Ink-jet recording apparatus

A cartridge loading method for loading plural ink cartridges respectively accommodating inks in plural different colors for use in an ink-jet recording apparatus in cartridge loading units, comprising the steps of:

• inserting the ink cartridges in the cartridge loading units up to first stage loading units configured to support outer peripheral surfaces of the ink cartridges before ink outflow ports of the ink cartridges come into contact with ink inflow ports of the cartridge loading units;
• detecting whether the ink cartridges are loaded in the cartridge loading units as predetermined;
• notifying a detection result of the detection unit in a form of a display or a sound;
• and
• inserting the ink cartridges further to second stage loading units that allow for a fitting of the ink outflow ports and the ink inflow ports.

An ink-jet recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium by introducing inks from plural ink cartridges respectively accommodating inks in plural different colors, comprising:

• means for ejecting the inks in plural colors toward the recording medium;
• means in which the respective ink cartridges are loaded in a reloadable manner, and when connected to ink outflow ports provided to the ink cartridges, for introducing the inks accommodated in the ink cartridges through ink introduction ports;
• means for supplying the inks from the ink cartridges to the plural heads;
• means for detecting whether the ink cartridges are loaded in the cartridge loading units as predetermined before the ink outflow ports come into contact with the ink inflow ports when the ink cartridges are loaded in the cartridge loading units;
• and
• means for notifying a detection result of the detection unit in a form of a display or a sound.

An ink-jet recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium by introducing inks from plural ink cartridges respectively accommodating inks in plural different colors including black, comprising:

• plural heads that discharge the inks in plural colors toward the recording medium;
• an image control unit configured to determine an image forming condition including a mixing ratio of the inks in plural colors to be ejected from the plural heads to the recording medium according to an image forming signal inputted from an outside;
• plural cartridge loading units respectively corresponding to the plural ink cartridges and configured in such a manner that the respective ink cartridges are loaded therein in a reloadable manner;
• a detection unit configured to detect whether the ink cartridges are loaded in the cartridge loading units as predetermined when the ink cartridges are loaded in the cartridge loading units;
• and
• a calibration control unit configured to start a calibration operation when the detection unit detects proper loading.

An ink-jet recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium by introducing inks from plural ink cartridges respectively accommodating inks in plural different colors including black, comprising:

• means for discharging the inks in plural colors from heads toward the recording medium;
• means for detecting whether the ink cartridges are loaded in corresponding cartridge loading units;
• means for determining an image forming condition including a mixing ratio of the inks in plural colors to be ejected to the recording medium according to an image forming signal inputted from an outside;
• and
• means for performing a calibration operation when the ink cartridges are loaded properly.

A calibration method used in an ink-jet recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium by introducing inks from plural ink cartridges respectively accommodating inks in plural different colors including black, comprising the steps of:

• discharging the inks in plural colors from heads toward the recording medium;
• detecting whether the ink cartridges are loaded in corresponding cartridge loading units;
• determining an image forming condition including a mixing ratio of the inks in plural colors to be ejected to the recording medium according to an image forming signal inputted from an outside;
• and
• starting a calibration operation when the ink cartridges are loaded properly.