JP2020019171A - Printing apparatus and control method of printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a recording device and a control method for a recording device which can grasp a state of the recording device at the time of cutting off an electric power source to enhance reliability on the recording device and maintenance performance thereof.SOLUTION: When cutting-off processing for cutting off supply of electric power from an electric power source is performed in a state where finishing processing for finishing processing in execution is not completed, information relating to a state of a recording device is stored in a non-volatile memory.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a control method for the printing apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a printing apparatus that executes a shutdown sequence after a power switch is turned off, and a control method of the printing apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a timer can be used to shut off power when a recording device becomes uncontrollable due to an abnormal operation of a CPU or the like. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which when a failure occurs in a recording apparatus, the state of the failure is recorded, and then the recording apparatus can be restarted.

JP-A-10-278381 JP 2006-094045 A

  In the printing apparatus, the state of the printing apparatus when the power is turned off by the operation of turning off the power switch differs depending on the state of the printing apparatus when the power switch is turned off. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the power of the recording apparatus is cut off by such an operation of turning off the power switch, it is not possible to grasp the state of the recording apparatus when the power is cut off.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus and a control method of the recording apparatus, which can grasp the state of the recording apparatus when power is turned off, and improve the reliability and maintainability of the recording apparatus.

  The recording apparatus of the present invention includes a power switch for turning on or off a power supply, a first control unit for controlling supply and cutoff of power from the power supply, and a power switch that is being executed after the power switch is turned off. Ending processing means for starting ending processing for ending processing, determining means for determining whether the ending processing has been completed, detecting means for detecting a state of a recording apparatus, nonvolatile memory, and the nonvolatile memory And a second control unit for controlling writing to the storage device, wherein the supply of electric power from the power supply is shut off in a state where the determination unit does not determine completion of the end processing by the first control unit. The second control means stores information on the state of the recording device detected by the detection means in the non-volatile memory when the cutoff processing is performed. And it features.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the state of a recording device at the time of power-off is grasped, and the reliability and maintainability of a recording device can be improved.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the recording apparatus in a standby state. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the recording apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the recording apparatus in a recording state. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams of a transport path of a recording medium fed from a first cassette. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams of a conveyance path of a recording medium fed from a second cassette. 5A to 5D are explanatory diagrams of a transport path when performing a printing operation on the back surface of a printing medium. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the recording apparatus in a maintenance state. (A) And (b) is a perspective view of a maintenance unit. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an ink supply system including an ink supply unit. It is a block diagram of a power supply control part in a controller unit. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off process. 9 is a timing chart for explaining a comparative example of a setting method of a count time. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship between a process under execution and a count time. 6 is a timing chart for explaining an operation in a case where power is cut off based on a preparation completion signal. 6 is a timing chart for explaining an operation when power is shut off based on a count-up signal. 6 is a timing chart for explaining an operation when power is shut off based on a count-up signal. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an operation after a power-off process. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a protection operation after a power-off process.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the present invention, and all combinations of the features described in the present embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. In the present embodiment, an ink jet recording apparatus will be described as an example of a recording apparatus.

(Internal configuration of recording device)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the internal configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 1 (hereinafter, referred to as a “recording apparatus”). In FIG. 1, an x direction indicates a horizontal direction, a y direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface) indicates a direction in which ejection ports are arranged in a recording head 8 described later, and a z direction indicates a vertical direction.

  The printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a multifunction peripheral including a print unit 2 and a scanner unit 3, and the print unit 2 and the scanner unit 3 individually or in conjunction with each other execute various processes related to a printing operation and a reading operation. be able to. The scanner unit 3 includes an ADF (auto document feeder) and an FBS (flatbed scanner). The scanner unit 3 reads a document automatically fed by the ADF and reads (scans) a document placed on a document table of the FBS by a user. )It can be performed. The recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a multifunction machine having a print unit 2 and a scanner unit 3 together, but may be a form without the scanner unit 3. FIG. 1 shows a case where the recording apparatus 1 is in a standby state in which neither a recording operation nor a reading operation is performed.

  In the printing unit 2, a first cassette 5 </ b> A and a second cassette 5 </ b> B for accommodating a recording medium (cut sheet) S are detachably installed at a vertically lower bottom of the housing 4. A relatively small recording medium up to A4 size is accommodated in the first cassette 5A, and a relatively large recording medium up to A3 size is accommodated in the second cassette 5B. In the vicinity of the first cassette 5A, there is provided a first feeding unit 6A for separating and feeding the contained recording media one by one. Similarly, a second feeding unit 6B is provided near the second cassette 5B. When the recording operation is performed, the recording medium S is selectively fed from one of the cassettes.

  The transport roller 7, the discharge roller 12, the pinch roller 7a, the spur 7b, the guide 18, the inner guide 19, and the flapper 11 are a transport mechanism for guiding the recording medium S in a predetermined direction. The transport roller 7 is a drive roller disposed on the upstream and downstream sides of the recording head 8 in the transport direction of the recording medium S, and driven by a transport motor (not shown). The pinch roller 7 a is a driven roller that rotates while nipping the recording medium S together with the transport roller 7. The discharge roller 12 is a drive roller disposed downstream of the transport roller 7 and driven by a transport motor (not shown). The spur 7b sandwiches and conveys the recording medium S together with the conveying roller 7 and the discharge roller 12 arranged downstream of the recording head 8.

  The guide 18 is provided on the transport path of the recording medium S, and guides the recording medium S in a predetermined direction. The inner guide 19 is a member extending in the y direction, has a curved side surface, and guides the recording medium S along the side surface. The flapper 11 is a member for switching the direction in which the recording medium S is conveyed during a double-sided recording operation. The discharge tray 13 is a tray for stacking and holding the recording medium S discharged by the discharge roller 12 after the recording operation is completed.

  The recording head 8 is a full-line type color inkjet recording head, and a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink based on recording data are arranged along the y direction in FIG. 1 by an amount corresponding to the width of the recording medium S. ing. When the recording head 8 is at the standby position, the discharge port surface 8a of the recording head 8 is vertically capped by the cap unit 10 as shown in FIG. When performing a recording operation, the orientation of the recording head 8 is changed by a print controller 202 described later so that the ejection port surface 8a faces the platen 9. The platen 9 is formed of a flat plate extending in the y direction, and supports a recording medium S on which a recording operation is performed by the recording head 8 from the back. The movement of the recording head 8 from the standby position to the recording position will be described later.

  The ink tank unit 14 stores each of the four color inks supplied to the recording head 8. The four color inks are cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks. The ink supply unit 15 is provided in the middle of a flow path connecting the ink tank unit 14 and the recording head 8, and adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the ink in the recording head 8 to an appropriate range. The recording apparatus 1 has a circulation type ink supply system, and the ink supply unit 15 adjusts the pressure of ink supplied to the recording head 8 and the flow rate of ink collected from the recording head 8 to an appropriate range.

  The maintenance unit 16 includes the cap unit 10 and the wiping unit 17, and operates them at a predetermined timing to perform a maintenance operation on the recording head 8. The maintenance operation will be described later.

