JP2017087715A - Ink supply system and ink jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink supply system that can reduce or eliminate deterioration of ink.SOLUTION: A first supply passage 32a connects a first ink container 100a to a first ink head 20a. A second supply passage 38a connects a second ink container 34a to the first supply passage 32a. A first upstream opening and closing mechanism 48a is provided upstream in the first supply passage 32a. Upon printing, a first print setting section of a controller sets the ink supply system into a first printing state where the first upstream opening and closing mechanism 48a is opened, and a second print setting section sets the ink supply system into a second printing state where the first upstream opening and closing mechanism 48a is closed. A determination section determines whether the amount of time elapsed after setting is performed by the first print setting section or the second print setting section is equal to or greater than a first amount of time. When it is determined that the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the first amount of time, a switching section switches between the first printing state and the second printing state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink supply system and an ink jet printer.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, inkjet printers that include an ink head that ejects ink are known. An ink cartridge storing ink is connected to the ink head, and ink in the ink cartridge is supplied to the ink head.

  As an example of this type of ink jet printer, Patent Document 1 discloses an ink jet printer in which, in addition to an ink cartridge, another ink container storing ink is added in order to increase the amount of ink that can be used. Yes. In the ink jet printer disclosed in Patent Document 1, an ink cartridge and another ink container are connected to the ink head.

JP 2010-94847 A

  By the way, in the above-described ink jet printer including an ink cartridge and another ink container, for example, the ink head and the ink cartridge are connected by a main supply channel. Then, another ink container is connected to the middle portion of the main supply channel via the sub supply channel. A valve is provided in the downstream portion of the main supply flow path. When the valve is opened during printing, the ink stored in the ink cartridge is supplied to the ink head. When the ink stored in the ink cartridge is empty, the ink stored in another ink container is supplied to the ink head. As described above, unless the ink stored in the ink cartridge is emptied, the ink stored in the other ink container remains in the other ink container. If the ink stays in the other ink container, the ink stored in the other ink container may be deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide an ink supply system and an ink jet printer capable of suppressing deterioration of ink.

  An ink supply system according to the present invention includes a first ink head, a first ink container, a second ink container, a first supply flow path, a second supply flow path, a first upstream side opening / closing mechanism, and a control. Device. The first ink head ejects ink onto a recording medium. The first ink container and the second ink container store ink. The first supply channel includes a first upstream portion connected to the first ink container, a first downstream portion connected to the first ink head, the first upstream portion, and the first downstream portion. 1st middle part located between. The second supply flow path includes a second upstream portion connected to the second ink container, and a second downstream portion connected to the first upstream portion and the first midway portion. The first upstream side opening / closing mechanism is provided in the first upstream portion and can be opened and closed. The control device is electrically connected to the first upstream opening / closing mechanism. The control device includes a first print setting unit, a second print setting unit, a determination unit, and a switching unit. The first print setting unit sets a first print state in which the first upstream opening / closing mechanism is opened during printing. The second print setting unit sets a second print state in which the first upstream opening / closing mechanism is closed during printing. The determination unit determines whether or not an elapsed time from when set by any one of the first print setting unit and the second print setting unit is equal to or longer than a predetermined first time. The switching unit is configured to switch from the first print state to the second print state when the determination unit determines that the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the first time, and the second print state. Any one of the switching from the printing state to the first printing state is performed.

  According to the ink supply system, the open / close state of the first upstream opening / closing mechanism is switched every time a time equal to or longer than the first time elapses during printing. For example, in the first printing state, since the first upstream side opening / closing mechanism is set to be opened, the ink stored in the first ink container is supplied to the first ink head. On the other hand, in the second printing state, since the first upstream opening / closing mechanism is set to be closed, the ink stored in the second ink container is supplied to the first ink head. Therefore, during printing, the ink stored in the second ink container is periodically supplied to the first ink head. Accordingly, during printing, the ink stored in the second ink container does not stay in the second ink container for a long time. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the ink caused by the state where the ink stays in the second ink container.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the ink stored in the second ink container.

