JP6902840B2 - Printing equipment - Google Patents

Description

According to the present invention, when it is time to maintain the transport mechanism, the user can select whether to perform maintenance or to continue the printing operation according to the degree of deterioration of the transport mechanism without deteriorating the quality of the printing paper. Regarding the device.

Conventionally, a printing device that prints an image while transporting paper by a transport mechanism is known.

The transport mechanism includes a rotary shaft, a bearing that receives the rotary shaft, a roller portion fixed to the rotary shaft, a transport roller, a motor that rotates the transport roller, and other gears that transmit motor drive.

If this transfer mechanism is used for a long period of time, the transfer roller may be worn or the motor may be deteriorated, so that the paper cannot be transferred properly, and the image position shifts due to the deviation of the paper transfer timing. May occur and the print quality may deteriorate.

Patent Document 1 has a paper detection sensor that is arranged in a paper transport path and detects paper transported by a transport roller, obtains a time for the paper to pass based on a detection signal from the paper detection sensor, and obtains the time required for the paper to pass. A technique relating to a paper transport device that calculates the paper transport speed from the passing time, determines that the transport capacity of the transport roller is reduced when the paper transport speed is slower than a predetermined speed, and increases the rotation speed is disclosed. ..

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-151385

However, in the paper transfer device described in Patent Document 1, when the transfer capacity is lowered, the rotation speed of the transfer roller is increased, so that the load of the transfer mechanism such as the transfer roller and the motor is rather increased, and the transfer roller is worn out. Motor deterioration may progress.

If the transport rollers are worn or the motor is deteriorated, the print quality may be deteriorated due to poor transport, and in the worst case, paper jam may occur and the paper may not be transported. Therefore, it is necessary to perform maintenance such as parts replacement and cleaning according to the degree of deterioration such as wear of the transport roller and deterioration of the motor. The maintenance of this transport mechanism is performed by contacting the serviceman, and then the serviceman arrives, and the maintenance work is finally performed. Therefore, it takes a considerable amount of time for the printing apparatus to be restored after the maintenance work is completed.

On the other hand, even if the maintenance time of the transport mechanism is reached, there are cases where the user wants to immediately print the printed matter used in the conference or the like without maintenance.

Here, when the degree of deterioration of the printing apparatus is slight, for example, instead of performing cleaning immediately, if printing conditions are restricted such as by reducing the printing speed, the printing process can be continued for a certain period of time. it can.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when it is time to maintain the transport mechanism, the printing operation is continued without performing maintenance or degrading the quality of the printing paper according to the degree of deterioration of the transport mechanism. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus which allows a user to select whether to perform the printing.

In order to achieve the above object, the first feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention is
A transport mechanism that transports paper nipped in the transport roller by rotating the transport roller driven by a motor, and a transport mechanism.
A printing means for printing an image on paper transported by the transport mechanism, and
A current measuring device that measures the current value of the motor, and
A determination means for determining whether or not the current value measured by the current measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and
When it is determined by the determination means that the measured current value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, maintenance of the transfer mechanism is called for, and maintenance of the transfer mechanism is executed or restricted printing processing is executed by the printing means. It is provided with a selection display means for displaying any of the above in a selectable manner.

The second feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention is
The present invention further includes a storage means for storing the current value measured by the current measuring device together with the measurement time as a current value history.

The third feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention is
A plurality of the transport mechanisms are provided at different locations.
The limited printing process is a printing process that limits the printing speed by the printing means, a printing process that limits the continuous printing time for continuous printing by the printing means, or an object to be printed by the printing means. Includes at least one of the printing processes that limits the paper type,
At least one of the printing speed, the continuous printing time, and the paper type is set so as to reduce the transport load of the transport roller of the transport mechanism according to the location of the transport mechanism and the measured current value. There is.

According to the first feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention, the determination means determines whether or not the current value measured by the current measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and the selection display unit determines the measured current. When it is determined by the determination means that the value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the maintenance of the transfer mechanism is called for, and either the maintenance execution of the transfer mechanism or the execution of the restricted printing process by the printing means is displayed in a selectable manner. ..

As a result, when the maintenance time of the transport mechanism comes, the user can recognize that the maintenance time of the printing device has been reached, and can immediately call a service person to perform the maintenance.

On the other hand, the user can continue the printing operation with restrictions if he / she wants to print immediately even if there are restrictions on printing.

In this way, when it is time to maintain the transport mechanism, the user can select whether to perform maintenance or to continue the printing operation according to the degree of deterioration of the transport mechanism without degrading the quality of the printing paper. it can.

According to the second feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention, the current value measured by the current measuring device is stored as the current value history together with the measurement time. Therefore, if there is an abnormality in the transport mechanism, an abnormal event occurs. For analysis, the current value history can be read and used as valid data.

According to the third feature of the printing apparatus according to the present invention, is the limited printing process a printing process that limits the printing speed by the printing means or a printing process that limits the continuous printing time for continuous printing by the printing means? , Or at least one of the printing processes that limits the type of paper to be printed by the printing means.
Since at least one of the printing speed, continuous printing time, and paper type is set so as to reduce the transport load of the transport roller of the transport mechanism according to the location of the transport mechanism and the measured current value, the transport mechanism of the transport mechanism The printing process can be appropriately restricted so as to reduce the load.

