JP2013028109A - Liquid ejection apparatus and cartridge set used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a remaining amount of moisturizing liquid when replacing a cartridge due to liquid end, and also, to reduce a possibility that the moisturizing liquid stored in the cartridge runs out before the liquid in the cartridge runs out.SOLUTION: When performing only first-mode recording to eject first liquid from a head 10A, a second ejection space opposed to the ejection surface of the head 10B is capped, then, the second ejection space is humidified using the moisturizing liquid stored in a first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a. When the first ejection space and the second ejection space opposed to the ejection surface of the head 10A are capped, the first ejection space is humidified using the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 of the second cartridge 17b, and also, the second ejection space S2 is humidified using the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a.

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid to form an image on a recording medium, and a cartridge set used therefor.

  Conventionally, as a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid to form an image on a recording medium, a first liquid ejection head that ejects black ink, a second liquid ejection head that ejects color ink other than black, and a cartridge mounting unit, respectively Some of them are equipped with a black ink cartridge for storing black ink and a color ink cartridge for storing color ink, which are replaceably mounted.

  Some liquid ejecting apparatuses of this type are configured such that another liquid other than ink is stored in the ink cartridge. For example, Patent Document 1 is configured such that a recording performance improving liquid that aggregates color materials in ink is stored in a part of the ink cartridge. As a result, when the ink cartridge is replaced when the ink runs out, the recording performance improving liquid is also replaced at the same time, so that a necessary and sufficient amount of the recording performance improving liquid can always be secured.

JP-A-8-216391

  By the way, when the state where the liquid is not discharged from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head continues for a long time, the liquid near the discharge port evaporates and the viscosity increases, and the discharge port may be clogged. As a technique for suppressing the clogging of the discharge port, there is a technique in which the discharge space facing the discharge surface is isolated from the external space and sealed, and the discharge space is moisturized using a moisturizing liquid. . Here, in addition to the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head, the moisturizing liquid that moisturizes the ejection space facing the ejection surface of the liquid ejection head is stored in a part of the cartridge by utilizing the technical idea of Patent Document 1 described above. It is possible to make it.

  However, the moisturizing liquid is consumed when no liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection head, and the moisturizing liquid consumption time and the liquid consumption time are different, so the moisturizing liquid is simply stored in a part of the cartridge. If it is used, a large amount of moisturizing liquid may remain when the cartridge is replaced when the liquid runs out, which may be uneconomical. In addition, the moisturizing liquid stored in a part of the cartridge may run out before the liquid runs out.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid when the cartridge is replaced when the liquid runs out, and to prevent the moisturizing liquid stored in the cartridge from running out before the liquid runs out. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus that can be reduced, and a cartridge set used therefor.

  In order to solve the above problems, the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention has a first ejection surface having a plurality of ejection openings, and can eject the first liquid from the plurality of ejection openings toward the recording medium. A second liquid having a first liquid discharge head and a second discharge surface having a plurality of discharge ports opened, and capable of discharging a second liquid different from the first liquid toward the recording medium from the plurality of discharge ports. A first cartridge having a discharge head, a first liquid storage chamber for storing the first liquid supplied to the first liquid discharge head, a first moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing a moisturizing liquid, and the second liquid; A second liquid storage chamber for storing the second liquid supplied to the ejection head, a second cartridge having a second moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing a moisturizing liquid, the first cartridge, and the second cartridge, respectively. Replaceable cartridge A first capping means capable of taking a contact portion, a sealed state that isolates the first discharge space facing the first discharge surface from the external space, and an open state that opens the first discharge space to the external space; A second capping means capable of taking a sealed state in which the second discharge space facing the second discharge surface is isolated from the external space and an open state in which the second discharge space is opened to the external space; and the sealed state Moisturizing means for moisturizing the first ejection space when being in the sealed state and the second ejection space when being in the sealed state, the first liquid ejection head, the second liquid ejection head, Control means for controlling the first capping means, the second capping means, and the moisturizing means, and the control means performs only the first mode recording in which the first liquid is ejected from the first liquid ejection head. When Uses the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the first cartridge to control the second capping means so that the second discharge space is in the sealed state. The moisturizing means is controlled so that the second discharge space is moisturized, and the second moisturizing liquid of the second cartridge is used when the first discharge space and the second discharge space are in the sealed state. The moisturizing means is controlled so that the first discharge space is moisturized using the moisturizing liquid stored in the storage chamber, and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the first cartridge. The moisturizing means is controlled so that the second discharge space is moisturized using a liquid.

  According to the above configuration, when only the first mode recording is performed, since the moisturizing liquid stored in the first cartridge is used for moisturizing the second discharge space, the first stored in the first cartridge is used. Liquid and moisturizing liquid will be consumed at the same time. Thereby, the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid when the first cartridge is replaced when the first liquid runs out can be reduced. Furthermore, when only the first mode recording is performed, the moisturizing liquid stored in the second cartridge is not consumed. Therefore, before the second liquid stored in the second cartridge runs out, The possibility of the moisturizing liquid stored in the two cartridges being cut can be reduced.

  In the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of the second liquid ejection heads are provided, the first liquid is black ink, and the second liquid ejected from each of the plurality of second liquid ejection heads. Are different color inks other than black, and the second cartridge has the same number of second liquid storage chambers as the number of the second liquid discharge heads, and each second liquid storage chamber has The second liquid of the corresponding second liquid discharge head may be stored respectively.

  In the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention, the amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the first cartridge before being attached to the cartridge attaching portion is attached to the cartridge attaching portion. The storage amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the previous second cartridge may be larger. According to the above configuration, since the moisturizing liquid used for moisturizing the second discharge space in which the time and the number of times of being in the sealed state are larger than the first discharge space is stored in the first cartridge accordingly. The possibility that the moisturizing liquid stored in the first cartridge runs out before the ink stored in the first cartridge runs out can be reduced.

  In the liquid ejection device of the present invention, the first moisturizing liquid tank communicating with the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the first cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and the first moisturizing liquid tank mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. A second moisturizing liquid tank communicating with the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber of two cartridges, and a detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber and the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber; A first transfer means for transferring the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber to the first moisturizing liquid tank; and the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber. And a second transfer means for transferring to the second moisturizing liquid tank, wherein the control means removes the first moisturizing liquid reservoir by the detecting means when removing the first cartridge from the cartridge mounting portion. Room When it is detected that the moisturizing liquid remains, the first transfer means is controlled to transfer the remaining moisturizing liquid to the first moisturizing liquid tank, and the second discharge space is In the sealed state, the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the first cartridge newly mounted in the cartridge mounting portion, and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid tank The moisturizing means is controlled so that the second discharge space is moisturized using at least one of the liquids, and the second moisturizing liquid reservoir chamber is removed by the detecting means when removing the second cartridge from the cartridge mounting portion. If the moisturizing liquid is detected to remain, the second transfer means is controlled to transfer the remaining moisturizing liquid to the second moisturizing liquid tank, and the first discharge space is controlled. Is the sealed state At least one of the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the second cartridge newly installed in the cartridge mounting unit and the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid tank The moisturizing means may be controlled so that the first discharge space is moisturized by using. According to the above configuration, when the first and second cartridges are replaced when the first liquid and the second liquid run out, the moisturizing liquid remaining in the first and second cartridges is effectively used. can do.

  Further, the cartridge set of the present invention includes a first liquid discharge head having a first discharge surface having a plurality of discharge ports opened, and capable of discharging a first liquid from the plurality of discharge ports toward a recording medium. A second liquid discharge head that has a second discharge surface that is open and has a plurality of discharge ports that can discharge a second liquid different from the first liquid toward the recording medium; and the first discharge A first capping means capable of taking a sealed state in which the first discharge space facing the surface is isolated from the external space and an open state in which the first discharge space is opened to the external space; and facing the second discharge surface. A second capping means capable of taking a sealed state in which the second discharge space is isolated from the external space and an open state in which the second discharge space is opened to the external space; and the second capping means in the sealed state. 1 discharge space and the sealed state Moisturizing means for moisturizing the second ejection space during the operation, control means for controlling the first liquid ejection head, the second liquid ejection head, the first capping means, the second capping means, and the moisturizing means And the control means performs the second capping so that the second ejection space is in the sealed state when performing only the first mode recording in which the first liquid is ejected from the first liquid ejection head. The moisturizing means is controlled so that the second discharge space is moisturized using a moisturizing liquid, and the first discharge space and the second discharge space are in the sealed state. In some cases, the first discharge space and the second discharge space are moisturized by using a moisturizing liquid and are exchangeably mounted in a cartridge mounting portion of a liquid discharge apparatus that controls the moisturizing means. A cartridge set comprising a cartridge and a second cartridge, wherein the first cartridge has a first liquid storage chamber for storing a first liquid supplied to the first liquid discharge head, and the second discharge space is sealed by the second discharge space. A first moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing a moisturizing liquid used for moisturizing the second discharge space in the stopped state, and the second cartridge supplies the second liquid to be supplied to the second liquid discharge head. A second liquid storage chamber for storing and a second moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing a moisturizing liquid used for moisturizing the first discharge space when the first discharge space is in the sealed state. It is characterized by that.

