JPH06183025A - Replacing time deciding/processing system for ink container in printer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] An inkjet or thermal transfer type printing apparatus has an ink ejection section or an ink medium holding section in the printing section, but in the case of the inkjet type, the remaining amount of ink in the ink ejection section However, in the case of the thermal transfer type, it is difficult to accurately grasp the remaining amount of the ink ribbon in the holding section of the ink application medium, and therefore unnatural printing such as fading of characters occurs during printing. Another object of the present invention is to prevent such a situation from occurring. In addition, when using the ink ejecting portion, it may be attempted to put the non-regular ink into the ink for reuse, but this is to be prevented. [Structure] The amount of ink used in a printing apparatus is directly or indirectly measured, and an ink shortage signal is issued to stop the printing movement before an ink shortage occurs during printing. Also, when using the ink ejection unit,
When the use of the ink ejection unit is finished, it is treated so that it cannot be reused.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention converts an electric signal based on character image information into heat energy, and this heat energy causes ink to be ejected by the volume effect of bubbles generated or is solidified and coated on a coating medium. The present invention relates to an ink jet type or thermal transfer type printing / printing apparatus for dissolving printing ink and printing / printing on a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an ink jet type printing / printing apparatus, an ink discharging section shown in FIG. 3 can be removed, and when ink cannot be printed because ink is exhausted, a new ink discharging section (ink cartridge). I was supposed to wear. Moreover, in the thermal transfer type printing apparatus,
The holding portion for the ink-applied application medium shown in FIG. 5 can be removed, and when the supply of the application medium is stopped and printing becomes impossible, a new ink-applied application medium holding portion is provided. It was supposed to be equipped with (ink ribbon cassette).

[0003]

However, since it is extremely difficult to periodically know in advance the remaining amount of ink in the ink ejecting portion (ink cartridge), it is possible to find faint characters and images during printing. After that, the procedure was to replace the ink ejecting section (ink cartridge) by noticing that the ink was exhausted. Also, a holding unit for the coating medium coated with ink (ink ribbon cassette)
It is extremely difficult to quantitatively and accurately know the remaining amount of the ink ribbon in the printer.Therefore, when the ink ribbon suddenly runs out during printing, the printing is stopped regardless of the beginning of the line, the middle of the line, or the end of the line. It was dead. Especially when it stops in the middle of the line, a new ink ribbon is supplied to make the joint unnatural or unclear. In any case, it is possible to generate faint documents and pictures that are unusable, and it may be necessary to reprint the printing from the beginning, which is a waste of money and time. was there.

By the way, when the ink ejection portion becomes incapable of printing such as when the ink ejection portion (ink cartridge) is replaced, the non-specified ink purchased by myself is put into the ink ejection portion with a spoid or the like and reused. The case of doing has occurred recently. The ink supplied to the ink ejecting section will not perform a smooth printing operation unless various factors such as drying resistance and scorching resistance are taken into consideration. When non-standard ink is put into the ink ejection portion, an abnormality occurs in the ink ejection portion, and a normal print operation cannot be performed.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, the present invention is for printing images such as an ink ejecting portion (ink cartridge) or an ink application medium holding portion (ink ribbon cassette) in a printing image printing apparatus. Introducing a device for determining the appropriate time for replacing the container holding the ink component, that is, the ink holding container, that is, replacing a new container with a container that has been used. That is, in the printing apparatus, the amount of ink used is directly or indirectly measured, and an ink shortage signal is generated so that the ink shortage does not occur during the printing of the print. The print printing motion is stopped at an appropriate time by an ink shortage signal. As a concrete embodiment to properly generate the ink shortage signal, the number of times that the print printing portion, which is the ink ejecting portion (ink cartridge) or the ink applying medium holding portion (ink ribbon cassette), returns to the extreme end position is counted. It is conceivable that the time when the ink shortage signal is generated is reached when the maximum count is reached, which guarantees that no blur occurs in the printed image or that it is the ink application portion of the application medium to which the ink is applied. . At this time, this maximum count may be checked and set in advance. When the ink medium holding unit (ink ribbon cassette) is used, a mark is provided near the end of the ink-applied portion of the ink-applied medium to indicate that the ink is about to end. It can be considered that it is time to generate the shortage signal. At this time, it is necessary to devise the method of applying this mark and the method of detection.