1 is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an ink supply system. It is a schematic diagram which shows an ink supply system. It is a block diagram of an ink supply system. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first ink supply mechanism and a second ink supply mechanism in a first printing state. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st ink supply mechanism and 2nd ink supply mechanism in a 2nd printing state. It is a schematic diagram which shows the ink supply system in a standby state. It is the flowchart which showed the control procedure by an ink supply system at the time of printing. It is a schematic diagram which shows the ink supply system at the time of replacing | exchanging the ink in a sub tank. It is a schematic diagram which shows the ink supply system at the time of replacing | exchanging the ink in a sub tank. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure which replaces the ink in a sub tank.

  Hereinafter, an ink supply system according to the present invention and an ink jet printer including the ink supply system (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer) will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, members / parts having the same action are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printer 10 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, when the printer 10 is viewed from the front, the direction away from the printer 10 is the front, and the direction approaching the printer 10 is the rear. Left, right, top, and bottom mean left, right, top, and bottom when the printer 10 is viewed from the front. Further, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings mean front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower, respectively. However, the above direction is only a direction determined for convenience of description, and does not limit the installation mode of the printer 10 at all, and does not limit the present invention. Moreover, the symbol X in the drawing indicates the main scanning direction. Here, the main scanning direction X is the left-right direction. Symbol Y indicates the sub-scanning direction. Here, the sub-scanning direction Y is the front-rear direction. The main scanning direction X and the sub scanning direction Y are orthogonal to each other in plan view. However, the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the form of the printer 10.

  The printer 10 according to the present embodiment is an ink jet printer. In the present embodiment, the “inkjet method” includes various continuous methods such as a binary deflection method or a continuous deflection method, and various on-demand methods such as a thermal method or a piezoelectric element method. The printer 10 performs printing on the recording medium 5.

  The recording medium 5 is, for example, a recording paper. However, the recording medium 5 is not limited to recording paper. For example, the recording medium 5 may be a sheet-like recording medium, for example, a resin sheet such as PVC or polyester. The recording medium 5 may be a medium formed of aluminum, iron, wood, leather, or the like. Further, the flexibility and thickness of the recording medium 5 do not matter. That is, the recording medium 5 may be a hard material such as a glass substrate or a thick material such as a cardboard.

  In the present embodiment, the printer 10 includes a main body 10A, legs 12, a platen 14, a guide rail 18, and an ink supply system 30 (see FIG. 2). The main body 10 </ b> A is supported by the legs 12. The legs 12 are provided on the lower surface of the main body 10A. The recording medium 5 is placed on the platen 14. Although illustration is omitted, the platen 14 is provided with a cylindrical grid roller. The grid roller is embedded in the platen 14 with its upper surface exposed.

  The guide rail 18 is disposed above the platen 14. The guide rail 18 is disposed in parallel with the platen 14 and extends in the main scanning direction X. Although not shown, a plurality of pinch rollers are arranged at substantially equal intervals below the guide rail 18. These pinch rollers are opposed to the grid roller. The pinch roller is configured such that the position in the vertical direction can be set according to the thickness of the recording medium 5. A recording medium 5 is sandwiched between the grid roller and the pinch roller. The grid roller and the pinch roller are configured such that the recording medium 5 can be conveyed in the sub-scanning direction Y while the recording medium 5 is sandwiched.

  Next, the ink supply system 30 will be described. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the ink supply system 30. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the ink supply system 30. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the ink supply system 30 includes a plurality of ink supply mechanisms 31 and a control device 28 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 3, the ink supply mechanism 31 is a mechanism for supplying ink from at least one of the ink cartridge 100 and the sub tank 34 described later toward the ink head 20. Here, the ink supply system 30 includes the same number of ink supply mechanisms 31 as the number of ink heads 20. In the present embodiment, since the number of ink heads 20 is “8”, the number of ink supply mechanisms 31 is “8” as shown in FIG. However, the number of ink heads 20, in other words, the number of ink supply mechanisms 31 is not particularly limited. The plurality of ink supply mechanisms 31 have the same configuration. Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration of one ink supply mechanism 31 will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ink supply mechanism 31 of the ink supply system 30 includes the ink head 20, the ink cartridge 100, the sub tank 34, the main supply channel 32, the upstream valve 48, and the sub supply channel 38. And a downstream valve 50 is provided.