  According to the above configuration, when only the first mode recording is performed, since the moisturizing liquid stored in the first cartridge is used for moisturizing the second discharge space, the first stored in the first cartridge is used. Liquid and moisturizing liquid will be consumed at the same time. Thereby, the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid when the first cartridge is replaced when the first liquid runs out can be reduced. Furthermore, when only the first mode recording is performed, the moisturizing liquid stored in the second cartridge is not consumed. Therefore, before the second liquid stored in the second cartridge runs out, The possibility of the moisturizing liquid stored in the two cartridges being cut can be reduced.

  Further, the cartridge set of the present invention includes a first liquid discharge head having a first discharge surface having a plurality of discharge ports opened, and capable of discharging a first liquid from the plurality of discharge ports toward a recording medium. And a second liquid discharge head having a second discharge surface that has a second discharge surface that is open and capable of discharging a second liquid different from the first liquid from the plurality of discharge ports toward the recording medium. A cartridge set including a first cartridge and a second cartridge, which is replaceably mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of the apparatus, wherein the first cartridge stores a first liquid to be supplied to the first liquid discharge head. A first liquid storage chamber; and a first moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing a moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the plurality of discharge ports of the second discharge surface, wherein the second cartridge is a second liquid discharge head. Second to supply A second liquid storage chamber to the reservoir body, characterized in that a second moisturizing liquid reservoir for reserving a moisturizer for moisturizing the plurality of outlets of the first ejection surface.

  According to the above configuration, the first liquid and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first cartridge can be consumed at the same time. Therefore, the moisturizing effect when the first cartridge is replaced when the first liquid is depleted. The remaining amount of the liquid can be reduced. In addition, when the second liquid stored in the second cartridge is not consumed, the chance that the moisturizing liquid stored in the second cartridge is consumed can be reduced, so that the second liquid stored in the second cartridge is stored. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the moisturizing liquid stored in the second cartridge runs out before the second liquid running out.

  It is possible to reduce the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid when the cartridge is exchanged when the liquid runs out, and to reduce the possibility that the moisturizing liquid stored in the cartridge will run out before the liquid runs out.

1 is a schematic side view showing an internal structure of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment of a liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the inkjet head shown in FIG. 1, and a plate-shaped member. It is the schematic which shows the connection form of the inkjet head and humidification mechanism which are included in the printer of FIG. 1, and the connection form of a humidification mechanism and a replenishment mechanism. It is a top view which shows the flow-path unit and actuator unit of the inkjet head contained in the printer of FIG. It is an enlarged view which shows the area | region III enclosed with the dashed-dotted line of FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view in alignment with the IV-IV line of FIG. It is the schematic which shows the surrounding structure of the head holder contained in the printer of FIG. 1, and a humidification mechanism. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the area | region VI enclosed with the dashed-dotted line of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control apparatus shown in FIG. It is an operation | movement flowchart of the control apparatus shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, an overall configuration of an inkjet printer 101 according to an embodiment of the liquid ejection apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The printer 101 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 101a. A paper discharge unit 15 is provided on the top plate of the housing 101a. The internal space of the housing 101a can be divided into spaces A, B, and C in order from the top. In the spaces A and B, a paper transport path from the paper feed unit 101b to the paper discharge unit 15 is formed. In the space A, image formation on the paper P and conveyance of the paper P to the paper discharge unit 15 are performed. In the space B, the paper P is fed to the conveyance path. From the space C, ink is supplied to the inkjet head 10 (10A, 10B) in the space A.

  In the space A, the transport mechanism 16 that transports the paper P in the transport direction (the direction from the left to the right in FIG. 1), and the paper P transported by the transport mechanism 16 includes black (K) and cyan (C). , Four inkjet heads 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as heads 10) for ejecting magenta (M) and yellow (Y) ink liquids, a guide unit for guiding paper P, and a humidifying mechanism 60 used for humidification maintenance, 70 (see FIG. 3), replenishing mechanisms 80 and 90 (see FIG. 3) for replenishing the humidifying mechanisms 60 and 70 with a moisturizing liquid, a display 120 (see FIG. 9), a control device 100, and the like are arranged. .

  The transport mechanism 16 includes two belt rollers 6, 7, an endless transport belt 8 wound between both rollers 6, 7, a nip roller 4 and a peeling plate 5 disposed outside the transport belt 8, and a transport belt 8. It has the platen 3 etc. which are arrange | positioned inside. The belt roller 7 is a drive roller, and is rotated by driving a conveyance motor (not shown), and rotates clockwise in FIG. As the belt roller 7 rotates, the conveyor belt 8 travels in the direction of the thick arrow in FIG. The belt roller 6 is a driven roller and rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 as the transport belt 8 travels. The nip roller 4 is disposed to face the belt roller 6 and presses the paper P supplied from the upstream side in the transport direction against the support surface 8 a that is the outer peripheral surface of the transport belt 8. Thereafter, the paper P is transported toward the belt roller 7 while being supported on the support surface 8 a as the transport belt 8 travels. The peeling plate 5 is disposed so as to face the belt roller 7, peels the paper P from the support surface 8a, and further guides the paper P to the downstream side in the transport direction. The platen 3 is disposed to face the four heads 10 and supports the upper loop of the conveyor belt 8 from the inside.

  The guide unit has an upstream guide unit and a downstream guide unit that are arranged with the transport mechanism 16 interposed therebetween in the transport direction. The upstream guide unit includes guides 13 a and 13 b and a feed roller pair 14, and connects the paper feed unit 101 b and the transport mechanism 16. The downstream guide unit includes guides 29 a and 29 b and two feed roller pairs 28, and connects the transport mechanism 16 and the paper discharge unit 15.

  The four heads 10 have the same structure, extend along the main scanning direction, and are arranged in parallel and at equal intervals in the sub-scanning direction. Of the four heads 10, the head 10 </ b> A (first liquid discharge head) disposed on the most upstream side in the transport direction is supported by the casing 101 a via the head holder 45, and the black ink (first liquid) ) Is discharged. The lower surface of the head 10A is a first ejection surface 11a in which a plurality of ejection ports 108 (see FIG. 5) for ejecting black ink droplets are opened. The remaining three heads 10B (second liquid ejection heads) are respectively supported by the casing 101a via the three head holders 55, and color inks (first magenta, cyan, yellow) other than black (ie, magenta, cyan, yellow). 2 liquid). The lower surface of each head 10B is a second ejection surface 11b in which a plurality of ejection ports 108 for ejecting color ink droplets are opened. That is, the ink jet printer 101 is a line type color ink jet printer in which a plurality of ejection openings 108 for ejecting ink droplets in the main scanning direction are arranged.

  Here, the sub-scanning direction is a direction parallel to the transport direction when the paper P is transported by the transport mechanism 16, and the main scanning direction is a direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction and along the horizontal plane. .

  The head holder 45 holds the head 10A so that the first ejection surface 11a and the support surface 8a of the upper loop of the transport belt 8 face each other with a predetermined distance suitable for recording. Here, the predetermined distance suitable for recording is a distance in which the recording surface of the paper P does not come into contact with the ejection surface and ink can be landed accurately on the recording surface of the paper P.

  Each head holder 55 holds the head 10 </ b> B so that the second discharge surface 11 b faces the support surface 8 a of the upper loop of the transport belt 8. Each head holder 55 is configured to be movable up and down along the vertical direction by a head lifting mechanism 56 (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 2, the head elevating mechanism 56 is controlled by the control device 100 between the print position (see FIG. 2A) and the retreat position (see FIG. 2B). 55 is raised and lowered. The printing position is a position of the head holder 55 with respect to the conveyance belt 8 where the second ejection surface 11b and the support surface 8a of the upper loop of the conveyance belt 8 face each other with a predetermined distance suitable for recording. On the other hand, the retracted position is a position of the head holder 55 with respect to the transport belt 8 where the distance between the second ejection surface 11b and the support surface 8a is more than a predetermined distance suitable for the recording. In the present embodiment, the control device 100 controls the head lifting mechanism 56 so that the head holder 55 is positioned at the retracted position when performing monochrome recording described later, and the head holder 55 is positioned at the printing position otherwise.

