CN1960879A - Ink supplying device, recording device, ink supplying method and recording method - Google Patents
Ink supplying device, recording device, ink supplying method and recording methodDownload PDFInfo
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- CN1960879A CN1960879ACNA2005800178802ACN200580017880ACN1960879ACN 1960879 ACN1960879 ACN 1960879ACN A2005800178802 ACNA2005800178802 ACN A2005800178802ACN 200580017880 ACN200580017880 ACN 200580017880ACN 1960879 ACN1960879 ACN 1960879A
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Abstract
Description
Translated fromChinese技术领域technical field
本发明涉及一种应用负压供墨给打印头的供墨装置和供墨方法，以及一种使用该打印头打印图像的打印设备和打印方法。The present invention relates to an ink supply device and an ink supply method for applying negative pressure to supply ink to a printing head, and a printing device and a printing method for printing images using the printing head.
背景技术Background technique
通过从打印头喷射墨到打印介质上而形成图像的喷墨打印设备可以使用具有多个高密度排列的喷嘴的小打印头来形成高分辨率图像。该喷墨打印设备还可以以相对便宜、紧凑的结构实现彩色打印，该结构包括多个打印头并且为各打印头提供数个不同颜色的墨。因此喷墨打印设备目前被用于各种商用或家用图像输出装置，如打印机、传真机、复印机。Inkjet printing devices that form images by ejecting ink from a printhead onto a print medium can form high-resolution images using a small printhead having a plurality of nozzles arranged in high density. The inkjet printing device can also achieve color printing in a relatively inexpensive, compact structure that includes multiple print heads and provides each print head with several inks of different colors. Therefore, inkjet printing apparatuses are currently used in various commercial or home image output devices, such as printers, facsimile machines, and copiers.
在这种喷墨打印设备中，将打印头中的墨保持为恒定负压以稳定打印头的喷墨操作是重要的。为此，通常的做法是在供墨系统中设置负压产生部(means)，并将由负压产生部给予负压的墨供给到打印头。In such an inkjet printing apparatus, it is important to maintain the ink in the printhead at a constant negative pressure to stabilize the inkjet operation of the printhead. For this reason, it is common practice to provide a negative pressure means in the ink supply system, and to supply ink given a negative pressure by the negative pressure means to the print head.
一种传统的负压产生部是利用安装在墨容器内的海绵状墨吸收器的毛细管引力来产生负压(例如，专利文件1)。A conventional negative pressure generating section utilizes capillary attraction of a sponge-like ink absorber installed in an ink tank to generate negative pressure (for example, Patent Document 1).
另一个例子使墨容器的至少一部分由柔性构件形成，并通过诸如弹簧等偏置装置将柔性构件向墨容器外部偏置，以将墨容器内部保持为负压(例如，专利文件2)。Another example makes at least a part of the ink tank formed of a flexible member, and biases the flexible member toward the outside of the ink tank by biasing means such as a spring to keep the inside of the ink tank at a negative pressure (for example, Patent Document 2).
再一个例子具有布置在低于打印头的位置的墨容器，利用水头差对墨施加负压(例如，专利文件3)。Yet another example has an ink tank arranged at a position lower than the print head, and applies a negative pressure to the ink using a head difference (for example, Patent Document 3).
由负压产生部施加恒定负压的墨借助墨的负压与打印头中随着喷墨进行而增加的负压之间的压差被供给到打印头，好像被引入打印头。因此将打印头内部保持为恒定负压。Ink to which a constant negative pressure is applied by the negative pressure generating portion is supplied to the print head as if introduced into the print head by a pressure difference between the negative pressure of the ink and the negative pressure in the print head which increases as ink ejection proceeds. A constant negative pressure is thus maintained inside the print head.
专利文件1：日本特开平07-068776号公报Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-068776
专利文件2：日本特开2001-315350号公报Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-315350
专利文件3：日本特开平06-183018号公报Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-183018
发明内容Contents of the invention
具有上述负压产生部的供墨系统使用打印头中随着喷墨进行而增加的负压所引起的压差将墨从墨容器引入打印头。The ink supply system having the above-described negative pressure generating portion draws ink from the ink tank into the print head using a pressure difference caused by a negative pressure in the print head that increases as ink ejection proceeds.
然而，当打印头每单位时间的墨消耗急剧增加时，有供墨不能满足要求而听任打印头中的负压增加的可能。另一方面，如果每单位时间的墨消耗急剧下降，打印头中的负压可能由墨的惯性(inertia)而降低。打印头中的负压变化将很可能使打印头的喷墨操作不稳定，降低打印图像的品质。特别地，在大尺寸打印介质上高速打印图像的工业打印设备中，瞬时的墨消耗大幅度变化，因此打印头中的负压易于改变。因此，为了满足高打印品质的要求，使打印头中的负压变化最小是重要的。However, when the ink consumption per unit time of the print head increases sharply, there is a possibility that the ink supply cannot satisfy the requirement and the negative pressure in the print head is allowed to increase. On the other hand, if the ink consumption per unit time drops sharply, the negative pressure in the print head may be lowered by inertia of the ink. Changes in the negative pressure in the print head will likely make the ink ejection operation of the print head unstable, reducing the quality of printed images. In particular, in an industrial printing apparatus that prints an image at high speed on a large-sized printing medium, instantaneous ink consumption varies greatly, and thus the negative pressure in the print head is liable to vary. Therefore, in order to meet the requirements of high print quality, it is important to minimize the negative pressure variation in the print head.
本发明的目的是提供一种供墨装置、一种打印设备、一种供墨方法和一种打印方法，可以通过主动(positively)控制供墨压强而使打印头中的负压变化最小。An object of the present invention is to provide an ink supply device, a printing apparatus, an ink supply method and a printing method which can minimize negative pressure changes in a print head by positively controlling ink supply pressure.
本发明的供墨装置安装在将墨容器与打印头连通的墨路径中，该供墨装置包括负压施加部和控制部，该负压施加部对打印头施加可调节的负压，该控制部控制负压施加部以调节施加到打印头的负压。The ink supply device of the present invention is installed in the ink path that communicates the ink container with the print head, the ink supply device includes a negative pressure applying part and a control part, the negative pressure applying part applies an adjustable negative pressure to the print head, the control The negative pressure applying part controls the negative pressure applying part to adjust the negative pressure applied to the print head.
本发明的打印设备能够使用供有墨的打印头来打印图像，该打印设备包括为打印头供墨的供墨装置。The printing apparatus of the present invention is capable of printing an image using a print head supplied with ink, and includes an ink supply device for supplying ink to the print head.
本发明的用于从墨容器向打印头供墨的供墨方法使用安装在将墨容器与打印头连通的墨路径中的负压施加部来对打印头施加可调节的负压，控制该负压施加部以使在使用打印头的打印操作期间将施加到打印头的负压保持在预定的范围内。The ink supply method of the present invention for supplying ink from an ink tank to a print head uses a negative pressure applying part installed in an ink path connecting the ink tank and the print head to apply an adjustable negative pressure to the print head, which is controlled. The pressure applying portion maintains a negative pressure applied to the print head within a predetermined range during a printing operation using the print head.
本发明的使用从墨容器供给墨的打印头打印图像的打印方法使用安装在将墨容器与打印头连通的墨路径中的负压施加部来对打印头施加可调节的负压，控制该负压施加部以使在使用打印头的打印操作期间将施加到打印头的负压保持在预定的范围内。The printing method of the present invention using a print head that supplies ink from an ink tank to print an image uses a negative pressure applying portion installed in an ink path that communicates the ink tank with the print head to apply an adjustable negative pressure to the print head, which is controlled. The pressure applying portion maintains a negative pressure applied to the print head within a predetermined range during a printing operation using the print head.
利用本发明，可以通过主动控制施加到打印头的负压来最小化打印头中的负压变化，从而可稳定使用打印头的打印操作，形成高品质的图像。With the present invention, it is possible to minimize negative pressure variation in the print head by actively controlling the negative pressure applied to the print head, so that printing operations using the print head can be stabilized and high-quality images can be formed.
附图说明Description of drawings
图1是示出本发明第一实施例中具有打印设备的图像形成系统的概要的框图。FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an image forming system with a printing apparatus in a first embodiment of the present invention.
图2是示出图1的图像形成系统的概要结构的示意立体图。FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the image forming system of FIG. 1 .
图3是示出用于图1的打印设备的控制系统的配置框图。FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system for the printing apparatus of FIG. 1 .
图4是示出用于图1的图像形成系统的介质输送装置的控制系统的配置框图。FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of a medium transport device used in the image forming system of FIG. 1 .
图5是示出图1的图像形成系统的信息处理装置、打印设备和介质输送装置之间的操作序列的流程图。5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation sequence among an information processing device, a printing apparatus, and a medium conveying device of the image forming system of FIG. 1 .
图6是用于图1的多个打印设备的控制系统的配置框图。FIG. 6 is a configuration block diagram of a control system for a plurality of printing apparatuses of FIG. 1 .
图7是示出用于图1的多个打印设备的供墨系统的配置的示意图。FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an ink supply system for a plurality of printing apparatuses of FIG. 1 .
图8是示出在图1的打印设备之一中墨系统的基本部分之间的位置关系的示意图。FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between essential parts of an ink system in one of the printing apparatuses of FIG. 1 .
图9是示出用于图1的打印设备中一个打印头的墨系统的配置的示意图。FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ink system used for one print head in the printing apparatus of FIG. 1 .
图10是示出图9的打印头中的墨路径的说明图。FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing ink paths in the print head of FIG. 9 .
图11A是示出图9的负压室的操作的示意图。FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the negative pressure chamber of FIG. 9 .
图11B是示出图9的负压室的操作的示意图。FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the negative pressure chamber of FIG. 9 .
图11C是示出图9的负压室的操作的示意图。FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the negative pressure chamber of FIG. 9 .
图12A是示出图9的阀的示例结构及其操作的示意图。12A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example structure of the valve of FIG. 9 and its operation.
图12B是示出图9的阀的示例结构及其操作的示意图。12B is a schematic diagram showing an example structure of the valve of FIG. 9 and its operation.
图13是示出图9的除气系统的示例结构的示意图。FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example structure of the degassing system of FIG. 9 .
图14A是示出图9的接合(joint)操作的示意图。FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram illustrating the joint operation of FIG. 9 .
图14B是示出图9的接合操作的示意图。FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram showing the engaging operation of FIG. 9 .
图15A是示出图2的主墨容器的操作的示意图。FIG. 15A is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the main ink tank of FIG. 2 .
图15B是示出图2的主墨容器的操作的示意图。FIG. 15B is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the main ink tank of FIG. 2 .
图16A是示出出厂(shipping)时图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Fig. 16A is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the ink system of Fig. 9 at the time of shipping.
图16B是示出出厂时图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Fig. 16B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the ink system of Fig. 9 at the time of shipment.
图16C是示出出厂时图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Fig. 16C is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the ink system of Fig. 9 at the time of shipment.
图17A是示出当开始使用装置时图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Figure 17A is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of Figure 9 when the device is initially used.
图17B是示出当开始使用装置时图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Figure 17B is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of Figure 9 when the device is initially used.
图17C是示出当开始使用装置时图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Figure 17C is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of Figure 9 when the device is initially used.
图18A是示出在打印等待期间图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。FIG. 18A is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of FIG. 9 during a print standby period.
图18B是示出在打印等待期间图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。FIG. 18B is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of FIG. 9 during a print standby period.
图18C是示出在打印等待期间图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。FIG. 18C is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of FIG. 9 during print standby.
图19A是示出在打印操作期间图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Figure 19A is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of Figure 9 during a printing operation.
图19B是示出在打印操作期间图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Figure 19B is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of Figure 9 during a printing operation.
图19C是示出在打印操作期间图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Figure 19C is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of Figure 9 during a printing operation.
图20A是示出在维护操作期间图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of FIG. 9 during maintenance operations.
图20B是示出在维护操作期间图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Figure 20B is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of Figure 9 during maintenance operations.
图20C是示出在维护操作期间图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Figure 20C is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the ink system of Figure 9 during a maintenance operation.
图21A是示出供墨时图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Fig. 21A is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the ink system of Fig. 9 at the time of ink supply.
图21B是示出供墨时图9的墨系统的操作的示意图。Fig. 21B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the ink system of Fig. 9 at the time of ink supply.
图22是示出图9的墨系统的操作的时序图。FIG. 22 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the ink system of FIG. 9 .
图23是示出本发明实施例中关于使用压力传感器的输出的负压控制和使用PWM斩波器(chopper)的泵控制的电路框图。23 is a circuit block diagram showing negative pressure control using the output of a pressure sensor and pump control using a PWM chopper in an embodiment of the present invention.
图24A是示出本发明实施例中表示AD转换器读数与PWM值之间关系的换算表。FIG. 24A is a conversion table showing the relationship between the AD converter reading and the PWM value in an embodiment of the present invention.
图24B是示出本发明实施例中表示AD转换器读数与PWM值之间关系的换算表。FIG. 24B is a conversion table showing the relationship between the reading of the AD converter and the PWM value in the embodiment of the present invention.
图25A是示出本发明实施例中组合使用阀时压力控制的流程图。Fig. 25A is a flowchart showing pressure control when valves are used in combination in an embodiment of the present invention.
图25B是示出用于驱动用来操作阀的螺线管的PWM值换算表。FIG. 25B is a conversion table showing PWM values for driving solenoids for operating valves.
图26是示出本发明第二实施例中打印设备的控制系统的框图。Fig. 26 is a block diagram showing a control system of the printing apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention.
图27是示出图26的打印设备中用于一个打印头的墨系统的示意图。FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an ink system for one print head in the printing apparatus of FIG. 26 .
图28是示出连接图27的打印头和墨容器的供墨路径的示意图。FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing an ink supply path connecting the print head of FIG. 27 and the ink tank.
图29是示出图27的墨系统的操作时序图。FIG. 29 is a timing chart showing the operation of the ink system of FIG. 27 .
图30是示出用于图27的墨系统的示例控制程序的流程图。FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example control routine for the ink system of FIG. 27 .
图31是示出出厂时将墨注入图7的墨系统的操作示意图。FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of injecting ink into the ink system of FIG. 7 at the time of shipment.
图32是示出出厂时图27的墨系统的除气操作的示意图。Fig. 32 is a schematic view showing the degassing operation of the ink system of Fig. 27 at the time of shipment.