It is a schematic block diagram of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a table explaining restricted printing. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation at the time of printing in the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed an example of the maintenance recommendation screen displayed on the operation panel part. It is a figure which showed an example of the transition of the current value measured by the current measuring instrument with the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent parts and components are designated by the same or equivalent reference numerals throughout the drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and differ from the actual ones. In addition, it goes without saying that the drawings include parts having different dimensional relationships and ratios from each other.

Further, the embodiments shown below exemplify an apparatus or the like for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the technical idea of the present invention describes the arrangement of each component and the like as follows. It is not specific to. The technical idea of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of claims.

<Configuration of printing device>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the printing device shown in FIG. In the following description, the front direction of the paper surface of FIG. 1 in which the user is located is defined as the front. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the vertical and horizontal directions are defined as the vertical and horizontal directions when viewed from the user.

The path shown by the thick line in FIG. 1 is the transfer path through which the paper, which is the printing medium, is conveyed. Of the transport routes, the route indicated by the solid line is the normal route RC, the route indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is the inverted route RR, the route indicated by the broken line is the upper paper discharge route RD1, the straight output discharge route RD2, and the route indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is the paper feed. Route RS. A circulation path is composed of a normal path RC and an inversion path RR. Upstream and downstream in the following description mean upstream and downstream in the transport path.

The printing apparatus according to the present embodiment prints based on image data input from the personal computer via a personal computer (not shown) and a communication network.

The personal computer is a general information processing terminal in which a printer driver program developed for the printing device 1 is installed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing apparatus 1 has each transport unit (paper feed unit 2, vertical transport unit 3, print transport unit 4, and upper surface) for transporting the paper P along the transport path. The transport unit 6, the straight paper discharge transport unit 13, the straight paper discharge base 14, the upper paper discharge transport unit 7, the upper paper discharge base 8, the reversing unit 9), the inkjet head unit 5, and the operation panel unit. The 10 and the control unit 11, a paper sensor provided at a plurality of locations on the transport path and acquiring transport information of the paper P transported by the transport unit, and a housing 12 for accommodating or holding each unit are provided.

The paper feed unit 2 holds the paper P and feeds paper. The paper feed unit 2 is provided on the most upstream side of the transport path, and includes a side paper feed tray 21, a side paper feed roller 22, a side paper feed motor 51, a plurality of internal paper feed trays 23, and a plurality of internal paper feed units. A paper roller 24 and an internal paper feed motor 52 are provided.

The side paper feed tray 21 is for loading paper P, and is partially exposed to the outside of the housing 12 of the printing apparatus 1 and installed.

The side paper feed roller 22 is provided on the upper side of the side paper feed table 21, and one sheet of paper P is taken out from the side paper feed table 21 and conveyed along the paper feed path RS toward the resist roller 31, which will be described later. To do. The side paper feed roller 22 is rotationally driven by the side paper feed motor 51.

The internal paper feed tray 23 is provided inside the housing 12 and is loaded with the paper P. The internal paper feed roller 24 is arranged between the downstream end of the plurality of internal paper feed trays 23 and the vertical paper feed roller along any of the plurality of paper feed paths RS, and is arranged inside any of the paper feed paths RS. The paper P stacked on the paper feed tray 23 is conveyed to the vertical transfer unit 3. The internal paper feed roller 24 is rotationally driven by the internal paper feed motor 52.

The vertical transport unit 3 includes a plurality of pairs of vertical transport rollers 25, a merging paper feed roller 28, a merging paper feed motor 53, and paper sensors 27a to 27e, and feeds the paper P fed from the internal paper feed table 23. It is conveyed along the paper feed path RS.

The vertical transport roller 25 is arranged along the paper feed path RS, and transports the paper P toward the merged paper feed roller 28, which will be described later. The most downstream vertical transport roller 25 is configured to be rotationally driveable by a side paper feed motor 51 that rotationally drives the side paper feed roller 22. The other vertical transport roller 25 is configured to be rotationally driveable by an internal paper feed motor 52 that rotationally drives the internal paper feed roller 24. A current measuring device 51a is connected to the side paper feeding motor 51, measures the current value of the side paper feeding motor 51, and sends the measured current value to the CPU 100. A current measuring device 52a is connected to the internal paper feeding motor 52, measures the current value of the internal paper feeding motor 52, and sends the measured current value to the CPU 100. The combination of the side paper feed roller 22, the most downstream vertical transport roller 25, and the side feed motor 51 is called the first transport mechanism, and the internal paper feed roller 24, the other vertical transport rollers 25, and the internal feed are supplied. The combination with the paper motor 52 is called a second transport mechanism.

The merging paper feed roller 28 is arranged on the paper feed path RS between the vertical transport roller 25 and the resist roller 31 of the print transport unit 4, and the paper P conveyed from the vertical transport roller 25 is printed on the print transport unit 4. Feed to. The combined paper feed roller 28 is rotationally driven by the combined paper feed motor 53. A current measuring device 53a is connected to the merging paper feed motor 53, measures the current value of the merging paper feed motor 53, and sends the measured current value to the CPU 100. The combination of the merging paper feed roller 28 and the merging paper feed motor 53 is called a third transport mechanism.