  Further, a space in which a plate-like member 57 to be described later can be disposed is formed between the head 10B supported by the head holder 55 moved to the retracted position by the head lifting mechanism 56 and the support surface 8a. The As a result, the plate-like member 57 that is normally waiting while being shifted in the sub-scanning direction with respect to this space can be disposed in the space and face the first ejection surface 11a of the head 20B. A more specific configuration of the peripheral structure of the heads 10A and 10B and the head holders 45 and 55 will be described in detail later.

  The plate-like member 57 is disposed at the left position in FIG. 1 of each head 10B, and is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction by a moving mechanism 58 (see FIG. 8). All the plate-like members 57 have the same configuration. The upper surface of the plate-like member 57 is smooth and has a planar shape that is slightly larger than each second ejection surface 11b. The plate member 57 is formed of a metal plate or a glass plate. In addition, the moving mechanism 58 is controlled by the control device 100, and the opposite position (see FIG. 2C) facing the second discharge surface 11 b to which the plate member 57 corresponds corresponds to the first position to which the plate member 57 corresponds. These plate-like members 57 are moved between the standby positions (see FIG. 2B) that do not face the two ejection surfaces 11b.

  In the space B, the paper feeding unit 101b is arranged. The paper feed unit 101 b includes a paper feed tray 23 and a paper feed roller 24. Among these, the paper feed tray 23 is detachable from the housing 101a. The paper feed tray 23 is a box that opens upward, and stores a plurality of papers P. The paper feed roller 24 sends out the uppermost paper P in the paper feed tray 23.

  In the space C, a tank unit 101c is arranged. The tank unit 101c includes cartridge mounting portions 2a and 2b on which the first cartridge 17a and the second cartridge 17b of the cartridge set 17 are mounted in a replaceable manner. The first cartridge 17a mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 2a is used for humidification maintenance for retaining (humidifying) the first liquid storage chamber 31 that stores black ink and the discharge port 108 of the second discharge surface 11b of the head 10B. And a first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 for storing the moisturizing liquid. In the state where the first cartridge 17a is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 2a, as shown in FIG. 3, the first liquid storage chamber 31 and a later-described reservoir unit 12 of the head 10A are connected via a tube 180. The first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 and a buffer tank 93 described later are connected via a tube 91. Thus, the black ink stored in the first liquid storage chamber 31 is stored in the reservoir unit 12 via the tube 180, and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 is stored in the buffer tank 93 via the tube 91. Can be supplied respectively. In this embodiment, the moisturizing liquid corresponds to water containing a small amount of preservative.

  The second cartridge 17b mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 2b includes second liquid storage chambers 33a to 33c that store cyan, yellow, and magenta color inks, respectively, and the discharge port 108 of the first discharge surface 11a of the head 10A. And a second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 for storing a moisturizing liquid used for humidifying maintenance. In the state where the second cartridge 17b is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 2b, as shown in FIG. 3, the second liquid storage chambers 33a to 33c and the later-described reservoir unit 12 of the head 10B each include three tubes 190a. The second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 and a later-described buffer tank 83 are connected via a tube 81. Accordingly, the three color inks stored in the second liquid storage chambers 33a to 33c are stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 in the reservoir units 12 of the corresponding heads 10B via the tubes 190a to 190c. Each moisturizing liquid can be supplied to the buffer tank 83 via the tube 81.

  Note that the amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a before being attached to the cartridge attaching portion 2a is the same as that of the second cartridge 17b before being attached to the cartridge attaching portion 2b. The amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 is larger.

  The tank unit 101c includes an in-cartridge ink storage amount sensor 130 that detects the amount of black ink stored in the first liquid storage chamber 31 of the first cartridge 17a, and a second liquid storage of the second cartridge 17b. Three in-cartridge ink storage amount sensors 131a to 131c (see FIG. 9) for detecting the storage amount of the color ink stored in the chambers 33a to 33c, respectively, are provided. Further, the tank unit 101c includes an in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 140 for detecting the amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a, and the second cartridge 17b. 2 An in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 141 (see FIG. 9) for detecting the amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 is provided. In this embodiment, the in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensors 140 and 141 constitute detection means.

  Next, the control device 100 will be described. The control device 100 controls each part of the printer 101 and controls the operation of the entire printer 101. The control device 100 manages image recording based on image data (recording command) received from an external device (such as a PC connected to the printer 101). Specifically, the control device 100 controls the paper feed unit 101b, the transport mechanism 16, each pair of feed rollers 14, 28, and the like based on the recording command. The paper P sent out from the paper feed tray 23 is sent to the transport mechanism 16 by the upstream guide unit. When the paper P on the support surface 8a passes immediately below the heads 10A and 10B, the heads 10A and 10B are controlled by the control device 100, and the discharge formed on the first and second ejection surfaces 11a and 11b. Ink of each color is sequentially discharged onto the paper P from the outlet 108.

  Image recording includes monochrome recording performed when the image data received from the external device is monochrome image data, and color recording performed when the image data is color image data. During monochrome recording, the control device 100 controls the heads 10A and 10B so that black ink is ejected from the head 10A and color ink is not ejected from the head 10B. As a result, a desired monochrome image is formed on the paper P. In contrast, at the time of color recording, the control device 100 controls the heads 10A and 10B so that black ink is ejected from the head 10A and color ink is ejected from the head 10B. Thereby, a desired color image is formed on the paper P. The ink ejection operation is performed based on a detection signal from the paper sensor 25 that detects the leading edge of the paper P. The paper P on which the image is formed is peeled off from the transport belt 8 by the peeling plate 5, guided by the downstream guide portion, and discharged from the opening 22 at the top of the housing 101 a to the paper discharge portion 15.

  The control device 100 manages humidification maintenance for recovering and maintaining the ejection characteristics of the heads 10A and 10B. The humidification maintenance will be described in detail later. In the present embodiment, the control unit is configured by the control device 100.

  Next, the head 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Since the head 10A and the head 10B have the same structure, only the head 10A will be described, and description of the head 10B will be omitted. In FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, the pressure chamber 110, the aperture 112, and the discharge port 108 that are to be drawn by broken lines below the actuator unit 21 are drawn by solid lines.

  The head 10A includes a reservoir unit 12 (see FIG. 8), a flow path unit 9, eight actuator units 21 fixed to the upper surface 9a of the flow path unit 9, and a flexible printed circuit board (Flexible) that supplies a drive signal to the actuator unit 21. Printed Circuit: FPC) and a circuit board that controls a driver IC mounted on the FPC. The reservoir unit 12 is formed with an ink flow path including a reservoir that temporarily stores the black ink supplied from the first liquid storage chamber 31 of the first cartridge 17a.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the flow path unit 9 is a laminated body in which nine metal plates 122 to 130 made of stainless steel are laminated. As shown in FIG. 4, a total of 18 ink supply ports 105b communicating with the reservoir unit 12 are opened on the upper surface 9a. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a manifold channel 105 having an ink supply port 105 b as one end and a plurality of sub-manifold channels 105 a branched from the manifold channel 105 are formed inside. Furthermore, a plurality of individual ink flow paths 132 are formed from the outlets of the respective sub-manifold flow paths 105a through the pressure chambers 110 to the discharge ports 108 of the first discharge surface 11a. A large number of ejection ports 108 are arranged in a matrix on the lower surface (first ejection surface 11a), and are arranged at intervals of 600 dpi, which is the resolution in the main scanning direction, with respect to the main scanning direction.

  The actuator unit 21 includes a plurality of unimorph actuators corresponding to the pressure chambers 110 and selectively applies ejection energy to the ink in the pressure chambers 110.

  The ink flow in the flow path unit 9 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the ink supplied from the reservoir unit to the ink supply port 105b flows into the manifold channel 105 (sub-manifold channel 105a). The ink in the sub-manifold channel 105 a is distributed to each individual ink channel 132 and reaches the ejection port 108 via the aperture 112 and the pressure chamber 110.

  Next, the peripheral structure of the head holders 45 and 55 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The head holder 45 is a frame made of metal or the like, and is attached with a first cap 40 and a pair of joints 61 provided on the head 10A.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the pair of joints 61 constitute one end and the other end of the circulation channel of the humidifying mechanism 60, respectively, and are disposed close to one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the head 10A. In the humidification maintenance, air in the first discharge space S1 facing the first discharge surface 11a is collected from the opening 61a on the lower surface of one of the joints 61 (left side in FIG. 7), and the other ( Humidified air is supplied to the first discharge space S1 from the opening 61b on the lower surface of the joint 61 on the right side of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the joint 61 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and includes a base end 61x and a tip 61y extending from the base end 61x. A cylindrical hollow space 61z along the vertical direction passes through from the base end 61x to the tip 61y. The outer diameters of the proximal end 61x and the distal end 61y are different, and the proximal end 61x has a larger outer diameter than the distal end 61y, but the hollow space 61z has a constant diameter along the vertical direction. The tip 61y has a notch on the outer periphery of its upper end surface, and has a tapered shape. Thereby, the connection of one end of the tubes 65 and 66 to the tip 61y is easy.