(Configuration of control system of recording device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a control system in the printing apparatus 1. The printing apparatus 1 mainly includes a print engine unit 200 that controls the printing section 2, a scanner engine unit 300 that controls the scanner section 3, a power supply unit 400, and a controller unit 100 that controls the entire printing apparatus 1. It is configured. The print controller 202 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 according to instructions from the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. Various mechanisms of the scanner engine unit 300 are controlled by the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. Hereinafter, the details of the control configuration will be described.

  In the controller unit 100, a main controller 101 including a CPU controls the entire recording apparatus 1 according to a program and various parameters stored in a ROM 107 while using a RAM 106 as a work area. For example, when a print job is input from the host device 500 via the host I / F 102 or the wireless I / F 103, a predetermined image is received from the image data received by the image processing unit 108 in accordance with an instruction from the main controller 101. Perform processing. Then, the main controller 101 transmits the image data subjected to the image processing to the print engine unit 200 via the print engine I / F 105.

  Note that the recording device 1 may acquire image data from the host device 500 via wireless communication or wired communication, or acquire image data from an external storage device (such as a USB memory) connected to the recording device 1. May be. The communication method used for wireless communication and wired communication is not limited. For example, as a communication method used for wireless communication, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be applied. As a communication method used for wired communication, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like can be applied. Further, for example, when a read command is input from the host device 500, the main controller 101 transmits this command to the scanner engine unit 300 via the scanner engine I / F 109.

  The operation panel 104 is a mechanism for a user to perform input and output with respect to the recording device 1. The user can instruct operations such as copying and scanning via the operation panel 104, set a print mode, and recognize information of the recording device 1.

  The power control unit 110 controls the power (power) supplied from the power unit 400 in the controller unit 100. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, the power supply control unit 110 has a timer mounted thereon, which indicates that preparation for ending the processing being executed has been completed, or that the timer has completed measuring a predetermined count time (set time). In accordance with this, control is performed so as to shut off the power. The count time set by this timer is set according to the processing executed in the print engine unit 200, the scanner engine unit 300, and the like.

  In the print engine unit 200, a print controller 202 including a CPU controls various mechanisms provided in the print unit 2 using the RAM 204 as a work area in accordance with a program and various parameters stored in the ROM 203. When various commands and image data are received via the controller I / F 201, the print controller 202 temporarily stores them in the RAM 204. The print controller 202 causes the image processing controller 205 to convert the stored image data into print data so that the print head 8 can be used for a print operation. When the print data is generated, the print controller 202 causes the print head 8 to execute a print operation based on the print data via the head I / F 206. At this time, the print controller 202 drives the feed units 6A and 6B, the transfer rollers 7, the discharge rollers 12, and the flapper 11 shown in FIG. 1 via the transfer control unit 207 to transfer the recording medium S. In accordance with an instruction from the print controller 202, a recording operation is performed by the recording head 8 in conjunction with a transport operation of the recording medium S, and a printing process is performed.

  The head carriage control unit 208 changes the direction and position of the recording head 8 according to an operation state of the recording apparatus 1 such as a maintenance state and a recording state. The ink supply control unit 209 controls the ink supply unit 15 so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the recording head 8 falls within an appropriate range. The maintenance control unit 210 controls operations of cleaning mechanisms such as the cap unit 10 and the wiping unit 17 in the maintenance unit 16 when performing a maintenance operation on the recording head 8.

  The main controller 101 controls hardware resources of the scanner controller 302 in the scanner engine unit 300 using the RAM 106 as a work area in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. Thereby, various mechanisms included in the scanner unit 3 are controlled. For example, when the main controller 101 controls hardware resources in the scanner controller 302 via the controller I / F 301, the original loaded on the ADF by the user is transported via the transport control unit 304, and the sensor 305 read. The scanner controller 302 stores the read image data in the RAM 303. The print controller 202 can cause the print head 8 to execute a print operation based on the image data read by the scanner controller 302 by converting the image data acquired as described above into print data.

  The power supply unit 400 is a unit that supplies power to each unit. The power supply unit 400 supplies a power supply Vcc (about 3.3 V) to the controller unit 100, a power supply Vcs (about 3.3 V) to the scanner engine unit 300, and a power supply Vp (about 3.3 V) to the restart control unit 118. The power supply unit 400 supplies a power supply VM (about 30.8 V) to the controller unit 100, the print engine unit 200, the scanner engine unit 300, and the recording head 8, and supplies a power supply VH (about 28V) to the recording head 8. I do.

(Operation of recording apparatus in recording state)
FIG. 3 shows a state where the recording apparatus 1 is in a recording state. As compared with the standby state shown in FIG. 1, the cap unit 10 is separated from the ejection port face 8 a of the recording head 8, and the ejection port face 8 a faces the platen 9. The plane of the platen 9 is inclined by about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, and the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8 at the recording position is also horizontally oriented so that the distance between the platen 9 and the platen 9 is kept constant. It is inclined at about 45 degrees.

  When the recording head 8 is moved from the standby position shown in FIG. 1 to the recording position shown in FIG. 3, the print controller 202 uses the maintenance control unit 210 to lower the cap unit 10 to the retracted position shown in FIG. As a result, the ejection port face 8a of the recording head 8 is separated from the cap member 10a. Thereafter, the print controller 202 uses the head carriage control unit 208 to rotate the recording head 8 by 45 degrees while adjusting the height of the recording head 8 in the vertical direction, so that the discharge port surface 8 a faces the platen 9. When the recording operation is completed and the recording head 8 moves from the recording position to the standby position, the print controller 202 performs the reverse operation.

  Next, the conveyance path of the recording medium S in the printing unit 2 will be described. When a print command is input, the print controller 202 first moves the print head 8 to the print position shown in FIG. 3 using the maintenance control unit 210 and the head carriage control unit 208. After that, the print controller 202. Using the transport control unit 207, one of the first feeding unit 6A and the second feeding unit 6B is driven in accordance with the print command to feed the print medium S.

  FIGS. 4A to 4C are explanatory diagrams of the transport path when the A4-size recording medium S stored in the first cassette 5A is fed. The recording medium S loaded on the top of the first cassette 5A is separated from the second and subsequent recording media by the first feeding unit 6A, and is nipped by the transport roller 7 and the pinch roller 7a while the platen 9 The print head 8 is conveyed toward a print area P between the print head 8 and the print head 8. FIG. 4A shows a conveyance state immediately before the leading end of the recording medium S reaches the recording area P. The traveling direction of the recording medium S is changed from the horizontal direction (x direction) to a direction inclined by about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction while the recording medium S is fed to the first feeding unit 6A and reaches the recording area P. You.

  In the recording area P, ink is ejected toward the recording medium S from a plurality of ejection ports provided in the recording head 8. The back surface of the recording medium S in the area to which the ink is applied is supported by the platen 9, and the distance between the ejection port surface 8a and the recording medium S is kept constant. The recording medium S after the ink is applied passes through the left side of the flapper 11 whose tip is inclined rightward while being guided by the transport roller 7 and the spur 7b, and moves upward along the guide 18 in the vertical direction of the recording apparatus 1. Conveyed. FIG. 4B shows a state in which the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the recording area P and is conveyed vertically upward. The traveling direction of the recording medium S is changed from the position of the recording area P inclined by about 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction to upward in the vertical direction by the transport roller 7 and the spur 7b.

