head mounting unit 3 via a path 841 that passes through the cable (for the head mounting unit) 6.

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

[0040] <Controller configuration> Next, the configuration of the control unit 7 of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the control unit 7 and printing mechanism (main body 1 and print head 2) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600. In FIG. 3, 301 is a microprocessing unit (hereinafter referred to as MPU), which is the control unit that controls the entire inkjet recording apparatus 600. 302 is a bus line that functions to transmit data, control signals, etc. between the various devices that make up the control unit. For example, the bus line 302 is used to input data and detection signals required for the calculations of the MPU 301 from various devices and to transmit data signals, address signals, and control signals to various devices. 306 is a read-only memory (ROM) that stores control programs and data required for the operation of the MPU 301. 307 is a rewritable memory (RAM) that temporarily stores data required by the MPU 301 while the program is running. 8 is an operation and display unit that inputs print content, setting values, etc., and displays the input data and print content, etc. The operation display unit 8 uses a touch input display panel in which transparent touch switches are superimposed on the surface of a liquid crystal display screen.

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

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

[0043] Furthermore, the print head 2 deflects flying ink droplets 68B charged by the charging electrode 23 according to the amount of charge, causing them to fly toward a print target (not shown). These flying ink droplets then land on the print target, resulting in printing. The deflection electrode 24 of the print head 2 is composed of a ground electrode 24B and a positive electrode 24A. The print head 2 also includes a gutter 25 that captures ink droplets 68B (unused ink) not used in printing, and a charge sensor 48 that generates a phase detection signal according to the amount of charge on ink droplets 68B1 that carry a slight charge among the ink droplets 68B captured by the gutter 25. The main body 1 also includes a pump (for recovery) 35 that recovers the ink (ink droplets) captured by the gutter 25 into the ink container 31, and ink recovery paths 811-812 that connect the gutter 25 to the ink container 31.

[0044] The control unit 7 also has an excitation voltage generating circuit 331 that excites an electrostrictive element 22 (not shown) built into the nozzle 21 in order to impart regularity to the timing at which the ink column ejected from the nozzle 21 separates into ink particles 68B.

[0045] The control unit 7 also has a printing charge signal generating circuit 342 and a phase search charge signal generating circuit 341, a D / A converter 343 that converts the digital signal-form charge signals output from these circuits into analog voltage signals, and an amplifier circuit 344 that amplifies the analog voltage signal output from the D / A converter 343 to generate a charge voltage to be applied to the charging electrode 23. Instead of the configuration that includes the printing charge signal generating circuit 342 and the phase search charge signal generating circuit 341, it is also possible to use only the printing charge signal generating circuit 342 and have the control unit control the charge amount. The inkjet recording apparatus 600 also has a deflection voltage generating circuit 332 that generates a deflection voltage to be applied to the deflection electrode 24.

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

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

[0048] The MPU 301 is also connected via bus line 302 to an air pump control circuit 321 for controlling pumps 60 and 61, a collection container sensor detection circuit 322 for detecting using magnetic sensor A76 and magnet A75 that the collection container 4 is attached to the head mounting unit 3 and that the liquid 70 in the collection container 4 is not greater than a predetermined amount, a print head detection circuit 323 for detecting on the head mounting unit 3 side that the print head 2 is attached to the head mounting unit 3 using magnetic sensor B84 and magnet B86, and a head mounting unit detection circuit 324 for detecting on the print head 2 side that the print head 2 is attached to the head mounting unit 3 using magnetic sensor C28 and magnet C87, and controls each part.

[0049] The control unit 7 can use a computer. Specifically, the control unit 7 can be made up of an MPU 301, memories (306 and 307) that store programs for the operation of the MPU 301 and data and information required for operation, and a drive unit that operates the print head 2, head mounting unit 3, and components within the main body 1 in response to instructions from the MPU 301. A detailed description of the control unit 7 will be omitted here.

[0050] Next, an inkjet recording apparatus 600 will be described. The same configuration as in Figures 1 to 3 is adopted. Therefore, the description of Figures 1 to 3 will be omitted.

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

[0052] Figure 4 is a fluid path diagram showing the flow of liquid with thick lines (C1 to C2) when the inkjet recording device 600 is in a state where the print head 2 is set in the head mounting unit 3 and ink is circulating within the main body 1.