图33是示出出厂时图27的墨系统的恢复(recovery)操作的示意图。Fig. 33 is a schematic diagram showing a recovery operation of the ink system of Fig. 27 at the time of shipment.
图34是示出安装设备时图27的墨系统的恢复操作的示意图。Fig. 34 is a schematic diagram showing the recovery operation of the ink system of Fig. 27 when the device is installed.
图35是示出在打印等待时图27的墨系统的操作示意图。Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the ink system of Fig. 27 at the time of printing standby.
图36是示出打印时图27的墨系统的操作示意图。Fig. 36 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the ink system of Fig. 27 at the time of printing.
图37A说明本发明第一实施例和第二实施例中墨系统的概要配置。Fig. 37A illustrates the schematic configuration of the ink system in the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention.
图37B说明本发明第三实施例中墨系统的概要配置图。Fig. 37B illustrates a schematic configuration diagram of an ink system in a third embodiment of the present invention.
图38是示出本发明第三实施例中使用的泵的概要剖视图。Fig. 38 is a schematic sectional view showing a pump used in a third embodiment of the present invention.
图39是示出作为本发明第四实施例的打印模块的立体图。Fig. 39 is a perspective view showing a printing module as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
具体实施方式Detailed ways
现在，将参考附图说明本发明的实施例。Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[第一实施例][first embodiment]
本实施例表示打印设备包括在如图1和图2所示的图像形成系统中的情况。This embodiment represents a case where a printing apparatus is included in an image forming system as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
(图像形成系统的概要)(Outline of image forming system)
图1和图2分别是示出图像形成系统的概要配置的框图和示意立体图。该示例的打印机复合(composite)系统包括信息处理装置100和图像形成装置200。该图像形成装置200具有介质输送装置117和介质输送装置117。该打印机复合系统具有多个独立的引擎或打印机单元(也被称作“打印设备”或“打印机”)116-1至116-5。1 and 2 are a block diagram and a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system, respectively. The printer composite system of this example includes an
信息处理装置100是将形成的图像的数据源，将一页图像分成多个区域，并且将对应于分区的多个已划分的图像数据分别提供给多个打印机单元116-1至116-5。由介质输送装置117输送的打印介质206具有与可由打印机单元116-1至116-5的阵列打印的区域相匹配的横向尺寸。介质输送装置117检测打印介质206的端部(纸端)，并且输出为各个打印机单元116-1至116-5定义打印开始位置的信号。The
打印机复合系统400具有多个(本例中为5个)打印机单元116-1至116-5，布置成在打印介质206上打印相关的打印区域的分区。每个打印机单元根据从信息处理装置100提供的划分的图像数据以由介质输送装置117定义的定时在相关的打印分区上独立地执行打印操作。每个打印机单元安装有打印头，该打印头用于喷射三种基色的墨：黄色(Y)、品红色(M)和青色(C)，以及黑色(K)墨，以在打印介质206上形成全色彩图像。相应的彩色墨从墨源，即墨容器203Y、203M、203C、203K，供给到各打印头。The
在图1中，CPU 101是中央处理单元，执行对信息处理装置100的整体系统控制。在信息处理装置100中，受操作系统(OS)控制的CPU 101执行由用于产生和编辑图像数据的应用程序定义的处理、由本实施例的图像划分程序定义的处理、由多个打印机单元116-1至116-5的打印程序(打印机驱动程序)定义的处理、以及由介质输送装置117的控制程序(利用图5稍后说明)定义的处理。In FIG. 1 , a
CPU 101具有分层系统总线配置，其中，CPU通过主/PCI桥102连接到作为局部总线的PCI总线，并且通过PCI/ISA桥105进一步连接到ISA总线，以与这些总线上的装置连接。The
主存储器103是RAM(随机存取存储器)，其暂时存储OS、应用程序和控制程序，也被用作执行程序的工作存储区。例如，这些程序从硬盘驱动器HDD 104读取并且载入主存储器。系统总线与高速缓冲存储器120和使用静态RAM(SRAM)的高速存储器连接，该静态RAM(SRAM)存储由CPU 101频繁存取的代码和数据。The
ROM(只读存储器)112存储控制通过输入/输出电路(未示出)连接的如键盘114、鼠标115、CDD 111和FDD 110等输入/输出装置的程序(BIOS：基本输入输出系统)、系统电源接通时启动的初始化程序、以及自诊断程序。EPROM(电可擦除可编程ROM)113是用来存储各种永久使用的参数的非易失存储器。A ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 stores a program (BIOS: Basic Input Output System), system for controlling input/output devices such as a
视频(video)控制器106不断地周期性读取写入视频RAM(VRAM)107的RGB显示数据，并且将RGB显示数据作为屏幕刷新信号不断地传送到如CRT、LCD和PDP(等离子显示面板)等显示器108。The video (video)
打印机单元116-1至116-5的通信接口109与PCI总线连接，可以使用所有合乎IEEE 1284标准的，例如，双向迅驰(centronix)接口、USB(通用串行总线)和集线器(hub)连接。在图1中，PCI总线通过通信接口109连接到集线器140，集线器140然后连接到每个打印机单元116-1至116-5和介质输送装置117。尽管本实施例使用有线型通信接口109，也可以使用如无线LAN等其它类型的通信接口。The communication interfaces 109 of the printer units 116-1 to 116-5 are connected to the PCI bus, and all that conform to the IEEE 1284 standard, such as bidirectional centronix interfaces, USB (universal serial bus) and hub connections, can be used. In FIG. 1 , the PCI bus is connected through communication interface 109 to hub 140 , which is then connected to each of printer units 116 - 1 to 116 - 5 and
打印程序(打印机驱动程序)具有：设定连接到信息处理装置100的打印机单元116-1至116-5的数量(对应于将一页图像划分的分区数量)的方法，给每个打印机单元116-1至116-5分配区域(划分宽度)的方法(利用图4稍后说明)，以及将一页的哪个部分分配到哪个打印机单元的方法(参见图3)。基于由这些设定方法作出的设定，划分一页图像，对应的划分的图像数据传送到各个用于打印的打印机单元116-1至116-5。The printing program (printer driver) has a method of setting the number of printer units 116-1 to 116-5 connected to the information processing apparatus 100 (corresponding to the number of divisions into which one page image is divided), and each printer unit 116 -1 to 116-5 A method of assigning an area (division width) (described later using FIG. 4), and a method of assigning which part of one page to which printer unit (see FIG. 3). Based on the settings made by these setting methods, an image of one page is divided, and the corresponding divided image data is transmitted to the respective printer units 116-1 to 116-5 for printing.
如前所述，打印程序产生用于打印机单元116-1至116-5的打印数据，将该数据传送到相应的打印机单元。因此，为了快速处理，打印程序本身或者打印程序中的打印数据产生处理和打印数据传送处理可以并行运行(多处理(multiprocess)，多线程(multithread))。As previously described, the print program generates print data for the printer units 116-1 to 116-5, and transmits the data to the corresponding printer units. Therefore, for fast processing, the printing program itself or the printing data generation processing and the printing data transfer processing in the printing program may be run in parallel (multiprocess, multithread).
再次参考图2，信息处理装置100通过集线器140连接到打印机单元116-1至116-5和介质输送装置117，以传送打印数据、操作开始/结束指令等。打印机单元116-1至116-5(以下由附图标记116表示，除非具体指出)中的每个与介质输送装置117之间也被连接，以传送表示打印介质206前端的检测信号、用于设定打印开始位置的信号和用于使介质输送速度与每个打印机单元的打印(喷墨)操作同步的信号。Referring again to FIG. 2 , the
为了在打印介质206上进行连续全色彩打印，每个打印机单元116安装分别喷射黄色(Y)、品红色(M)、青色(C)、和黑色(K)墨的四个打印头811Y、811M、811C和811K(以下由附图标记811表示，除非具体指出)。各打印机单元中的彩色墨打印头沿打印介质206的输送方向的排列顺序相同，因此，色彩叠加的顺序也相同。在打印介质的宽度方向(垂直于介质输送方向的方向)上，每个打印头的墨喷嘴以600dpi(点/英寸(供参考))的密度排列了4英寸多(约100mm(供参考))。因此，组合的打印机单元116-1至116-5可以覆盖约500mm的最大打印宽度。For continuous full-color printing on the
每个打印机单元116中的打印头811Y、811M、811C和811K通过专用管204从墨源，即墨容器203Y、203M、203C和203K供给相应的彩色墨。The print heads 811Y, 811M, 811C, and 811K in each
(打印机单元的控制系统)(Control system of the printer unit)
图3示出每个打印机单元116中的控制系统的示例配置。FIG. 3 shows an example configuration of a control system in each
图中，800表示CPU，该CPU根据定义稍后参考图5说明的处理程序的程序执行对打印机单元116的整体控制。附图标记803为存储程序和固定数据的ROM；805为用作工作存储区的RAM；以及814为EEPROM，其即使当打印机单元的电源断开时也保持CPU 800所使用的用于控制的参数。In the drawing, 800 denotes a CPU that performs overall control of the
附图标记802为用于通过USB线缆将打印机单元116连接到信息处理装置100的接口控制器。附图标记801为展开各色彩的图像数据的VRAM。存储器控制器804将通过接口控制器802接收的图像数据传送到VRAM 801，而且还随着打印操作的进行控制图像数据的读取操作。当通过USB线缆由接口控制器802从信息处理装置100接收划分的打印数据时，CPU 800分析附在打印数据中的命令并发出将各色彩分量的图像数据光栅化(rasterize)为VRAM801中的位图的指令。一旦接收到该指令，存储器控制器804将图像数据从接口控制器802高速写入VRAM 801。
附图标记810为控制打印头811Y、811M、811C、811K的控制电路。附图标记809为操作加盖机构(capping mechanism)(未示出)以盖住形成有喷嘴的打印头811的表面的加盖电动机(capping motor)。加盖电动机809通过输入/输出端口806和驱动单元807被驱动。
泵用电动机820为可逆电动机，其操作被插入在稍后说明的子容器(subtank)40(参见图9)与打印头811之间的泵48。螺线管821为用来操作阀35的致动器，可以由PWM(脉宽调制)值控制，该PWM值由CPU 800在PWM电路823中设定，以便确保阀35的线性开启-闭合状态。The
泵用电动机508为伺服电动机，通过将安装在各打印头中路径附近的压力传感器49的输出反馈到泵用电动机控制器822来控制机械泵36。为每个不同彩色墨的打印头811Y、811M、811C、811K独立设置一组泵用电动机820、508、螺线管821和压力传感器49。The
这些是本发明的特征构件，稍后将更具体地说明。These are characteristic components of the present invention, which will be described in more detail later.
当不使用打印机单元116时，驱动加盖电动机809将加盖机构移向打印头811Y、811M、811C、811K以加盖。当将要打印的图像数据映射在VRAM 801中时，驱动加盖电动机809将加盖机构从打印头811Y、811M、811C、811K移开以开盖，打印机单元等待稍后说明的来自介质输送装置117的打印开始信号。When the
附图标记806为输入/输出(I/O)端口，其与电动机驱动单元807、其它驱动装置和传感器(未示出)连接，用于传送信号到CPU 800以及从CPU 800传送信号。同步电路812从介质输送装置117接收打印介质前端检测信号和表示打印介质的运动的位置脉冲信号，产生与这些信号适当同步的定时信号以使打印操作被执行。也就是说，与打印介质传送时产生的位置脉冲同步，VRAM801中的数据由存储器控制器804高速读出并且通过打印头控制电路810传送到打印头811以执行彩色打印。
(传送装置和控制系统的配置)(conveyor and control system configuration)
参考图2，尺寸适合于输送打印介质的介质输送装置117在打印介质的宽度方向上大，在输送方向上具有任意尺寸。将介质台(media stage)202设置为确保打印机单元116-1至116-5的所有打印头811与打印介质206的打印表面之间的间隙尽可能相等。所用的打印介质厚度各异，因此可以添加用于改善打印介质与介质台202的紧密接触程度的部件以便将均匀厚纸的打印表面与打印头811之间的间隙保持在预定范围内。输送电动机205驱动一列输送辊205A，以进给与介质台202的上表面紧密接触的打印介质。Referring to FIG. 2, the medium conveying
图4示出介质输送装置117的控制系统的示例配置。FIG. 4 shows an example configuration of a control system of the
图中，附图标记901表示CPU，该CPU根据定义稍后参考图5说明的处理程序的程序执行对介质输送装置的整体控制。附图标记903是存储程序和固定数据的ROM；904是用作工作存储区的RAM。In the drawing, reference numeral 901 denotes a CPU that performs overall control of the medium conveying device according to a program defining a processing program described later with reference to FIG. 5 . Reference numeral 903 is a ROM storing programs and fixed data; 904 is a RAM used as a work storage area.
附图标记902是将介质输送装置117连接到信息处理装置100的接口。附图标记905是使用者向图像形成装置输入他的或她的指令或者其它输入的输入单元，也是具有用于预定指示的显示单元的操作面板。在本例中，该单元安装在介质输送装置上。Reference numeral 902 is an interface that connects the
附图标记908是操作真空泵的抽吸电动机。真空泵形成保持打印介质的非打印面(背面)与介质台202的上表面紧密接触的部件的一个例子。更具体地，在介质台202中形成从介质台202的底部延伸至其输送表面的大量细孔，操作真空泵以由通过该细孔施加的抽吸来使打印介质保持与介质台202紧密接触。当通过接口902接收来自信息处理装置100的输送开始命令时，启动抽吸电动机908，以通过抽吸将打印介质206拉到介质台202的上表面。Reference numeral 908 is a suction motor that operates a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump forms an example of a part that keeps the non-printing side (back side) of the printing medium in close contact with the upper surface of the medium table 202 . More specifically, a large number of fine holes are formed in the media table 202 extending from the bottom of the media table 202 to its conveying surface, and the vacuum pump is operated to keep the printing media in close contact with the media table 202 by suction applied through the fine holes. When a conveyance start command is received from the
附图标记907为操作抽吸电动机908和其它相关操作单元的驱动单元。附图标记909为输送电动机205的驱动单元。Reference numeral 907 is a drive unit that operates a suction motor 908 and other related operation units. Reference numeral 909 is a drive unit of the conveyance motor 205 .