  The ink head 20 discharges ink to the recording medium 5 (see FIG. 1) placed on the platen 14 (see FIG. 1). Here, the ink supply mechanism 31 includes a plurality of ink heads 20. In the present embodiment, the number of ink heads 20 is eight. A nozzle 21 for ejecting ink is formed on the bottom surface of the ink head 20. Although not shown, the ink head 20 is mounted on a carriage 25 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 1, the carriage 25 is engaged with the guide rail 18. The carriage 25 can slide along the guide rail 18 and can move in the main scanning direction X. The plurality of ink heads 20 can move in the main scanning direction X along the guide rail 18 via the carriage 25. Here, a movement mechanism 29 for moving the ink head 20 in the main scanning direction X is connected to the ink head 20. The configuration of the moving mechanism 29 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, although not shown, a part of the driving belt extending in the main scanning direction X is fixed to the upper rear surface of the carriage 25. The drive belt is electrically connected to a scan motor. When the scan motor is driven, the carriage 25 and the plurality of ink heads 20 move in the main scanning direction X. In the present embodiment, the moving mechanism 29 includes the drive belt and the scan motor.

  The ink cartridge 100 stores ink. In the present embodiment, the number of ink cartridges 100 is the same as the number of ink heads 20. One ink head 20 and one sub tank 34 are connected to one ink cartridge 100. The ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 is supplied to the ink head 20 and the sub tank 34. The plurality of ink cartridges 100 store different color inks. However, some of the plurality of ink cartridges 100 may be the same color ink. Here, different colors of ink are ejected from the plurality of ink heads 20. The type of ink color stored in each ink cartridge 100 is not particularly limited. For example, the ink stored in each ink cartridge 100 includes process color inks such as cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, black ink, light cyan ink, light magenta ink, and light black ink, white ink, and metallic ink. And any one of special color inks such as clear ink. In the present embodiment, one ink cartridge 100 of the plurality of ink cartridges 100 stores magenta ink as a so-called dummy ink. Ink cartridges of different colors are stored in the other ink cartridges 100 in which the dummy ink is not stored. The ink used as the dummy ink is not limited to magenta ink. Here, the ink head 20 connected to the ink cartridge 100 storing magenta ink as dummy ink is not used during printing. However, the configuration may be such that all the ink heads 20 are used during printing. In this case, each of the plurality of ink cartridges 100 stores inks of different colors or partially the same color. In this case, for example, each of the process color ink and the special color ink may be stored in each of the plurality of ink cartridges 100.

  In the present embodiment, the amount of ink that can be stored in one ink cartridge 100 is a first amount. This first amount is appropriately set by the printer 10. The arrangement position of the ink cartridge 100 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an ink cartridge housing portion 22 is provided at the upper left portion of the main body 10A. The ink cartridge 100 is stored in the ink cartridge storage unit 22. Here, the ink cartridge 100 is provided in the main body 10A. However, the ink cartridge 100 may be provided in the ink head 20, for example. The ink cartridge 100 may be movable with the ink head 20 in the main scanning direction X. Further, the ink cartridge 100 may be provided at a position separated from the main body 10A.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sub tank 34 stores ink. In the present embodiment, the amount of ink that can be stored in the sub tank 34 is the second amount. The second amount is smaller than the first amount that is the amount of ink that can be stored in the ink cartridge 100. That is, the sub tank 34 can store a smaller amount of ink than the ink cartridge 100. In the present embodiment, the first amount is 5 to 20 times the second amount. For example, the first amount is 1000 ml. The second amount is 100 ml. However, if the first amount is larger than the second amount, the ratio between the first amount and the second amount, the first amount, and the second amount are not particularly limited.