  After being conveyed vertically upward, the recording medium S is discharged to a discharge tray 13 by a discharge roller 12 and a spur 7b. FIG. 4C shows a state where the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the discharge roller 12 and is discharged to the discharge tray 13. The discharged recording medium S is held on the discharge tray 13 with the surface on which the image is recorded by the recording head 8 facing down.

  FIGS. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams of the transport path when the A3-size recording medium S stored in the second cassette 5B is fed. The recording medium S stacked on the top in the second cassette 5B is separated from the second and subsequent recording media by the second feeding unit 6B, and is nipped by the transport roller 7 and the pinch roller 7a while the platen 9 The print head 8 is conveyed toward a print area P between the print head 8 and the print head 8.

  FIG. 5A illustrates a conveyance state immediately before the leading end of the recording medium S reaches the recording area P. A plurality of transport rollers 7, a pinch roller 7a, and an inner guide 19 are disposed on a transport path from the second transport unit 6B to the other recording medium S reaching the recording area P. The recording medium S is conveyed to the platen 9 while being curved in an S shape. Subsequent transport paths are the same as those for the A4-size recording medium S shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. FIG. 5B shows a state in which the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the recording area P and is conveyed vertically upward. FIG. 5C illustrates a state in which the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the discharge roller 12 and is discharged to the discharge tray 13.

  FIGS. 6A to 6D are explanatory views of a transport path when a printing operation (double-sided printing) is performed on the back surface (second surface) of the A4-size printing medium S. In double-sided recording, after recording on the first surface (front surface), a recording operation is performed on the second surface (back surface). The transporting process when recording the first surface is the same as that shown in FIGS. In the following, the transfer process after FIG. 4C will be described.

  When the recording operation on the first surface by the recording head 8 is completed and the trailing end of the recording medium S passes through the flapper 11, the print controller 202 rotates the transport roller 7 in the reverse direction to remove the recording medium S from the inside of the recording apparatus 1. Transport to At this time, the front end of the flapper 11 is controlled by an actuator (not shown) so that the front end is inclined to the left. And is conveyed vertically downward. FIG. 6A shows a state in which the leading end (the trailing end in the recording operation of the first surface) of the recording medium S passes on the right side of the flapper 11.

  After that, the recording medium S is conveyed along the curved outer peripheral surface of the inner guide 19, and is conveyed again to the recording area P between the recording head 8 and the platen 9. At this time, the second surface of the recording medium S faces the discharge port surface 8a of the recording head 8. FIG. 6B illustrates a conveyance state immediately before the leading end of the recording medium S reaches the recording area P for the recording operation on the second surface.

  Subsequent transport paths are the same as in the case of recording the first surface as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the recording area P and is conveyed vertically upward. At this time, the flapper 11 is controlled by an actuator (not shown) so that the tip moves to a position inclined to the right. FIG. 6D illustrates a state where the leading end of the recording medium S passes through the discharge roller 12 and is discharged to the discharge tray 13.

(Maintenance operation for recording head)
Next, a maintenance operation for the recording head 8 will be described. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the maintenance unit 16 includes the cap unit 10 and the wiping unit 17, and performs a maintenance operation by operating these at a predetermined timing.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram when the recording apparatus 1 is in a maintenance state. When the recording head 8 moves from the standby position shown in FIG. 1 to the maintenance position shown in FIG. 7, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 upward in the vertical direction and moves the cap unit 10 downward in the vertical direction. . Then, the print controller 202 moves the wiping unit 17 rightward in FIG. 7 from the retracted position. Thereafter, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 downward in the vertical direction to move it to a maintenance position where a maintenance operation can be performed.

  On the other hand, when the recording head 8 moves from the recording position shown in FIG. 3 to the maintenance position shown in FIG. 7, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 upward by 45 degrees while rotating it. Then, the print controller 202 moves the wiping unit 17 rightward from the retracted position. Thereafter, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 vertically downward to a maintenance position where the maintenance operation by the maintenance unit 16 can be performed.

  FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a state in which the maintenance unit 16 is in the standby position, and FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing a state in which the maintenance unit 16 is in the maintenance position. FIG. 8A corresponds to FIG. 1, and FIG. 8B corresponds to FIG. When the recording head 8 is at the standby position, the maintenance unit 16 is at the standby position shown in FIG. 8A, the cap unit 10 has moved vertically upward, and the wiping unit 17 is stored inside the maintenance unit 16. Have been. The cap unit 10 has a box-shaped cap member 10a extending in the y direction, and by bringing this into close contact with the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8, evaporation of ink from the ejection ports can be suppressed. The cap unit 10 also has a function of collecting ink ejected to the cap member 10a by preliminary ejection or the like, and sucking the collected ink by a suction pump (not shown) (cap suction).

  On the other hand, in the maintenance position shown in FIG. 8B, the cap unit 10 has moved vertically downward, and the wiping unit 17 has been pulled out of the maintenance unit 16. The wiping unit 17 includes two wiper units, a blade wiper unit 171 and a vacuum wiper unit 172.

  The blade wiper unit 171 is provided with a blade wiper 171a having a length in the y direction corresponding to an arrangement area of the discharge ports, for wiping the discharge port surface 8a along the x direction. When performing the wiping operation using the blade wiper unit 171, the wiping unit 17 moves the blade wiper unit 171 in the x direction in a state where the recording head 8 is positioned at a height that can contact the blade wiper 171a. . By this movement, the ink and the like adhering to the ejection port surface 8a are wiped by the blade wiper 171a.

  At the entrance of the maintenance unit 16 when the blade wiper 171a is stored, a wet wiper cleaner 16a for removing ink adhering to the blade wiper 171a and applying a wet liquid to the blade wiper 171a is arranged. Every time the blade wiper 171a is stored in the maintenance unit 16, the adhering matter is removed by the wet wiper cleaner 16a and the wet liquid is applied. Then, when the discharge port surface 8a is wiped next, the wet liquid is transferred to the discharge port surface 8a, thereby improving the slipperiness between the discharge port surface 8a and the blade wiper 171a.

  On the other hand, the vacuum wiper unit 172 includes a flat plate 172a having an opening extending in the y direction, a carriage 172b movable in the opening in the y direction, and a vacuum wiper 172c mounted on the carriage 172b. The vacuum wiper 172c is arranged so as to be able to wipe the discharge port surface 8a in the y-direction as the carriage 172b moves. A suction port connected to a suction pump (not shown) is formed at the tip of the vacuum wiper 172c. Therefore, when the carriage 172b is moved in the y direction while operating the suction pump, the ink or the like attached to the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8 is sucked into the suction port while being wiped by the vacuum wiper 172c. At this time, the flat plate 172a and the positioning pins 172d provided at both ends of the opening are used for positioning the discharge port surface 8a with respect to the vacuum wiper 172c.

  The wiping unit 17 performs a wiping operation by the blade wiper unit 171 and performs a first wiping process (blade wiping) in which the wiping operation by the vacuum wiper unit 172 is not performed. Further, the wiping unit 17 executes a second wiping process (vacuum wiping) for performing a wiping operation by the vacuum wiper unit 172 following the wiping operation by the blade wiper unit 171. When performing the first wiping process, the print controller 202 first pulls out the wiping unit 17 from the maintenance unit 16 with the recording head 8 retracted vertically above the maintenance position in FIG. Then, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 vertically downward to a position where it can contact the blade wiper 171a, and then moves the wiping unit 17 into the maintenance unit 16. By this movement, the ink or the like adhering to the discharge port surface 8a is wiped by the blade wiper 171a. That is, the blade wiper 171a wipes the discharge port surface 8a when moving from the position pulled out from the maintenance unit 16 into the maintenance unit 16.