逻辑电路912形成接收来自安装在输送电动机205上的转动编码器910的输出的伺服系统，执行对输送电动机205的反馈控制，以便以恒定速度进给打印介质。可以通过由CPU 901在逻辑电路912中写入的速度值任意设定输送速度。转动编码器910可与输送辊205A的行同轴布置，而不安装在输送电动机205的轴上。The logic circuit 912 forms a servo system receiving an output from the rotary encoder 910 mounted on the conveyance motor 205, performs feedback control of the conveyance motor 205 so as to feed the printing medium at a constant speed. The conveying speed can be arbitrarily set by the speed value written in the logic circuit 912 by the CPU 901. The rotary encoder 910 may be arranged coaxially with the row of conveying rollers 205A without being mounted on the shaft of the conveying motor 205 .
来自介质传感器911的输出也提供给逻辑电路912，该介质传感器911沿输送方向设置在打印位置的上游以检测打印介质206的前端到达接近打印开始位置的点的时刻。根据从介质传感器911所检测的打印介质的前端位置到各打印机单元沿输送方向的距离，逻辑电路912向各打印机单元输出适当的打印指令信号。在本实施例中，由于打印机单元116-1至116-5如图2所示地沿输送方向排成两行，即，打印机单元116-1、116-3、116-5在沿输送方向的上游侧排成一行，而打印机单元116-2、116-4在下游侧排成一行，因此逻辑电路912发出两个打印命令信号914、915。考虑到打印机单元的安装位置的误差，可以根据从介质传感器911到各打印机单元的物理(physical)距离独立进行各打印机单元的打印开始信号914或915的校正。The logic circuit 912 is also supplied with an output from a medium sensor 911 provided upstream of the printing position in the conveying direction to detect when the leading end of the
逻辑电路912将转动编码器910的输出适当地转换为打印介质位置脉冲913。与该位置脉冲913同步，各打印机单元执行打印操作。位置脉冲的分辨能力可根据需要来确定。例如，可以设成与多个打印行相等。Logic circuitry 912 converts the output of rotary encoder 910 into print
此外，介质输送装置117中的打印介质输送单元的结构不限于图2所示的具有固定介质台202的该结构。例如，可以由在环形输送带上进给打印介质来实现打印介质输送，该环形传送带卷绕在沿输送方向安装于打印位置的上游和下游的卷筒对上，且通过转动该卷筒来驱动。该结构的输送单元可以进给切纸(cut paper)型和连续薄片(continuous sheet)型的打印介质。In addition, the structure of the printing medium conveying unit in the medium conveying
(图像形成系统的操作概要)(Operation Outline of Image Forming System)
图5示出信息处理装置100、打印机复合系统400的打印机单元116和介质输送装置117之间的操作序列。FIG. 5 shows an operation sequence between the
为了执行打印操作，信息处理装置100产生划分的打印数据并将它们发送到相关的打印机单元(步骤S1001)。根据接收的数据，各打印机单元116打开打印头811的盖，将数据映射到VRAM 801上(步骤S1041)。当所有打印机单元116-1至116-5已完成数据接收时，信息处理装置100向介质输送装置117发送输送开始命令(步骤S1002)。In order to perform a printing operation, the
介质输送装置117首先驱动抽吸电动机908(步骤S1061)，为通过抽吸将打印介质206拉到介质台202做准备。接着，介质输送装置117驱动输送电动机205以开始进给打印介质206(步骤S1062)。当检测到介质的前端(步骤S1063)时，介质输送装置117发送打印开始信号914、915和位置脉冲913到打印机单元116-1至116-5(步骤S1064)。如前所述，根据从介质传感器911到各打印机单元的距离发出打印开始信号。The medium conveying
当打印机单元116的打印操作(步骤S1042)完成时，打印机单元116将打印完成状态发送到信息处理装置100(步骤S1043)，完成处理。此时，各打印机单元由未示出的加盖机构盖住其打印头811以防止喷嘴(喷墨口)可能的干燥和堵塞。When the printing operation of the printer unit 116 (step S1042) is completed, the
随著打印操作完成和打印介质206从介质台202排出(步骤S1065-是)，介质输送装置117将输送完成状态发送到信息处理装置100(步骤S1066)。接着，介质输送装置117停止抽吸电动机908和输送电动机205(步骤S1067、S1068)并且结束其操作。As the printing operation is completed and the
(打印机复合系统的信号系统)(Signal system of printer composite system)
图6示出构成打印机复合系统的打印机单元116-1至116-5的信号系统的例子。连接到打印机单元116-1至116-5中的每个的信号系统主要分为两个系统。一个参与传送从信息处理装置100提供的划分的打印数据(包括操作开始和结束命令)，而另一个参与传送从介质输送装置117提供的打印定时定义信号(包括打印开始信号和位置脉冲)。FIG. 6 shows an example of a signal system of the printer units 116-1 to 116-5 constituting the printer complex system. The signal system connected to each of the printer units 116-1 to 116-5 is mainly divided into two systems. One participates in transmitting divided print data supplied from the information processing apparatus 100 (including operation start and end commands), while the other participates in transmitting print timing defining signals supplied from the medium conveying apparatus 117 (including a print start signal and a position pulse).
在图6所示的例子中，划分的打印数据传送系统具有集线器140，该集线器140在信息处理装置100与打印机单元116-1至116-5之间中继(relay)数据。例如，集线器140通过100BASE-T标准连接器/线缆142连接到信息处理装置100，并且例如通过10BASE-T标准连接器/线缆144连接到打印机单元116-1至116-5中的每个。In the example shown in FIG. 6, the divided print data transfer system has a hub 140 that relays data between the
在图6的例子中，打印定时定义信号传送系统具有传送控制电路150和同步电路160。这些电路可用作组成图4的逻辑电路912的电路。传送(transfer)控制电路150为同步电路160提供安装在输送电动机205上的转动编码器910的输出ENCODER和打印介质前端检测输出TOF。In the example of FIG. 6 , the print timing definition signal transmission system has a
同步电路160具有打印操作使能电路166，一旦接收到划分的图像数据，该打印操作使能电路166对从打印机单元116-1至116-5发出的操作就绪信号PU1-RDY至PU5-RDY进行逻辑AND，以确定是否所有的打印机单元对打印操作就绪(已打开其打印头的盖)，如果就绪，则发出打印操作使能信号PRN-START。同步电路160还具有如LED等指示单元167，以执行与操作就绪信号PU1-RDY至PU5-RDY相关的指示，用于使用者检查打印机单元操作准备就绪。此外，同步电路160还具有用于使用者手动复位打印机单元的复位电路168和在一张打印介质印出后暂停操作的暂停电路169。The
同步电路160还具有同步信号产生电路162和延时(delay)电路164。同步信号产生电路162从编码器输出ENCODER产生位置脉冲信号913、使得打印机单元彼此同步执行打印操作的同步信号(Hsync)(例如，每英寸打印介质输送距离300个脉冲信号)。位置脉冲信号913的分辨能力优选为沿打印介质输送方向的打印分辨率的整数倍。The
延时电路164从打印介质前端检测输出TOF产生打印命令信号914、915，该打印命令信号914、915是对应于沿介质输送方向各打印机单元的位置的延时信号。The
一旦接收到打印命令信号(TOF-IN1)914，开始沿输送方向在打印介质上游侧的打印机单元116-1、116-3、116-5的打印操作。打印命令信号(TOF-IN1)914是具有与从介质传感器911到这些打印机单元的位置的距离相对应的延时的延时信号。如果从介质传感器911到这些打印机单元的距离为零，则打印命令信号914几乎与前端检测输出TOF同时发出。Upon receipt of the print command signal (TOF-IN1) 914, the print operation of the printer units 116-1, 116-3, 116-5 on the upstream side of the print medium in the conveyance direction is started. The print command signal (TOF-IN1) 914 is a time-delay signal with a time delay corresponding to the distance from the medium sensor 911 to the positions of these printer units. If the distance from the media sensor 911 to these printer units is zero, the
另一方面，一旦接收到打印命令信号(TOF-IN2)915，开始沿输送方向布置在打印介质下游的打印机单元116-2、116-4的打印操作。打印命令信号(TOF-IN2)915是具有与从介质传感器911到这些打印机单元位置的距离相对应的延时的延时信号。在本实施例中，从介质传感器911到这些打印机单元的距离设为450mm。因此，如果位置脉冲913或同步信号(Hsync)为每英寸(25.4mm)打印介质传送距离300个脉冲，则在前端检测输出TOF之后以5,315个脉冲的延时发出打印命令信号915。On the other hand, upon receipt of the print command signal (TOF-IN2) 915, the print operation of the printer units 116-2, 116-4 arranged downstream of the print medium in the transport direction is started. The print command signal (TOF-IN2) 915 is a time-delay signal with a time delay corresponding to the distance from the media sensor 911 to the printer unit positions. In this embodiment, the distance from the media sensor 911 to these printer units is set to 450 mm. Therefore, if the
为了对沿介质输送方向的各个打印机单元的打印位置或者考虑打印机单元不排列成两行的情况进行精细校正，打印命令信号将被独立地提供给各打印机单元。In order to finely correct the printing position of each printer unit in the medium conveyance direction or in consideration of a case where the printer units are not arranged in two rows, a print command signal will be independently supplied to each printer unit.
从图6可以看出，每个打印机单元116-1至116-5从信息处理装置100接收划分的打印数据，根据由介质输送装置117提供的打印定时定义信号彼此独立执行打印操作。即，每个打印机单元116-1至116-5在信号系统方面是完整的电路，使得打印数据和打印定时不从一个打印机单元传送到另一个打印机单元，且使每个打印机单元具有为打印头811Y-811K和排在各打印头中的喷嘴排列数据的部件(means)(移位寄存器和闩锁电路)以及以特定的定时喷墨。也就是说，打印机单元116-1至116-5具有相同的硬件并且在相同的软件下操作；一个打印机单元的操作不直接影响另一个打印机单元的操作；并且它们协作打印一个完整图像。As can be seen from FIG. 6 , each of the printer units 116 - 1 to 116 - 5 receives divided print data from the
(墨系统的概要)(Outline of ink system)
本示例中的打印机单元116-1至116-5为可独立操作的打印机，墨系统也相互独立，该墨系统包括用于每个打印机单元中的打印头811的供墨系统和恢复系统。The printer units 116-1 to 116-5 in this example are independently operable printers with independent ink systems including an ink supply system and a recovery system for the
图7是示出墨系统特别是供墨系统的配置的示意图。如图所示，彩色墨从墨源或墨容器(也被称作主容器)203Y、203M、203C、203K通过专用管204Y、204M、204C、204K分送到各打印机单元116的打印头811Y、811M、811C、811K。可以由两种模式之一完成供墨：一种是总是建立与墨容器的流体连通；另一种是只有当单元中的墨的流动低时建立与各打印头的供墨单元的流体连通，从而间歇供墨。Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an ink system, particularly an ink supply system. As shown, colored inks are dispensed from ink sources or ink containers (also referred to as main tanks) 203Y, 203M, 203C, 203K to
本实施例的恢复系统具有与打印头811的喷嘴形成表面接触的盖，接收从喷嘴强制排出的墨。恢复系统还循环接收的墨以再利用。The recovery system of the present embodiment has caps that come into surface contact with the nozzles of the
盖被布置在打印介质206的输送面的下方，即，介质台202的内侧，并且可以被布置成面对或接触打印头的喷嘴形成表面。考虑到如卷纸等连续的打印介质的使用，盖可置于打印介质输送平面上方，即，与打印头811相同侧以使不移动打印介质地执行恢复操作。The cover is disposed below the conveyance surface of the
如上所述，在本实施例中，用于各打印机单元中的打印头811的供墨系统和恢复系统构造成独立于其它打印机单元。该布置使得根据操作状态，即各打印机单元中打印所用的墨量，来供给合适量的墨和进行恢复操作。As described above, in the present embodiment, the ink supply system and recovery system for the
(墨系统的示例构造)(Example configuration of ink system)
图8示出一个打印机单元116中的墨系统的基本部分之间的位置关系，图9示出一个打印头用的墨系统的示例内部结构。打印头811与两个墨管连接，其中一个墨管连接到负压室30以产生与保持形成在打印头喷嘴中的液面(meniscus)的力相平衡的负压，另一个墨管连接到通过泵48为各打印头设置的供墨单元(以下称作子容器)40。FIG. 8 shows a positional relationship between essential parts of an ink system in a
图10示出打印头811中的墨路径和局部放大图。本实施例使用的打印头具有以600dpi(点每英寸)的密度排列了4英寸多的宽度的2,400个喷嘴50。各喷嘴50在一端具有喷射口51，在另一端连接到供墨路径54。在喷嘴50的每个中设置电热转换器(加热器)52，该电热转换器(加热器)52在通电时产生热能以加热墨和在墨中产生气泡以喷射墨。当加热器52通电1μ到5μ时，墨被加热并且在大于300℃时在加热表面上开始膜沸腾(film boiling)。墨受到惯性力，从喷射口51喷射，落在打印介质上，从而形成图像。各喷嘴50设置有作为流体控制元件的喷嘴阀53。气泡形成时该构件移位以便有效地对喷射口侧的墨施加惯性力并阻挡供给路径侧的墨朝供给路径侧的运动。附图标记56为设置在供墨路径54的供给侧和返回侧的过滤器。FIG. 10 shows ink paths in the
如图11A、图11B和图11C所示，负压室30包括由弹性材料形成的墨保持构件31和一对相对的板状墨保持构件33。负压室30在由这些构件限定的内空间中保持墨。压力弹簧32安装在该对相对的板状墨保持构件33之间，对板状墨保持构件33施力以使之趋于彼此远离以产生负压。负压室30位于打印头811附近，因此该二者之间的连接部分几乎没有压力损失。因此，负压室30的内部几乎等于打印头中的负压。如果打印头811的墨需求急剧改变而泵36不能跟上增加的墨需求，则负压室30作为备用工作以满足需求。更具体地，这对板状墨保持构件33压缩压力弹簧32抵抗其伸张力地朝彼此移动，以减小负压室30的内部容积以供墨。As shown in FIGS. 11A , 11B and 11C , the
压力传感器49可使用直接检测负压室30中的负压的检测系统或者其它检测系统。例如，可使用图11A所示的光学传感器149。该传感器149包括：反射板149A，固定在板状保持构件33上；光发射装置(光发射二极管)149B，以与发射板149A相对的预定位置安装在负压室30的外侧；以及光接收装置(光接收晶体管)149C。来自光发射装置149B的光由反射板149A反射并且由光接收装置149C接收。当负压室30中的墨容积如图11A所示为大时，接收的光量大，当负压室30中的墨容积如图11B和图11C所示减小时，接收的光量减少。因此，传感器149检测负压室30中的墨容积，从负压室30中的墨容积与负压之间的关系间接地确定负压室30中的负压。The
负压室30通过压力调节阀35(参见图9)连接到控制供墨到负压室30的机械墨泵(也称作“机械泵”)36。在本示例中，墨泵36为齿轮泵。The
在供墨路径的各部分安装的阀，包括阀35，可以是任何期望的类型，只要它们可以适当开启和闭合路径或者响应控制信号适当控制墨流动。例如，如图12A和12B所示，可以使用阀58，该阀58具有球阀叶56和接收球阀叶的阀座57，阀叶连接到由螺线管驱动向上向下的冲杆55。在该情况下，可以通过控制螺线管的通电(energization)来打开和关闭墨路径，以朝向或远离阀座57移动阀叶56。图12A表示墨路径打开的状态，图12B表示墨路径闭合的状态。然而，关于阀35，可使用如压电元件等轻型装置作为致动器，以允许高响应、高性能的负压控制。Valves installed at various parts of the ink supply path, including
至于在供墨路径的各部分安装的泵，包括泵36，可以使用任何期望的类型，只要它们可以响应驱动信号而输送墨即可。本实施例的泵36可以控制墨流方向和容积。也就是说，本示例的泵36为齿轮泵，其能够沿向负压室30供墨的方向(沿该方向的转动称作正向转动)或者沿从负压室30引出墨的方向(沿该方向的转动称作反向转动)选择性地输送墨。As for the pumps installed in each part of the ink supply path, including the
泵36连接到除去溶于由泵36输送的墨中的气体成分的除气系统38。如图13所示，除气系统38包括：供墨路径，其由通气但不通液体的材料所制成的气-液分离膜39形成；减压室38A，其封闭周围空间；以及泵38B(参见图9)，其减小减压室38A中的压力。除气系统38通过气-液分离膜39从流动于墨路径中的墨有效地除去气体。The
除气系统38连接到包含将被打印操作消耗的合适量的墨的子容器40(参见图9)。子容器40包括：缓冲构件41，其将墨容纳空间的一部分限定在其中，能够根据容纳的墨容积偏置或变形；以及接头(joint)42，视需要建立将墨管204(参见图2)连接到主容器203的墨连接。当子容器中的墨短缺时，如图14B所示，该接头42连接到与墨管204配合的接头43，以根据需要从主容器203供墨到子容器40。The
接头42、43在二者的相对部分处具有各形成有连通孔的橡皮垫66A、66B。当接头42、43不连接时，由阀弹簧65A、65B施力的阀球63A、64B关闭橡皮垫66A、66B中的连通孔的开口，如图14A所示。在该状态下，连接到接头42、43的墨路径与外界空气隔离。当连接接头42、43时，使它们彼此接近，如图14B所示，使橡皮垫66A、66B保持相互抵靠，导致与阀球64B配合的浮球杆67推阀球63A。结果，阀球63A、64B从橡皮垫66A、66B分离，导致连接到接头42和43的墨路径彼此连通。The
只要接头42、43当不连接时可以关闭开口以防止墨泄漏以及建立与外界空气隔离的墨路径的连接，接头42、43可具有任何期望的结构。The
除了上述接头的适当连接和断开以允许和禁止流体连通之外，可具有本身总是连接的供墨路径，借助开闭阀以开/关的方式建立流体连通。所要求的是，当打印机单元之间根据划分的图像数据的内容而需要的墨容积不同时，一个打印机单元的供墨操作不干涉另一个打印机单元的供墨操作。在该方面，确保本实施例中各个打印机单元的独立性。In addition to the appropriate connection and disconnection of the above-mentioned joints to allow and prohibit fluid communication, there may be an ink supply path which itself is always connected, and fluid communication is established in an on/off manner by means of an on-off valve. What is required is that the ink supply operation of one printer unit does not interfere with the ink supply operation of the other printer unit when the ink volume required according to the contents of divided image data differs among the printer units. In this respect, the independence of each printer unit in this embodiment is ensured.