Next, when an ink shortage signal is output when using the ink ejection unit (ink cartridge), it is necessary to replace this ink ejection unit. Measures to prevent reuse of the ink ejection unit used at this time To take. As a concrete example thereof, it is conceivable to pass an excessive current that destroys the heater in the ink ejection portion and destroy it to make it unusable. Further, it may be considered to disable the ink ejecting portion by pressing an adhesive on the ink ejecting surface. In this case, the non-regulated ink cannot be put into the ink ejection portion.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the ink jet type printing and printing apparatus of the present invention. 1-a is an ink ejecting unit, 2 is a print / printing electric signal transmitting unit, 3 is a print / printing motion drive unit, 4 is a returning count counting unit to the extreme end position, 5 is a count number holding unit, and 6 is a maximum count number. It is a holding unit.

The present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

Usually, in a print printing apparatus in which the print printing unit moves to print or print, the print printing unit often scans in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the recording medium (paper or the like). Therefore, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, the print printing portion prints while scanning from the left to the right, and the endmost return position means the left end (see FIGS. 3 and 5). A method of counting the number of times of return to the extreme end return position of the print printing unit will be described with respect to the case where the ink ejecting unit 1-a (ink cartridge) is used.

When a new ink ejecting section 1-a (ink cartridge) is attached to the printing apparatus, the number of times of returning to the left end is cleared to zero. After that, a normal print image is printed based on the electric signal sent from the print image electric signal transmitting section 2 (step S1), and this is detected when the line is returned to the print image starting point (left end). At the same time (step S2), the number of times of returning to the extreme end position counting unit 4 increments the number of times of returning by 1 and holds it in the count number holding unit 5 (step S3). Next, it is compared and checked whether or not the incremented count number exceeds the maximum count number designated in advance in the maximum count number holding unit 6 (step S4). If it does not exceed, the print printing is continued and exceeded. If so, the printing operation is forcibly stopped (step S5).

After that, when the ink ejection portion 1 is removed (step S6), the recording in the count number holding portion 5 is cleared to zero (step S7). Further, the recording stored in the count number holding unit 5 continues to record the cumulative count unless the ink ejecting unit 1 is removed.

Next, how to generate the ink shortage signal peculiar to the case of using the thermal transfer type printing apparatus as the printing section will be described in detail.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing the construction of an embodiment of a thermal transfer type printing / printing apparatus. 1-b is an ink thermal transfer unit, 2 to 6 are the same as before, 7 is an ink application medium holding unit, 8 is a signal generation unit, and 9 is a signal detection unit. Figure 2
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, an electric signal is sent from the print-printing electric signal transmitting section 2 and the ink-coating medium is supplied from the ink-coating medium holding section 7 to perform normal print-printing (FIG. 2).
(B) Step S1). When the ink thermal transfer portion 1-b scans one line from the left to the right and finishes scanning, a line feed is performed and the print printing start point (left end) is returned (step S2).
At this time, the signal generator 8 transmits a signal that passes through only the transparent medium, for example, visible light (step S3). This signal (for example, visible light) is emitted, for example, with a target at the lower end portion of the ink ribbon (which may be the upper end portion).

At this time, among the ink ribbons shown in FIG.
The part where ink is not applied to the lower end part of the ink ribbon (usually secure a width that does not interfere with printing) (The length of this part is measured from the end part of the ink ribbon, for example. (About printable width)
The signal (for example, visible light) emitted when appears, passes through the portion not coated with ink. The light that has passed through reaches a reflection plate incorporated in the main body of the ink ribbon cassette as shown in FIG. This reflected light passes through the ink non-application portion of the ink ribbon, reaches the signal detection portion 9 and is detected (step S4). The fact that the reflected light is detected by the signal detection unit 9 means that the printable length is less than the maximum printable width of the print-printing apparatus, and the ink ribbon is located at an intermediate position of the recording medium (for example, paper). There is a risk that it will disappear and stop. Therefore, in the present invention, when the reflected light is detected, the printing is stopped at the print printing start point (for example, the left end) (step S5). Therefore, even if the ink ribbon cassette is exchanged at this left end position, no discontinuity occurs in the characters printed or the picture printed, there is no need to reprint from the beginning, and effective use in terms of time and cost. Is possible.

On the other hand, if no signal is detected by the signal detection unit 9, normal print printing is continued.