The paper sensors 27a to 27e are arranged near the downstream side of each vertical transport roller 25. Further, an optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is applied to the paper sensors 27a to 27e, and the paper P to be conveyed along the paper feed path RS is detected to acquire the conveyed information. The transport information is information indicating the transport state of the paper P on the transport path, and includes the presence / absence of passage, the transport speed, and the like.

The print transport unit 4 is arranged on the downstream side of the paper feed unit 2, and prints an image while transporting the paper P. The print transfer unit 4 includes a resist roller 31, a resist motor 54, a belt transfer unit 32, a belt motor 55, and paper sensors 33a to 33d. The paper P conveyed from the reversing section 9 is conveyed to the upper surface conveying section 6.

The resist roller 31 supplies the paper P fed from the paper feed unit 2 to the belt transport unit 32, and refeeds the paper P transported from the reversing unit 9 to the belt transport unit 32. The resist roller 31 is arranged on the normal path RC in the upstream portion of the print transport unit 4. In other words, the resist roller 31 is arranged near the confluence of the paper feed path RS and the reverse path RR.

The resist roller 31 is rotationally driven by the resist motor 54. At this time, the resist roller 31 temporarily stops the paper P conveyed from the side paper feed table 21, the internal paper feed table 23, and the reversing unit 9 under the control of the resist motor 54, performs skew correction, and then performs skew correction. It is sent out to the belt transport unit 32. A current measuring device 54a is connected to the resist motor 54, measures the current value of the resist motor 54, and sends the measured current value to the CPU 100. The combination of the resist roller 31 and the resist motor 54 is referred to as a fourth transfer mechanism.

The belt transport unit 32 is arranged on the downstream side of the normal path RC from the resist roller 31, and transports the paper P to the downstream side while sucking the lower surface of the paper P conveyed from the resist roller 31 by the endless belt. To do. The belt transport unit 32 drives the belt by rotationally driving the belt motor 55 to transport the paper P. A current measuring device 55a is connected to the belt motor 55, the current value of the belt motor 55 is measured, and the measured current value is sent to the CPU 100.

A suction fan 39 is provided inside the belt transport portion 32. A large number of ventilation holes are formed on the surface of the endless belt forming the belt transport portion 32, and the paper P is attracted to the endless belt and conveyed by the suction force generated by the rotation of the suction fan 39. The suction fan 39 is rotationally driven by the suction motor 50.

The paper sensors 33a to 33d detect the paper P to be conveyed along the normal path RC, detect the floating of the conveyed paper P, and acquire the transfer information. The paper sensor 33a is arranged near the upstream side of the resist roller 31. The paper sensor 33b is arranged near the downstream side of the resist roller 31. The paper sensor 33c is arranged on the downstream side of the paper sensor 33b and on the upstream portion of the belt transport portion 32. The paper sensor 33d is arranged on the downstream side of the inkjet head unit 5. As the paper sensors 33a to 33d, an optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element and a contact sensor for detecting the floating of the paper are applied.

Further, the print transfer unit 4 includes an encoder 44a that acquires transfer information such as a rotation angle measure of a roller 44 that rotates the belt transfer unit 32. Although not shown, a belt HP sensor that detects one reference mark provided on one circumference of the belt and outputs a belt home position signal, and a roller that detects one circumference of the roller 44 and outputs a roller home position signal. It also has an HP. The combination of the roller 44 and the belt motor 55 is called a fifth transport mechanism.

The inkjet head unit 5 is a printing unit that prints on the paper P transported by each transport unit, is arranged above the belt transport unit 32, and has a plurality of nozzles in a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper P. It has a plurality of line-type inkjet heads (not shown) arranged. The inkjet head unit 5 prints an image by ejecting ink (recording material) from the inkjet head onto the paper P transported along the normal path RC by the belt transport unit 32.

The upper surface transporting unit 6 conveys the paper P conveyed by the belt conveying unit 32 upward and also makes a U-turn from the right direction to the left direction. The upper surface transfer unit 6 includes a plurality of pairs of upper surface transfer rollers 35, paper sensors 36a to 36c, and a top surface motor 58 that rotationally drives a plurality of pairs of upper surface transfer rollers 35.

The upper surface transfer roller 35 is arranged along the normal path RC between the print transfer unit 4 and the upper paper discharge transfer unit 7, and conveys the paper P by niping it. All top surface transport rollers 35 are rotationally driven by one top surface motor 58. A current measuring device 58a is connected to the top surface motor 58, measures the current value of the top surface motor 58, and sends the measured current value to the CPU 100. The combination of all the upper surface transfer rollers 35 and one upper surface motor 58 is called a sixth transfer mechanism.

An optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is applied to the paper sensors 36a and 36b, and the paper P to be conveyed along the normal path RC is detected to acquire the conveyed information. The paper sensor 36a is arranged near the upstream side of the uppermost transport roller 35 on the most upstream side. The paper sensor 36b is arranged between two adjacent upper surface transport rollers 35 in a horizontal portion in the downstream region of the normal path RC. The paper sensor 36c is arranged near the upstream side of the uppermost transport roller 35 on the most downstream side, and detects the paper P transported along the upstream portion of the reversing path RR.