图15A和图15B示出连接到接头43的墨容器203(203Y、203M、203C、203K)的概要结构。本示例的墨容器203包括弹性墨囊69和容纳墨囊的容器壳68。容器壳68形成有大气连通孔71，安装有存储装置70。存储装置70可以存储与墨容器203相关的各种信息。例如，容纳的墨的种类、剩余墨体积和墨容器类型等信息可被写入存储装置并在使用时根据需要读出。墨囊69根据包含在墨囊中的墨的消耗而变形，如图15A和15B所示。因此，可以与外界空气隔离地供给墨囊69中的墨。15A and 15B show the schematic structure of the ink tanks 203 ( 203Y, 203M, 203C, 203K) connected to the joint 43 . The
如图9所示，安装在打印头811中的管的另一端通过泵48连接到子容器40。上述的泵48和泵36的操作可以在子容器40、负压室30和打印头811之间循环墨。As shown in FIG. 9 , the other end of the tube installed in the
打印机单元116具有恢复机构以将打印头811的喷墨性能维持在常态或者恢复其常态，因为恢复系统的一部分具有盖44以气密盖住打印头811。The
在恢复机构的恢复操作期间，机械泵36在泵48停止(路径：关闭)的状态下正向转动。这使得打印头811的内部快速增压，短时间内从打印头811的喷嘴强制排出相对大量的墨(不用于图像打印的墨)。结果，喷嘴恢复其良好(sound)状态。强制排出的墨在盖44的墨接收器中被接收，由已经运转的泵45的动作快速从盖44的墨接收器通过阀47收集到子容器40以再利用。随后用未示出的擦拭片擦拭打印头811的喷嘴列并初步喷射不用于形成图像的墨。现在，完成了打印头811的恢复操作。During the recovery operation of the recovery mechanism, the
打印机单元116或打印头811具有上述墨(供给)系统，因此，可以在各种状态下与图像形成系统和图像形成装置分离地或者与其它打印机单元独立地执行控制，还可以独立安装或替换。The
图9中的附图标记60为控制电路板，其构成用于每个打印机单元116的图3的控制系统结构装置。
(墨系统的操作)(Operation of ink system)
下面，将说明在打印机单元116的不同使用状态下墨系统的操作。Next, the operation of the ink system in different usage states of the
出厂准备(参见图16A、16B和16C)Factory Ready (See Figures 16A, 16B, and 16C)
在已制成打印机单元116或打印头811后，墨如图16A所示地通过接头42倒入容器40，与此同时，操作泵36、48和45以用墨填充打印机单元116中的墨系统。此时，最初存在于墨系统中的空气从除气系统38的通风口排出。然后，打印头经过恢复操作，该恢复操作包括从打印头811的喷嘴强制排出墨到盖44中、用擦拭片擦拭打印头面、以及执行初步喷墨。然后，执行测试打印操作和老化(ageing)。After the
接着，考虑到运输时打印机单元将经受的情况，减小打印机单元116的墨系统中的墨量。即，机械泵36倒转，如图16B所示，以将打印机单元116的墨系统中的墨移回主容器203以减小负压室30中的墨量。然后，如图16C所示，将盖44与打印头811保持紧密接触。以上过程使得在运输期间即使当打印机单元116受环境变化、尤其是温度升高和压力下降时，使墨较不可能泄漏。Next, the amount of ink in the ink system of the
作为在打印机单元116的运输期间将充入墨系统的墨，可使用运输专用液体和常规打印操作用墨。运输期间专用液体是通过考虑到运输期间的环境变化和运输期的延长而产生的液体，可以使用通过从常规墨成分去除如染料和颜料等色料而获得的液体。当使用该运输专用液体时，需要执行额外的处理以在开始打印操作之前用常规墨替换墨系统中的运输专用液体。As ink to be filled into the ink system during transportation of the
操作准备(参见图17A、图17B和图17C)Preparation for Operation (See Figure 17A, Figure 17B and Figure 17C)
在使用递送和安装的打印设备之前，接头42连接到主容器203侧的接头43，泵36正向运转，如图17A所示，以将墨传送到负压室30中。然后，为了除去残留在路径中的气泡，泵36和48运转，如图17B所示，以从负压室30通过打印头811、子容器40和除气系统38循环墨。该墨循环继续适当长的时间，通过除气系统38将困在路径中的空气除去至几乎不造成问题的程度。接着，为了排出残留在打印头811中的喷嘴附近的空气以及恢复良好的喷射性能，机械泵36在泵48停止(路径：关闭)的状态下正向运转，如图17C所示。这使得打印头811的内部通过负压室30快速增压，短时间内从打印头811的喷嘴强制排出相对大量的墨。结果，喷嘴恢复常态。强制排出的墨在盖44的墨接收器中被接收，由已经运转的泵45的动作快速从盖44的墨接收器通过阀47收集到子容器40以再利用。随后用未示出的擦拭片擦拭打印头811的喷嘴列并初步喷射。现在，完成了打印头811的恢复操作。Before using the delivered and installed printing apparatus, the
打印操作的等待(参见图18A、18B和18C)Waiting for Print Operations (See Figures 18A, 18B, and 18C)
在打印操作开始前的正常等待期间，相对大的负压(大约大气压以下20-150mmAq)施加到打印头811中的墨以抵抗环境的变化而保持稳定性。也就是说，如图18A所示，停止泵48以限制墨从打印头811返回到子容器40，泵36反转以使负压室30中的墨返回到子容器40。这增加了施加到打印头811中的墨的负压。然后，如图18B所示，在维持了更大负压的状态下，设备等待打印操作的开始。子容器40的容量沿图18A的下箭头方向增加从负压室30返回的墨量。During the normal wait before the printing operation begins, a relatively large negative pressure (approximately 20-150 mmAq below atmospheric pressure) is applied to the ink in the
然而，如果使墨系统维持图18B的负压状态，则打印操作期间供墨到(再注入)打印头811的性能劣化，使得难以高频驱动打印头。因此，当输入打印信号(图5的步骤S1041)时，泵36正向运转，如图18C所示，以执行初步供墨。也就是说，负压室30增压以朝正方向控制作用在打印头811上的负压，减小负压到适于打印的程度。负压室30内的负压可以通过负压传感器49或者传感器149(参见图11A)检测。子容器40的容积在图18C的上箭头方向减小了传送入负压室30的墨量。However, if the ink system is maintained in the negative pressure state of FIG. 18B, the performance of ink supply (refill) to the
打印时的供墨控制(参见19A、图19B和图19C)Ink supply control during printing (see 19A, 19B and 19C)
通过适当控制负压调节阀35和机械泵36，可以根据与将由打印机单元116或打印头811打印的图像数据的内容相对应的打印占空(打印密度)维持非常均匀的负压。By properly controlling the negative
例如，当打印占空低时，泵36低速正向运转，如图19A所示，在控制负压调节阀35以高精度稳定负压的同时供墨，以优化供墨。也就是说，通过供给小量的墨，打印头中的墨负压稳定在最佳范围内。此外，在负压调节阀35上执行开-关控制或开口度调节控制，以进一步稳定墨的负压。For example, when the printing duty is low, the
在该情况下，流路打开的比例(rate)相对小，将开口度控制在相对窄的范围内。In this case, the opening ratio (rate) of the flow path is relatively small, and the degree of opening is controlled within a relatively narrow range.
当打印占空(打印密度)高时，泵36高速正向运转，如图19B所示，以增加供墨容量，同时控制负压调节阀35以稳定负压。在该情况下，流路打开的比例相对大，将开口度控制在相对宽的范围内。When the printing duty (printing density) is high, the
当打印操作停止时，负压调节阀35立即关闭，如图19C所示。目的在于防止打印操作停止时会发生的作用在负压室30和打印头811上的由墨的惯性所导致的供墨压力。如果施加供墨压力，则打印头中的内压增加，引起墨从喷嘴泄漏的可能性增加，因而在随后的打印操作期间导致打印品质的下降。When the printing operation is stopped, the negative
负压调节阀35的控制可以通过反馈负压室30的负压传感器49、149(参见图11A)的输出信号来完成。如稍后说明，负压调节阀35和泵36可以基于打印数据彼此关联地被控制。The control of the negative
此外，根据单位时间消耗的墨体积，即，打印占空，不仅可以控制泵36的正向转动量和正向转动速度，还可以控制其反向转动量和反向转动速度。当泵36正向转动时，可以通过根据墨消耗量主动增压打印头811侧的墨来抑制打印头811中的负压增加。另一方面，当泵3反转时，可以通过主动减小作用在打印头811侧墨上的压力来最小化打印头811中的负压减小。此外，与泵36的该控制有关，可控制负压调节阀35以高精度控制打印头811中的负压，进一步稳定其负压。Furthermore, not only the forward rotation amount and forward rotation speed but also the reverse rotation amount and reverse rotation speed of the
在本实施例下，无论占空(打印密度)如何，主动控制供给给打印头的墨的负压都可以对打印头施加适当、稳定的负压。因此，例如，在大尺寸打印介质上高速打印图像的工业打印设备(打印机)中，即使当每单位时间的墨消耗量变化很大时，本实施例也能以良好的响应来控制负压，使打印头负压的变化最小化。在该工业打印设备中，为了满足打印图像的特别高品质的要求，抑制打印头中的负压变化是重要的。Under this embodiment, regardless of the duty (printing density), active control of the negative pressure of the ink supplied to the print head can apply a proper and stable negative pressure to the print head. Therefore, for example, in an industrial printing apparatus (printer) that prints an image on a large-sized printing medium at high speed, even when the amount of ink consumption per unit time varies greatly, the present embodiment can control the negative pressure with good response, Minimizes variations in printhead negative pressure. In such industrial printing devices, it is important to suppress negative pressure changes in the print head in order to meet particularly high-quality requirements for printed images.