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

[0054] In addition, in the main body 1, when the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 is energized to open the flow path and operate the pump (for circulation) 36, as shown by the thick line of arrow C2, the ink 68A stored in the ink container 31 of the main body 1 passes through the viscosity measuring device 45, the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57, and the pump (for circulation) 36, and returns to the ink container 31, thereby circulating the ink 68A. Also, if the viscosity of the ink 68A is measured using the viscosity measuring device 45 at the timing of the ink circulation in the main body 1, it becomes easier to understand the state of the ink 68A the next time it is used.

[0055] Next, Figure 5 is a fluid path diagram showing the flow of liquid with thick lines (D1 to D7) when the inkjet recording device 600 is in a state where the print head 2 is set in the head mounting unit 3 and ink circulation is occurring in the main body and the print head.

[0056] In the ink supply paths (paths 801 to 804), the solenoid valve (for supply) 49 is energized to open the flow path, the switching valve 26 is energized to connect the ink supply path to the nozzles 21, and by operating the pump (for supply) 34, as shown by the thick line of arrow D1, ink 68A contained in the ink container 31 of the main body 1 is supplied to the nozzles 21 of the print head 2 and ejected from the nozzles 21 as ink droplets 68B. A voltage is applied to the ink droplets 68B by the charging electrode 23, and the amount of charge thereof is confirmed by the charge sensor 48.

[0057] In the ink recovery paths 811-812, when the solenoid valve (for recovery) 50 is energized to open the flow path and operate the pump (for recovery) 35, ink particles 68B and air around the print head 2 are sucked through the gutter 25 and sucked and pressure-fed into the ink container 31 of the main body 1, as indicated by the bold line of arrow D2. In the ink recovery paths 811-812, the ink 68A and air flow in a gas-liquid mixture, so the solvent component of the ink 68A dissolves in the air, and the air becomes a solvent gas that flows into the ink container 31. The ink that flows into the ink container 31 is collected at the bottom, and the air that has become a solvent gas is discharged to the outside of the main body 1 as a solvent gas, as indicated by the bold line of arrow D3.

[0058] In the inkjet recording apparatus 600, the solvent components in the ink 68A are discharged outside the apparatus as solvent gas. Therefore, as the operating time increases, the ratio of the solvent components in the ink 68A decreases, resulting in a high ink concentration. Conversely, as the operating time decreases, the ink concentration decreases due to the solvent 69A that flows into the ink container 31 during a nozzle cleaning process or other process. Therefore, in paths (for viscosity measurement) 824 and 822, the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 is energized to open the flow path, and the pump (for circulation) 36 is operated. This sends the ink 68A from the ink container 31 to the viscosity measuring device 45, as indicated by the bold arrow D5, and periodically measures the viscosity (converted to concentration) of the ink 68A. The measured viscosity value is input to the control unit 7. As a result, when the concentration of ink 68A is low, the control unit 7 controls the ink container 31 to be replenished with ink 68C from the auxiliary ink container 32, and when the concentration of ink 68A is high, the control unit 7 controls the ink container 31 to be replenished with solvent 69A from the solvent container 33, as indicated by the thick line of arrow D7. In this way, the inkjet recording apparatus 600 controls the viscosity of the ink 68A to fall within the range of the management value.

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

[0060] Next, Figure 6 is a diagram showing the ink flow with thick lines (E1 to E7) when the inkjet recording device 600 is in a state where the print head 2 is set in the head mounting unit 3 and nozzle cleaning and circulation path cleaning are being performed.

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

[0062] In the ink circulation paths 821-822, with the solvent 69A being supplied from the solvent container 33 to the nozzles 21 as indicated by the bold line of the arrow E1, the solenoid valve (for circulation) 59 is energized to open the flow path and operate the pump (for circulation) 36, so that at least a portion of the solvent 69A supplied to the nozzles 21 is sucked into the pump (for circulation) 36 and recovered into the ink container 31 as shown by the bold line of the arrow E3. In this way, the inkjet recording apparatus 600 can use the solvent 69A to clean the nozzles 21, the ink paths (for recovery) 811-812, and the paths (for ink circulation) 821-822.