The straight paper ejection transport unit 13 does not convey the paper P conveyed by the belt transport unit 32 to the upper surface transport unit 6, but advances the paper P horizontally from the belt transport unit 32 and conveys it to the straight paper discharge table 14. Discharge the paper. The straight-forward paper discharge transport unit 13 includes a switching unit 34, a paper discharge roller 37, a paper sensor 38, a solenoid 61 for driving the switching unit 34, and a straight-forward paper discharge motor 56 for rotationally driving the paper discharge roller 37. .. A current measuring device 56a is connected to the straight-ahead paper ejection motor 56, measures the current value of the straight-ahead paper ejection motor 56, and sends the measured current value to the CPU 100. The combination of the paper ejection roller 37 and the straight-ahead paper ejection motor 56 is referred to as a seventh transport mechanism.

The switching unit 34 is arranged at a branch point between the straight-ahead paper ejection path RD2 and the normal path RC, and switches the paper P transport path between the straight-ahead paper ejection path RD2 and the normal path RC. The switching unit 34 is driven by the solenoid 61. Here, the straight-ahead paper ejection path RD2 is a path extending from the downstream side of the belt transport portion 32 of the normal path RC toward the straight-ahead paper ejection table 14.

The paper ejection roller 37 is arranged between the switching unit 34 and the straight-ahead paper ejection stand 14, and conveys the paper P conveyed by the print conveying unit 4 along the straight-ahead paper ejection path RD2 to carry out straight-ahead paper ejection. Paper is discharged to the table 14. The paper ejection roller 37 is rotationally driven by a straight-ahead paper ejection motor 56.

An optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is applied to the paper sensor 38, and the paper P to be conveyed along the straight-ahead paper ejection path RD2 is detected to acquire the conveyed information. The paper sensor 38 is arranged between the paper ejection roller 37 and the straight-ahead paper ejection table 14.

The straight-ahead paper ejection table 14 has a tray shape protruding from the housing 12, and is installed at an angle. Then, the printed paper P transported by the straight-ahead paper ejection transport unit 13 is loaded.

The upper paper discharge transport unit 7 transports the printed paper P to the upper paper discharge base 8 and discharges the printed paper P. The upper paper discharge transport unit 7 includes a switching unit 41, a paper discharge roller 42, a paper sensor 43, a solenoid 61 for driving the switching unit 41, and an upper paper discharge motor 57 for rotating the paper discharge roller 42. .. A current measuring device 57a is connected to the upper paper ejection motor 57, measures the current value of the upper paper ejection motor 57, and sends the measured current value to the CPU 100. The combination of the paper ejection roller 42 and the upper paper ejection motor 57 is referred to as an eighth transport mechanism.

The switching unit 41 is arranged at a branch point between the upper paper ejection path RD1 and the reversing path RR, and switches the paper P transport path between the upper paper ejection path RD1 and the reversing path RR. The upper paper ejection path RD1 is a path extending from the downstream end of the normal path RC toward the upper paper ejection table 8. The switching unit 41 is driven by the solenoid 61.

The paper ejection roller 42 is arranged between the switching portion 41 and the upper paper ejection base 8, and conveys the paper P conveyed by the upper surface conveying portion 6 along the upper paper ejection path RD1 to perform upper paper ejection. Paper is discharged to the table 8. The paper ejection roller 42 is rotationally driven by the upper paper ejection motor 57.

An optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is applied to the paper sensor 43, and the paper P to be conveyed along the upper paper ejection path RD1 is detected to acquire the conveyed information. The paper sensor 43 is arranged between the paper ejection roller 42 and the upper paper ejection table 8.

The upper paper ejection table 8 is arranged at the downstream end of the upper paper ejection path RD1, and the printed paper P conveyed by the upper paper ejection transport unit 7 is loaded. The upper paper output stand 8 has a tray shape protruding from the housing 12, and is installed at an angle.

At the time of double-sided printing, the reversing unit 9 reverses the single-sided printed paper P and re-feeds it to the print transport unit 4. The reversing section 9 includes a reversing roller 45, a reversing motor 59, a switchback section 46, a refeeding roller 47, a refeeding motor 60, a switching gate 48, and paper sensors 49a and 49b.

The reversing roller 45 is arranged on the reversing path RR between the uppermost transport roller 35 on the most downstream side and the carry-in inlet of the switchback portion 46. Then, the reversing roller 45 temporarily carries the paper P conveyed by the upper surface conveying unit 6 into the switchback unit 46, then carries it out, and conveys it to the re-feeding roller 47. The reversing roller 45 is rotationally driven by the reversing motor 59 in the forward rotation direction (at the time of loading) and the reversing direction (at the time of carrying out). A current measuring device 59a is connected to the inverting motor 59, the current value of the inverting motor 59 is measured, and the measured current value is sent to the CPU 100. The combination of the reversing roller 45 and the reversing motor 59 is called a ninth transfer mechanism.

The switchback portion 46 is a space for the reversing roller 45 to temporarily carry in the paper P. The switchback portion 46 is formed in the lower part of the upper paper ejection table 8, and the vicinity of the reversing roller 45 is opened for carrying in the paper P.