  The arrangement position of the sub tank 34 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a sub tank housing portion 26 is provided in the upper left portion of the main body 10 </ b> A and below the ink cartridge housing portion 22. Although not shown, the sub tank 34 is accommodated in the sub tank accommodating portion 26. Here, similarly to the ink cartridge 100, the sub tank 34 is provided in the main body 10A. However, the sub tank 34 may be provided in the ink head 20. Further, the sub tank 34 may be provided at a position separated from the printer 10. Here, the sub tank 34 is arranged at a position lower than the ink cartridge 100. In other words, the ink cartridge 100 is disposed at a position higher than the sub tank 34. However, the ink cartridge 100 may be disposed at the same height as the sub tank 34 or at a position lower than the sub tank 34.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sub tank 34 may be provided with a detection sensor 56 that detects the amount of ink stored in the sub tank 34. The detection sensor 56 detects that the amount of ink stored in the sub tank 34 is equal to or less than a predetermined first storage amount. The detection sensor 56 detects that the amount of ink stored in the sub tank 34 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second storage amount. The second storage amount is larger than the first storage amount. The first storage amount and the second storage amount are stored in advance in a storage unit 61 (see FIG. 4) described later of the control device 28. In addition, the kind of detection sensor 56 is not specifically limited, For example, the detection sensor 56 is a photo sensor.

  The ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 and the sub tank 34 is preferably degassed ink.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main supply flow path 32 is a flow path for supplying the ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 and the ink stored in the sub tank 34 to the ink head 20. The main supply channel 32 is, for example, a flexible tube. However, the type and material of the main supply channel 32 are not particularly limited.

  In the following description, in the ink cartridge 100 and the ink head 20, the side close to the ink cartridge 100 is referred to as an upstream side, and the side close to the ink head 20 is referred to as a downstream side. The main supply flow path 32 includes a main upstream portion 36a, a main downstream portion 36b, and a midway portion 36c. The main upstream portion 36 a constitutes the upstream portion of the main supply flow path 32. The main upstream portion 36a is detachably connected to the ink cartridge 100. In the present embodiment, an ink extraction member 30a is provided at the upstream end of the main upstream portion 36a, and the ink extraction member 30a is detachably inserted into the ink cartridge 100. By inserting the ink extraction member 30 a into the ink cartridge 100, the ink in the ink cartridge 100 can flow into the main supply channel 32. The main upstream portion 36a may be detachably connected to the ink cartridge 100. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking from the connection portion between the main upstream portion 36a and the ink cartridge 100.

  The main downstream portion 36 b constitutes the downstream portion of the main supply flow path 32. The main downstream portion 36 b is connected to the ink head 20. The midway part 36 c constitutes a midway part of the main supply flow path 32. Here, the midway part 36c is located between the main upstream part 36a and the main downstream part 36b. Specifically, the three-way valve 46 is connected to the upstream end of the midway part 36 c, and the downstream end of the main upstream part 36 a is connected via the three-way valve 46. A downstream valve 50 is connected to the downstream end of the midway part 36 c, and the upstream end of the main downstream part 36 b is connected via the downstream valve 50.

  The upstream valve 48 opens and closes the upstream side of the main supply flow path 32. The upstream side valve 48 adjusts the amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 that flows to the ink head 20. The upstream valve 48 is provided in the main supply flow path 32. Specifically, the upstream valve 48 is provided in the main upstream portion 36 a of the main supply flow path 32. The type of the upstream valve 48 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the upstream valve 48 is an electromagnetic valve. For example, the upstream valve 48 is a solenoid valve, and is controlled by a drive signal transmitted from the control device 28 (see FIG. 1).

  The sub supply channel 38 is a channel that supplies the ink stored in the sub tank 34 to the main supply channel 32 and is a channel that supplies the ink head 20 via the main supply channel 32. The sub supply channel 38 is also a channel for supplying the ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 to the sub tank 34. Here, like the main supply flow path 32, the sub supply flow path 38 is formed by a flexible tube. However, the type and material of the sub supply channel 38 are not particularly limited.