恢复操作(维护)期间的控制(参见图20A、图20B和图20C)Controls during recovery operations (maintenance) (see Figures 20A, 20B and 20C)
图20A示出从打印头811的喷嘴强制排出不形成图像的墨的恢复操作。FIG. 20A shows a recovery operation in which ink not forming an image is forcibly discharged from the nozzles of the
在该恢复操作中，机械泵36在泵48停止(路径：关闭)的状态下正向运转。这使得打印头811内部通过负压室30快速增压，在短时间内从打印头811的喷嘴强制排出相对大量的墨。结果，喷嘴恢复常态。强制排出的墨在盖44的墨接收器中被接收，由已经运转的泵45的动作快速从盖44的墨接收器通过阀47收集到子容器40以再利用。随后用未示出的擦拭片擦拭打印头811的喷嘴列并初步喷墨。现在，完成了打印头811的恢复操作。In this recovery operation, the
图20B示出通过除气系统38除去溶解在墨中的气体成分的操作。FIG. 20B shows an operation of removing gas components dissolved in ink by the
在该操作中，泵36低速正向转动以从除气系统38提供少量的墨到负压室30，而同时泵48运转以返回比由泵36从打印头811供给到容器40的墨更大量的墨。因此，负压室30内的墨量减少，随着墨通过除气系统38的循环，溶解墨中的气体成分被除去。In this operation, pump 36 is turned forward at low speed to supply a small amount of ink from degassing
图20C示出墨系统在恢复操作之后进入待机状态。Figure 20C shows the ink system entering the standby state after resuming operation.
在该待机状态中，在负压室30的内部调节到预定负压的状态下，阀35关闭，泵48停止以维持调节的负压。此时，负压室30中的负压可设为比图18A所示的打印操作的待机状态期间更低的负压。In this standby state, in a state where the inside of the
供墨操作(参见图21A和图21B)Ink Supply Operation (See Figure 21A and Figure 21B)
图21A和图21B示出从主墨容器203到子墨容器40的供墨操作。21A and 21B show the ink supply operation from the
当残留在子容器40中的墨体积减少到小于预定量时，如图21A所示，连接接头42、43以从墨容器203供墨到墨容器40中。此时，可通过使用水头差供墨。结果，随着再注墨，如图21A所示向上变形的墨容器40的弹性构件被如图21B所示地向下变形。When the volume of ink remaining in the sub-tank 40 is reduced to less than a predetermined amount, as shown in FIG. 21A , the
(墨系统控制的概要)(Summary of Ink System Control)
接下来，将从打印头的打印占空和施加到打印头的负压的观点参考图22说明本实施例的墨系统的操作。Next, the operation of the ink system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 22 from the viewpoint of the printing duty of the print head and the negative pressure applied to the print head.
图22的顶层示出的“打印占空”(打印密度)是当打印机单元在打印状态下时的打印占空(打印密度)。打印状态下的操作阶段可划分为不执行打印的静止阶段(rest stage)、紧接在打印操作之前的预打印待机阶段、打印阶段、以及紧接在打印操作之后的后打印待机阶段，在后打印阶段打印机单元等待下一个打印操作。在打印阶段期间，将供给的墨量根据打印占空即用于打印所消耗的墨量而变化。在本例中，打印占空被划分为四个阶段，据此，泵流量(pump flow)(由泵36传送的墨量)设为如图22的中间层所示。图中所示的打印占空仅是一个例子，当然可根据图像数据改变。"Print Duty" (print density) shown in the top layer of FIG. 22 is the print duty (print density) when the printer unit is in the printing state. The operation stage in the printing state can be divided into a rest stage (rest stage) in which printing is not performed, a pre-print standby stage immediately before the print operation, a print stage, and a post-print standby stage immediately after the print operation. The printing phase The printer unit waits for the next printing operation. During the printing phase, the amount of ink to be supplied varies according to the printing duty, ie the amount of ink consumed for printing. In this example, the printing duty is divided into four stages, according to which the pump flow (the amount of ink delivered by the pump 36) is set as shown in the middle layer of FIG. 22 . The printing duty shown in the figure is only an example, and of course may be changed according to image data.
施加到打印头811的负压由压力传感器49(或149)检测，该压力传感器49(或149)安装到位于打印头811附近、具有与打印头几乎相同的负压状态的负压室30。检测的负压在图22的底层示出。The negative pressure applied to the
如上所述，在静止阶段期间，相对大的负压(约-120mmAq)施加到打印头以使墨系统抵抗环境的变化而稳定。在预打印待机阶段期间，如图22的中间层所示，紧接在打印操作开始之前开始供墨。紧接在打印操作开始之前执行该控制可以确保紧接在打印操作开始之后有足够的供墨性能，提高打印品质。As mentioned above, during the quiescent phase, a relatively large negative pressure (approximately -120 mmAq) is applied to the printhead to stabilize the ink system against changes in the environment. During the pre-printing standby stage, as shown in the middle layer of FIG. 22 , ink supply is started immediately before the printing operation starts. Executing this control immediately before the start of the printing operation can ensure sufficient ink supply performance immediately after the start of the printing operation, improving print quality.
接着，在打印阶段期间的“占空1”中，打印操作一开始，打印头中的负压就增加，所以泵流量根据压力传感器49的检测值增加以减小打印头中的负压以提高供墨性能。考虑到打印操作开始时打印头中的负压增加，可从紧接在打印操作开始之前就控制泵36和阀35以进一步稳定打印头中的负压。在该情况下，可以根据从打印数据确定的打印占空设定用于泵36和阀35的控制量和控制定时。Next, in "
在“占空2”中，打印占空进一步增加，所以泵流量进一步增加以使施加到打印头的负压的增加最小化。这使得能以高打印速度进行供墨。当打印占空改变时，从恰在变化发生前的点控制泵流，以进一步稳定打印头中的负压。在该情况下，变化前或后的打印占空从打印数据确定，基于打印占空，可以设定泵36和阀35的控制量和控制定时。In "
类似地，在“占空3”和“占空4”中，根据各自的打印占空和压力传感器49的检测值主动控制施加到打印头的墨的负压以使打印头中的负压总是稳定在最佳水平。结果，提高了供墨的响应性和稳定性，使无论打印占空的大小，都打印高品质图像。Similarly, in "Duty 3" and "Duty 4", the negative pressure of the ink applied to the print head is actively controlled according to the respective printing duty and the detection value of the
如果，紧接在打印操作结束之后，由于墨惯性，打印头中的负压趋于减小，则理想的是恰在打印操作结束之前控制泵流量以消除负压的减小。这能进一步稳定打印头中的负压。此外，通过紧接在打印操作之后关闭阀35，打印头中的负压的减小可以最小化。If, immediately after the end of the printing operation, the negative pressure in the printhead tends to decrease due to ink inertia, it is desirable to control the pump flow rate just before the end of the printing operation to eliminate the decrease in negative pressure. This can further stabilize the negative pressure in the print head. Furthermore, by closing the
在打印操作后，对打印头再次施加相对大的负压，以抵抗环境的变化而维持稳定性。也就是说，通过增加打印头中的负压，可以防止其他情况下当如温度变化等环境变化时从打印头的喷嘴发生的墨泄漏，从而提高打印设备的可靠性。After the printing operation, a relatively large negative pressure is applied to the print head again to maintain stability against environmental changes. That is, by increasing the negative pressure in the print head, it is possible to prevent ink leakage from the nozzles of the print head that would otherwise occur when the environment changes such as temperature change, thereby improving the reliability of the printing apparatus.
这里，将参考图23、图24A和图24B说明使用压力传感器49的输出作为反馈信号的泵用电动机508的控制。Here, the control of the
图23是示出参考打印机单元的图3的框图说明的泵用电动机控制器822的内部细节的压力控制系统的框图。泵用电动机控制器822反馈压力传感器49的输出以控制作为伺服电动机的泵用电动机508。FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a pressure control system showing internal details of the
当开始打印操作时，CPU 800将表示小负压(如，约-10mmAq)的数字值写入DA转换器830，该DA转换器830接着将对应于负压的模拟需求值提供到减法器834的(+)输入端。安装在打印头811附近的压力传感器49的输出被反馈到减法器834的(-)输入端，差信号(误差)被反馈到AD转换器831，其转换的数字值由CPU800读取。CPU 800根据包括极性的误差信号来输出规定了机械泵36的转动方向的信号(DIR)，以驱动控制机械泵36的泵用电动机508的驱动AMP 833，还设定PWM电路832中表示驱动AMP 833的驱动占空的PWM(脉宽调制)值。When a printing operation is started, the
AD转换器831的读数与PWM值之间的换算表如图24中所示。当差信号(误差)具有(+)极性时，通过输出端口(I/O)806将转动方向信号(DIR)设为表示正向转动(给打印头811的内部增压的方向)的值(如，“1”)。如果差信号(误差)为(-)极性，则将转动方向信号(DIR)设为表示反向转动(减小打印头811的内部压力的方向)的值(如，“0”)。The conversion table between the reading of the
当作为减法器834的输出的差信号(误差)的绝对值大时，驱动泵用电动机508的驱动AMP 833的驱动占空增加，以快速形成期望压力。另一方面，当差信号(误差)的绝对值小时，驱动AMP 833的驱动占空减小，以抑制压力超调或欠调。When the absolute value of the difference signal (error) which is the output of the
如果阀35用作辅助控制部件，尽管在图中未示出，则优选能够高速响应的光阀。If the
在打印期间，在减法器834中设定的负压命令值不是必须为恒定值。CPU 800读取VRAM 801的内容以根据将打印的像素数量估算打印占空。如果打印占空超过预定值且希望降低打印头中的负压，则可在DA转换器830中提前设定用于恰在负压下降之前的点的高压命令值。During printing, the negative pressure command value set in the
通过使用如上所述的结合的前馈控制，打印头811的打印操作的稳定性显著改善。在该情况下，因为负压可能由于控制延时而下降，可设置带有用于压力差(误差)的高增益(AMP增益)的单独的PWM值换算表，如图24B所示。图24A和图24B示出的PWM值换算表预先存储在ROM 803中。By using the combined feedforward control as described above, the stability of the printing operation of the
此外，除了使用用于压力差(误差)的增益(AMP增益)的调节的方法，可执行涉及阀35的并行控制的压力控制方法。使用该方法的CPU 800的操作流程将参考图25A说明。在常态(螺线管：关)下，如图12A所示，阀35打开。首先，在预定的持续时间，用于驱动螺线管821(参见图3)的PWM电路823的PWM值设为100％，螺线管821的冲杆开始移动(步骤S2501)。然后，泵用电动机820的伺服控制也开始。从这点向前，泵用电动机控制器822根据DA转换器830(参见图23)中预设的压力值间歇执行反馈控制(步骤S2502)。在这点，泵用电动机控制器822可能已经在执行控制。Furthermore, in addition to the method using the adjustment of the gain (AMP gain) for the pressure difference (error), a pressure control method involving parallel control of the
接着，CPU 800读取压力传感器49的输出，将其转换为绝对值(步骤S2503)。基于转换的压力差的绝对值，CPU 800从图25B的换算表中读取螺线管821的驱动PWM值，并且将该驱动PWM值设在PWM电路823中(步骤S2504)。如果压力差大，则阀24接近开启状态。如果压力差减小，则阀35接近关闭状态。也就是说，如已经参考图24A和图24B说明的示例，与驱动AMP 833的增益调节类似的效果可以通过阀35的控制实现。也就是说，当压力差大时，控制阀35快速接近设定值；当压力差减小时，控制以防止超过或达不到预定压力。Next, the
上述处理在每个预定周期不断重复(步骤S2505)。当打印操作完成(步骤S2506)时，在结束处理前将螺线管821的驱动PWM值清零(步骤S2507)。The above processing is repeated every predetermined period (step S2505). When the printing operation is completed (step S2506), the driving PWM value of the
[第二实施例][Second embodiment]
图26至图36示出本发明的第二实施例，与前面实施例相同的构件采用相同的附图标记并且省略其说明。26 to 36 show a second embodiment of the present invention, the same components as those of the previous embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.
本实施例涉及本发明的设备被包括在图1和图2的图像形成系统中的示例。因此，本实施例中的图像形成系统的概要与前面实施例的相似。The present embodiment relates to an example in which the apparatus of the present invention is included in the image forming system of FIGS. 1 and 2 . Therefore, the outline of the image forming system in this embodiment is similar to that of the previous embodiments.