The re-feeding roller 47 is arranged on the reversing path RR between the reversing roller 45 and the resist roller 31, and conveys the paper P conveyed by the reversing roller 45 to the resist roller 31. The re-feeding roller 47 is rotationally driven by the re-feeding motor 60. A current measuring device 60a is connected to the re-feeding motor 60, the current value of the re-feeding motor 60 is measured, and the measured current value is sent to the CPU 100. The combination of the re-feeding roller 47 and the re-feeding motor 60 is referred to as a tenth transfer mechanism.

The switching gate 48 is arranged near the center of gravity of the uppermost transport roller 35, the reversing roller 45, and the refeeding roller 47 on the most downstream side. Then, the switching gate 48 guides the paper P conveyed by the upper surface transfer roller 35 to the reversing roller 45. Further, the switching gate 48 guides the paper P carried out from the switchback portion 46 by the reversing roller 45 to the re-feeding roller 47.

An optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is applied to the paper sensors 49a and 49b, and the paper P transported along the inversion path RR is detected to acquire the conveyed information. The paper sensor 49a is arranged between the reversing roller 45 and the switchback portion 46, and the paper sensor 49b is arranged near the downstream side of the refeeding roller 47.

The operation panel unit 10 has operation buttons, a touch panel, and the like, receives input operations by the user, and displays various screens and the like.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the functional configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 performs central control of the printing device 1. That is, the control unit 11 includes a paper feed unit 2, a vertical paper transfer unit 3, a print transfer unit 4, an inkjet head unit 5, a top surface transfer unit 6, a straight paper discharge transfer unit 13, and an upper paper discharge transfer unit. 7, the reversing unit 9, the operation panel unit 10, and the control unit 11 are controlled. The control unit 11 stores a CPU 100 that executes various programs, a RAM 111 that temporarily stores each information, a ROM 112 that stores basic programs and the like, a printing program, a paper feeding program, and the like. The HDD 113 is provided with a connection unit 114 for input / output.

Further, the HDD 113 stores the current values measured by the current measuring instruments 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, 57a, 58a, 59a, 60a together with the measurement time as a current value history at predetermined control cycles. To do. As a result, when there is an abnormality in the transport mechanism, the current value history can be read out and used as effective data for analysis of abnormal events.

The connection unit 114 electrically connects the control unit 11 with the motors, sensors, and current measuring instruments of each unit. The connection unit 114 receives the detection signal detected by the paper sensor of each part and inputs it to the CPU 110, or receives the current value measured by the current measuring device of each part and inputs it to the CPU 110. Further, the connection unit 114 receives the control signal generated by the CPU 110 and inputs it to the motors of each unit. As a result, the motors of each part are rotationally driven, and ink is ejected from the inkjet head part 5.

The image processing unit 101, the transport control unit 102, the determination unit 103, and the selection display unit 104 are mounted on the CPU 100.

The image processing unit 101 is an arithmetic processing device that performs digital signal processing specialized in image processing, and is a module that performs processing for developing image data to be printed on paper P and executes printing. The image processing unit 101 has an image formation control function and a color conversion circuit function. The color conversion circuit function is a circuit that converts an RGB print image into a CMYK print image, and causes an image formation control function to execute printing based on the print image for each color. The image formation control function is a module that controls the drive of the ink heads of each color and the operation of the drive unit of the transport path to control the entire image formation process, and forms an image at the timing and printing speed according to the scheduling. .. The signal related to the transfer drive is transmitted to the transfer control unit 102.

The transport control unit 102 is a module that controls the operation of each unit (paper feed unit 2, each transport unit, and each paper discharge unit) provided in each path in the printing apparatus, and is determined by the image processing unit 101. Each part is driven according to the schedule, and the paper P is conveyed along the transfer path.

The determination unit 103 determines whether or not the current value measured by each of the current measuring instruments 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, 57a, 58a, 59a, 60a exceeds a predetermined threshold value. When the transport roller is worn or the motor is deteriorated, the transport load is increased, so that the current value tends to increase. Therefore, when the current value measured by the current measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the determination unit 103 determines that the transport roller and / or the motor corresponding to the current measuring device exceeding the threshold value is deteriorated. Can be done. Note that this threshold value is set for each current measuring device, and is set as a limit value that can guarantee print quality without problems under the current printing conditions (printing speed, paper type, paper size, continuous printable time), for example. Will be done. This threshold is set experimentally in advance.

That is, when the determination unit 103 determines that the current value measured by the current measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold, printing is performed under the current printing conditions (printing speed, paper type, paper size, continuous printable time). Since the quality cannot be guaranteed, maintenance of the transport mechanism corresponding to this current measuring instrument should be performed, or the current printing conditions (printing speed, paper type, paper size, continuous printing time) should be changed. You need to make changes and print with restrictions.