  When the blade wiper unit 171 is stored, the print controller 202 moves the cap unit 10 vertically upward to bring the cap member 10a into close contact with the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8 (cap processing). Then, the print controller 202 drives the recording head 8 in this state to perform preliminary ejection, and sucks the ink collected in the cap member 10a by the suction pump.

  On the other hand, when performing the second wiping process, the print controller 202 first slides the wiping unit 17 from the maintenance unit 16 while the recording head 8 is retracted vertically above the maintenance position in FIG. Pull out. Then, the print controller 202 moves the recording head 8 vertically downward to a position where it can contact the blade wiper 171a, and then moves the wiping unit 17 into the maintenance unit 16. Thereby, the wiping operation by the blade wiper 171a is performed on the discharge port surface 8a. Next, the print controller 202 slides the wiping unit 17 from the maintenance unit 16 and pulls it out to a predetermined position in a state where the recording head 8 is retracted vertically upward from the maintenance position in FIG. 7 again. Subsequently, the print controller 202 performs positioning between the discharge port surface 8a and the vacuum wiper unit 172 using the flat plate 172a and the positioning pins 172d while lowering the recording head 8 to the wiping position shown in FIG. Thereafter, the print controller 202 executes the wiping operation by the vacuum wiper unit 172 described above. The print controller 202 retracts the recording head 8 vertically upward and stores the wiping unit 17, and then, similar to the first wiping process, performs preliminary ejection into the cap member by the cap unit 10 and collection of the collected ink. Is performed.

(Ink supply unit)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an ink supply system including the ink supply unit 15 employed in the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The flow path configuration of the ink circulation system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The ink supply unit 15 is configured to supply ink from the ink tank unit 14 to the recording head 8. Although the configuration for one color ink is shown here, such a configuration is actually prepared for each ink color. The ink supply unit 15 is basically controlled by the ink supply control unit 209 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, each configuration of the unit will be described.

  The ink mainly circulates between the sub tank 151 and the recording head 8 (the head unit in FIG. 9). In the head unit 8, the ink ejection operation is performed based on the image data, and the ink that has not been ejected is collected in the sub tank 151 again. The sub-tank 151 containing a predetermined amount of ink is connected to a supply channel C2 for supplying ink to the head unit 8 and a recovery channel C4 for collecting ink from the head unit 8. That is, the sub-tank 151, the supply flow path C2, the head unit 8, and the recovery flow path C4 form a circulation path through which ink circulates.

  The sub tank 151 is provided with a liquid level detecting unit 151a including a plurality of pins. The ink supply control unit 209 can grasp the height of the ink liquid level, that is, the remaining ink amount in the sub tank 151, by detecting the presence or absence of the conduction current between the plurality of pins. The pressure reducing pump P0 is a negative pressure generating source for reducing the pressure inside the sub tank 151. The atmosphere release valve V0 is a valve for switching between a communication state in which the inside of the sub-tank 151 communicates with the atmosphere and a non-communication state in which the communication is not made.

  The main tank 141 is a tank that stores the ink supplied to the sub tank 151. The main tank 141 is formed of a flexible member, and the sub-tank 151 is filled with ink in the main tank 141 due to a change in volume of the flexible member. The main tank 141 is configured to be detachable from the recording apparatus main body. A tank supply valve V1 for switching the connection between the sub tank 151 and the main tank 141 is provided in the middle of the tank connection flow path C1 connecting the sub tank 151 and the main tank 141.

  With the above configuration, when the ink level control unit 209 detects that the amount of ink in the sub tank 151 has become smaller than the predetermined amount by the liquid level detection unit 151a, the air release valve V0, the supply valve V2, the recovery valve V4, Then, the head exchange valve V5 is closed, and the tank supply valve V1 is opened. In this state, the ink supply control unit 209 operates the pressure reducing pump P0. As a result, the pressure inside the sub tank 151 becomes negative, and ink is supplied from the main tank 141 to the sub tank 151. When the liquid level detecting unit 151a detects that the amount of ink in the sub tank 151 has exceeded a predetermined amount, the ink supply control unit 209 closes the tank supply valve V1 and stops the pressure reducing pump P0.

  The supply flow path C2 is a flow path for supplying ink from the sub tank 151 to the head unit 8, and a supply pump P1 and a supply valve V2 are arranged in the middle of the flow path. During the printing operation, by driving the supply pump P1 with the supply valve V2 opened, the ink can be circulated in the circulation path while supplying the ink to the head unit 8. The amount of ink consumed per unit time by the head unit 8 varies according to the image data. The flow rate of the supply pump P1 is determined so as to cope with the case where the head unit 8 performs an ejection operation in which the amount of ink consumption per unit time is maximized.

  The relief flow path C3 is a flow path that connects between the upstream side and the downstream side of the supply pump P1 on the upstream side of the supply valve V2. A relief valve V3, which is a differential pressure valve, is provided in the middle of the relief flow path C3. When the ink supply amount per unit time from the supply pump P1 is larger than the total value of the ejection amount per unit time of the head unit 8 and the flow rate per unit time (the amount of ink drawn) in the recovery pump P2. , The relief valve V3 is opened according to the pressure acting on itself. Thereby, a circulation channel is formed by a part of the supply channel C2 and the relief channel C3. By providing the relief flow path C3, the amount of ink supplied to the head unit 8 is adjusted according to the amount of ink consumed in the head unit 8, and the fluid pressure in the circulation path can be stabilized regardless of image data.

  The recovery channel C4 is a channel for recovering ink from the head unit 8 to the sub-tank 151, and a recovery pump P2 and a recovery valve V4 are arranged in the middle of the flow channel. When circulating the ink in the circulation path, the collection pump P2 sucks the ink from the head unit 8 as a negative pressure source. By driving the collection pump P2, an appropriate pressure difference is generated between the IN channel 80b and the OUT channel 80c in the head unit 8, and ink is circulated between the IN channel 80b and the OUT channel 80c. Can be. The flow path configuration in the head unit 8 will be described later.

  The recovery valve V4 is a valve for preventing the backflow of the ink when the recording operation is not performed, that is, when the ink is not circulated in the circulation path. In the circulation path of the present embodiment, the sub tank 151 is disposed vertically above the head unit 8 (see FIG. 1). For this reason, when the supply pump P1 and the recovery pump P2 are not driven, there is a possibility that ink flows backward from the subtank 151 to the head unit 8 due to a head difference between the subtank 151 and the head unit 8. In order to prevent such a backflow, in the present embodiment, a recovery valve V4 is provided in the recovery channel C4. Similarly, the supply valve V2 and the head replacement valve V5 prevent backflow of the ink from the sub tank 151 to the head unit 8 when the recording operation is not performed, that is, when the ink is not circulated in the circulation path. Functions as a valve.