  The joint 61 is fixed to the head holder 45 in a state where the tip 61 y is inserted into the through hole 45 a of the head holder 45. The through holes 45a are formed at positions where the joints 61 are arranged in the head holder 45, that is, in the vicinity of one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the head 10, respectively. The outer diameter of the tip 61y is slightly smaller than the diameter of the through hole 45a, and there is a slight gap between the outer peripheral surface of the tip 61y and the wall surface defining the through hole 45a of the head holder 45. This gap is sealed by being filled with a sealing material or the like when the joint 61 is fixed to the head holder 45.

  The first cap 40 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the first ejection surface 11a of the head 10A in plan view, and includes an elastic body 41 supported by the head holder 45 and a movable body 42 that can move up and down. .

  The elastic body 41 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and has a base portion 41x, a protruding portion 41a having a reverse triangular shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base portion 41x, and a T-shaped fixing portion that is fixed to the head holder 45. 41c and a connecting portion 41d that connects the base portion 41x and the fixing portion 41c. The elastic body 41 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the first ejection surface 11a of the head 10A in a plan view while having the above-described parts. The upper end portion of the fixing portion 41c is fixed to the head holder 45 via an adhesive or the like. The fixing portion 41 c is also sandwiched between the head holder 45 and the base end 61 x of each joint 61 in the vicinity of the through hole 45 a. The connecting portion 41d is curved from the lower end of the fixed portion 41c and extends outward (in a direction away from the first ejection surface 11a in a plan view) and is connected to the lower end of the base portion 41x. The connecting portion 41d has a degree of bending that can be deformed as the movable body 42 moves up and down. On the upper surface of the base 41x, a recess 41b that fits into the lower end of the movable body 42 is formed.

  The movable body 42 is made of a rigid material and, like the elastic body 41, is formed in an annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the first ejection surface 11a of the head 10A in plan view. The movable body 42 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the head holder 45 while being supported by the head holder 45 via the elastic body 41. Specifically, the movable body 42 is connected to a plurality of gears 43 and moves up and down as the gear 43 rotates under the control of the control device 100 as the elevating motor 44 (see FIG. 9) is driven. To do. At this time, since the concave portion 41 b of the elastic body 41 is fitted to the lower end of the movable body 42, the base portion 41 x also moves up and down together with the movable body 42. In the elastic body 41, when the movable body 42 moves up and down, the base 41x including the protruding portion 41a moves up and down together with the movable body 42 in a state where the fixed portion 41c is fixed to the head holder 45. Thereby, the relative position of the perpendicular direction with respect to the 1st discharge surface 11a of the cap front-end | tip 40a of the protrusion part 41a (1st cap 40) changes.

  The protrusion 41a is separated from the contact position (see FIG. 7) where the cap tip 40a contacts the support surface 8a of the conveyor belt 8 by the vertical movement of the movable body 42, and the cap tip 40a is separated from the support surface 8a of the conveyor belt 8. The separated position (see FIG. 8) is selectively taken. As shown in FIG. 7, when the protrusion 41a is in the contact position, the first discharge space S1 is isolated from the external space S3 and is in a sealed state. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the protruding portion 41a is at the separation position, the cap tip 40a is located between the first discharge surface 11a and the support surface 8a, and the first discharge space S1 is opened to the external space S3. Will be released.

  The protrusion 41a is separated from the first discharge surface 11a over the entire circumference of the first discharge surface 11a (the lower surface of the head 10A shown in FIG. 4) in plan view. In the present embodiment, the first cap 40 constitutes a first capping unit.

  Next, the peripheral structure of the head holder 55 will be described. Since the peripheral structure of the head holder 55 is substantially the same as the peripheral structure of the head holder 45, a portion corresponding to the peripheral structure of the head holder 45 in the peripheral structure of the head holder 55 is the peripheral structure of the head holder 45. The reference numerals of 10 corresponding to the reference numerals of the corresponding parts are added, and the description is omitted as appropriate.

  To the head holder 55, three second caps 50 provided for each head 10B and a pair of joints 71 provided for each head 10B are attached.

  The pair of joints 71 constitute one end and the other end of the circulation flow path of the humidifying mechanism 70, respectively, and in humidification maintenance, the second from the opening 71 a on the lower surface of one joint 71 of the pair of joints 71. Air in the second discharge space S2 facing the discharge surface 11b is collected, and humidified air is supplied from the opening 71b on the lower surface of the other joint 71 to the second discharge space S2.

  The joint 71 includes a proximal end 71x and a distal end 71y extending from the proximal end 71x. A cylindrical hollow space 71z along the vertical direction passes through from the base end 71x to the tip 71y. One ends of tubes 75 and 76 are connected to the tip 71y. The joint 71 is fixed to the head holder 55 in a state where the tip 71 y is inserted into the through hole 55 a of the head holder 55.

  The second cap 50 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the second ejection surface 11b of the head 10B in plan view, and includes an elastic body 51 supported by the head holder 55 and a movable body 52 that can move up and down.

  The elastic body 51 includes a base portion 51x, a protruding portion 51a, a fixing portion 51c, and a connecting portion 51d. The elastic body 41 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the second ejection surface 11b of the head 10B in a plan view while having the above-described parts. In addition, a recess 51b that fits into the lower end of the movable body 52 is formed on the upper surface of the base 51x.

  The movable body 52 is formed in an annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the second ejection surface 11b of the head 10B in plan view. The movable body 52 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the head holder 55 while being supported by the head holder 55 via the elastic body 51. Specifically, the movable body 52 is connected to a plurality of gears 53 and moves up and down as the gear 53 rotates under the control of the control device 100 as the elevating motor 54 (see FIG. 9) is driven. To do. When the movable body 52 moves up and down, the relative position in the vertical direction of the cap tip 50a of the protrusion 51a (second cap 50) with respect to the second discharge surface 11b changes.

  The protrusion 51a selectively takes the contact position and the separation position by the vertical movement of the movable body 52. The contact position is a position where the cap tip 50a contacts the support surface 8a of the transport belt 8 when the head holder 55 is in the printing position (see FIG. 2A), and the head holder 55 is in the retracted position (see FIG. In the case shown in FIG. 2 (c), the cap tip 50 a is in a position where it abuts on the plate-like member 57. Thus, when the protrusion part 51a exists in a contact position, it will be in the sealing state which isolate | separates 2nd discharge space S2 from external space S3. On the other hand, the separation position is a position where the cap tip 50a is separated from the support surface 8a of the transport belt 8 when the head holder 55 is in the printing position, and the cap tip when the head holder 55 is in the retracted position. 50 a is a position separated from the plate-like member 57. Thus, when the protrusion part 51a exists in a separation position, it will be in the open state in which 2nd discharge space S2 is open | released by external space S3. In the present embodiment, the second cap 50, the plate-like member 57, and the moving mechanism 58 constitute second capping means.

  Next, the configurations of the humidifying mechanisms 60 and 70 and the replenishing mechanisms 80 and 90 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the humidifying mechanism 60 and the replenishing mechanism 80 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the humidification mechanism 60 includes a joint 61, tubes 65 and 66, a humidification pump 63, and a humidification tank 64. A pair of joints 61 is provided for the head 10A.

  One end of the tube 65 is fitted to the tip 61y of one joint 61 (left side in FIG. 7) provided on the head 10A, and the other end is connected to the humidification tank 64. That is, the tube 65 connects the hollow space 61z of one joint 61 provided in the head 10A and the humidification tank 64 so as to communicate with each other. The tube 65 is provided with a humidification pump 63. One end of the tube 66 is fitted to the tip 61 y of the other joint 61 (the right side in FIG. 7) provided on the head 10 </ b> A, and the other end is connected to the humidifying tank 64. That is, the tube 66 connects the hollow space 61z of the other joint 61 provided in the head 10A and the humidification tank 64 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The humidification tank 64 stores water in the lower space, and stores humid air humidified by the water in the lower space in the upper space. The tube 65 is connected below the water surface in the humidification tank 64, that is, communicates with the lower space of the humidification tank 64. The tube 66 is connected above the water surface in the humidification tank 64, that is, communicates with the upper space of the humidification tank 64. In addition, a check valve (not shown) is attached to the tube 65 so that water in the humidification tank 64 does not flow into the humidification pump 63, and air flows only in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  In this configuration, when humidification maintenance is performed to recover and maintain the ejection characteristics of the head 10A, the lifting motor 44 is driven to bring the first cap 40 into the contact position under the control of the control device 100. 1 discharge space S1 will be in the sealing state isolated from external space S3. Further, the humidification pump 63 is driven under the control of the control device 100. Thereby, the humidified air in the humidification tank 64 flows along the white arrow in FIG. That is, the humidified air in the upper space of the humidifying tank 64 flows from the humidifying tank 64 toward the opening 61b and crosses while filling the first discharge space S1. At this time, a negative pressure is generated in the humidification tank 64, and the air in the first discharge space S1 is collected from the opening 61a and flows toward the humidification tank 64. By performing humidification maintenance in this manner, the ejection port 108 of the head 10A is moisturized, the thickening of the black ink near the ejection port 108 is suppressed, and the ejection characteristics of the head 10A are restored and maintained. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the replenishing mechanism 80 includes tubes 81 and 82, a buffer tank 83 (second moisturizing liquid tank), a buffer pump 84, a replenishing pump 85, valves 86 and 87, and an in-main body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 88. , 89 (see FIG. 9). The tube 81 connects the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 of the second cartridge 17b mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 2b and the buffer tank 83 so that they can communicate with each other. The tube 81 is provided with a buffer pump 84 and a valve 86. The tube 82 connects the buffer tank 83 and the humidification tank 64 so that they can communicate with each other. The tube 82 is provided with a replenishment pump 85 and a valve 87. Thus, the tubes 81 and 82 form a moisturizing liquid channel connecting the humidifying tank 64 and the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34. In this configuration, the valves 86 and 87 are open / close valves capable of blocking the flow of the moisturizing liquid.