  In the present embodiment, the sub supply channel 38 includes a sub upstream portion 39a and a sub downstream portion 39b. The sub upstream portion 39 a constitutes the upstream portion of the sub supply channel 38. A sub tank 34 is detachably connected to the sub upstream portion 39a. In the present embodiment, an ink extraction member 40 is provided at the upstream end of the sub upstream portion 39a, and the ink extraction member 40 is detachably inserted into the sub tank 34. By inserting the ink extraction member 40 into the sub tank 34, the sub tank 34 and the sub supply channel 38 are in communication with each other. The sub upstream portion 39a may be connected to the sub tank 34 so as not to be detachable. The sub downstream portion 39 b constitutes a downstream portion of the sub supply channel 38. The sub downstream portion 39b is connected to the main upstream portion 36a and the midway portion 36c of the main supply flow path 32. Specifically, the upstream end of the sub downstream portion 39b is connected to the downstream end of the sub upstream portion 39a. Connected to the downstream end of the sub downstream portion 39b is a three-way valve 46 in which the downstream end of the main upstream portion 36a and the upstream end of the midway portion 36c are connected.

  The downstream valve 50 opens and closes the main downstream portion 36 b of the main supply flow path 32. The downstream side valve 50 adjusts the amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 and the amount of ink stored in the sub tank 34 that flows to the ink head 20. The downstream valve 50 is provided between the midway portion 36c and the main downstream portion 36b of the main supply flow path 32. The type of the downstream valve 50 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the downstream valve 50 is an electromagnetic valve, like the upstream valve 48. For example, the downstream valve 50 is a solenoid valve, and is controlled by a drive signal transmitted from the control device 28 (see FIG. 1).

  The ink supply mechanism 31 may include a damper device 44 and a supply pump 47. The damper device 44 stabilizes the ink discharge operation of the ink head 20 by relaxing the pressure variation of the ink. In the present embodiment, the damper device 44 is provided in the middle of the main downstream portion 36 b of the main supply flow path 32 and on the downstream side of the downstream valve 50. The damper device 44 is disposed between the downstream valve 50 and the ink head 20.

  The supply pump 47 is a pump for supplying the ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 and the ink stored in the sub tank 34 to the ink head 20 and promoting the ejection of the ink from the ink head 20. . A drive motor 57 is connected to the supply pump 47. When the drive motor 57 is driven and the supply pump 47 is operated, the ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 and the ink stored in the sub tank 34 are supplied to the ink head 20. In the present embodiment, the supply pump 47 is provided in the middle of the main downstream portion 36 b of the main supply flow path 32 and on the downstream side of the downstream valve 50 and the damper device 44. The supply pump 47 is disposed between the damper device 44 and the ink head 20.

  In the present embodiment, the ink supply mechanism 31 may include a cap 52, a cap moving mechanism 53, and a suction device 54. Although illustration is omitted, the cap 52 and the suction device 54 are disposed at a home position located at the right end of the guide rail 18 (see FIG. 1). The home position is a position where the ink head 20 waits during printing standby. The cap 52 suppresses the ink adhering to the nozzle 21 of the ink head 20 from being cured and clogging the nozzle 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the cap 52 is attached to the ink head 20 so as to cover the nozzles 21 of the ink head 20 during printing standby other than during printing. The cap moving mechanism 53 is connected to the cap 52. The cap moving mechanism 53 is a mechanism that moves the cap 52 toward the bottom surface of the ink head 20. The cap moving mechanism 53 is, for example, a drive motor.

  The suction device 54 sucks ink and air in the cap 52. Here, the suction device 54 is connected to the cap 52. When the suction device 54 is driven in a state where the cap 52 is attached to the ink head 20, the ink and air in the cap 52, the ink head 20, the main supply flow path 32, and the sub supply flow path 38 are discharged. Suction.

  The ink supply mechanism 31 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the control device 28 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the ink supply system 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 28 is a device that performs control related to the supply of ink to the ink head 20. The configuration of the control device 28 is not particularly limited. For example, the control device 28 is a computer, and may include a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU), a ROM storing a program executed by the CPU, a RAM, and the like.