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

[0064] Furthermore, in the main body 1, the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 is energized to open the flow path and operate the pump (for circulation) 36, thereby supplying the ink 68A contained in the ink container 31 of the main body 1 to the viscosity measuring device 45, as shown by the thick line of the arrow E6, and at the timing of the ink circulation within this main body 1, the viscosity of the ink 68A is measured using the viscosity measuring device 45 so that the state of the ink 68A can be known the next time it is used.

[0065] The ink circulation function setting screen for when the head mounting unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 is stopped for a long period of time will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The screen of Fig. 7 is displayed on the operation display unit 8.

[0066] First, enter "(a) what time and minute" in the "(1) Ink circulation start time setting field" on the ink circulation function setting screen for when the head mounting unit is stopped for a long period of time. In FIG. 7, as an example, the ink circulation start time "(a) what time and minute" is specified. However, it is also possible to specify, for example, the time from the previous ink circulation start time or the previous ink circulation stop time (for example, the time after 100 hours have passed or the date after 7 days have passed), and confirm that ink circulation has started after the specified time has passed.

[0067] Next, in the "(2) Number of retries when an abnormality occurs setting field" on the ink circulation function setting screen for when the head mounting unit is stopped for a long period of time, you can set the "(b) Number of times setting" in the range of 0 to 5.

[0068] Next, select either "(c) No, or (d) Scheduled date and time" in the "(3) Next startup date and time reservation field" on the screen for setting the ink circulation function when the head mounting unit is stopped for a long period of time. If you set it to "(c) No," the ink circulation function when the head mounting unit is stopped for a long period of time will be executed, but the startup process (start of ink ejection) will not be carried out at the specified time. If you select "(d) Scheduled date and time," you can set the "year, month, day, hour, and minute" at which you want to start ejecting ink in the head mounting unit.

[0069] Then, after completing all the settings (1) to (3) on the ink circulation function setting screen for when the head mounting unit is stopped for a long period of time, press either the "(e) Confirm" or "(f) Cancel" button. If the "(e) Confirm" button is pressed, the displayed settings (1) to (3) are overwritten in the control unit 7, and the ink circulation function for when the head mounting unit is stopped for a long period of time is started. If the "(f) Cancel" button is pressed, the displayed settings (1) to (3) are not overwritten in the control unit 7, and the ink circulation function for when the head mounting unit is stopped for a long period of time is not started.

[0070] <Explanation of the ink circulation start flow when operation is stopped for a long period of time> Next, the operation flow of the ink circulation start process during a long-term shutdown of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the ink circulation process during a long-term shutdown. In FIG. 8 , in the ink circulation start flow during a long-term shutdown, after the start button displayed on the operation display unit 8 for performing the ink circulation start process during a long-term shutdown is pressed, the collection container 4 is set (mounted) in the head mounting unit 3, and the print head 2 is set (mounted) in the head mounting unit 3. Hereinafter, the process performed in this state will be referred to as the automatic circulation process during shutdown. As shown in FIG. 8 , the automatic circulation process during shutdown alternates between circulating ink in the path and being in a standby state at preset time intervals. Note that the condition for pressing the start button for performing the ink circulation start process during a long-term shutdown is that the ink jetting from the nozzles 21 of the print head 2 of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 has stopped, and power is not supplied to ink circulation system components such as the pump (supply) 34 and the solenoid valve (supply) 49, and the ink circulation system components are not operating.

[0071] In step S811, it is confirmed that the contents of "(d) Date and time reservation" have been set in the "(3) Next startup date and time reservation field" on the setting screen for the ink circulation function during long-term stoppage in the head mounting unit shown in FIG. 7. If the set reservation time has arrived, the process judges "YES" and proceeds to step S812. If the set reservation time has not arrived, the process judges "NO" and proceeds to step S821. Note that if the content set in the (3) Next startup date and time reservation field shown in FIG. 7 is "(c) No," the process also judges "NO" and proceeds to step S821.

[0072] In step S821, the setting of "(a) what time and minute" in the "(1) Ink circulation start time setting field" on the ink circulation function setting screen for long-term stoppage in the head mounting unit shown in FIG. 7 is confirmed. The setting confirmation here may be performed not as the ink circulation start time "(a) what time and minute," but by specifying, for example, the time period from the previous ink circulation start time or the previous ink circulation stop time (e.g., the time after 100 hours have elapsed, or the date after 7 days have elapsed), and confirming that ink circulation has started after the specified period has elapsed. The inkjet recording apparatus 600 waits in a paused state (ink ejection from the nozzles 21 of the print head 2 has stopped, and power is not supplied to ink circulation system components such as the pump (supply) 34 and solenoid valve (supply) 49, and they are not operating) until the set time is reached.