Therefore, the selection display unit 104 determines that the measured current value exceeds a predetermined threshold value among the first transfer mechanism to the tenth transfer mechanism when the determination unit 103 determines that the measured current value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In addition to calling for maintenance of the transfer mechanism corresponding to the current measuring instrument, the operation panel unit 10 displays a maintenance recommendation screen so that the user can select either maintenance execution of the transfer mechanism or restricted printing execution. Here, the current value is measured for each of the current measuring instruments 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, 57a, 58a, 59a, 60a, but it is said that the current value exceeds a predetermined threshold value for any one of the current values. If the determination is made, the transport of the paper P may be hindered, so the maintenance recommendation screen is displayed on the operation panel unit 10.

Note that restricted printing is to execute a printing process in a printing mode in which printing conditions (printing speed, paper type, paper size, continuous printable time) are limited. Here, as the restricted printing mode, a maintenance recommended mode and a safety mode with more restrictions than the maintenance mode are prepared. The continuous printable time is an upper limit time during which the printing device 1 can continuously perform printing. The longer the continuous printing time, the more heat is accumulated in the transport mechanism, and the deterioration of the transport mechanism progresses. It is a constraint provided.

FIG. 3 is a table illustrating restricted printing.

As shown in FIG. 3, there are four printing operation modes: a mode without operation restrictions 201, a maintenance recommended mode 202, a safety mode 203, and a forced stop mode 204. Of these, the maintenance recommended mode 202 and the safety mode 203 correspond to the operation constraint mode.

When the measured current value is 500 (mA) or less, which is the first threshold value, it can be estimated that the load on the transport mechanism is small. Therefore, the mode 201 without operation restrictions is set, and the printing speed, paper type, paper size, and so on. The printing process is executed under normal printing conditions without any restrictions on the continuous printable time.

When the measured current value exceeds the first threshold value of 500 (mA) and is 1000 (mA) or less, which is the second threshold value higher than the first threshold value, the maintenance recommended mode 202 is set.

In the maintenance recommended mode 202, the printing speed is limited from "1" to "3", and the higher speed "4" to "6" cannot be set. Further, only "thin paper" having a relatively low transport load can be used, and the printable time is limited to "1" (hr).

Further, when the measured current value exceeds 1000 (mA), which is the second threshold value, and is 2000 (mA) or less, which is the third threshold value higher than the second threshold value, the safety mode 203 is set.

In the safety mode 203, the printing speed is limited to "1", and the higher speeds "2" to "6" cannot be set. Further, only "thin paper" having a relatively low transport load and "A4" size or smaller can be used, and the printable time is limited to "10" (min).

Further, when the measured current value exceeds the third threshold value of 2000 (mA), it is impossible to continue the printing process while ensuring the print quality even if the limit is applied, and abnormal heat generation or the like occurs. Since there is a risk of causing a device abnormality, the forced stop mode 204 is set.

In this way, when the determination unit 103 determines that the current value measured by the current measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold value (first threshold value), the print quality cannot be guaranteed under the current printing conditions. Therefore, maintenance of the transport mechanism can be performed, or the current printing conditions can be changed, that is, maintenance recommended mode 202 or safety mode 203 can be set, and printing can be executed with restrictions. This allows the user to select a response according to the degree of deterioration of the transport mechanism.

Here, the first threshold value is set to 500 (mA), the second threshold value is set to 1000 (mA), and the third threshold value is set to 2000 (mA). Not limited to this, an appropriate value is set for each of the current measuring instruments 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, 57a, 58a, 59a, 60a.

In the above, the printing conditions are the printing speed, the paper type, the paper size, and the continuous printable time, but the printing condition is not limited to this, and any one of the print speed, the paper type, the paper size, and the continuous printable time may be used. It may be a combination of two or more.

<Operation of printing device>
Next, the operation of the printing device 1 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation at the time of printing in the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, when a print job is input to the printing apparatus 1 and printing is started (step S101; YES), the determination unit 103 determines the current measuring instruments 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, 57a. , 58a, 59a, 60a, it is determined whether or not the measured current value exceeds the set first threshold value of 500 (mA) (step S103).

When it is determined that there is no current measuring instrument whose measured current value exceeds the set first threshold value (step S103; NO), the printing process is executed in the operation restriction-free mode (step S117).

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a current measuring device whose measured current value exceeds the set first threshold value (step S103; YES), the selection display unit 104 displays a maintenance recommendation screen on the operation panel unit 10. Display (step S105).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance recommendation screen displayed on the operation panel unit 10.

As shown in FIG. 5, the maintenance recommendation screen 10a displayed on the operation panel unit 10 includes, for example, a message display field 10b for displaying a message "Maintenance time has come. Please call a serviceman." A button 10c for limiting the function and continuing printing, and a button 10d for suspending printing for maintenance are provided.

As a result, the user can recognize that the printing device 1 has reached the maintenance time, immediately calls a serviceman, and when he / she wants to perform maintenance, presses the button 10d.

On the other hand, when the user wants to print immediately even if the printing speed is slowed down, the user can limit the function, that is, continue the printing operation with the limitation by pressing the button 10c.

When the button 10d is pressed (step S107; YES), printing is temporarily suspended for maintenance (step S109).

Then, the user contacts the serviceman, performs maintenance work such as replacement of the transport mechanism that is presumed to be deteriorated, and then recovers (step S111).

Next, the determination unit 103 performs a self-check (step S113). Specifically, the determination unit 103 causes a current measuring device corresponding to the transport mechanism that has been maintained to measure the current, and acquires the measured current value.