  The buffer tank 83 temporarily stores the moisturizing liquid supplied to the humidifying tank 64. The in-body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 88 detects the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the buffer tank 83. When the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid detected by the in-body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 88 becomes a predetermined amount or less, the valve 86 is opened and the buffer pump 84 is driven under the control of the control device 100. Thereby, the moisturizing liquid is transferred from the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 of the second cartridge 17 b to the buffer tank 83.

  The in-body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 89 detects the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the humidifying tank 64. When the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid detected by the internal body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 89 becomes less than the minimum humidifiable storage amount, the valve 87 is opened and the replenishment pump 85 is driven under the control of the control device 100. Is done. Thereby, the moisturizing liquid is transferred from the buffer tank 83 to the humidifying tank 64. Here, the “minimum humidifiable storage amount” is the minimum amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the humidification tank 64 that can perform humidification maintenance.

  Next, the humidifying mechanism 70 and the replenishing mechanism 90 will be described. Since the humidifying mechanism 70 and the replenishing mechanism 90 have substantially the same structure as the humidifying mechanism 60 and the replenishing mechanism 80, the corresponding portions of the humidifying mechanism 70 and the replenishing mechanism 90 with the humidifying mechanism 60 and the replenishing mechanism 80 are the humidifying mechanism 60. And the code | symbol which added 10 to the code | symbol of the corresponding part of the replenishment mechanism 80 is attached | subjected, and description is omitted suitably.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the humidification mechanism 70 includes a joint 71, tubes 75 and 76, a humidification pump 73, and a humidification tank 74. Each of the tubes 75 and 76 includes main portions 75a and 76a common to the three heads 10B, and three branch portions 75b and 76b branched from the main portions 75a and 76a and extending to the joint 71. The humidification pump 73 is provided in the main part 75a. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, although the joint 71 is provided with a pair (two each) with respect to the head 10B, the humidification pump 73 and the humidification tank 74 are provided one with respect to the three heads 10B. ing.

  In this configuration, when humidification maintenance is performed to recover and maintain the ejection characteristics of the head 10B, the lifting motor 54 is driven to bring the second cap 50 into the contact position under the control of the control device 100. The two discharge spaces S2 are sealed from the external space S3. Further, the humidification pump 73 is driven under the control of the control device 100. Thus, the humid air in the upper space of the humidification tank 74 flows from the humidification tank 74 toward the opening 71b and crosses while filling the second discharge space S2. At this time, a negative pressure is generated in the humidifying tank 74, and the air in the second discharge space S2 is collected from the opening 71a and flows toward the humidifying tank 74. By performing humidification maintenance in this manner, the ejection port 108 of the head 10B is moisturized, the thickening of the color ink near the ejection port 108 is suppressed, and the ejection characteristics of the head 10B are restored and maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the replenishment mechanism 90 includes tubes 91 and 92, a buffer tank 93 (first moisturizing liquid tank), a buffer pump 94, a replenishing pump 95, valves 96 and 97, and a main body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 98. , 99. The tube 91 connects the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 2a and the buffer tank 93 so that they can communicate with each other. The tubes 81 and 82 form a moisturizing liquid channel connecting the humidifying tank 74 and the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32. The in-body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 98 detects the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the buffer tank 83. When the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid detected by the body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 98 becomes a predetermined amount or less, the valve 96 is opened and the buffer pump 94 is driven under the control of the control device 100. As a result, the moisturizing liquid is transferred from the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17 a to the buffer tank 93.

  The in-body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 99 detects the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the humidifying tank 74. When the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid detected by the internal body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 99 becomes less than the minimum humidifiable storage amount, the valve 97 is opened and the replenishment pump 95 is driven under the control of the control device 100. . Thereby, the moisturizing liquid is transferred from the buffer tank 93 to the humidifying tank 74.

  In the present embodiment, the humidifying mechanism 60, 70 constitutes a moisturizing means. Further, the replenishment mechanism 80 constitutes the second transfer means, and the replenishment mechanism 90 constitutes the first transfer means.

  Next, the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a program executed by the CPU and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores data used in these programs in a rewritable manner, and temporarily stores data when the program is executed. RAM (Random Access Memory). Each functional unit constituting the control device 100 is constructed by cooperation of these hardware and software in the ROM. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the control device 100 includes a conveyance control unit 151, an image data storage unit 152, a head control unit 153, a liquid management unit 154, and a maintenance control unit 155.

  The transport control unit 151 controls the paper feed unit 101b, the feed roller pairs 14 and 28, and the transport mechanism 16 so that the paper P is transported from the paper feed unit 101b to the paper discharge unit 15. The image data storage unit 152 stores image data related to a recording command received from an external device.

  The head controller 153 drives the actuator unit 21 of the heads 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 152 to discharge ink from the discharge ports 108 at a desired timing.

  The liquid management unit 154 is based on the detection results of the ink storage amount sensors 130, 131a to 131c in the cartridge, the moisturizing liquid storage amount sensors 140, 141 in the cartridge, and the moisturizing liquid storage amount sensors 88, 89, 98, 99 in the main body. Then, the amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the humidifying tanks 64 and 74 is managed, and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first and second moisturizing liquid storing chambers 32 and 34 is transferred to the buffer tanks 83 and 93. Specifically, for example, the liquid management unit 154 includes buffer pumps 84 and 94 and replenishment pumps 85 and 95 so that the humidifying tanks 64 and 74 store a moisturizing liquid that is equal to or greater than the minimum humidifiable storage amount during humidification maintenance. , And the operation of the valves 86, 87, 96, 97 and the like. Further, the liquid management unit 154 stores the black ink stored in the first liquid storage chamber 31 in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a when the storage amount of the black ink becomes equal to or less than the prescribed black ink amount. The buffer pump 94 and the valve 96 are controlled so that the moisturizing liquid being transferred is transferred to the buffer tank 93, and the screen indicating that the black ink is insufficient and the replacement of the first cartridge 17a to the user. The display 120 is controlled so that a prompting screen is displayed. Here, the “specified black ink amount” is the maximum amount of ink stored in the first liquid storage chamber 31 at which image recording cannot be performed due to insufficient ink.

  Similarly, the liquid management unit 154 performs the second moisture retention of the second cartridge 17b when the storage amount of any one of the color inks stored in the second liquid storage chambers 33a to 33c is equal to or less than the specified color ink amount. A screen indicating that the color ink is insufficient, and a second cartridge, controlling the buffer pump 84 and the valve 86 so that the moisturizing liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber 34 is transferred to the buffer tank 83. The display 120 is controlled so that a screen prompting the user to replace 17b is displayed. Here, the “color ink specified amount” is the maximum amount of ink stored in each of the second liquid storage chambers 33a to 33c, which makes it impossible to perform color recording due to insufficient ink.

  The maintenance control unit 155 performs driving operations of the lifting motors 44 and 54, the head lifting mechanism 56, the moving mechanism 58, and the humidifying pumps 63 and 73 during humidification maintenance. The maintenance control unit 155 is configured such that humidified air is intermittently supplied to the first discharge space S1 and the second discharge space S2 during humidification maintenance. That is, the maintenance control unit 155 intermittently drives the humidification pumps 63 and 73 during humidification maintenance.