[0073] In step S822, the ink circulation within the main body 1 described with reference to FIG. 4 is carried out.

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

[0075] In step S824, since the time confirmed in step S821 has arrived, ink ejection processing is started.

[0076] In step S831, the ink ejection process started in S824 is carried out.

[0077] In step S832, the ink circulation in the main body 1 and the print head 2 described with reference to FIG. 5 is carried out.

[0078] In step S841, the viscosity of the ink 68A is measured using the viscosity measuring device 45. The ink density is calculated based on the relationship between temperature and viscosity for each ink type recorded in the control unit .

[0079] In step S842, it is determined whether the ink density calculated in step S561 is higher than a predetermined threshold. If it is higher than the threshold, the determination is "YES" and the process proceeds to step S851. If it is lower than the threshold, the determination is "NO" and step S832 is executed again. In the inkjet recording apparatus 600, the ink density of the ink 68A can be increased by performing the ink circulation described in FIG. 5.

[0080] In step S851, the switching valve 26 is de-energized, thereby stopping the ejection of ink from the nozzles 21.

[0081] 6 are performed, and then step S811 is executed again. In the processes from S811 to S852, the state in which the inkjet recording apparatus 600 is in standby mode from the time cleaning is performed in S852 until the set time in S821 and S823 is reached is called a standby state. The standby state is a state in which the physical mechanisms of the inkjet recording apparatus 600, such as the print head 2 and the collection container 4, are not being used to circulate ink.

[0082] In step S812, an ink ejection process similar to the ink ejection process performed in S831 is performed.

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

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

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

[0086] Example 1 In conventional inkjet recording devices, when ink is circulating in a paused state, various operations on the inkjet recording device (for example, operations to change the print font size or character pattern) must be performed after the circulation has been interrupted. Furthermore, to resume the circulation after the operation is completed, a reset is required to start the circulation. Therefore, if the reset is forgotten after the interruption, there is a possibility that the ink will not circulate and the ink will solidify. To eliminate this possibility, the following describes a process for accepting various operations on the inkjet recording device while maintaining the ink circulation process, without interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process, even when ink is circulating in a paused state.

[0087] For example, when the inkjet recording device 600 is executing an automatic circulation process during a pause, the inkjet recording device 600 accepts various operations at any timing when the physical mechanisms of the inkjet recording device 600, such as the print head 2 and the collection container 4, are not being used to circulate ink. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for accepting various operations from the operation and display unit 8 (operation acceptance process) during the automatic circulation process during a pause. The following describes, as an example of timing, the acceptance of various operations at timing A after the processing of S821, among the processes from S821 to S852 in the automatic circulation process during a pause. The various operations include software-controlled operations, such as printing-related operations, such as changing the print font size or character pattern, and operations related to the operating environment of the inkjet recording device 600, such as changing the operating time or the language displayed on the operation and display unit 8. Meanwhile, ink circulation is automatically performed during pauses and in states other than standby. Therefore, as will be described later, operations on the physical mechanisms used for ink circulation, such as cleaning the heads and nozzles, are not included in the various operations described above. The operation of the above physical mechanism will be described later with reference to FIG. 12 and subsequent figures.

[0088] In the operation acceptance process in FIG. 9, first, when the HOME button displayed on the standby screen in the automatic cycling process during pause is pressed (S911; YES), the standby screen is switched to the home screen, and the operation display unit 8 displays the home screen (S912).

[0089] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen during the automatic circulation process during pause. The standby screen is displayed when the "(e) Confirm" button is pressed on the ink circulation function setting screen for when the head mounting unit is stopped for a long period of time shown in Fig. 7. The standby screen is a screen for putting other processes other than the automatic circulation process during pause on hold until the automatic circulation process during pause is completed.

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

[0091] The standby screen 1000 displays a HOME button 1002 and an interrupt button 1003, which are displayed as objects on the screen. Hereinafter, when a button is mentioned, it is assumed that the button is displayed as an object on the screen. The HOME button 1002 is provided on the ink circulation function setting screen, and the screen may be moved directly to the home screen without moving from the ink circulation function setting screen to the standby screen. The HOME button 1002 is a button for switching from the standby screen 1000 to a home screen on which various other operations are possible.