When the determination unit 103 determines that the current value measured by the current measuring instrument corresponding to the transport mechanism that has been maintained is equal to or less than the first threshold value (step S115; NO), the determination unit 103 executes the printing process in the operation restriction-free mode. (Step S117), when it is determined that the current value measured by the current measuring device corresponding to the transport mechanism for which maintenance has been performed exceeds the first threshold value (step S115; YES), the process is shifted to step S105, and the selection display unit is selected. The 104 again displays the maintenance recommendation screen on the operation panel unit 10 (step S105).

On the other hand, when maintenance is not selected in step S107, that is, when the button 10c is pressed (step S107; NO), the determination unit 103 uses the current measuring instruments 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, 57a. , 58a, 59a, 60a, it is determined whether or not the measured current value exceeds the set second threshold value (step S119).

Then, when it is determined that there is no current measuring instrument whose measured current value exceeds the second threshold value (step S119; NO), the selection display unit 104 sets the maintenance recommended mode and prints in the maintenance recommended mode. Execute (step S121). Specifically, the image processing unit 101 and the transfer control unit 102 set the printing speed in the first transfer mechanism to the tenth transfer mechanism to a printing speed selected from "1" to "3", and set the paper P to "thin paper". The printing process is executed within the range of the continuous printable time "1" (hr), assuming that only "" can be used.

As a result, instead of performing maintenance immediately, the printing process is executed with restrictions on the printing speed, the paper type, and the continuous printable time, so that the printing can be continued while the print quality is guaranteed.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a current measuring device whose measured current value exceeds the second threshold value (step S119; YES), the determination unit 103 uses the current measuring devices 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a. , 57a, 58a, 59a, 60a, it is determined whether or not the measured current value exceeds the set third threshold value (step S123).

Then, when it is determined that there is no current measuring device whose measured current value exceeds the third threshold value (step S123; NO), the selection display unit 104 sets the safety mode and executes printing in the safety mode. (Step S125). Specifically, the image processing unit 101 and the transport control unit 102 set the printing speed in the first transport mechanism to the tenth transport mechanism to "1", and set the paper P to be "thin paper" or "A4" or smaller in size. , The print process is executed within the printable time "10" (min).

As a result, instead of performing maintenance immediately, the printing process is executed with restrictions on the printing speed, paper type, paper size, and continuous printable time, so printing can be continued while ensuring print quality, etc. it can.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a current measuring device whose measured current value exceeds the third threshold value (step S127; YES), even if the printing conditions are limited, the printing quality and the like cannot be guaranteed. Is determined, and the printing process by the printing device 1 is forcibly stopped (step S127).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a transition of a current value measured by a certain current measuring device when printing is performed while performing timely maintenance with the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, among the current measuring instruments 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, 57a, 58a, 59a, and 60a, the current measuring instrument 54a will be described as an example, but all of the current measuring instruments are the same.

As shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 1 is initially operated from the time of T1.

Then, when printing is continued, the deterioration of the fourth transport mechanism, that is, the resist roller 31 and the resist motor 54 progresses, and the current value measured by the current measuring device 54a gradually increases from the time of T1.

Then, when the current value exceeds the first threshold value of 500 (mA) at the time of T2, the maintenance recommendation screen is displayed on the operation panel unit 10, and the user is allowed to perform maintenance of the transport mechanism or with restrictions. Lets you choose whether to print.

Here, the user selects maintenance, whereby the serviceman performs a self-check after replacing the resist roller 31.

As a result of the self-check, the current value measured by the current measuring device 54a at the time of T2 has dropped to 500 (mA) or less, so that the printing process is executed in the operation restriction-free mode after the time of T2.

Then, after the time of T2, the current value measured by the current measuring device 54a gradually increases.

When the current value exceeds the first threshold value of 500 (mA) at the time of T3, the maintenance recommendation screen is displayed on the operation panel unit 10, and the user is allowed to perform maintenance on the transport mechanism or print with restrictions. Let them choose whether to execute.

Here, the user selects to execute printing with restrictions, and since the current value is 1000 (mA) or less, which is the first threshold value, the maintenance recommended mode is set, and the printing process continues in the maintenance recommended mode. Has been done. At this time, since the load on the transport mechanism is reduced by setting the maintenance recommended mode, the slope of the current value measured by the current measuring device 54a from the time T3 to the time T4 is from the time T1 to the time T3. It is smaller than the slope of the current value.

After T3, every time a print job is sent and printing starts, the maintenance recommendation screen is displayed on the operation panel section 10, but when printing is continued until T4, the user has selected maintenance. After the serviceman replaces the resist roller 31, a self-check is performed.

As a result of the self-check, the current value measured by the current measuring device 54a at the time of T4 has dropped to 500 (mA) or less, so that the printing process is executed in the operation restriction-free mode after the time of T2.

Then, after the time of T4, the current value measured by the current measuring device 54a gradually increases.

When the current value exceeds the first threshold value of 500 (mA) at the time of T5, the maintenance recommendation screen is displayed again on the operation panel unit 10, and the user is allowed to perform maintenance of the transport mechanism or with restrictions. Lets you choose whether to print.