(打印机单元中的控制系统)(control system in the printer unit)
图26示出各打印机单元116中控制系统的示例配置。与前面实施例相同的构件标为同样的附图标记并且省略其说明。FIG. 26 shows an example configuration of a control system in each
本例中的泵用电动机820能够正转和反转，并且驱动稍后说明的泵548(参见图27)，该泵548嵌入打印头811(811Y、811M、811C和811K)的墨路径的一端中。本例中的螺线管821是开启和关闭阀503(参见图27)的致动器，该阀503介于打印头811和稍后说明的子容器之间。The
泵用电动机508是能够正转和反转且驱动介于打印头811和稍后说明的子容器之间的泵536(参见图27)的伺服电动机。泵用电动机508由泵用电动机控制器822伺服控制，该泵用电动机控制器822受到检测打印头811中的压力的压力传感器544的输出反馈。The
为不同彩色墨专用的打印头811Y、811M、811C和811K的每个独立设置一组泵用电动机820、508，阀控制螺线管821和压力传感器544。打印头811Y、811M、811C和811K可以通过未示出的打印头U/D电动机垂直移动，且在除了打印操作期间的待机的同时在加盖位置被气密加盖。A set of
在本实施例中，介质输送装置117以与图2中相同的方式构造，并且其控制系统以与图4中相同的方式构造。因此，本实施例中介质输送装置及其控制系统的结构与前面实施例的相似。本实施例中用于图像形成系统和打印机复合系统的信号系统和墨系统与图5、图6和图7所示的相似。因此，本实施例中图像形成系统的概略操作、打印机复合系统的信号系统和墨系统的概要与前面实施例的相似。In the present embodiment, the
(墨系统的示例结构)(Example structure of ink system)
用于一个打印头的墨系统的基本部分间的位置关系与前面实施例中图8的相同。图27示出用于一个打印头的墨系统的内部结构示例。打印头811与两墨管连接，一墨管形成为打印头供墨并且维持和控制优选的负压的供墨路径530。另一墨管构成通过泵548和单向阀551连接到每个打印头811用的供墨单元(也称作子容器)540的墨路径550。The positional relationship among the essential parts of the ink system for one print head is the same as that of Fig. 8 in the previous embodiment. Fig. 27 shows an example of the internal structure of an ink system for one print head. The
例如，本实施例使用的打印头811以与图10中相同的方式构造。For example, the
图28示出将打印头811连接到墨容器的供墨路径530的结构以及设置到供墨路径530的负压产生部的结构。在图28中，供墨路径530包括其端部与子容器540底部的两个不同位置连通的循环路径531和将打印头811连接到循环路径531中部的连接路径532。在连接路径532中，设置允许和中断墨流动的压力调节阀535。FIG. 28 shows the structure of the
在子容器540中安装压力调节泵536以通过循环路径531循环墨。在本例中的压力调节泵536为轴流泵(axial flow pump)，包括：转动轴536b，由安装在子容器540的上表面的电动机501正向或反向转动；以及叶轮536a，其被紧固到转动轴536b。叶轮536a安装在与循环路径531的一端连通的子容器540的开口h1附近。叶轮536a正向转动以通过开口h1将墨从循环路径531引入子容器540中，以沿图中箭头方向循环墨。叶片536a反向转动以通过开口h1将墨从子容器540传送入循环路径531。A
循环路径531的另一端安装流量调节阀(流阻调节部件)503，以调节子容器540和循环路径531之间流动的墨量。在本例中，循环路径531的第二端分支为三个分支路径531a。与该分支路径531a连通的子容器540的一共三个开口h2随着球阀叶503a前进到开口和从开口缩回而开启和闭合。球阀叶503a的前进和缩回操作由将球阀叶503a的轴503b来回移动的螺线管503c执行。通过由阀叶503a选择性地开启和闭合三个开口h2，与循环路径531的第二端连通的子容器540的开口h2的总面积可以逐步改变(本示例中，3步)。改变开口h2的面积可以调节循环路径531与子容器540之间的墨流阻。在本实施例中，墨流动控制部包括压力调节泵536、流量调节阀503和作为控制它们的控制器的CPU 800。The other end of the
然后，叶轮536a由电动机501正向转动，导致墨在循环路径中沿箭头方向流动，以在连接路径532中产生负压。负压的大小对应于沿箭头方向在循环路径531中流动的墨流速，并且随流速增加而增加。该负压施加到打印头811。因此，可以通过调节循环路径531中的墨流速、执行压力调节泵536正向转动速度的控制和由流量调节阀503对开口h2的面积的控制中至少一个或优选地二者来控制施加到打印头811的负压。压力调节泵536的正向转动速度越高以及开口h2的面积越小，产生的负压将变得越大。Then, the impeller 536 a is rotated in the forward direction by the motor 501 , causing the ink to flow in the direction of the arrow in the circulation path to generate a negative pressure in the
当叶轮536a由电动机501反转时，在循环路径531中产生反箭头方向的墨流，在连接路径532中产生正压。如稍后说明，控制施加到打印头811的负压时，可以主动使用压力调节泵536的该正向转动控制和反向转动控制。在该情况下，随着泵536的反向转动速度增加以及开口h2的面积减小，产生的正压增加。When the impeller 536 a is reversed by the motor 501 , an ink flow in the direction of the reverse arrow is generated in the
在连接路径532中安装可以允许和中断墨流动的压力调节阀535。压力调节阀535可使用与图12A和图12B所示的相似的结构。Installed in the
安装在供墨路径各部分中的包括阀535和503的阀仅需要能够适当开启和关闭流路或者响应控制信号适当控制墨流动，可在图28和图12A所示的结构以外具有任何期望的结构。至于阀503，使用如压电装置等轻型装置作为致动器以实现具有高响应性的高性能负压控制是有效的。The
安装在供墨路径各部分中的包括压力调节泵536的泵仅需要能够响应驱动信号传送墨并且可以具有任何期望的结构。然而，优选地，泵536能改变墨流动方向，还能与流量调节阀503协作以小压力变化地调节墨流动。Pumps including the
在本示例中，使用的泵536是由能够控制其转动方向和转动速度的电动机(未示出)驱动的恒压轴流式。如上所述，当泵536被正向驱动时，沿从连接路径532引墨的方向产生墨流动，即，施加负压到连接路径532。当泵反转时，沿供墨到连接路径532的方向产生墨流动，即，施加正压到连接路径532。作为泵548，可使用齿轮泵。在稍后的说明中，产生对打印头811施加负压的墨流动的泵536的转动称作正向转动，产生对打印头811施加正压的墨流动的转动称作后向或反向转动。In this example, the
如图27和图28所示，子容器540具有一对由弹性材料制成的相对的可动构件540A和介于该可动构件之间的压力弹簧540B。该弹簧540B的拉伸和压缩抑制子容器540的急剧的压力变化。As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 , the sub-tank 540 has a pair of opposing
打印头811附近安装压力传感器544以检测连接路径532中的压力。CPU 800读取压力传感器544的输出，如稍后说明的，反馈控制(或前馈控制)沿两个方向都可转动的泵536以将打印头811中的压力调节到期望值。A
在子容器540中安装未示出的压力传感器，该压力传感器检测子容器中的墨减少且内部压力降至低于预定水平，以使可以从主容器203自动供墨。An unillustrated pressure sensor is installed in the sub-tank 540 , which detects that the ink in the sub-tank decreases and the internal pressure drops below a predetermined level, so that ink can be automatically supplied from the
为各种墨颜色设置两个主容器203。其中一个由方向控制阀534-1选择，通过驱动泵534-2，墨可以通过管204从选择的墨容器203供给到子容器540。连接管204和子容器540的接头42可以具有与图14A和图14B所示的相似的结构。Two
除了如上所述的接头适当连接和断开以允许或禁止流体流通以外，可使供墨路径本身总是连接以及借助开-关阀以开/关的方式建立流体流通。所要求的是，当要求的墨体积在根据划分的图像数据的内容的打印机单元之间不同时，一个打印机单元中的供墨操作不与另一个打印机单元中的供墨操作干涉。在该方面，保证了本实施例中各个打印机单元的独立性。In addition to the appropriate connection and disconnection of the joints as described above to allow or prohibit fluid communication, the ink supply path itself can be always connected and fluid communication can be established in an on/off manner by means of an on-off valve. What is required is that the ink supply operation in one printer unit does not interfere with the ink supply operation in another printer unit when the required ink volume differs between printer units according to the contents of divided image data. In this respect, the independence of each printer unit in this embodiment is ensured.
连接到接头43的墨容器203(203Y、203M、203C、203K)可具有与图15A和图15B所示的相似的结构。The ink tanks 203 ( 203Y, 203M, 203C, 203K) connected to the joint 43 may have a structure similar to that shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B .
现在，让我们返回图27。Now, let's return to Figure 27.
可以通过连接到打印头811的另一个管如下循环墨。Ink can be circulated through another tube connected to the
在墨流量调节阀503开启的状态下，泵548沿从打印头811引墨的方向转动，使墨从子容器540通过泵536、阀535、打印头811、泵548、阀552、气泡消除室532和除气系统38循环，然后回到子容器540。随着墨沿该路径循环，墨中的气体通过除气系统38被除去。在该操作中，如果泵536不运转，在性能方面没有问题。在该操作期间，由于过滤器581的流阻，墨尽管体积小，也从打印头811排出到盖44中的墨接收器中。In the state where the ink
作为意欲将打印头的喷墨性能保持在良好状态或者恢复正常喷射性能的恢复系统的构成元件，盖44设置在打印头单元中。在打印操作期间，盖44从打印头811的喷嘴形成表面缩回以避免干涉打印操作。在打印操作待机期间或者当需要打印头811的恢复操作时，喷嘴形成表面被气密加盖。As a constituent element of a recovery system intended to keep the ink ejection performance of the print head in a good state or restore normal ejection performance, the
接着，将说明基于增压的、用于恢复打印头811的良好的喷墨性能的恢复操作。Next, a recovery operation based on pressurization for recovering good ink ejection performance of the
在打印头811用盖44盖住的状态下，阀535闭合，然后墨收集抽吸泵45开始从盖44吸出墨。附图标记580是与打印头811气密接触的密封部分。In a state where the
接着，泵548运转以对墨朝打印头811加压。由于阀535闭合，打印头811的内部快速增压，从喷嘴强制排出相对大量的墨，使打印头811的喷嘴恢复到良好状态。排出的墨由已经运转的泵45快速收集并且由除气系统38除气，返回到子容器540。除气系统38可具有与图13所示的相同的结构。Next, the
用于泵和阀的驱动信号和传感器输出传送到包括CPU 800和I/O端口806的控制单元或者从该控制单元传送。Drive signals and sensor outputs for the pumps and valves are communicated to or from the control unit including the
接着，将说明本实施例中供墨装置的操作。首先，从打印头811的打印占空和作用在打印头上的压力的观点，将参考图29说明墨系统的操作。在打印头811不喷墨的非喷射状态1301期间，泵536正向转动以产生如1302所示的预定负压以将打印头内部维持在如1303所示的相对大的负压。在从打印头喷墨开始之前(在1304)，由正向转动的泵536产生的负压减小以接近如1306所示的大气压(0mmAq)。也就是说，降低泵536的正向转动速度以将打印头中的负压减小到最佳负压范围(喷射允许范围1307)。Next, the operation of the ink supply device in this embodiment will be described. First, the operation of the ink system will be described with reference to FIG. 29 from the viewpoint of the printing duty of the
打印操作一旦开始，就根据打印占空的变化控制由泵536产生的压力以调节施加到打印头811的负压，从而减轻打印头中由喷墨引起的负压变化以将负压保持在优选的喷射允许范围1307中。通过控制泵536和流量调节阀503调节由泵536产生的压力，如上所述，以调节施加到打印头811的负压。Once the printing operation starts, the pressure generated by the
接下来，将说明通过控制泵536调节打印头中的负压的情况。也可以通过控制流量调节阀503或者阀503和泵536的组合控制来调节打印头811中的负压。Next, the case of adjusting the negative pressure in the print head by controlling the
打印头811中的负压趋于随打印占空的增加而增加。因此，泵536的正向转动速度根据打印占空减小以将打印头811中的负压保持在最佳喷射允许范围1307内。当打印占空极高时，即，打印头811中的负压增长趋势强，如果泵536的正向转动速度的减小无法防止打印头中的负压变得太大，则泵536反转以产生如1311所示的正压，从而将打印头811中的负压降低到喷射允许范围1307。此外，当打印占空如1310所示下降时，泵536正向转动以将产生的压力返回到负压(如1309所示)以防止打印头811中的负压减小，否则，从子容器540流向打印头811的墨的惯性力会导致打印头811中的负压减小。The negative pressure in the
通过基于上述的打印占空来控制泵536，可以将打印头811中的负压维持在优选的喷射允许范围1307内。当改变泵536的转动速度和转动方向时，关于打印占空变化在负压控制响应中有一些延时，导致少许不规则的压力变化(在1308)。然而，该压力变化的程度对图像形成几乎没有影响。也可通过安装在打印头811附近的压力传感器544检测该小的压力变化，基于检测结果控制泵536或压力调节阀535以减轻该小的压力变化。By controlling the
图30示出本实施例中示例压力控制程序。在如图3所示的打印机单元用的控制系统配置中，可以通过CPU 800根据存储在ROM803中的程序执行该程序。Fig. 30 shows an example pressure control routine in this embodiment. In the configuration of the control system for the printer unit as shown in FIG. 3, the program can be executed by the
首先，检查是否存在打印数据(步骤S1401)，如果存在，确定每单位打印面积的打印占空(步骤S1402)。在打印机单元(例如，EEPROM 804)中，提前设定关于打印占空的打印头压力变化配置文件。通过参考该配置文件(步骤S1403)，确定用于与打印占空匹配的泵536的压力设定值(步骤S1404)。然后，基于该压力设定值，控制泵536以在喷射允许范围1307内调节打印头中的压力。First, it is checked whether print data exists (step S1401), and if so, the print duty per unit print area is determined (step S1402). In the printer unit (eg, EEPROM 804), a print head pressure variation profile with respect to printing duty is set in advance. By referring to the configuration file (step S1403), the pressure setting value of the
当打印操作开始(步骤S1406)时，检查每单位打印面积的打印占空是否从决定当前压力设定值的打印占空变化了超过预定量(步骤S1407)。如果打印占空已变化超过预定量，则再次参考打印占空对打印头压力变化配置文件并改变将由泵536产生的压力的设定(步骤S1407、S1411)。也就是说，如果打印占空增加到高于预定范围的上限，则打印头中的负压趋于增加。因此，为了将打印头中的负压保持在喷射允许范围1307内，减小泵536的正向转动速度或者反转泵。相反地，如果打印占空下降到低于预定范围的下限，则打印头中的负压趋于减小。因此，为了将打印头中的负压维持在喷射允许范围1307内，增加泵536的正向转动速度或者减小反向转动速度。重复该控制直到打印操作结束(步骤S1412)，之后控制程序移至待机模式。When the printing operation starts (step S1406), it is checked whether the printing duty per unit printing area has changed by more than a predetermined amount from the printing duty determining the current pressure setting value (step S1407). If the printing duty has changed by more than a predetermined amount, the printing duty versus printhead pressure variation profile is again referred to and the setting of the pressure to be generated by the
可以通过硬件配置而不是用软件程序来实现上述控制，该硬件配置包括记录图像数据位数的计数器和根据计数值控制电动机以驱动泵536的部件。此外，代替当打印占空随打印操作进行而改变时执行控制，也可基于打印数据提前确定泵控制曲线以及根据控制曲线对泵执行前馈控制。此外，基于检测打印头中实际压力的部件的输出(如果可以认为子容器540中的压力实际等于打印头压力，则可使用压力传感器544)，可对泵执行局部反馈循环控制。The above-mentioned control can be realized by a hardware configuration including a counter for recording the number of bits of image data and a part for controlling a motor to drive the
接着，在从工厂运输所制造的喷墨打印设备到使用者使用该设备的各阶段中，我们将通过参考图31至图36说明在供墨装置上进行的设置及其操作。Next, we will explain the settings made on the ink supply device and its operation by referring to FIGS.
出厂准备factory preparation
图31至图33示出直到制造的喷墨打印设备出厂之前供墨装置的操作。首先，如图31所示，运转泵534-2以将墨从主容器203通过接头42、43注入子容器540。此时，阀535、503为开启。虽然泵536、548停转，但墨可以经过该泵流过。31 to 33 show the operation of the ink supply device until the manufactured inkjet printing apparatus is shipped. First, as shown in FIG. 31 , the pump 534 - 2 is operated to inject ink from the
在将墨注入子容器540的过程中，基本上所有墨路径和打印头811的内部充满墨。此刻，墨路径的许多部分存在气泡。During the injection of ink into the sub-tank 540, substantially all of the ink paths and the interior of the
随着墨从主容器205注入子容器540的完成，执行从墨路径消除气泡以及除气操作。With the completion of the injection of ink from the main tank 205 into the sub-tank 540 , the elimination of air bubbles from the ink path and the degassing operation are performed.