[0092] The operation guide 1001 displays the next scheduled operation time for the automatic circulation process during pause and the ink viscosity. The next scheduled operation time is the time set on the ink circulation function setting screen shown in FIG. 7. The ink viscosity is the viscosity of the ink measured by the viscosity measuring device 45. Indicators 1011 and 1012 are displayed based on the detection states of various sensors such as the liquid level sensor 31A, the magnetic sensor A76, and the magnet A75.

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

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

[0095] In FIG. 11, as an example of an operation display area provided in the operation area 1102, an operating time 1111 of the inkjet recording apparatus 600, an ink pressure 1112, an indicator 1113 indicating the status of the remaining amount of intensifying liquid, and an indicator 1114 indicating the status of the remaining amount of ink are displayed. In this example, the operating time of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 is "12 hours", and the ink pressure is "0.009 MPa". It also indicates that the remaining amounts of intensifying liquid and ink are maintained in a state where they are greater than a predetermined amount. The processing execution status display area 1101 displays information indicating the processing status, such as the current number of prints. The above-mentioned indicators are similar to the indicators shown in FIG. 10, but in this example, they indicate a state in which the intensifying liquid and ink have been replenished by the operator's operation on the inkjet recording apparatus 600.

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

[0097] When the operation display unit 8 receives a command from the operator to press the back button 1104 to return to the standby screen after the above-mentioned various operations have been completed (S914; YES), the process proceeds to S916, and the screen returns to the standby screen 1000 shown in FIG.

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

[0099] In this way, various operations can be accepted by switching the screen while maintaining the pause circulation, so even when ink is circulating in a paused state, various operations controlled by software can be accepted as various operations for the inkjet recording device without performing operations such as interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process, thereby freeing the user from troublesome operations such as interrupting or resetting.

[0100] In FIG. 11, software-controlled operations can be accepted as operations on the inkjet recording apparatus 600 while the automatic circulation process during pause is still being executed. However, depending on the operating state of the inkjet recording apparatus 600, operations on physical mechanisms that do not affect the ink circulation path may be required. For example, if the font is blurred due to a lack of intensifying liquid, it is necessary to immediately replenish the intensifying liquid. Therefore, the following describes cases where, in addition to operations controlled by software, operations on physical mechanisms that are not used for ink circulation are performed. Here, an example will be described where an intensifying liquid cartridge is replaced.

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

[0102] In the cartridge replacement process in FIG. 12, first, when the indicator 1011 indicating the remaining amount of intensifying liquid displayed on the standby screen in the paused automatic circulation process is touched (S1211; YES), the standby screen is switched to the replacement screen, and the operation display unit 8 displays the replacement screen (S1212).

[0103] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a replacement screen in the automatic circulation process during suspension. As shown in FIG. 13, the replacement screen 1300 includes a replacement procedure illustration area 1301 for illustrating the replacement procedure of the intensifying liquid cartridge, a replacement procedure explanation area 1302 for explaining the replacement procedure of the intensifying liquid cartridge, a start button 1303 pressed when starting cartridge replacement, a completion button 1304 pressed when cartridge replacement is completed, and a back button 1305 for returning from the replacement screen 1300 to the standby screen 1000 after cartridge replacement is completed. In this example, a replacement procedure illustration A is displayed in the replacement procedure illustration area 1301. In addition, the replacement procedure explanation area 1302 displays a replacement procedure 1322 for the intensifying liquid cartridge together with an indicator 1322 indicating the remaining amount of intensifying liquid.

[0104] When the start button 1303 is pressed on the replacement screen 1300 (S1213; YES), the operator performs the replacement work according to the replacement procedure (S1214), and the process proceeds to S1215.

[0105] After the replacement work is completed, the completion button 1304 is pressed, and when the cartridge replacement work is completed, the operation display unit 8 further accepts pressing of the back button 1305 on the replacement screen. When the back button 1305 is pressed (S1215; YES), the screen returns to the standby screen 1000 shown in FIG.

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

[0107] In this way, various operations can be accepted by switching the screen while maintaining the pause circulation, so even when ink is circulating in a paused state, various operations on the physical mechanism that do not affect the ink circulation can be accepted as various operations on the inkjet recording device without performing operations such as interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process, thereby freeing the user from troublesome operations such as interrupting or resetting.