  The head replacement flow path C5 is a flow path that connects the supply flow path C2 and the air layer (the portion where ink is not stored) of the sub tank 151, and a head replacement valve V5 is disposed in the middle thereof. One end of the head replacement flow path C5 is connected to the upstream of the head unit 8 in the supply flow path C2, and the other end is connected above the sub-tank 151 and communicates with the air layer therein. The head exchange flow path C5 is used to collect ink from the head unit 8 in use when exchanging the head unit 8 and transporting the recording apparatus 1. The head replacement valve V5 is controlled by the ink supply control unit 209 so as to close when the recording apparatus 1 is not initially filled with ink and when the ink is not collected from the head unit 8. The supply valve V2 is provided in the supply flow path C2 between a connection part with the head replacement flow path C5 and a connection part with the relief flow path C3.

  Next, the flow path configuration in the head unit 8 will be described. The ink supplied from the supply channel C2 to the head unit 8 passes through the filter 83, and is then supplied to the first negative pressure control unit 81 and the second negative pressure control unit 82. The first negative pressure control unit 81 has its control pressure set to a relatively weak negative pressure. The control pressure of the second negative pressure control unit 82 is set to a relatively strong negative pressure. The pressures in the first negative pressure control unit 81 and the second negative pressure control unit 82 are generated in an appropriate range by driving the recovery pump P2.

  In the ink discharge unit 80, a plurality of recording element substrates 80a in which a plurality of discharge ports are arranged are arranged, and a long discharge port array is formed. A common supply flow path 80b (IN flow path) for guiding the ink supplied from the first negative pressure control unit 81, and a common recovery flow path for guiding the ink supplied from the second negative pressure control unit 82 80c (OUT flow path) also extends in the arrangement direction of the recording element substrates 80a. Further, an individual supply channel connected to the common supply channel 80b and an individual recovery channel connected to the common recovery channel 80c are formed on each recording element substrate 80a. Therefore, in each of the recording element substrates 80a, a flow of ink flows from the common supply channel 80b having a relatively low negative pressure and flows out to the common recovery channel 80c having a relatively high negative pressure. In the path between the individual supply flow path and the individual recovery flow path, a pressure chamber that is filled with ink is provided in communication with each discharge port, and even in the discharge port and the pressure chamber where recording is not performed. An ink flow occurs. When the ink ejection operation is performed on the recording element substrate 80a, a part of the ink flowing from the common supply channel 80b to the common recovery channel 80c is consumed by being ejected from the ejection port. On the other hand, the ink not discharged from the discharge ports flows to the recovery flow channel C4 via the common recovery flow channel 80c.

  With the above configuration, when performing a printing operation, the ink supply control unit 209 closes the tank supply valve V1 and the head replacement valve V5, opens the atmosphere release valve V0, the supply valve V2, and the collection valve V4, and supplies the ink. The pump P1 and the recovery pump P2 are driven. Thereby, a circulation path of the ink returning from the sub tank 151 to the sub tank 151 through the supply flow path C2, the head unit 8, and the recovery flow path C4 is established. If the ink supply amount per unit time from the supply pump P1 is larger than the sum of the discharge amount per unit time of the head unit 8 and the flow rate per unit time in the recovery pump P2, the supply flow path The ink flows from C2 into the relief channel C3. Thereby, the flow rate of the ink flowing into the head unit 8 from the supply flow path C2 is adjusted.

  When the recording operation is not being performed, the ink supply control unit 209 stops the supply pump P1 and the recovery pump P2, and closes the atmosphere release valve V0, the supply valve V2, and the recovery valve V4. Thereby, the flow of the ink in the head unit 8 is stopped, and the backflow due to the head difference between the sub tank 151 and the head unit 8 is also suppressed. Further, by closing the air release valve V0, ink leakage from the sub tank 151 and evaporation of the ink are suppressed.

  When collecting ink from the head unit 8, the ink supply control unit 209 closes the tank supply valve V1, the supply valve V2, and the collection valve V4, opens the atmosphere release valve V0 and the head exchange valve V5, and drives the pressure reducing pump P0. I do. As a result, the inside of the sub-tank 151 is in a negative pressure state, and the ink in the head unit 8 is collected in the sub-tank 151 via the head replacement flow path C5. As described above, the head replacement valve V5 is closed during normal printing operation and standby, and is opened when ink is collected from the head unit 8. However, when the head unit 8 is initially filled with ink, the head replacement valve V5 is also opened when the head replacement channel C5 is filled with ink.

(Processing when power shutoff ends normally)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing processing from detection of a power-off operation by the seesaw switch (power switch) 111 to power-off. When the power cutoff ends normally, after detecting the turning-off operation of the seesaw switch (power switch) 111, an end process for terminating the process being executed is performed (S62), and then the cutoff process is performed. Execute (S64). Further, there is a case where the termination processing does not end normally. Even if the termination processing is not completed, the timer 113 is started before the termination processing is performed to finally shut off the power (S61). If the timer 113 times out after a predetermined time (set count time) of the timer 113 elapses without completing the end process, a shutoff process is executed (S64). However, the shutdown process when the timer 113 is out after a predetermined time of the timer 113 has elapsed without completing the end process is different from the shutdown process after the end process is completed. Specifically, in the case of the shut-down process when the end process is not completed, the power supply unit 400 keeps supplying the power Vp (about 3.3 V) only to the restart control unit 118 in the power control unit 110. I do. In other words, the power supply unit 400 shuts off the power supply to all units in the shutdown process after the completion process is completed, while the power supply unit 400 only supplies power to the restart control unit 118 in the shutdown process performed without the completion process. Vp is supplied, and power supply to the other units is cut off. By maintaining the power supply to the restart control unit 118, it is possible to execute the restart processing after the cutoff processing.

(Power control unit)
FIG. 10 is a block diagram for describing a configuration of power supply control unit 110 in controller unit 100 of FIG. The power control unit 110 includes a seesaw switch (power switch) 111, an FET switch 112, a timer 113 (measuring unit), a reset request signal output unit 114, a reset timer IC (RST_IC) 115, and a holding unit for keeping the seesaw switch on. 116 is provided.

  The seesaw switch 111 is a power switch of the recording apparatus 1, and switches the power of the recording apparatus 1 between an on state and an off state by a user operation. An FET (Field Effect Transistor) switch 112 is a switch (control circuit) for switching between supply and cutoff of a power supply voltage Vc converted from a commercial power supply. As described later, the restart control unit 118 determines whether or not the processing being executed has normally ended after the seesaw switch 111 is turned off.

  The timer 113 is a timer that measures a count time set according to the termination processing. The termination processing shifts the processing being executed to a state where the power can be turned off after the seesaw switch 111 is turned off. This is the preparation process for That is, the timer 113 measures a count time required to surely end the processing being executed. For example, the timer 113 measures 30 [s] when the count time set according to the end processing is 30 [s], and measures 60 [s] when the set count time is 60 [s]. s] is measured. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, when the next process is executed after a predetermined standby time has elapsed after the seesaw switch 111 is turned off, the timer 113 is also used to measure the predetermined standby time. Is used.

  The timer 113 can be composed of, for example, a plurality of units corresponding to each set count time, and each unit is provided with a count time setting register, an addition circuit, an addition register, a comparison circuit, and the like. In such a configuration, a count time corresponding to the end processing is set by selecting a target unit in accordance with the timer instruction signal Se corresponding to the end processing for terminating the processing being executed. Can be measured. During the counting of the count time, a cap process described later is executed. When the measurement of the set count time is completed, the timer 113 outputs the count-up signal Sa to the output unit 114 of the reset request signal Sc.