In the above description, visible light was described as an example of the signal to be transmitted, but this signal may be anything as long as it indicates ON or OFF depending on the presence or absence of ink.

In principle, the ink shortage signal is generated in this way, and when this signal is received, the ink holding container is replaced. However, even if this signal is not received, the ink holding container is replaced by pressing a button or the like. You may. At this time, if the ink ejection unit is used, it is necessary to disable the ink ejection unit. Next, an embodiment for realizing the unusability will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the construction of an embodiment of the ink jet type printing / printing apparatus of the present invention. 1-a
Is an ink ejecting unit, 2 is an electric signal transmitting unit for printing and printing, 12
Is an electric energy storage unit, 10 is a removal mechanism unit, 11
Is an excessive electric signal transmitter.

Next, a detailed description of this embodiment will be given with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

Consider a case where ink runs out during printing by the inkjet printing apparatus. At this time, first, it is confirmed that the operation of the removal mechanism section 10 is promoted by pushing the button or turning the lever (step S1). Then, the excessive electric signal transmission unit 11 converts the electric energy already accumulated into the electric energy accumulation unit 12
Power is supplied to the ink ejection portion 1 (step S
2). As a result, the heater in the ink ejection portion is broken (broken). After that, the ink ejection unit 1-a is separated from the main body of the printing apparatus (step S3). Therefore, even if the non-specified ink is injected by the user and then the ink is reattached, the printing operation cannot be performed.

If it is not confirmed in step S1 that the removal button has been pressed, a signal is sent from the print-printing electric signal transmitting section 2 to the ink ejecting section 1 (step S4), and the ink ejecting section 1-a outputs the signal. The ink is ejected and normal printing is performed (step S5).

Further, another embodiment for disabling the ink ejection portion will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the construction of an embodiment of the ink jet type printing / printing apparatus of the present invention. 1-a
Is an ink ejecting unit, 2 is an electric signal transmitting unit for printing and printing, 14
Is an adhesive storage unit, 10 is a detachment mechanism unit, and 13 is an adhesive pressing unit.

Next, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

Consider a case where ink runs out during printing by the inkjet printing apparatus. At this time, first, it is confirmed that the operation of the removal mechanism section 10 is promoted by pushing the button or turning the lever (step S1). Then, the adhesive storage unit 14 supplies the already-stored adhesive to the adhesive pressing unit 13, and the adhesive pressing unit contacts the ink ejection surface (step S).
2). As a result, the ink ejection port is blocked (see FIG. 10).

After that, the ink ejection portion 1 is separated from the main body of the printing apparatus (step S3). Therefore, even if the non-regulated ink is injected into the removed ink ejecting portion 1 by itself, and then the ink is ejected again, the printing operation is not performed.

When it is not confirmed in step S1 that the removal button has been pressed, a signal is sent from the print-printing electric signal transmitting section 2 to the ink ejecting section 1-a (step S4), and the ink ejecting section 1- The ink is ejected from a and a normal print image is printed (step S5).

[0029]

As described above, according to the present invention, by measuring the amount of ink used in the printing apparatus, it is possible to issue a signal notifying the shortage of ink at an appropriate time. Characters and images will not be blurred. Then, if the amount of ink used is indirectly measured by the number of times the print-printing section has returned to the extreme end position, it becomes simple to judge the ink shortage, the apparatus is simplified, and the reliability is enhanced. Further, in the case of using an ink application medium, if the vicinity of the end of the part to which the ink is applied can be detected, the print printing portion can be stopped at the start point by the detection. Therefore, no discontinuity occurs in the printed characters or the printed picture.

When the ink ejecting unit is used as the print printing unit, the ink ejecting unit which should be removed when it is judged that the ink ejecting unit should be replaced should not be used again. There is an effect that a fear of being printed is eliminated and a stable and highly reliable printed image can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example in which an ink ejection unit is provided in a print printing unit. FIG. 7B is a block diagram showing the configuration of an example in which the thermal ink transfer section is provided in the print printing section.

FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which an ink ejection unit is provided in a print printing unit. FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing an example of processing in which the thermal ink transfer section is provided in the print printing section.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a print printing direction and a paper feeding direction of the print printing unit and a return position of the print printing unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram exemplifying an outline of ink non-application near an end portion of an ink application portion of an ink application medium.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a signal generation unit, a signal detection unit, an ink medium holding unit, a reflector attached to the unit, and a recording medium (paper or the like).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example in which an ink ejecting unit is disabled when the ink ejecting unit is provided in a print printing unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing in the case of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of another example of disabling the ink ejecting unit when the ink ejecting unit is provided in the print printing unit.