  Next, the operation flow of the printer 101 will be described below with reference to FIG. At the start of the operation flow of FIG. 10, humidification maintenance is performed to recover and maintain the ejection characteristics of the heads 10A and 10B. That is, the protrusion 41a of the first cap 40 and the protrusion 51a of the second cap 50 are in the contact position, and the first and second discharge spaces S1, S2 are in a sealed state separated from the external space S3. . The humidification pumps 63 and 73 are intermittently driven by the maintenance control unit 155, and the humidified air is filled in the sealed first and second discharge spaces S1 and S2. Further, as described above, at the time of humidification maintenance, the maintenance control unit 155 stores the buffer pumps 84 and 94, the replenishment pump 85, 95 and valves 86, 87, 96, and 97 are driven, so that the moisturizing liquid is transferred from the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 and the buffer tank 93 to the humidifying tank 74, and the second moisturizing liquid storing chamber 34 and The moisturizing liquid is transferred from the buffer tank 83 to the humidifying tank 64. The head holder 55 is disposed at the printing position (see FIG. 2A), and the cap tip 50a of the protruding portion 51a is in contact with the support surface 8a.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10, the control device 100 determines whether or not a recording command is received from an external device (A1). If it is determined that the recording command has been received (A1: YES), the control device 100 stores the image data related to the recording command in the image data storage unit 152 (A2). Thereafter, the control device 100 determines whether or not the image data stored in the image data storage unit 152 is monochrome image data (A3).

  When it is determined in step A3 that the image data is monochrome image data (A3: YES), the maintenance control unit 155 stops the driving (intermittent driving) of the humidifying pump 63 and drives the lifting motor 44. Then, the cap tip 40a of the first cap 40 is separated from the support surface 8a (A4). As a result, the first discharge space S1 is opened to the external space S3. In Step A3, the maintenance control unit 155 temporarily stops the driving of the humidification pump 73 and drives the lifting motor 54 to separate the cap tip 50a of the second cap 50 from the support surface 8a. The maintenance control unit 155 drives the head lifting mechanism 56 to move the head holder 55 to the retracted position, and then drives the moving mechanism 58 to place the plate-like member 57 at the facing position. Thereafter, the lifting motor 54 is driven to bring the cap tip 50a of the second cap 50 into contact with the plate-like member 57, thereby bringing the second discharge space S2 into a sealed state. Thereafter, intermittent driving of the humidification pump 73 is resumed so that humidified air is intermittently supplied into the second discharge space S2 in the sealed state.

  After step A4, the control device 100 performs monochrome recording in a state where the humidification pump 73 is intermittently driven by the maintenance control unit 155 (A5). Specifically, the transport control unit 151 controls the paper feed unit 101b, the feed roller pairs 14, 28, and the transport mechanism 16 so that the paper P is transported from the paper feed unit 101b to the paper discharge unit 15. The head control unit 153 drives the actuator unit 21 of the head 10A based on the monochrome image data stored in the image data storage unit 152, thereby ejecting a black ink droplet having a desired volume at a desired timing. Discharge from the outlet 108. As a result, a desired monochrome image is formed on the paper P.

  When monochrome recording is performed in this way, the humidification pump 73 is intermittently driven by the maintenance control unit 155 and generated in the humidification tank 74 in which the moisturizing liquid supplied from the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 is stored. The humidified air is intermittently supplied to the second discharge space S2. That is, in monochrome recording, the black ink stored in the first liquid storage chamber 31 of the first cartridge 17a and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 (from the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32). The moisturizing liquid supplied to the humidifying tank 74 is consumed at the same time. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 when the first cartridge 17a is replaced when the black ink runs out. Furthermore, since the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 of the second cartridge 17b is not consumed during monochrome recording, the second liquid storage chambers 33a to 33c of the second cartridge 17b are not consumed. The possibility that the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 will run out before the stored color ink runs out can be reduced.

  After step A5, the maintenance control unit 155 drives the lift motor 44 to bring the cap tip 40a of the first cap 40 into contact with the support surface 8a (A6). As a result, the first discharge space S1 is isolated from the external space S3. In step A6, the maintenance control unit 155 temporarily stops the driving of the humidification pump 73 and drives the lifting motor 54 to separate the cap tip 50a of the second cap 50 from the plate-like member 57. Let The maintenance control unit 155 drives the moving mechanism 58 to move the plate-like member 57 to the standby position, and then drives the head lifting mechanism 56 to move the head holder 55 to the printing position. Thereafter, the elevating motor 54 is driven to bring the cap tip 50a of the second cap 50 into contact with the support surface 8a, thereby bringing the second discharge space S2 into a sealed state. When the process of step A6 ends, the process proceeds to step A10.

  On the other hand, if the control device 100 determines in step A3 that the image data is not monochrome image data (A3: NO), the maintenance control unit 155 determines that the image data is color image data, and the maintenance control unit 155 73 is stopped, and the lift motor 44 is driven to separate the cap tip 40a of the first cap 40 from the support surface 8a, and the lift motor 54 is driven to remove the cap tip 50a of the second cap 50. Separated from the support surface 8a (A7). As a result, the first and second discharge spaces S1, S2 are opened to the external space S3. Thereafter, the control device 100 performs color recording (A8). Specifically, the transport control unit 151 controls the paper feed unit 101b, the feed roller pairs 14, 28, and the transport mechanism 16 so that the paper P is transported from the paper feed unit 101b to the paper discharge unit 15. The head control unit 153 drives the actuator unit 21 of the heads 10A and 10B based on the image data relating to color recording stored in the image data storage unit 152, so that the black ink and the color ink of a desired volume are obtained. A droplet is discharged from the discharge port 108 at a desired timing. Thereby, a desired color image is formed on the paper P.

  After step A8, the maintenance control unit 155 drives the lifting motor 44 to bring the cap tip 40a of the first cap 40 into contact with the support surface 8a, and also drives the lifting motor 54 to drive the second cap 50. The cap tip 50a is brought into contact with the support surface 8a (A9). Thereby, 1st and 2nd discharge space S1, S2 is isolated from external space S3. When the process of step A9 ends, the process proceeds to step A10.

  In Step A10, the maintenance control unit 155 includes the second discharge space in which the humidified air in the humidification tank 74 is sealed in the first discharge space S1 in which the humidified air in the humidification tank 64 is sealed. The humidification pumps 63 and 73 are intermittently driven so as to be intermittently supplied into S2 (A9). As a result, it is possible to suppress the clogging of the ejection port 108 from being dried due to the drying of the ink and the processing liquid in the vicinity of the ejection port 108 of the heads 10A and 10B. When the process in step A10 is completed, the process returns to step A1.

  In step A1, when the control device 100 determines that the recording command has not been received (A1: NO), the liquid management unit 154 detects the first liquid storage chamber detected by the ink storage amount sensor 130 in the cartridge. It is determined whether or not the remaining amount of black ink 31 is equal to or less than the black ink prescribed amount (A11). If it is determined that the remaining amount of black ink is not less than the black ink prescribed amount (A11: NO), the process proceeds to step A15. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining amount of black ink is equal to or less than the prescribed black ink amount (A11: YES), the liquid management unit 154 causes the in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 140 to enter the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32. It is determined whether or not it is detected that the moisturizing liquid remains (A12). When it is determined that the moisturizing liquid remains in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 (A12: NO), the process proceeds to step A14.

  On the other hand, if it is determined by the in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 140 that the moisturizing liquid remains in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 (A12: YES), the first cartridge 17a The valve 96 is opened and the buffer pump 94 is driven so that the moisturizing liquid stored in the one moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 is transferred to the buffer tank 93 (A13). As a result, after the first cartridge 17a has been replaced due to the black ink running out, the second ejection space S2 is humidified by the first moisturizing liquid of the first cartridge 17a newly mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 2a. At least one of the moisturizing liquid stored in the storage chamber 32 and the moisturizing liquid stored in the buffer tank 93 is used. Accordingly, when the first cartridge 17a is replaced, the moisturizing liquid remaining in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a can be effectively used for humidifying maintenance. When the process of step A13 is completed, the process proceeds to step A14.

  In step A14, a screen indicating that the black ink stored in the first cartridge 17a is insufficient and a screen prompting the user to replace the first cartridge 17a are displayed on the display 120. When the process of step A14 is completed, the process proceeds to step A15.

  In step A15, the liquid management unit 154 determines whether or not the remaining amount of color ink in any of the second liquid storage chambers 33a to 33c detected by the ink storage amount sensors 131a to 131c in the cartridge is equal to or less than the specified color ink amount. Determine whether. If it is determined that any remaining amount of color ink in the second liquid storage chambers 33a to 33c is not less than the color ink prescribed amount (A15: NO), the process proceeds to step A19. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining amount of any of the color inks is equal to or less than the specified color ink amount (A15: YES), the liquid management unit 154 uses the in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 141 to store the second moisturizing liquid storage. It is determined whether or not it is detected that the moisturizing liquid remains in the chamber 34 (A16). If it is determined that no moisturizing liquid remains in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 (A16: NO), the process proceeds to step A18.