也就是说，泵536、548、45正向转动以将墨从子容器540通过阀503和泵536进入阀535、打印头811、泵548、阀552、气泡消除室532和除气系统38循环，然后回到子容器540中。通过以该方式循环墨，墨中的气泡在气泡消除室532中被消除且墨通过除气系统38除气。在该操作中，如果泵536不转动则不存在性能问题。虽然由于打印头811的过滤器581的流阻，少量墨排入盖44中的墨接收器中，但是排出的墨由泵45快速收集到循环路径中。预定持续时间不断执行该操作可以从墨流除去气泡和气体。That is, pumps 536, 548, 45 rotate forward to circulate ink from
图33示出在出厂准备的最后一步中打印头811的恢复操作。Fig. 33 shows the recovery operation of the
开始恢复操作时，墨路径中的墨已被除气。在恢复操作中，首先关闭阀535，然后运转泵45、548以沿图33中的箭头方向移动墨。子容器540中的墨通过单向阀551引入泵548并且供给到打印头811。由于阀535是闭合的，所以打印头811中的墨快速增压，从喷嘴强制喷出相对大量的墨。结果，喷嘴的喷墨性能恢复正常。排出到盖44中的墨接收器的墨由已经运转的泵45快速收集到气泡消除室535以再利用。When starting the recovery operation, the ink in the ink path has been degassed. In the recovery operation, the
然后，停止泵548、45，打开阀535，此后用未示出的擦拭片擦拭打印头811的喷嘴表面(形成喷嘴的表面)。然后，不用于图像形成的墨从打印头811的喷嘴喷射入盖44中。现在完成了恢复操作。Then, the
安装期间during installation
在打印设备递送到使用者后且开始使用前，如图31所示连接接头42、43，如图34所示执行打印头811的恢复操作。在该恢复操作期间的墨流动与图33的恢复操作期间的相同，唯一不同的是操作时间。因此在此省略详细说明。如果出厂后经过较长一段时间，可执行如参考图32所说明的气泡消除和除气操作。如果经过的时间短，可省略图34的恢复操作。由执行存储在打印设备中的ROM 803中的程序的CPU 800执行经过的时间长度以及相关操作的决定。After the printing device is delivered to the user and before it is used, the
打印待机期间During printing standby
在打印操作开始前的正常待机期间，在打印头811中维持大的负压(约低于大气压20-150mmAq)，以确保抵抗环境变化的稳定性。在该状态下，当接收到打印命令时，打印头811从加盖位置移动到打印介质上方的打印位置，同时改变压力设定值以减小打印头811中的负压。During normal standby before the printing operation starts, a large negative pressure (approximately 20-150 mmAq below atmospheric pressure) is maintained in the
CPU 800读取压力传感器544的输出，执行对泵536的转动方向和转动速度的PWM(脉宽调制)控制以实现具有相对高的响应性的反馈控制。The
与泵536的控制有关地也控制阀503以实现更高响应的反馈控制。在该情况下，优选使用能够高响应的轻型阀作为阀503。In connection with the control of the
打印期间的供给控制Feed control during printing
图36示出打印操作期间的负压控制。Fig. 36 shows negative pressure control during printing operation.
打印操作期间的负压控制与图35的待机期间几乎相同。CPU800读取压力传感器544的输出，对元件执行包括泵536的转动方向的PWM(脉宽调制)控制以实现高响应性。在本实施例中，在打印操作期间，阀503闭合而泵548侧的墨路径也关闭。如上所述，与泵536的控制有关地控制阀503可以实现具有改善的响应性的反馈控制。Negative pressure control during printing operation is almost the same as during standby in FIG. 35 . The
使用压力传感器544的输出作为反馈信号的对泵用电动机508(泵536的驱动电动机)的控制可以通过使用与图23所示的前面实施例相似的压力控制系统执行。Control of the pump motor 508 (drive motor of the pump 536 ) using the output of the
[第三实施例][Third embodiment]
图37A和图37B示出不同构造的墨系统。37A and 37B illustrate different configurations of ink systems.
与第一和第二实施例一样，图37A的墨系统具有负压施加部，该负压施加部包括在墨容器T和打印头H之间的供墨路径L1中的泵P和阀V。泵P和阀V对应于第一实施例中的机械泵36和压力调节阀35，以及对应于第二实施例中的压力调节泵536和压力调节阀535。打印头H对应于第一和第二实施例中的打印头811。墨连通路径L1等同于第一实施例中从墨容器向打印头811供墨的墨路径，以及等同于第二实施例中从墨容器540向打印头811供墨的墨路径，即，包括循环路径531和连接路径532的供墨路径530。Like the first and second embodiments, the ink system of FIG. 37A has a negative pressure applying portion including a pump P and a valve V in the ink supply path L1 between the ink tank T and the print head H. As shown in FIG. The pump P and the valve V correspond to the
如上所述，图37A示出具有负压施加部的结构，该负压施加部包括在连接墨容器T和打印头H的供墨路径L1中的泵P和阀V。也就是说，图37A概念地说明第一和第二实施例的共同结构。因此，图37A省去了第一实施例中的除气系统38、负压室30、从打印头811到墨容器40的墨返回路径、以及从盖44的墨收集路径。类似地，省略了第二实施例中的循环路径531、流量调节阀503、从打印头811到墨容器40的墨返回路径、气泡消除室532、除气系统38、以及从盖44的墨收集路径。As described above, FIG. 37A shows a structure having a negative pressure applying portion including the pump P and the valve V in the ink supply path L1 connecting the ink tank T and the print head H. As shown in FIG. That is, Fig. 37A conceptually illustrates the common structure of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, FIG. 37A omits the
如图37A所示的墨系统通过包括泵P和阀V的负压施加部将压力(包括负压和正压)施加到墨路径L1中的墨，以将负压施加到打印头H的内部。负压施加部可包括泵P和阀V中的至少一个。由于供墨路径L1可以对打印头H执行供墨和负压施加二者，所以该墨系统可构造得简单而体积小。The ink system shown in FIG. 37A applies pressure (including negative pressure and positive pressure) to ink in the ink path L1 through a negative pressure applying section including a pump P and a valve V to apply negative pressure to the inside of the print head H. . The negative pressure applying part may include at least one of a pump P and a valve V. Since the ink supply path L1 can perform both ink supply and negative pressure application to the print head H, the ink system can be configured simply and compactly.
图37B为示出墨系统结构的概念图，与图37A的不同在于泵P和阀V的安装位置。在本示例中，阀V安装在供墨路径L1中，泵P安装在返回路径L2中，通过返回路径L2将墨从打印头H返回到墨容器T。泵P对返回路径L2的墨施加压力(包括负压和正压)以在打印头H中留下负压。与泵P的控制有关地控制阀V以调节供墨路径L1中的墨流量，使得能对打印头H施以高响应、高精度的负压。负压施加部可包括泵P和阀V中的至少一个。泵P可用作第一实施例中泵48的功能或者第二实施例中泵548的功能。FIG. 37B is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of the ink system, and differs from FIG. 37A in the installation positions of the pump P and the valve V. FIG. In this example, the valve V is installed in the ink supply path L1, and the pump P is installed in the return path L2 through which ink is returned from the print head H to the ink tank T. The pump P applies pressure (including negative pressure and positive pressure) to the ink of the return path L2 to leave a negative pressure in the print head H. The valve V is controlled in connection with the control of the pump P to adjust the ink flow rate in the ink supply path L1, so that a high-response, high-precision negative pressure can be applied to the print head H. The negative pressure applying part may include at least one of a pump P and a valve V. The pump P can serve either the function of the
负压施加部可设置在供墨路径L1中或返回路径L2中或二者中。唯一的要求是将负压施加部安装在将墨容器连通到打印头的墨路径中并且能够对打印头施加可调节的负压。The negative pressure applying portion may be provided in the ink supply path L1 or in the return path L2 or both. The only requirement is to install the negative pressure applying part in the ink path communicating the ink container to the print head and be able to apply an adjustable negative pressure to the print head.
[第四实施例][Fourth embodiment]
图38为示出图37A和图37B中泵P的示例结构的概要剖视图。Fig. 38 is a schematic sectional view showing an example structure of the pump P in Figs. 37A and 37B.
本示例中的泵P是与第一实施例的机械泵36相似的齿轮泵。然而，与标准容积型齿轮泵的不同在于该齿轮泵具有形成在齿轮G1、G2的齿顶与壳体(casing)C的内周面之间作为墨通道LA的间隙。更具体地，壳体C在其内表面具有加大的直径部分以在壳体C与齿轮G1、G2的齿以及其流量根据齿轮G1、G2的转动速度而改变。当齿轮G1、G2沿图38中箭头方向高速转动时，强大的力作用以向上游传送墨，在下游侧产生大的负压。当齿轮G1、G2沿箭头方向低速转动时，作用以向上游传送墨的力微小，在下游侧产生小的负压。通过控制泵P的转动速度，可以调节作用在墨上的负压。The pump P in this example is a gear pump similar to the
墨通道的设置和转动速度的控制可以使泵P具有恒定容积泵和恒定压力泵二者的特征。可以在齿轮与壳体之间形成具有约10μm至1mm的间隙的通过槽。The arrangement of the ink channels and the control of the rotational speed can make the pump P have the characteristics of both a constant volume pump and a constant pressure pump. A passing groove having a gap of about 10 μm to 1 mm may be formed between the gear and the housing.
通过槽(pass-through channel)只需形成在受根据齿轮转动速度的传送力(delivery force)的位置，并且除了本实施例中所用的结构以外可具有期望结构。例如，齿顶的部分可以被切除以形成作为齿轮和壳体内表面之间的通过槽的间隙。The pass-through channel need only be formed at a position subject to delivery force according to the rotational speed of the gear, and may have a desired structure other than that used in this embodiment. For example, portions of the tooth crests may be cut away to form gaps that act as pass-through slots between the gear and the inner surface of the housing.
[第五实施例][Fifth Embodiment]
图39为示出包括图1和图2所示的打印机复合系统中元件模块的示例结构的说明图。FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing an example structure including component modules in the printer complex system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
如图1和图2所示的打印机复合系统适合用作可以在大尺寸招贴画和卡纸板上打印的工业打印机。通过增加打印机单元166(166-1至166-5)可以处理大的要打印的对象。当要打印的对象小时，可减少操作中打印机单元116的数量而不减少安装的打印机单元116的数量。或者可以减少安装的打印机单元116的数量。在打印机单元116之间根据其安装位置可存在使用频率的大的区别，因此打印机单元116优选能够单个修理或替换。The printer complex system shown in Figures 1 and 2 is suitable as an industrial printer that can print on large-size posters and cardboard. Large objects to be printed can be handled by adding printer units 166 (166-1 to 166-5). When the object to be printed is small, the number of
从这一点，本示例中打印机单元116构造成打印模块M，每个模块由包括打印头的打印单元Y1和包括墨容器的供墨装置Y2组成。将针对第一和第二实施例中打印机单元116的情况说明打印模块M的具体结构。From this point, the
打印单元Y1包括一个打印机单元116中的四个打印头811(811K、811C、811M、811Y)和打印机单元116中的打印头控制电路810(参见图3)。打印单元Y1还包括图9的电路板60，即，用于各打印机单元116的图3的控制系统。也可将打印单元Y1构造为包括盖44、用盖44加盖打印头的机构、以及控制该机构的控制单元。The printing unit Y1 includes four printing heads 811 (811K, 811C, 811M, 811Y) in one
供墨单元Y2包括用于各打印机单元116的墨系统，即，第一实施例中图9的墨系统或第二实施例中图27的墨系统。与多个打印机单元116共同连接的主墨容器可以与多个供墨装置Y2共同连接。可以为至少一个供墨单元Y2设置主墨容器。此外，供墨单元Y2可以包括用于各打印机单元116的电源电路。为了高精度检测内部压力，优选在打印头811附近将第一实施例的压力传感器49和第二实施例的压力传感器544连同打印头811一起置于打印单元Y1中。也可将这些压力传感器包含在供墨单元Y2中。The ink supply unit Y2 includes an ink system for each
这些单元Y1和Y2通过包括信号线和电源线的缆线和形成墨路径的管连接，并且联合以形成打印模块M。如上所述，通过将用于各打印机单元116(包括控制系统和墨系统)的机构置于模块中，可以更清楚地确保单个打印机单元116的独立性，使得对各个打印机单元116执行安装、卸除、替换和修理。当如图1和图2所示的打印机复合系统用作工业打印机时，这是非常有利的。These units Y1 and Y2 are connected by cables including signal lines and power lines and tubes forming ink paths, and united to form the printing module M. As described above, by placing the mechanisms for each printer unit 116 (including the control system and ink system) in a module, the independence of
然而，注意到单元Y1、Y2不必作为一个打印机模块M而可用作分开的单元。在该情况下，仅需要将单元Y1、Y2构造成使它们可以彼此连接或断开。该配置允许个别的安装、卸除、替换和修理，这证明当如图1和图2所示的打印机复合系统用作工业打印机时更有利。Note, however, that the units Y1, Y2 do not necessarily act as one printer module M but can be used as separate units. In this case, it is only necessary to configure the units Y1, Y2 in such a way that they can be connected or disconnected from each other. This configuration allows for individual installation, removal, replacement and repair, which proves to be advantageous when the printer complex system shown in Figures 1 and 2 is used as an industrial printer.
(其它特征)(other features)
该实施例采用的多个打印机单元彼此独立。也就是说，打印机单元在空间(布置)方面且还在信号系统和墨系统方面彼此独立。因此，根据各打印机单元的操作状态，即，打印的数据量，可以实现适当容积的墨的供给和适当的恢复操作。还可以在各种情况下与图像形成系统和图像形成装置分离地以及与其它打印机单元独立地控制打印机单元。还能购买或处理单个打印机单元。This embodiment employs a plurality of printer units independent of each other. That is to say, the printer units are independent of each other in terms of space (arrangement) and also in terms of signal systems and ink systems. Therefore, according to the operating state of each printer unit, that is, the amount of data to be printed, supply of an appropriate volume of ink and an appropriate recovery operation can be achieved. It is also possible to control the printer unit separately from the image forming system and the image forming apparatus and independently from other printer units in various cases. It is also possible to purchase or dispose of individual printer units.
注意到本发明不限于上述实施例，在不脱离本发明精神的范围内，可以做出修改。Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications may be made within a range not departing from the spirit of the invention.