[0108] Example 2 In Example 1, when the automatic circulation process during pause is being performed, the screen transitions from the standby screen 1000 to the home screen 1100 or the replacement screen 1300, and operations controlled by software and operations on physical mechanisms not used for ink circulation are made possible, thereby making it possible to accept various operations while maintaining the circulation without performing operations such as interrupting or resetting the automatic circulation process during pause.

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

[0110] Therefore, the following describes a case where, when the standby screen is displayed, various operations can be accepted without switching the standby screen and while maintaining the automatic circulation process during pause. The various operations in this case include, for example, operations on physical mechanisms not used for ink circulation, such as removing and installing a print head from a head mounting unit, or removing and installing a cleaning liquid collection container from a head mounting unit. Because these operations are performed while the standby screen remains displayed without switching the screen, hereinafter, such operations performed on the inkjet recording apparatus 600 will be referred to as "direct operations." Below, the same components as in Example 1 are assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted, and differences from Example 1 will be mainly described.

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

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

[0113] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the standby screen when the print head 2 is removed while the automatic circulation process during pause is being performed. In addition to the operation guide area 1001 of the standby screen 1000 in Example 1 shown in Figure 9, the standby screen 1500 also displays a print head indicator 1501, which is an indicator showing the installation status of the print head on the standby screen, and a collection container indicator 1502, which shows the installation status of the collection container on the standby screen. In Figure 15, because the print head 2 has been removed, the print head indicator 1501 is displayed as "not detected."

[0114] Returning to FIG. 14, when the print head 2 is set (S1413; YES), the operation display unit 8 changes the display of the print head indicator 1501 from "not detected" to "detected" (S1414), and the inkjet recording device 600 starts the automatic circulation process during pause at the next scheduled operation time (S1415).

[0115] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the standby screen when the print head 2 is set during the automatic circulation process during pause. In Fig. 16, it can be seen that the print head indicator 1501 on the standby screen shown in Fig. 15 has changed from "not detected" to "detected."

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

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

[0118] In this way, even when ink is circulating in the paused state, the standby screen remains displayed and the operator can, at their discretion, accept operations for physical mechanisms not used for ink circulation, freeing the operator from cumbersome operations such as pausing, resetting, and even switching screens. For example, even if the operator determines that the font is faded during printing, the operator can check for dirt on the print head without stopping the automatic ink circulation process during pause and while the standby screen remains displayed.

[0119] 14 to 17 have been described using an example of direct operation on the print head, but the same can be said for the collection container. In this case, in the description of FIGS. 14 to 17, "print head 2" should be read as "collection container 4." When this embodiment is applied to a collection container for cleaning liquid, the same effect as in the case of a print head can be obtained. For example, even if an operator has not performed a waste liquid operation in a predetermined period of time during printing processing and wants to determine whether or not it is necessary to perform the waste liquid operation immediately, the operator can check the liquid level in the collection container while the standby screen is displayed, without stopping the automatic circulation process during pause.

[0120] 14 to 17 illustrate a case where a direct operation is performed according to the operator's judgment while the automatic circulation process during pause is being performed. However, this direct operation can be expanded to include not only a case where it is based on the operator's judgment, but also a case where it is performed based on the detection results of a sensor provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 600, regardless of the operator's judgment. For example, when the magnetic sensor A76 and magnet A75 provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 600 detect that the amount of liquid 70 in the collection container 4 has exceeded a predetermined amount, the direct operation acceptance process shown in FIG. 14 may be performed. Hereinafter, this type of direct operation will be referred to as a detected direct operation, since it is an operation on a physical mechanism that is the object of operation and whose state can be detected by a sensor.

[0121] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for accepting a detected direct operation (detected direct operation acceptance processing) when the pause automatic circulation processing is being executed.

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

[0123] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen displayed when the amount of liquid 70 in the collection container 4 exceeds a predetermined amount during the automatic circulation process during pause. A standby screen 1900 displays a collection container liquid amount indicator 1901, which is an indicator showing the state of the amount of liquid 70 in the collection container 4 on the standby screen, in addition to the operation guide area 1001 of the standby screen 1500 shown in Fig. 15. In Fig. 19, the collection container liquid amount indicator 1901 displays "Abnormal (Liquid Amount)," indicating that the amount of liquid 70 in the collection container 4 is greater than a predetermined amount.