  The control device 28 includes a moving mechanism 29 connected to the ink head 20, an upstream valve 48, a downstream valve 50, a detection sensor 56 provided in the sub tank 34, a drive motor 57 connected to the supply pump 47, and a cap moving mechanism. 53 and the suction device 54. The control device 28 controls the movement of the ink head 20 in the main scanning direction X by controlling the moving mechanism 29. The control device 28 controls the opening and closing of the main upstream portion 36 a of the main supply flow path 32 by controlling the opening and closing of the upstream valve 48. The control device 28 controls the opening and closing of the main downstream portion 36 b of the main supply flow path 32 by controlling the opening and closing of the downstream valve 50. In the present embodiment, the control device 28 controls the opening and closing of the upstream valve 48 and the downstream valve 50, thereby supplying the ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 to the ink head 20 and the sub tank 34, and The timing at which the ink stored in the sub tank 34 is supplied to the ink head 20 is controlled.

  The control device 28 detects the amount of ink stored in the sub tank 34 by receiving a signal transmitted from the detection sensor 56. The control device 28 controls the operation of the supply pump 47 by controlling the drive of the drive motor 57. The control device 28 controls the movement of the cap 52 toward the ink head 20 by controlling the cap moving mechanism 53. The control device 28 controls timing of sucking ink in the ink head 20 by controlling driving of the suction device 54.

  In the present embodiment, the control device 28 includes a storage unit 61, a first print setting unit 62, a second print setting unit 63, a determination unit 64, a switching unit 65, a standby unit 66, and a first ink exchange. A section 67 and a second ink exchange section 68. Each unit may be configured by software or hardware. Each unit may be performed by a processor or may be incorporated in a circuit. The specific control of each unit described above will be described later.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the control device 28 performs the same control on the four ink supply mechanisms 31 among the eight ink supply mechanisms 31 during printing, as shown in FIG. The same control is performed on the supply mechanism 31. Accordingly, one of the eight ink supply mechanisms 31 is a mechanism included in the first group 71, and the other four ink supply mechanisms 31 are mechanisms included in the second group 72. However, the number of ink supply mechanisms 31 included in the first group 71 and the number of ink supply mechanisms 31 included in the second group 72 are not particularly limited. The number of ink supply mechanisms 31 included in the first group 71 and the number of ink supply mechanisms 31 included in the second group 72 may be the same or different.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the first ink supply mechanism 31a and the second ink supply mechanism 31b in the first printing state. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the first ink supply mechanism 31a and the second ink supply mechanism 31b in the second printing state. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the ink supply system 30 in the standby state. 5 to 7, arrows A1 to A3, arrows B1 to B3, and arrow C1 indicate the flow of ink. Moreover, in each valve 48a, 48b, 50a, 50b of FIGS. 5-7, "x" has shown the closed state. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 5, the ink supply mechanism 31 of the first group 71 is appropriately referred to as a first ink supply mechanism 31a. Further, the ink head 20, the ink cartridge 100, the sub tank 34, the main supply flow path 32, the upstream side valve 48, the sub supply flow path 38, the downstream side valve 50, the damper device 44, and the supply pump 47 of the first ink supply mechanism 31a are provided. , First ink head 20a, first ink cartridge 100a, first sub tank 34a, first main supply channel 32a, first upstream valve 48a, first sub supply channel 38a, first downstream valve 50a, first The first damper device 44a and the first supply pump 47a are referred to as appropriate. The main upstream portion 36a, the main downstream portion 36b, and the midway portion 36c of the first main supply flow path 32a are appropriately referred to as a first main upstream portion 36aa, a first main downstream portion 36ba, and a first midway portion 36ca, respectively. The sub upstream portion 39a and the sub downstream portion 39b of the supply flow path 38a are appropriately referred to as a first sub upstream portion 39aa and a first sub downstream portion 39ba, respectively. In the present embodiment, the first ink cartridge 100a is an example of the “first ink container” in the present invention. The first sub tank 34a is an example of the “second ink container” in the present invention. The first main supply channel 32a is an example of the “first supply channel” in the present invention, and the first sub-supply channel 38a is an example of the “second supply channel” in the present invention. The first main upstream portion 36aa and the first main downstream portion 36ba of the first main supply flow path 32a are examples of the “first upstream portion” and the “first downstream portion” of the present invention, respectively. The first sub upstream portion 39aa and the first sub downstream portion 39ba of the supply flow path 38a are examples of the “second upstream portion” and the “second downstream portion” in the present invention, respectively. The first upstream valve 48a is an example of the “first upstream opening / closing mechanism” in the present invention, and the first downstream valve 50a is an example of the “first downstream opening / closing mechanism” in the present invention.