  The output unit 114 is provided when the count-up signal Sa changes from the H (High) level to the L (Low) level, or when the completion signal (preparation completion signal) Sb of the termination processing changes from the H level to the L level. And outputs a reset request signal Sc to the reset timer IC 115. The preparation completion signal Sb is a signal indicating that preparation for ending the process being executed is completed, and is output from the main controller 101. The reset timer IC (hereinafter, referred to as “reset IC”) is a reset IC, and upon receiving a reset request signal (pulse signal) Sc from the output unit 114, outputs a reset signal Sd to be output to the main controller 101 and the holding unit 116. From the H level to the L level.

  The holding unit 116 supplies an H level signal for maintaining the transistor 117 included in the OR circuit in an on state to the base so as to supply the power supply voltage Vc even when the seesaw switch 111 is turned off. As a result, the FET switch 112 is also kept on, and the power supply voltage Vc is supplied. When the reset signal Sd of the reset IC 115 changes from the H level to the L level, the holding unit 116 changes the signal supplied to the base of the transistor 117 to the L level. As a result, the FET switch 112 is turned off, and the power supply voltage Vc is not supplied.

(Power off process)
Next, the power-off process of the recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The symbol “S” in the description of each process means a step.

  The main controller 101 determines whether or not the seesaw switch 111 is off (S11). Specifically, the main controller 101 determines whether the signal supplied from the seesaw switch 111 has changed from the L level (ON) to the H level (ON). When determining that the seesaw switch 111 is in the off state, the main controller 101 confirms the processing being executed in the recording apparatus 1 and executes control for terminating the processing (S12). As the end processing for terminating the processing being executed, for example, there are a method of continuously executing a series of normal processing until the last processing, and a method of executing a shortening processing for shortening the end processing. In the shortening process, a part of a normal series of processes is omitted, and the last process is executed.

  For example, in the case of the above-described first wiping process as a series of normal processes, the print controller 202 first retracts the recording head 8 vertically above the maintenance position in FIG. Then, the print controller 202 pulls out the wiping unit 17 from the maintenance unit 16 and moves the recording head 8 vertically downward to a position where it can contact the blade wiper 171a. Further, the print controller 202 moves the wiping unit 17 into the maintenance unit 16. The print controller 202 moves the cap unit 10 vertically upward to bring the cap member 10a into close contact with the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8 (cap processing).

  In S21 of the print controller 202, the main controller 101 omits a part of the normal series of processes and executes the last process in S21 of the print controller 202. After that, the print controller 202 is caused to execute the cap process. Through such processing, the main controller 101 can shorten the termination processing for terminating the processing being executed.

  In the present embodiment, the shortening process is executed by the main controller 101 instructing the print controller 202, but the method for executing the shortening process is not limited. For example, when the print controller 202 can recognize the off state of the seesaw switch 111, a shortening process may be performed in which a part of the process being performed is omitted based on the determination of the print controller 202. Whether the currently executed process is terminated by ending the series of processes in the normal state or by shortening the process in which a part of the series of processes is omitted depends on the currently executed process confirmed in S12. , May be switched in S12. For example, in S12, when it is confirmed that “ink circulation” and “blade wiping”, which will be described later, are being executed, the main controller 101 continuously executes a series of normal processing and ends the processing. On the other hand, in S12, when “vacuum wiping” and “charge suction” described later are confirmed as the processing being performed, the main controller 101 executes the shortening processing. Further, when the main controller 101 confirms the processing being executed in the recording apparatus 1, the main controller 101 transmits a timer instruction signal Se corresponding to the processing to the timer 113 (S13). The timer instruction signal Se will be described later.

  Thereafter, when the completion preparation for terminating the process being executed is completed, the main controller 101 outputs a preparation completion signal Sb from the H level (preparation not completed) to the L level (preparation completed) to the output unit 114 (S14). ). As a result, the output unit 114 is notified that preparation for terminating the process being executed has been completed. As described later, the ready signal Sb changes from H level to L level due to the fact that the power supply voltage is not supplied based on the count-up signal Sa. However, in this case, since the power supply voltage is not supplied to the controller unit 100 itself, the reset request signal Sc is not output from the output unit 114.

  The timer 113 determines whether or not the seesaw switch 111 has been turned off, similarly to the main controller 101 (S21). If it determines that the seesaw switch 111 has been turned off, the timer 113 starts a count-up operation (S22). Thereafter, the timer 113 determines whether a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the seesaw switch 111 was turned off (S23). Specifically, for example, it is determined whether 1 [s] has elapsed since the seesaw switch 111 was turned off. When determining that the predetermined standby time has elapsed since the seesaw switch 111 was turned off, the timer 113 sets a count time based on the timer instruction signal Se received from the main controller 101 (S24).

  Regarding the processing of S23 and S24, a comparative example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

  In the case of the comparative example of FIG. 12, at the time t0 when the seesaw switch 111 is turned off (when the signal supplied from the seesaw switch 111 changes from the L level to the H level), the timer 113 determines whether a predetermined standby time has elapsed. The timer instruction signal Se is latched without waiting. That is, the count time is set based on the timer instruction signal Se. In this case, the timer 113 sets the count time in a state where the process being executed to be completed is not determined. Thereafter, the process to be prepared for completion may be changed, and as a result, an erroneous count time may be set. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by waiting for the elapse of a predetermined standby time (S23), the timer 113 determines the processing being executed to be prepared for completion, and then appropriately sets the count time corresponding thereto. Set.

  Returning to FIG. 11 again, after S24, the timer 113 determines whether the time counted by the count-up operation started in S22 has reached the count time set in S24 (hereinafter, also referred to as “set count time”). It is determined whether or not it is (S25). When the counted time reaches the set count time, the timer 113 changes the count-up signal Sa output to the output unit 114 from the H level to the L level, thereby notifying the output unit 114 that the set count time has elapsed. (S26).

  The output unit 114 determines whether or not the preparation for terminating the process being executed has been completed based on the preparation completion signal Sb from the main controller 101, and based on the count-up signal Sa from the timer 113, It is determined whether or not the time has elapsed (S31). When the preparation for terminating the process being executed is completed or when the set count time has elapsed, the output unit 114 outputs a reset request signal (pulse signal) Sc to the reset IC 115 (S32).

  The reset IC 115 determines whether a reset request signal Sc has been transmitted from the output unit 114 (S41). When receiving the reset request signal Sc, the reset IC 115 changes the reset signal Sd output to the holding unit 116 and the main controller 101 from H level to L level. Thus, the reset IC 115 notifies the holding unit 116 and the main controller 101 that the reset has been performed (the reset signal Sd has become L level) (S42).