  On the other hand, when it is determined by the in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 141 that the moisturizing liquid remains in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 (A16: YES), the liquid management unit 154 The valve 86 is opened and the buffer pump 84 is driven so that the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 of the second cartridge 17b is transferred to the buffer tank 83 (A17). As a result, after the second cartridge 17b has been replaced due to running out of color ink, the second humectant of the second cartridge 17b newly attached to the cartridge attachment portion 2b is used for humidifying the first discharge space S1. At least one of the moisturizing liquid stored in the storage chamber 34 and the moisturizing liquid stored in the buffer tank 83 is used. Accordingly, when the second cartridge 17b is replaced, the moisturizing liquid remaining in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 of the second cartridge 17b can be effectively used for humidifying maintenance. When the process of step A17 ends, the process proceeds to step A18.

  In step A18, a screen indicating that the color ink stored in the second cartridge 17b is insufficient and a screen prompting the user to replace the second cartridge 17b are displayed on the display 120. When the process of step A18 is completed, the process proceeds to step A19.

  In the process of step A19, the liquid management unit 154 detects the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid in the humidifying tank 74 detected by the in-main body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 99 and the buffer tank detected by the in-main body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 98. Whether the total amount of the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid in 93 and the remaining amount in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 detected by the in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 140 is less than the minimum humidifiable storage amount. Determine whether. When it is determined that the total amount is not less than the minimum humidifiable storage amount (A19: NO), the process proceeds to step A22. On the other hand, when it is determined that the total amount is less than the minimum humidifiable storage amount (A19: YES), the moisturizing liquid stored in the buffer tank 93 and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 are stored. Even if all the liquid is transferred into the humidification tank 74, since the humidification maintenance that restores and maintains the ejection characteristics of the head 10B cannot be performed, the maintenance control unit 155 stops the intermittent drive of the humidification pump 73, The supply of humidified air into the second discharge space S2 is stopped (A20). Thereafter, a screen indicating that the moisturizing liquid used for recovering and maintaining the ejection characteristics of the head 10B is insufficient and a screen prompting the user to replace the first cartridge 17a are displayed on the display 120 (A21), and step A22. Move on to processing.

  In the process of step A22, the liquid management unit 154 includes the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid in the humidifying tank 64 detected by the in-main body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 89 and the buffer tank detected by the in-main body moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 88. Whether the total amount of the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid in 83 and the stored amount in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 detected by the in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 141 is less than the minimum humidifiable storage amount. Determine whether. If it is determined that the total amount is not less than the minimum humidifiable storage amount (A22: NO), the process returns to step A1. On the other hand, when it is determined that the total amount is less than the minimum humidifiable storage amount (A22: YES), the moisturizing liquid stored in the buffer tank 89 and the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 are stored. Even if all the liquid is transferred into the humidification tank 64, the humidification maintenance that restores and maintains the ejection characteristics of the head 10A cannot be performed. Therefore, the maintenance control unit 155 stops intermittent driving of the humidification pump 63, The supply of humidified air into the first discharge space S1 is stopped (A23). Thereafter, a screen indicating that the moisturizing liquid used for recovering and maintaining the ejection characteristics of the head 10A is insufficient and a screen prompting the user to replace the second cartridge 17b are displayed on the display 120 (A24), and step A1 Return to the process. The operation of the printer 101 has been described above.

  As described above, according to the printer 101 and the cartridge set 17 of the present embodiment, when performing monochrome recording, the maintenance control unit 155 isolates the second ejection space S2 from the external space S3, and the first cartridge 17a. The humidification pump 73 is controlled by the maintenance control unit 155 so that the second discharge space S2 is humidified (humidified) using the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32. When the first discharge space S1 and the second discharge space S2 are in the sealed state, the first discharge space S1 using the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 of the second cartridge 17b. The humidification pump 63 is controlled so as to be moisturized, and the humidification pump is used so that the second discharge space S2 is moisturized using the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a. 73 is controlled. Thus, when only monochrome recording is performed, the moisturizing liquid stored in the first cartridge 17a is used for moisturizing the second discharge space S2, so the black ink and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first cartridge 17a are used. Will be consumed at the same time. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid when the first cartridge 17a is replaced when the black ink runs out. Further, when only monochrome recording is performed, the moisturizing liquid stored in the second cartridge 17b is not consumed. Therefore, the second ink before the color ink stored in the second cartridge 17b runs out. The possibility that the moisturizing liquid stored in the cartridge 17b runs out can be reduced.

  Further, according to the printer 101 of the present embodiment, the storage amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a before being mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 2a is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 2b. The amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 of the second cartridge 17b before the storage is increased. Since the amount of moisturizing liquid used for moisturizing the second discharge space S2 that is larger in the time and number of times of being in the sealed state as compared with the first discharge space S1 is stored in the first cartridge 17a accordingly, It is possible to reduce the possibility that the moisturizing liquid stored in the first cartridge 17a runs out before the black ink stored in the first cartridge 17a runs out.

  Further, according to the printer 101 of the present embodiment, when the first cartridge 17a is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 2a, the in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 140 detects that the moisturizing liquid remains in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32. In the case where it is done, the buffer pump 94 is driven by the liquid management unit 154 so that the remaining moisturizing liquid is transferred to the buffer tank 93. When the second discharge space S2 is in the sealed state, the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a newly mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 2a and the buffer tank 93 are stored. The humidification pump 73 is controlled so that the second discharge space S2 is moisturized using the stored moisturizing liquid. Similarly, when the second cartridge 17b is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 2b, if it is detected by the in-cartridge moisturizing liquid storage amount sensor 141 that the moisturizing liquid remains in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34, the remaining The buffer pump 84 is driven by the liquid management unit 154 so that the moisturizing liquid being transferred is transferred to the buffer tank 83. When the first discharge space S1 is in a sealed state, the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 of the second cartridge 17b newly mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 2b and the buffer tank 83 are stored. The humidification pump 63 is controlled so that the second discharge space S2 is moisturized using the stored moisturizing liquid. Thereby, the moisturizing liquid remaining when the first cartridge 17a and the second cartridge 17b are replaced when the black ink or the color ink runs out can be effectively used.

  Further, according to the cartridge set 17 of the present embodiment, the black ink and the moisturizing liquid stored in the first cartridge 17a can be consumed at the same time, so that the first cartridge 17a is removed as the black ink runs out. The remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid at the time of replacement can be reduced. In addition, when the color ink stored in the second cartridge 17b is not consumed, the chance that the moisturizing liquid stored in the second cartridge 17b is consumed can be reduced. It is possible to reduce the possibility that the moisturizing liquid stored in the second cartridge 17b runs out before the stored color ink runs out.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made as long as they are described in the claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the transport mechanism 16 has the two belt rollers 6 and 7, the transport belt 8, and the platen 3. The configuration may be such that the paper P is conveyed by a spur roller or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first liquid is black ink and the second liquid is color ink, but the first liquid is an image quality improving liquid containing a component that aggregates or precipitates components in the first liquid. The second liquid may be black ink. In this case, there is one second liquid discharge head.

  In the above-described embodiment, the humidified air is configured to circulate in the humidification maintenance. However, after being supplied to the first and second discharge spaces S1 and S2, the humidified air is discharged to the atmosphere. May be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the moisturizing of the first and second discharge spaces S1 and S2 supplies the humidified air generated by the humidifying tanks 64 and 74 into the first and second discharge spaces S1 and S2. However, the moisturizing liquid supplied from the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber 32 of the first cartridge 17a is used for moisturizing the first discharge space S1, and the second cartridge 17b of the second cartridge 17b is used for moisturizing the second discharge space S2. As long as the moisturizing liquid supplied from the 2 moisturizing liquid storage chamber 34 is used, it may be performed by other means. For example, the moisturizing liquid is stored in the sealed first and second discharge spaces S1, S2, and the first and second discharge spaces S1, S2 are moisturized by vaporization of the stored moisturizing liquid. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the humidified air is generated by driving the humidifying pumps 63 and 73. However, the humidified air may be generated by another mechanism. For example, humidified air may be generated by humidifying water in the humidifying tanks 64 and 74 with a heater or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, one second cartridge 17b is provided for the three heads 10B, but a second cartridge 17b may be provided for each head 10B. In this case, each of the second cartridges 17b has a second liquid storage chamber for storing the color ink supplied to the corresponding head 10B, and a second moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing the moisturizing liquid. Each of the second moisturizing liquid storage chambers 17b may be in communication with the humidifying tank 64.