After the time of T5, every time a print job is transmitted and printing starts, the maintenance recommendation screen is displayed on the operation panel unit 10. Then, when the user selects to execute printing with restrictions after the current value exceeds the second threshold value of 1000 (mA) at the time of T6, the safety mode is set and the printing process is performed in the safety mode. It is being continued. At this time, since the load on the transport mechanism is further reduced by setting the safety mode than in the maintenance recommended mode, the slope of the current value measured by the current measuring device 54a from the time T6 to the time T7 is the time T5. It is smaller than the slope of the current value at ~ T6.

Then, at the time of T7, the user has selected maintenance, and as a result, the serviceman performs a self-check after replacing the resist roller 31.

As a result of the self-check, the current value measured by the current measuring device 54a exceeds 500 (mA) at the time of T7, even though the resist roller 31 has been replaced.

Therefore, the serviceman determines that the deterioration of the resist motor 54 is progressing, replaces the resist motor 54, and then performs a self-check at the time of T8.

As a result of the self-check, the current value measured by the current measuring device 54a has dropped to 500 (mA) or less at the time of T8, so that the printing process is executed in the operation restriction-free mode after the time of T8.

As described above, according to the printing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 103 determines whether or not the current value measured by the current measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and the selection display unit When the 104 determines that the current value measured by the determination unit 103 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it calls for maintenance of the transport mechanism and either performs maintenance of the transport mechanism or execution of limited printing processing. Display as selectable.

As a result, when the maintenance time of the transport mechanism comes, the user can recognize that the maintenance time of the printing device has been reached, and can immediately call a service person to perform the maintenance.

On the other hand, the user can continue the printing operation with restrictions if he / she wants to print immediately even if there are restrictions on printing.

In this way, when it is time to maintain the transport mechanism, the user can select whether to perform maintenance or to continue the printing operation according to the degree of deterioration of the transport mechanism without degrading the quality of the printing paper. it can.

In the example of the maintenance recommendation screen shown in FIG. 5, the message "Maintenance time has come. Please call a serviceman." Is displayed in the message display field 10b, but the degree of deterioration further sets the threshold value. The location and name of the exceeding transport mechanism may be displayed.

Further, in the present embodiment, there are a plurality of transport mechanisms of the first transport mechanism to the tenth transport mechanism, and the current value measured by the corresponding current measuring device is predetermined for each of the first transport mechanism to the tenth transport mechanism. Although it was determined whether or not there was a product exceeding the threshold value of, the present invention is not limited to this, and of course, it can be applied to a printing device having one transport mechanism.

1 Printing device 2 Paper feeding unit 3 Vertical transport unit 4 Printing transport unit 5 Inkjet head unit 6 Top surface transport unit 7 Upper paper discharge transport unit 8 Upper paper discharge stand 9 Reversing unit 10 Operation panel unit 11 Control unit 12 Housing 13 Straight discharge Paper transport section 14 Straight paper ejection stand 21 Side feed table 22 Side feed roller 23 Internal feed stand 24 Internal feed roller 25 Vertical transport rollers 27a to 27e Paper sensor 28 Combined paper feed roller 31 Resist roller 32 Belt transport unit 33a ~ 33d Paper sensor 34 Switching part 35 Top transfer roller 36a ~ 36c Paper sensor 37 Paper discharge roller 38 Paper sensor 39 Suction fan 41 Switching part 42 Paper discharge roller 43 Paper sensor 44 Roller 44a Encoder 45 Reversing roller 46 Switchback part 47 Refeeding Paper Roller 48 Switching Gates 49a to 49b Paper Sensor 50 Suction Motor 51 Side Paper Feed Motor 52 Internal Paper Feed Motor 53 Combined Paper Feed Motor 54 Resist Motor 55 Belt Motor 56 Straight Paper Discharge Motor 57 Top Paper Discharge Motor 58 Top Motor 59 Reversing Motor 60 Re-paper feed motor 61 Solvent 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a, 57a, 58a, 59a, 60a Current measuring instrument 101 Image processing unit 102 Conveyance control unit 103 Judgment unit 104 Selection display unit 114 Connection unit

Claims (4)

A transport mechanism that transports paper nipped in the transport roller by rotating the transport roller driven by a motor, and a transport mechanism.
A printing means for printing an image on paper transported by the transport mechanism, and
A current measuring device that measures the current value of the motor, and
A determination means for determining whether or not the current value measured by the current measuring device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and
When the measured current value is determined by the determination means to exceed a predetermined threshold value, the printing means has a means for executing a limited printing process.
The restricted printing process
A printing apparatus characterized in that it is a printing process that limits the continuous printing time for continuous printing by the printing means. A plurality of the transport mechanisms are provided at different locations.
The claim is characterized in that the continuous printing time is set so as to reduce the transport load of the transport roller of the transport mechanism according to the location of the transport mechanism and the current value measured by the current measuring device. Item 1. The printing apparatus according to item 1. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the limited printing process further includes a printing process that limits a paper size. A plurality of the transport mechanisms are provided at different locations.
At least one of the continuous printing time and the paper size is set so as to reduce the transport load of the transport roller of the transport mechanism according to the location of the transport mechanism and the current value measured by the current measuring device. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the printing apparatus is provided.

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