  The holding unit 116 determines whether or not the reset signal Sd from the reset IC 115 has changed from H level to L level (whether or not there has been a reset) (S51). When the reset signal Sd changes from H level to L level, the holding unit 116 sets the signal supplied to the base of the transistor 117 to L level, thereby turning off the FET switch 112 (S52). As a result, the supply of the power supply voltage to the controller unit 100 and the scanner engine unit 300 is cut off.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship between a process being executed in the recording apparatus 1 and a count time (set count time) set according to the process. No. The first “ink circulation” is a process of circulating the ink through the circulation path of FIG. 9 described above, and can be executed as necessary regardless of whether the printing operation or the non-printing operation is being performed. No. As described above, “blade wiping” of No. 2 is a first wiping process in which the wiping operation by the blade wiper unit 171 is performed and the wiping operation by the vacuum wiper unit 172 is not performed. In addition, No. The “vacuum wiping” of No. 3 is the second wiping process of performing the wiping operation by the vacuum wiper unit 172 following the wiping operation by the blade wiper unit 171 as described above. No. The “charging suction” of No. 4 is to instantaneously apply a high negative pressure to the cap member 10 a in a state in which the cap member 10 a is in close contact with the discharge port surface 8 a of the recording head 8, thereby causing air bubbles and the like in the recording head 8 This is a process of suctioning and removing the foreign matter into the cap member 10a.

  The set count time is set with a predetermined buffer (margin) based on the time required for turning off the power of the recording apparatus (the time required for the process and the time required for the firmware). The required time of the process is the time required to complete a series of operations in the processing being executed, and the required time of the firmware is the time required to complete the execution of a series of programs in the processing being executed. Depending on the situation, if the power supply is not interrupted based on the set count time in FIG. 13, an excessive load may be applied to the driving mechanism such as the recording head 8.

  If the process being executed is “ink circulation” or “blade wiping”, 30 [s] is set as the set count time. That is, if the main controller 101 confirms in S12 that the processing being performed is “ink circulation” or “blade wiping”, the main controller 101 issues a timer instruction for setting 30 [s] as the set count time. The signal Se is output. When the main controller 101 confirms in S12 that the process being executed is “vacuum wiping”, the main controller 101 outputs a timer instruction signal Se for setting 50 [s] as the set count time. When the main controller 101 confirms in S12 that the process being executed is “charge suction”, the main controller 101 outputs a timer instruction signal Se for setting 60 [s] as the set count time. The set count time is set in the count time setting register of the timer 113 after being converted into the number of clocks.

  As described above, the main controller 101 outputs the timer instruction signal Se according to the processing being executed, which is the preparation for termination. In this case, for example, the timer instruction signal Se is set to 2 bits, “00” is set to “30 [s]”, “01” is set to “50 [s]”, and “10” is set to “60 [s]”. be able to. The timer 113 outputs a count-up signal Sa based on the timer instruction signal Se. In a timing chart described later, the timer instruction signal Se is set to 1 bit, and for example, “0 (L)” is “30 [s]” and “1 (H)” is “60 [s]”. .

  FIG. 14 is a timing chart for explaining an operation from when the seesaw switch 111 is turned off to when the power of the recording apparatus is shut down based on the preparation completion signal Sb of the main controller 101. In this example, the set count time is set to 60 [s] by the timer instruction signal Se at the H level.

  In a state where the power supply voltage is being supplied to the controller unit 100, the timer 113 changes the count cup signal from the L level to the H level and starts a count-up operation from the time t1 when the seesaw switch 111 is turned off by the user. (S22). Thereafter, the timer 113 latches the timer instruction signal Se and sets a set count time at a time point t3 when a predetermined standby time has elapsed from the time point t1 (S23, S24). At a time point t2 within the predetermined standby time, the timer instruction signal Se from the main controller 101 changes from the L level to the H level. Therefore, the timer instruction signal Se at the H level is latched, and the set count time is set to 60 [s].

  In this example, at the time point t4 before the set count time elapses, preparation for terminating the process being executed by the recording apparatus is completed. At the time t4, the main controller 101 changes the preparation completion signal Sb from the H level (preparation not completed) to the L level (preparation completion), and notifies the output unit 114 of the completion of the preparation for completion (S14).

  When the completion of the preparation for completion is notified, the output unit 114 outputs a reset request signal (pulse signal) Sc to the reset IC 115 (S31, S32). Upon receiving the reset request signal Sc, the reset IC 115 changes the reset signal Sd from the H level to the L level, thereby notifying the holding unit 116 and the main controller 101 that a reset instruction has been issued (S41, S42). Thus, the holding unit 116 sets the signal for holding the transistor 117 in the ON state, that is, the holding signal Sh, which has been maintained at the H level for holding the FET switch 112 in the ON state, to the L level, and turns the FET switch 112 to the OFF state. (S51, S52). As a result, the supply of the power supply voltage to the controller unit 100 and the scanner engine unit 300 is cut off. In the case of this example, the holding signal Sh is always maintained at the H level in order to cope with a momentary interruption of the power supply of the recording apparatus.

  FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining the operation from when the seesaw switch 111 is turned off to when the power of the recording apparatus is cut off based on the count-up signal Sa of the timer 113. In this example, the set count time is set to 30 [s] by the L-level timer instruction signal Se.

  In a state where the power supply voltage is being supplied to the controller unit 100, the timer 113 changes the count cup signal from the L level to the H level and starts a count-up operation from a time point t11 when the seesaw switch 111 is turned off by the user. (S22). Thereafter, the timer 113 sets the set count time by latching the timer instruction signal Se at a time point t13 when a predetermined standby time has elapsed from the time point t11 (S23, S24). At time t12 within the predetermined standby time, the timer instruction signal Se from the main controller 101 goes from H level to L level. Therefore, the L level timer instruction signal Se is latched, and the set count time is set to 30 [s].

  In the present example, the count time of the timer 113 reaches the set count time at a time point t14 before the preparation for ending the process being executed by the recording apparatus is completed. At time t14, the timer 113 changes the count-up signal Sa output to the output unit 114 from the H level to the L level (S25, S26).

  The output unit 114 outputs a reset request signal Sc to the reset IC 115 when the count-up signal Sa changes from H level to L level (S31, S32). The reset IC 115 changes the reset signal Sd from the H level to the L level at a time point t15 when the reset request signal Sc is input. As a result, the reset IC 115 notifies the holding unit 116 and the main controller 101 that the reset has been performed (S41, S42). The holding unit 116 sets the signal for holding the transistor 117 in the on state, that is, the holding signal Sh, which has been maintained at the H level for holding the FET switch 112 in the on state, to the L level, and sets the FET switch 112 to the off state. (S51, S52). As a result, the supply of the power supply voltage to the controller unit 100 and the scanner engine unit 300 is cut off.

  FIG. 16 is a timing chart for explaining an operation from when the seesaw switch 111 is turned off to when the power of the recording apparatus is cut off based on the count-up signal Sa of the timer 113, similarly to FIG. . In this example, as in the case of FIG. 14, the set count time is set to 60 [s] by the timer instruction signal Se at the H level. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as that of FIG.

(Process after power off)
Next, the operation after the power shutdown process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The restart control unit 118 monitors the preparation completion signal Sb of the main controller 101. The restart control unit 118 holds the state (level) of the preparation completion signal Sb immediately before the holding signal Sh, which has been maintained at H level, is changed to L level. The restart control unit 118 determines whether or not the termination processing has been completed at the time of the shut-off processing in S64, based on the held state of the preparation completion signal Sb (S65). If the termination processing has been completed, that is, if the preparation completion signal Sb immediately before the interruption processing is at the L level, the interruption processing is normally terminated and the recording apparatus is turned off (S66).