9 is a flowchart showing the processing in the case of FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example in which an ink ejection unit is disabled, and an adhesive is pressed against the ink ejection unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1-a Ink ejection part 1-b Ink thermal transfer part 2 Printed electrical signal transmission part 3 Printed image movement drive part 4 Return count count part to the end position 5 Count number holding part 6 Maximum count number holding part 7 Ink application Medium holding unit 8 Signal transmission unit 9 Signal detection unit 10 Removal mechanism unit 11 Excessive electric signal transmission unit 12 Electric energy storage unit 13 Adhesive pressing unit 14 Adhesive storage unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A print-printing electric signal transmitting section for converting character image information into an electric signal and outputting the electric signal, and a print-printing movement driving section for moving a print-printing section which is an ink ejecting section or an ink medium holding section, In a printing device for printing or printing on a recording medium according to an electric signal, a device that directly or indirectly measures the amount of ink used and generates an ink shortage signal so as not to run out of ink during printing. Is provided
A replacement timing judging device for an ink holding container in a printing and printing apparatus, wherein the printing and printing motion is stopped by the ink shortage signal. 2. A counting unit is provided for counting the number of times the print printing unit, which is the ink ejecting unit or the ink medium holding unit, returns to the outermost position and counts the number of times of returning to the outermost position. An ink holding container replacement timing determining device in a print printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an ink shortage signal is issued when the ink holding amount is reached. 3. The replacement timing judging device for an ink holding container in a print printing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a maximum count number holding unit for holding a predetermined maximum number of times of returning suitable for issuing an ink shortage signal. 4. An ink thermal transfer section for printing an image on a recording medium partially heats a heater on the basis of an electric signal, and the heated heater section is brought into contact with an ink coating medium coated with ink. In a structure in which the ink is dissolved, a detection unit for detecting the transparent portion of the medium to which the ink is applied is provided, and the detection unit for the ink is applied near the end of the ink application unit of the ink application medium. 2. An ink holding container replacement timing determining device in a print image printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a portion not provided with ink is provided in part, and a signal for detecting the portion not applied is used as an ink shortage signal. 5. An electric signal transmission unit for printing a print which converts character image information into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal, and a heater is partially heated on the basis of the electric signal, and ink is pushed out by bubbles generated by the heating. In an ink jet type print printing apparatus comprising an ink discharge section which is also an ink holding container for printing and printing on a recording medium and a print printing apparatus main body which holds and operates these, a device for disabling the ink discharge section is provided, and the ink discharge section is provided. When it is determined that it is time to replace the ink, the ink ejection unit is disabled, and then the ink holding container in the print printing apparatus is equipped with a removal mechanism that can separate the ink ejection unit from the main body of the print printing apparatus. Time processing device. 6. The ejection unit is made unusable by providing an excessive electric signal transmission unit for outputting an excessive electric signal that destroys the heater in the ink ejection unit, and activating this at the time of replacement of the ink ejection unit. An apparatus for replacing an ink holding container in a printing apparatus according to claim 5, which is an apparatus. 7. An electric energy storage unit for previously storing electric energy input to an excessive electric signal transmission unit is provided, and the electric energy is emitted to a heater in the ink ejection unit when the ink ejection unit is replaced. 7. The processing device at the time of replacing the ink holding container in the print printing apparatus according to claim 6, which is a device for disabling the ink ejection portion. 8. An apparatus for disabling an ejection portion by providing an adhesive pressing portion for pushing an adhesive on the ink ejection surface of the ink ejection portion and activating the adhesive ejection portion at the time of replacement of the ink ejection portion. The processing device at the time of exchanging the ink holding container in the printing apparatus according to claim 5. 9. The pressure sensitive adhesive storage section is provided at a position where the pressure sensitive adhesive pressing section can supply the pressure sensitive adhesive so that the pressure sensitive adhesive of the pressure sensitive adhesive pressing section is pressed against the ink discharging surface of the ink discharging section. 9. The replacement processing device for an ink holding container in a print-printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive in the pressure-sensitive adhesive storage portion is supplied to the pressure-sensitive adhesive pressing portion.