  The ink supply mechanism 31 of the second group 72 is appropriately referred to as a second ink supply mechanism 31b. The ink head 20, the ink cartridge 100, the sub tank 34, the main supply channel 32, the upstream valve 48, the sub supply channel 38, the downstream valve 50, the damper device 44, and the supply pump 47 of the second ink supply mechanism 31b are respectively Second ink head 20b, second ink cartridge 100b, second sub tank 34b, second main supply flow path 32b, second upstream valve 48b, second sub supply flow path 38b, second downstream valve 50b, second damper The device 44b and the second supply pump 47b are appropriately referred to. The main upstream portion 36a, the main downstream portion 36b, and the midway portion 36c of the second main supply flow path 32b are appropriately referred to as a second main upstream portion 36ab, a second main downstream portion 36bb, and a second midway portion 36cb, respectively. The sub upstream part 39a and the sub downstream part 39b of the two sub supply flow path 38b are appropriately referred to as a second sub upstream part 39ab and a second sub downstream part 39bb, respectively. In the present embodiment, the second ink cartridge 100b is an example of the “third ink container” in the present invention. The second sub tank 34b is an example of the “fourth ink container” in the present invention. The second main supply flow path 32b is an example of the “third supply flow path” in the present invention, and the second sub supply flow path 38b is an example of the “fourth supply flow path” in the present invention. The second main upstream portion 36ab, the second main downstream portion 36bb, and the second midway portion 36cb of the second main supply flow path 32b are respectively referred to as “third upstream portion”, “third downstream portion”, “ This is an example of the “third intermediate portion”, and the second sub upstream portion 39ab and the second sub downstream portion 39bb of the second sub supply channel 38b are respectively the “fourth upstream portion” and the “fourth downstream portion” of the present invention. It is an example. The second upstream valve 48b is an example of the “second upstream opening / closing mechanism” in the present invention, and the second downstream valve 50b is an example of the “second downstream opening / closing mechanism” in the present invention.

  In this embodiment, the open / close state of each valve in the ink supply system 30 includes a first print state, a second print state, and a standby state, as shown in FIGS. The first printing state and the second printing state are the open / close states of the valves during printing. The standby state is an open / close state of each valve during printing standby.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the first printing state, in the first ink supply mechanism 31a of the first group 71, the first upstream valve 48a and the first downstream valve 50a are opened. That is, in the first ink supply mechanism 31a in the first printing state, the first main upstream portion 36aa and the first main downstream portion 36ba of the first main supply flow path 32a are opened. In the first printing state, in the second ink supply mechanism 31b, the second upstream valve 48b is closed and the second downstream valve 50b is opened.

  Therefore, in the first ink supply mechanism 31a in the first printing state, the ink stored in the first ink cartridge 100a flows as indicated by the arrows A1 and A2, and thus the first ink head 20a and the first sub tank 34a. To be supplied. Specifically, the ink stored in the first ink cartridge 100a passes through the first main upstream portion 36aa, the first midway portion 36ca, and the first main downstream portion 36ba of the first main supply flow path 32a as indicated by an arrow A2. , And supplied to the first ink head 20a. At the same time, when there is a space for replenishing ink in the first sub tank 34a, the ink stored in the first ink cartridge 100a is, as indicated by the arrow A1, the first main upstream portion 36aa and the first sub supply channel. The first sub-tank 34a is supplied to the first sub-tank 34a through the first sub-downstream portion 39ba and the first sub-upstream portion 39aa.