  Furthermore, the protrusions 41a and 51a are not limited to being movable as in the above-described embodiment. For example, the protrusion may be fixed to the head holder so as not to move, and the relative position of the cap tip with respect to the ejection surface may be constant. In this case, the first and second ejection spaces S1 and S2 can be changed from the sealed state to the open state, or from the open state to the sealed state by raising and lowering the support surface of the head holder or the conveyor belt. .

  In the above-described embodiment, in the humidifying maintenance for recovering and maintaining the ejection characteristics of the head 10 </ b> B, when the control device 100 performs monochrome recording, the cap tip 50 a of the second cap 50 is brought into contact with the plate-like member 57. Thus, the second discharge space S2 is isolated from the external space S3. In other cases, the second discharge space S2 is isolated from the external space S3 by bringing the cap tip 50a of the second cap 50 into contact with the support surface 8a. Although configured, the second discharge space S2 is always isolated from the external space S3 by bringing the cap tip 50a of the second cap 50 into contact with the plate-like member 57 during humidification maintenance. May be. In humidification maintenance in which a plate-like member corresponding to the first discharge surface 11a of the head 10A is provided to recover and maintain the discharge characteristics of the head 10A, the cap tip 40a of the first cap 40 is used as the plate-like member. You may comprise so that 1st discharge space S1 may be isolated from external space by making it contact | abut.

  In addition, the present invention can be applied to both a line type and a serial type, and is not limited to a printer, and can be applied to a facsimile, a copier, and the like. In addition, although a piezoelectric actuator is used to discharge droplets, other methods (for example, a resistance heating method or an electrostatic method) may be used.

  The recording medium is not particularly limited to the paper P, and various recording media may be used.

2a, 2b Cartridge mounting portion 10A Inkjet head (first liquid ejection head)
10B inkjet head (second liquid ejection head)
17a 1st cartridge 17b 2nd cartridge 31 1st liquid storage chamber 32 1st moisturizing liquid storage chamber 33a-33c 2nd liquid storage chamber 34 2nd moisturizing liquid storage chamber 40 1st cap (1st capping means)
50 Second cap (second capping means)
60, 70 Humidification mechanism (moisturizing means)
100 Control device (control means)
S1 First discharge space S2 Second discharge space S3 External space

Claims (6)

A first liquid ejection head having a first ejection surface with a plurality of ejection openings opened, and capable of ejecting a first liquid from the plurality of ejection openings toward a recording medium;
A second liquid ejection head having a second ejection surface with a plurality of ejection openings opened, and capable of ejecting a second liquid different from the first liquid from the plurality of ejection openings toward the recording medium;
A first cartridge having a first liquid storage chamber for storing the first liquid supplied to the first liquid discharge head, and a first moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing a moisturizing liquid;
A second cartridge having a second liquid storage chamber for storing the second liquid supplied to the second liquid discharge head, and a second moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing a moisturizing liquid;
A cartridge mounting portion on which each of the first cartridge and the second cartridge is replaceably mounted;
A first capping means capable of taking a sealed state in which the first discharge space facing the first discharge surface is isolated from the external space and an open state in which the first discharge space is opened to the external space;
A second capping unit capable of taking a sealed state in which the second discharge space facing the second discharge surface is isolated from the external space and an open state in which the second discharge space is opened to the external space;
Moisturizing means for moisturizing the first discharge space when in the sealed state and the second discharge space when in the sealed state;
A control means for controlling the first liquid discharge head, the second liquid discharge head, the first capping means, the second capping means, and the moisturizing means;
The control means includes
When performing only the first mode recording in which the first liquid is ejected from the first liquid ejection head, the second capping unit is controlled so that the second ejection space is in the sealed state, and the first capping is performed. Controlling the moisturizing means so that the second discharge space is moisturized using the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber of one cartridge;
When the first discharge space and the second discharge space are in the sealed state, the first discharge space is formed using moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the second cartridge. The moisturizing means controls the moisturizing means to be moisturized and uses the moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the first cartridge to moisturize the second discharge space. A liquid discharge apparatus characterized by controlling the pressure. A plurality of the second liquid ejection heads are provided,
The first liquid is black ink;
The second liquid ejected from each of the plurality of second liquid ejection heads is color inks of different colors other than black,
The second cartridge has the same number of the second liquid storage chambers as the number of the second liquid discharge heads, and the second liquid of the corresponding second liquid discharge head is stored in each second liquid storage chamber. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein each of the liquid ejection devices is stored.   The amount of moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the first cartridge before being attached to the cartridge attaching portion is the second amount of the second cartridge before being attached to the cartridge attaching portion. 3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejection device is larger than a storage amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage chamber. A first moisturizing liquid tank communicating with the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the first cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion; and a second moisturizing liquid storage chamber of the second cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. A second moisturizing liquid tank in communication with the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber, a detection means for detecting a remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber, and the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber. First transport means for transporting the stored moisturizing liquid to the first moisturizing liquid tank, and for transporting the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber to the second moisturizing liquid tank. A second transfer means,
The control means includes
When the first cartridge is removed from the cartridge mounting portion and the detection means detects that the moisturizing liquid remains in the first moisturizing liquid storage chamber, the remaining moisturizing liquid is The first transfer means is controlled to transfer to the first moisturizing liquid tank, and when the second discharge space is in the sealed state, the first of the first cartridge newly mounted in the cartridge mounting portion is used. Controlling the moisturizing means so that the second discharge space is moisturized using at least one of moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage chamber and moisturizing liquid stored in the first moisturizing liquid tank; ,
When the second cartridge is removed from the cartridge mounting portion, when the detection means detects that the moisturizing liquid remains in the second moisturizing liquid storage chamber, the remaining moisturizing liquid is removed. The second transfer means is controlled to transfer to the second moisturizing liquid tank, and the second cartridge newly mounted in the cartridge mounting portion when the first discharge space is in the sealed state. 2. Control the moisturizing means so that the first discharge space is moisturized using at least one of the moisturizing liquid stored in the moisturizing liquid storage chamber and the moisturizing liquid stored in the second moisturizing liquid tank. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is a liquid ejecting apparatus. A first liquid ejection head having a first ejection surface with a plurality of ejection openings open and capable of ejecting a first liquid from the plurality of ejection openings toward the recording medium; and a second ejection with a plurality of ejection openings opened A second liquid ejection head having a surface and capable of ejecting a second liquid different from the first liquid from the plurality of ejection ports toward the recording medium; and a first ejection space facing the first ejection surface. A first capping unit capable of taking a sealed state that separates from the external space and an open state that opens the first discharge space to the external space, and a second discharge space that faces the second discharge surface are isolated from the external space. Second capping means capable of taking a sealed state to be opened and an open state in which the second discharge space is opened to an external space, the first discharge space when in the sealed state, and the sealed state Moisturizes the second discharge space when Wet means, control means for controlling the first liquid ejection head, the second liquid ejection head, the first capping means, the second capping means, and the moisturizing means, the control means comprising the first liquid ejection head, When performing only the first mode recording in which the first liquid is ejected from one liquid ejection head, the second capping unit is controlled so that the second ejection space is in the sealed state, and a moisturizing liquid is used. The moisturizing means is controlled so that the second discharge space is moisturized, and when the first discharge space and the second discharge space are in the sealed state, the first discharge is performed using a moisturizing liquid. The first cartridge and the second cartridge are interchangeably mounted on a cartridge mounting portion of a liquid discharge apparatus that controls the moisturizing means so that the space and the second discharge space are moisturized. A cartridge set,
The first cartridge retains moisture in the first liquid storage chamber for storing the first liquid supplied to the first liquid discharge head and the second discharge space when the second discharge space is in the sealed state. A first moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing a used moisturizing liquid;
The second cartridge is used for moisturizing the second liquid storage chamber for storing the second liquid supplied to the second liquid discharge head and the first discharge space when the first discharge space is in the sealed state. And a second moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing the moisturizing liquid to be stored.   A first liquid ejection head having a first ejection surface with a plurality of ejection openings open and capable of ejecting a first liquid from the plurality of ejection openings toward the recording medium; and a second ejection with a plurality of ejection openings opened A cartridge mounting portion of a liquid discharge apparatus having a surface and having a second liquid discharge head capable of discharging a second liquid different from the first liquid from the plurality of discharge ports toward the recording medium. A cartridge set comprising a first cartridge and a second cartridge to be mounted, wherein the first cartridge stores a first liquid storage chamber for storing a first liquid supplied to the first liquid discharge head, and the first cartridge. A first moisturizing liquid storage chamber for storing a moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the plurality of discharge ports on the two discharge surfaces, and the second cartridge stores the second liquid supplied to the second liquid discharge head. A second liquid storage chamber; Cartridge set, characterized in that a second moisturizing liquid reservoir for reserving a moisturizer for moisturizing the plurality of ejection ports of one ejection surface.

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