[0124] 18, when the collection container liquid level indicator 1901 displays this, the operator performs the waste liquid operation (S1813). When the operation display unit 8 detects that the collection container 4 that has been subjected to the waste liquid operation has been set (S1814; YES), it changes the display of the collection container liquid level indicator 1901 from "abnormal" to "normal" (S1815), and the inkjet recording apparatus 600 starts the automatic circulation process during idle time at the next scheduled operation time (S1816).

[0125] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen when a collection container 4 is set after a waste liquid operation during execution of the automatic circulation process during pause. In Fig. 20, it can be seen that the collection container liquid volume indicator 1901 on the standby screen shown in Fig. 19 has changed from "Abnormal (liquid volume)" to "Normal (liquid volume)."

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

[0127] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen on which a warning message is displayed. In Fig. 21, it can be seen that the collection container 4 after the waste liquid work has not been set even though the next scheduled operation time has arrived, so a warning message 2101 to that effect and to prompt the user to set the collection container 4 after the waste liquid work is displayed.

[0128] In this way, the same effect as in the case of direct operation can be obtained not only in the case of direct operation performed based on the judgment of the operator, but also in the case of direct detection operation performed based on the detection results of the sensor of the inkjet recording apparatus 600. For example, even if the sensor detects that the amount of liquid 70 in the collection container is greater than a predetermined amount, it becomes possible to perform the liquid waste operation while the standby screen is displayed, without stopping the automatic circulation process during pause.

[0129] Each process has been described above using the drawings. As described using FIGS. 1, 8-21, etc., in an inkjet recording device (e.g., inkjet recording device 600) that prints on a print target by ejecting ink supplied from an ink container from nozzles, the ink circulation process during pause (automatic circulation process during pause) that circulates the ink when the inkjet recording device is in a pause state includes a control unit (e.g., control unit 7) that performs the ink circulation process during pause, which repeats circulation of ink in a path and a standby state at predetermined time intervals (e.g., the setting content of the ink circulation start time setting field (1) in FIG. 7), and an operation display unit (e.g., operation display unit 8) that displays a standby screen (e.g., standby screen 1000) for the ink circulation process during pause. and the operation display unit displays information for operating the inkjet recording device (for example, a HOME button 1002, indicators 1011 and 1012 for cartridge replacement, indicators 1501 and 1502 indicating the installation state, and an indicator 1901 indicating the detection state) on the standby screen while the control unit maintains the execution of the automatic circulation process during pause, and the inkjet recording device accepts operations for the inkjet recording device based on the information displayed on the standby screen. Therefore, it becomes possible to operate the inkjet recording device while maintaining the execution of the ink circulation process, without performing operations such as interrupting or resetting the ink circulation process in the pause state.

[0130] 9, 10, etc., the information for operation is an object (e.g., a HOME button 1002) that accepts an operation for transitioning to a home screen that accepts an operation from an operator when the inkjet recording apparatus is running, and the operation display unit accepts a press of the object to transition to the home screen, and on the home screen, accepts an operation controlled by software. Therefore, the operator can display the home screen and perform various operations simply by touching the standby screen.

[0131] 9, 11, etc., an object (e.g., a back button 1104) for returning to the standby screen is displayed on the home screen, and the operation display unit returns to the standby screen when an operation controlled by the software is performed and the object is pressed. Therefore, the operator can return to the original paired state by simply touching the screen after completing the operation.

[0132] 14-16, the information for the operation is indicators (e.g., print head indicator 1501, collection container indicator 1502) that show the installation status of physical mechanisms (e.g., print head 2, collection container 4) that are not used in circulating the ink, and the operation display unit changes the display of the indicators (e.g., from "abnormal" to "normal") when the physical mechanisms are installed in the inkjet recording device. Therefore, the operator can easily confirm the results of the operations performed on the inkjet recording device just by glancing at the indicators on the screen.

[0133] 14, 17, etc., the operation display unit displays the time to circulate the ink based on the predetermined time interval on the standby screen, and if the physical mechanism is not installed when the time arrives, displays a warning message on the standby screen. Therefore, it becomes easy to confirm that the operation required for the automatic circulation process during pause has not been performed after the operator performed an operation on the inkjet recording apparatus.