  On the other hand, if the shutdown process in S64 is in an abnormal state where the termination process is not completed, that is, if the preparation completion signal Sb immediately before the power shutdown is at the H level, the restart process (S67). Execute In the case of an abnormal state in which the termination processing has not been completed at the time of the shutdown processing, the power supply unit 400 supplies the power Vp (about 3.3 V) only to the restart control unit 118 in the power supply control unit 110. Has remained. Then, in this case, the restart control unit 118 instructs the power supply unit 400 in FIG. 2 to turn on only the power supply of the system control system of the recording apparatus. Specifically, the system control system refers to the main controller 101, the RAM 106, the flash memory 107, and the power control unit 110 in the controller unit 100. In accordance with the instruction, the power supply unit 400 supplies the power supply Vcc used by the system control system of the controller unit 100 (S68). In addition, the restart control unit 118 notifies the main controller 101 that the turning on of the power supply Vcc is due to the restart in S67.

  When the main controller 101 is activated by supplying the power Vcc, the main controller 101 communicates with the restart control unit 118 to determine whether the power is turned on by the normal activation or the restart in S67. judge. When the power is turned on by normal startup, the main controller 101 executes a normal startup process (S70). On the other hand, if the power-on is due to the restart in S67, the main controller 101 detects the state of the recording device at the time of power-off, and writes information on the state to the flash memory 107 (see FIG. 2) ( S71). The information includes position information of the cap member 10a (corresponding to the state of close contact with the recording head 8), information on the state of each valve in the ink supply system, and the like. Can be included. After the completion of the writing of the information, the restart control unit 118 cuts off the supply of the power supply Vcc and turns the recording apparatus off (S72) in accordance with an instruction from the main controller 101.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the power is turned off without completing the end processing, the state of the recording device at the time of the power shutoff is stored in the nonvolatile memory. At the time of the restart processing, the power of the system control system necessary for the storage is supplied. In this way, by storing the state of the recording device when the power is turned off in the non-volatile memory and storing it in the nonvolatile memory, the situation at the time when the power is turned off can be grasped and the efficiency of maintenance work can be improved.

(Other embodiments)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation after the power shutdown process according to another embodiment of the present invention. S81 to S91 in FIG. 18 are the same as S61 to S71 in FIG. 17 in the above-described embodiment, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

  In S91 of FIG. 18, after the information regarding the state of the recording apparatus at the time of power-off is stored in the flash memory 107 (see FIG. 2), the main controller 101 determines whether the recording apparatus needs to be protected. It is determined whether an operation for the protection is possible. First, the restart control unit 118 checks whether or not power can be supplied from the power supply unit 400 to each power supply system according to an instruction from the main controller 101. If power cannot be supplied due to the occurrence of an overcurrent or the like, the restart control unit 118 cuts off the supply of the power Vcc and puts the recording apparatus in a power-off state in accordance with an instruction from the main controller 101 (S93).

  When power can be supplied from the power supply unit 400, the main controller 101 executes a protection operation for protecting the recording device (S94). For example, when the recording head is not protected, an operation for protecting the recording head is executed.

  For example, in the case of the above-described first wiping process as a series of normal processes, the print controller 202 first retracts the recording head 8 vertically above the maintenance position in FIG. Then, the print controller 202 pulls out the wiping unit 17 from the maintenance unit 16 and moves the recording head 8 vertically downward to a position where it can contact the blade wiper 171a. Further, the print controller 202 moves the wiping unit 17 into the maintenance unit 16. Then, finally, the print controller 202 moves the cap unit 10 upward in the vertical direction so that the cap member 10a is brought into close contact with the ejection port surface 8a of the recording head 8. If the power is turned off before the end processing for ending the series of processing is completed, there is a possibility that the recording head 8 may not be protected by the cap member 10a. In this case, the main controller 101 causes the print controller 202 to execute a process of bringing the cap member 10a into close contact with the ejection opening surface 8a of the recording head 8 as a necessary protection operation based on the result of the state determination of the recording apparatus. Thus, the recording head 8 is protected.

  After that, the main controller 101 stores the execution of the protection operation of the recording head in the flash memory 107 (S95), and then shuts off the power by the restart control unit 118 and shuts off the supply of the power Vcc. Then, the recording apparatus is turned off (S96).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the power is turned off without completing the end processing, the state of the printing apparatus when the power is turned off is stored in the nonvolatile memory, and the printing apparatus (including the print head) is stored. Can be performed. Therefore, the reliability of the recording device can be further improved.

  The present invention supplies a program for realizing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or the apparatus read and execute the program. This processing can be realized. Further, it can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink jet recording apparatus 101 Main controller 111 Seesaw switch (power switch)
112 FET switch 113 Timer (measuring unit)

Claims (14)

A power switch to turn the power on or off,
First control means for controlling supply and cutoff of power from the power supply;
End processing means for starting an end process for terminating the process being executed after the power switch is turned off,
Determining means for determining whether the end processing has been completed,
Detecting means for detecting the state of the recording device;
A non-volatile memory;
Second control means for controlling writing to the nonvolatile memory;
A recording device comprising:
When a cutoff process for cutting off the supply of electric power from the power supply is performed by the first control unit in a state where the determination unit does not determine the completion of the end process, the second control unit may be configured to detect the end process by the detection unit. A recording apparatus, wherein information relating to the detected state of the recording apparatus is stored in the nonvolatile memory.   In order to store the information in the non-volatile memory after the shutoff process, power is supplied to at least the first control unit, the second control unit, and the non-volatile memory to execute a restart process. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restart processing unit that performs control for causing the recording apparatus to perform the restart.   The power supply is supplied to the restart processing means when the first control means performs the cutoff processing in a state where the determination means does not determine completion of the end processing. The recording device as described in the above. Further comprising a measuring means for measuring a predetermined set time since the power switch is turned off,
The first control means, when the power switch is turned off, supplies the power from the power supply in accordance with completion of the end processing or completion of measurement of the predetermined set time by the measurement means. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recording apparatus is shut off.   The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined set time is set according to a required time of a process and a required time of a firmware in the processing being executed. When the first control unit cuts off the supply of power from the power supply in a state where the determination unit does not determine the completion of the end process, the recording apparatus needs a protection operation for protecting the recording apparatus. State determination means for determining whether or not the state is present;
Executing means for executing the protection operation determined to be necessary by the state determining means,
The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:   7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second control unit stores the execution of the protection operation by the execution unit in the nonvolatile memory. A third control unit that controls an operation of the recording apparatus;
8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the completion of the end processing is detected based on a signal output from the third control unit. 9.   9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit has an FET switch.   The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image by discharging ink from a recording head onto a recording medium.   The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the detection unit detects whether the cap is in close contact with the recording head.   12. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end process continues the running process in order to complete the running process.   12. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end processing omits at least a part of the processing being executed in order to complete the processing being executed. A power switch to turn the power on or off,
End processing means for starting an end process for terminating the process being executed after the power switch is turned off,
Determining means for determining whether the end processing has been completed,
Detecting means for detecting the state of the recording device;
A non-volatile memory;
A method for controlling a recording device comprising:
When a shutdown process for interrupting the supply of power from the power supply is performed in a state where the determination unit does not determine the completion of the end process, information on the state of the recording device detected by the detection unit is stored in the nonvolatile memory. A method for controlling a recording device, wherein the method is stored in a volatile memory.

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