例如，墨可以供给到一个打印机单元中使用的一个或多个打印头。打印机单元不限于任何特定的打印系统或类型，例如可以是不移动打印头地打印的整行型(full line type)或者通过沿主扫描方向移动打印头进行打印的串行扫描型。本发明唯一的要求是通过使用泵和阀来主动控制墨负压以使供给到打印头的墨的负压稳定的能力。For example, ink may be supplied to one or more printheads used in a printer unit. The printer unit is not limited to any particular printing system or type, and may be, for example, a full line type that prints without moving the printhead or a serial scan type that prints by moving the printhead in the main scanning direction. The only requirement of the present invention is the ability to actively control the negative ink pressure to stabilize the negative pressure of ink supplied to the printhead through the use of pumps and valves.
本申请要求于2004年6月1日提交的日本专利申请No.2004-163730和No.2004-163731的优先权，其全部内容通过引用包含于此。This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-163730 and No. 2004-163731 filed on June 1, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
权利要求书claims
(按照条约第19条的修改)(Amended in accordance with Article 19 of the Treaty)
1.(修改后)一种供墨装置，用于将墨从墨容器供给到打印头，该供墨装置包括：1. (Modified) An ink supply unit for supplying ink from an ink container to a printhead, the ink supply unit comprising:
检测部，用于检测打印头中的墨压强；a detection unit, used to detect the ink pressure in the print head;
负压施加部，用于以可调节负压的方式对所述打印头的内部施加负压，所述负压施加部安装在连通所述墨容器的内部和所述打印头的内部的墨连通路径中；以及a negative pressure applying part for applying a negative pressure to the inside of the print head in an adjustable negative pressure manner, the negative pressure applying part being installed in the ink communication channel connecting the inside of the ink tank and the inside of the print head in the path; and
控制部，用于基于由所述检测部检测的所述墨压强控制所述负压施加部，以调节施加到所述打印头的内部的所述负压；a control section for controlling the negative pressure applying section to adjust the negative pressure applied to the inside of the print head based on the ink pressure detected by the detection section;
其中，所述检测部安装在所述打印头附近以没有压强损失地检测所述打印头中的所述墨压强，且同所述打印头一起形成打印单元。Wherein, the detection part is installed near the print head to detect the ink pressure in the print head without pressure loss, and forms a printing unit together with the print head.
2.根据权利要求1所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述墨连通路径是将墨从所述墨容器供给到所述打印头的供墨路径。2. The ink supply device according to
3.根据权利要求1所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述墨连通路径是使墨从所述打印头返回到所述墨容器的墨返回路径。3. The ink supply device according to
4.(修改后)根据权利要求1所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，还包括连通所述墨容器的内部和所述打印头的内部的连通路径；4. (After modification) The ink supply device according to
所述检测部安装在从所述打印头流到所述墨容器的所述连通路径的第一直线部分。The detecting portion is installed at a first straight line portion of the communication path flowing from the print head to the ink tank.
5.(修改后)根据权利要求4所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述连通路径为所述墨连通路径。5. (Modified) The ink supply device according to claim 4, wherein the communication path is the ink communication path.
6.根据权利要求1所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述控制部基于所述打印头每单位时间的墨消耗控制所述负压施加部。6. The ink supply device according to
7.根据权利要求1所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述控制部基于使用所述打印头打印的图像的打印占空控制所述负压施加部。7. The ink supply device according to
8.根据权利要求1所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述负压施加部包括安装在所述墨连通路径中的泵和阀，所述控制部控制相互关联的所述泵和所述阀。8. The ink supply device according to
9.根据权利要求8所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述泵可以改变对所述墨连通路径中的墨施加压强的方向。9. The ink supply device according to claim 8, wherein the pump can change the direction in which the pressure is applied to the ink in the ink communication path.
10.根据权利要求8所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述泵是具有墨通道的齿轮泵，所述墨通道形成在受对应于所述齿轮的转动速度的传送力的位置。10. The ink supply device according to claim 8, wherein the pump is a gear pump having an ink passage formed at a position receiving a conveying force corresponding to a rotational speed of the gear.
11.根据权利要求8所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述墨连通路径包括循环路径和连接路径，所述墨可通过所述循环路径循环，所述连接路径连通所述循环路径和所述打印头；11. The ink supply device according to claim 8, wherein the ink communication path includes a circulation path and a connection path through which the ink can circulate, and the connection path communicates the circulation path and the connection path. said printhead;
所述泵安装在所述循环路径中；the pump is installed in the circulation path;
所述阀安装于所述循环路径和所述连接路径中的至少一路径。The valve is installed in at least one of the circulation path and the connection path.
12.根据权利要求10所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述阀安装在所述循环路径中，可以调节所述墨的流阻。12. The ink supply device according to claim 10, wherein the valve is installed in the circulation path to adjust the flow resistance of the ink.
13.根据权利要求8所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，紧接在使用所述打印头的打印操作结束之后，所述控制部关闭所述阀。13. The ink supply device according to claim 8, wherein the control section closes the valve immediately after a printing operation using the print head ends.
14.根据权利要求8所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述控制部根据能使用所述打印头进行打印操作的打印设备的使用状态控制所述泵和所述阀。14. The ink supply device according to claim 8, wherein the control section controls the pump and the valve according to a use state of a printing device capable of performing a printing operation using the print head.
15.根据权利要求1所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，还包括安装在所述墨连通路径中以对所述打印头施加预定负压的预定负压施加部。15. The ink supply device according to
16.根据权利要求15所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述预定负压施加部具有与所述墨连通路径连通的负压室、和至少形成在所述负压室的一部分中并且被预定偏压力向外施力的可动构件。16. The ink supply device according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined negative pressure applying portion has a negative pressure chamber communicated with the ink communication path, and is formed in at least a part of the negative pressure chamber and A movable member that is urged outwardly by a predetermined biasing force.
17.根据权利要求1所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述打印头用在包括多个打印设备的合成打印系统中。17. The ink supply of
18.根据权利要求1所述的供墨装置，其特征在于，所述打印头是能够喷射墨的喷墨打印头。18. The ink supply device of
19.(已删除)19. (deleted)
20.(已删除)20. (deleted)
21.(已删除)21. (deleted)
22.(补充)一种供墨装置，用于将墨从墨容器供给到打印头，该供墨装置包括：22. (Supplementary) An ink supply device for supplying ink from an ink container to a print head, the ink supply device comprising:
检测部，用于检测打印头中的墨压强；a detection unit, used to detect the ink pressure in the print head;
负压施加部，用于以可调节负压的方式对所述打印头的内部施加负压，所述负压施加部安装在连通所述墨容器的内部和所述打印头的内部的墨连通路径中；以及a negative pressure applying part for applying a negative pressure to the inside of the print head in an adjustable negative pressure manner, the negative pressure applying part being installed in the ink communication channel connecting the inside of the ink tank and the inside of the print head in the path; and
控制部，用于基于由所述检测部检测的所述墨压强控制所述负压施加部，以调节施加到所述打印头的内部的所述负压；a control section for controlling the negative pressure applying section to adjust the negative pressure applied to the inside of the print head based on the ink pressure detected by the detection section;
其中，所述负压施加部包括能可调节地对所述墨连通路径的内部增压和减压的泵以及安装在所述打印头和所述泵之间的所述墨连通路径中的阀。Wherein, the negative pressure applying part includes a pump that can adjustably pressurize and depressurize the inside of the ink communication path, and a valve installed in the ink communication path between the print head and the pump. .
23.(补充)一种供墨装置，用于将墨从墨容器供给到打印头，该供墨装置包括：23. (Supplementary) An ink supply device for supplying ink from an ink container to a print head, the ink supply device comprising:
检测部，用于检测打印头中的墨压强；a detection unit, used to detect the ink pressure in the print head;
负压施加部，用于以可向上或向下调节负压的方式对所述打印头的内部施加负压，所述负压施加部安装在连通所述墨容器的内部和所述打印头的内部的墨连通路径中；以及a negative pressure applying part for applying a negative pressure to the inside of the print head in such a manner that the negative pressure can be adjusted up or down, the negative pressure applying part is installed in a connection between the inside of the ink tank and the print head in the internal ink communication path; and
控制部，用于基于由所述检测部检测的所述墨压强控制所述负压施加部，以向上或向下调节施加到所述打印头的内部的所述负压。A control section for controlling the negative pressure applying section to adjust upward or downward the negative pressure applied to the inside of the print head based on the ink pressure detected by the detection section.
24.(补充)一种打印设备，能够使用供有墨的打印头打印图像，所述打印设备具有权利要求1～18、22和23中任意一项所述的供墨装置。24. (Supplementary) A printing apparatus capable of printing an image using a print head supplied with ink, said printing apparatus having the ink supply device according to any one of
25.(补充)一种供墨方法，用于将墨从墨容器供给到打印头，该供墨方法包括如下步骤：25. (Supplementary) An ink supply method for supplying ink from an ink container to a print head, the ink supply method comprising the steps of:
使用用于以可调节负压的方式对所述打印头的内部施加负压的负压施加部，所述负压施加部安装在连通所述墨容器的内部和所述打印头的内部的墨连通路径中；Using a negative pressure applying part for applying a negative pressure to the inside of the print head in an adjustable negative pressure manner, the negative pressure applying part is installed in the ink communicating with the inside of the ink tank and the inside of the print head. in the connecting path;
使用安装在所述打印头附近的检测部以没有压强损失地检测所述打印头中的墨压强，所述检测部同所述打印头一起形成打印单元；以及detecting the ink pressure in the print head without pressure loss using a detection part installed near the print head, the detection part forming a printing unit together with the print head; and
基于由所述检测部检测的所述墨压强控制所述负压施加部以便在使用所述打印头的打印操作期间将施加到所述打印头的负压维持在预定范围内。The negative pressure applying section is controlled based on the ink pressure detected by the detecting section so as to maintain a negative pressure applied to the print head within a predetermined range during a printing operation using the print head.
26.(补充)根据权利要求25所述的供墨方法，其特征在于，所述负压施加部可以向上或向下调节施加到所述打印头的内部的所述负压；26. (Supplementary) The ink supply method according to claim 25, wherein the negative pressure applying part can adjust upward or downward the negative pressure applied to the inside of the print head;
在使用所述打印头的所述打印操作期间，控制所述负压施加部以向上或向下调节施加到所述打印头的内部的所述负压。During the printing operation using the print head, the negative pressure applying portion is controlled to adjust upward or downward the negative pressure applied to the inside of the print head.
27.(补充)一种打印方法，用于使用从墨容器供有墨的打印头打印图像，所述打印方法包括如下步骤：27. (Supplementary) A printing method for printing an image using a print head supplied with ink from an ink tank, the printing method comprising the steps of:
使用用于以可调节负压的方式对所述打印头的内部施加负压的负压施加部，所述负压施加部安装在连通所述墨容器的内部和所述打印头的内部的墨连通路径中；Using a negative pressure applying part for applying a negative pressure to the inside of the print head in an adjustable negative pressure manner, the negative pressure applying part is installed in the ink communicating with the inside of the ink tank and the inside of the print head. in the connecting path;
使用安装在所述打印头附近的检测部没有压强损失地检测所述打印头中的墨压强，所述检测部同所述打印头一起形成打印单元；以及detecting the ink pressure in the print head without pressure loss using a detection part installed near the print head, the detection part forming a printing unit together with the print head; and
基于由所述检测部检测的所述墨压强控制所述负压施加部以便在使用所述打印头的打印操作期间将施加到所述打印头的负压维持在预定范围内。The negative pressure applying section is controlled based on the ink pressure detected by the detecting section so as to maintain a negative pressure applied to the print head within a predetermined range during a printing operation using the print head.
28.(补充)根据权利要求27所述的打印方法，其特征在于，所述负压施加部可以向上或向下调节施加到所述打印头的内部的所述负压；28. (Supplementary) The printing method according to claim 27, wherein the negative pressure applying part can adjust upward or downward the negative pressure applied to the inside of the print head;
在使用所述打印头的所述打印操作期间，控制所述负压施加部以向上或向下调节施加到所述打印头的内部的所述负压。During the printing operation using the print head, the negative pressure applying portion is controlled to adjust upward or downward the negative pressure applied to the inside of the print head.
Claims (21)
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2004163731AJP4716678B2 (en) | 2004-06-01 | 2004-06-01 | Ink supply apparatus, ink supply method, and printing apparatus |
| JP163731/2004 | 2004-06-01 | ||
| JP2004163730AJP4716677B2 (en) | 2004-06-01 | 2004-06-01 | Ink supply apparatus, recording apparatus, ink supply method, and recording method |
| JP163730/2004 | 2004-06-01 | ||
| PCT/JP2005/010058WO2005118300A1 (en) | 2004-06-01 | 2005-06-01 | Ink supplying device, recording device, ink supplying method and recording method |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1960879Atrue CN1960879A (en) | 2007-05-09 |
| CN1960879B CN1960879B (en) | 2010-12-15 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN2005800178802AExpired - Fee RelatedCN1960879B (en) | 2004-06-01 | 2005-06-01 | Ink supply apparatus, recording apparatus, ink supply method, and recording method |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP4716677B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1960879B (en) |
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| CN109484025B (en)* | 2017-09-13 | 2021-08-24 | 精工爱普生株式会社 | Liquid ejection device and control method of liquid ejection device |
| CN110949009B (en)* | 2018-09-26 | 2021-12-31 | 海德堡印刷机械股份公司 | Method for printing images with liquid ink |
| CN110949009A (en)* | 2018-09-26 | 2020-04-03 | 海德堡印刷机械股份公司 | Method for printing images with liquid ink |
| CN111469554A (en)* | 2019-01-23 | 2020-07-31 | 精工爱普生株式会社 | Liquid ejecting apparatus |
| CN111469554B (en)* | 2019-01-23 | 2023-01-06 | 精工爱普生株式会社 | Liquid ejecting apparatus |
| CN115315354A (en)* | 2020-03-31 | 2022-11-08 | 兄弟工业株式会社 | Inkjet recording device |
| CN115315354B (en)* | 2020-03-31 | 2025-02-14 | 兄弟工业株式会社 | Ink jet recording apparatus |
| US12350943B2 (en) | 2020-10-13 | 2025-07-08 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print fluid recirculation |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP4716677B2 (en) | 2011-07-06 |
| CN1960879B (en) | 2010-12-15 |
| JP2005342960A (en) | 2005-12-15 |
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