[0134] 14-16, the physical mechanism may be the print head or the cleaning liquid collection container, which allows the above-mentioned confirmation to be performed for the print head or the cleaning liquid collection container.

[0135] 18-20, the information for the operation is an indicator (e.g., collection container liquid volume indicator 1901) showing the detection status of the liquid volume (e.g., the liquid volume of liquid 70) in the collection container of cleaning liquid attached to the inkjet recording device as the physical mechanism, and the operation display unit changes the display of the indicator (e.g., from "normal" to "abnormal") when the detection status satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., the liquid volume of liquid 70 is greater than a predetermined amount). Therefore, the operator can easily confirm the results detected by the inkjet recording device just by glancing at the indicator on the screen.

[0136] 18-20, the operation display unit displays the time for circulating the ink based on the predetermined time interval on the standby screen, and if the detection state is still present at the time and the physical mechanism is not installed at the time, a warning message is displayed on the standby screen. Therefore, it becomes easy to confirm that the operator has not performed the operation required for the automatic circulation process during pause based on the results detected by the inkjet recording device.

[0137] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and in the implementation stage, the components can be modified and embodied within the scope of the gist of the present invention, or multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined.

[0138] For example, in the automatic circulation process during pause described in the first and second embodiments, in S811 of Fig. 8, if the set ink ejection reservation time has not arrived (S811; NO), the process proceeds to step S821 and the automatic circulation process during pause is executed. However, the inkjet recording apparatus 600 may start the process from step S821 onwards after the end of the job for which printing is being executed or when it detects that a print head or a collection container has been installed. This makes it possible to execute the automatic circulation process during pause without being affected by the ink ejection reservation time. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. An inkjet recording apparatus that prints on a print target by ejecting ink supplied from an ink container from a nozzle, a control unit that performs an ink circulation process during pause in which the ink is circulated while the inkjet recording device is in a pause state, the ink circulation process repeating a standby state and a circulation of ink in a path at predetermined time intervals; an operation display unit that displays a standby screen for the paused ink circulation process, the operation display unit displays information for operating the inkjet recording device on the standby screen while the control unit continues to execute the paused ink circulation process; the inkjet recording device accepts an operation for the inkjet recording device based on the information displayed on the standby screen; An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by:

2. the information for operation is an object for accepting an operation for transitioning to a home screen that accepts an operation from an operator when the inkjet recording apparatus is running, the operation display unit receives a press on the object, transitions to the home screen, and receives an operation controlled by software on the home screen; 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is a recording medium.

3. an object for returning to the standby screen is displayed on the home screen; the operation display unit returns to the standby screen when an operation controlled by the software is performed and the object is pressed; 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is a recording medium.

4. the information for operation is an indicator showing the installation state of a physical mechanism not used for circulating the ink, the operation display unit changes the display of the indicator when the physical mechanism is attached to the inkjet recording apparatus.

2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus is a recording medium.

5. the operation display unit displays, on the standby screen, a time for circulating the ink based on the predetermined time interval, and if the physical mechanism is not installed when the time arrives, displays a warning message on the standby screen.

5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4,

6. the physical mechanism is a print head or a cleaning fluid collection container; 5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4,

7. the information for operation is an indicator showing a detection state of a liquid amount in a recovery container of a cleaning liquid attached to the inkjet recording apparatus as the physical mechanism, the operation display unit changes the display of the indicator when the detection state satisfies a predetermined condition.

7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 6,

8. the operation display unit displays, on the standby screen, a time for circulating the ink based on the predetermined time interval, and if the detection state is still present when the time arrives and the physical mechanism is not installed when the time arrives, displays a warning message on the standby screen.

8. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 7,

9. 1. A control method for an inkjet recording device that prints on a print target by ejecting ink supplied from an ink container from a nozzle, comprising: a control unit performs an ink circulation process during a pause in which the ink is circulated while the inkjet recording device is in a pause state, the ink circulation process repeating a standby state and the circulation of the ink in the path at predetermined time intervals; an operation display unit displays a standby screen for the paused ink circulation process; the operation display unit displays information for operating the inkjet recording device on the standby screen while the control unit continues to execute the paused ink circulation process; the inkjet recording device accepts an operation for the inkjet recording device based on the information displayed on the standby screen; 10. A method for controlling an inkjet recording apparatus comprising:

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