  On the other hand, in the second ink supply mechanism 31b in the first printing state, the second main upstream portion 36ab of the second main supply flow path 32b is closed and the second main downstream portion 36bb is opened. Therefore, in the second ink supply mechanism 31b in the first printing state, the ink stored in the second ink cartridge 100b is not supplied to the second ink head 20b and the second sub tank 34b. Here, the ink stored in the second sub tank 34b is supplied to the second ink head 20b. Specifically, in the second ink supply mechanism 31b in the first printing state, as indicated by the arrow A3, the ink stored in the second sub tank 34b is transferred to the second sub upstream portion 39ab and the second sub upstream portion 39ab of the second sub supply channel 38b. The ink is supplied to the second ink head 20b through the two sub-downstream portions 39bb, the second midway portion 36cb of the second main supply flow path 32b, and the second main downstream portion 36bb.

  The second printing state of FIG. 6 includes the open / close state of each valve of the first ink supply mechanism 31a in the first printing state of FIG. 5 and the valve of the second ink supply mechanism 31b in the first printing state of FIG. This is a state in which the open / closed state is switched. As shown in FIG. 6, in the second printing state, the open / close state of each valve of the first ink supply mechanism 31a is the same as the open / close state of each valve of the second ink supply mechanism 31b in the first print state. . Specifically, in the first ink supply mechanism 31a in the second printing state, the first upstream valve 48a is closed and the first downstream valve 50a is opened. In the first ink supply mechanism 31a in the second printing state, ink flows as indicated by an arrow B1.

  In the second printing state, the open / close state of each valve of the second ink supply mechanism 31b is the same as the open / close state of each valve of the first ink supply mechanism 31a in the first print state. Specifically, in the second ink supply mechanism 31b in the second printing state, the second upstream side valve 48b and the second downstream side valve 50b are opened. Therefore, in the second ink supply mechanism 31b in the second printing state, ink flows as indicated by arrows B2 and B3.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the ink supply system 30 during printing. Next, changes in the open / closed state of each valve of the ink supply mechanism 31 during printing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. At the time of printing, the open / close state of each valve in the first ink supply mechanism 31a included in the first group 71 is different from the open / close state of each valve in the second ink supply mechanism 31b included in the second group 72. It is switched every time (here, the first time).

  First, in step S101, printing by the printer 10 is started. At this time, the ink head 20 moves in the main scanning direction X along the guide rail 18 (see FIG. 1) by controlling the moving mechanism 29 (see FIG. 3). When the ink head 20 passes over the recording medium 5 placed on the platen 14 (see FIG. 1), printing is performed by ejecting ink toward the recording medium 5. During printing, the supply pump 47 (here, the first supply pump 47a and the second supply pump 47b) is operating.

  As described above, after printing is started, in step S103, the ink supply system 30 performs setting related to opening and closing of each valve. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the first print setting unit 62 sets the open / close state of each valve to the first print state. Specifically, the first print setting unit 62 sets the first upstream valve 48a and the first downstream valve 50a to a state of opening. The first print setting unit 62 sets the second upstream valve 48b to be closed and sets the second downstream valve 50b to be opened. Thus, in the first ink supply mechanism 31a, the ink ejected from the first ink head 20a is supplied from the first ink cartridge 100a as indicated by the arrow A2. The ink in the first ink cartridge 100a is also supplied to the first sub tank 34a as indicated by an arrow A1. On the other hand, in the second ink supply mechanism 31b, the second upstream valve 48b is closed. Therefore, the ink ejected from the second ink head 20b is supplied from the second sub tank 34b as indicated by an arrow A3.

  However, in step S103, the second print setting unit 63 may set the open / close state of each valve to the second print state as shown in FIG. In this case, the first upstream valve 48a is closed in the first ink supply mechanism 31a. Therefore, the ink ejected from the first ink head 20a is supplied from the first sub tank 34a as shown by the arrow B1. On the other hand, in the second ink supply mechanism 31b, since the second upstream valve 48b and the second downstream valve 50b are opened, the ink ejected from the second ink head 20b is second as shown by the arrow B3. Supplied from the ink cartridge 100b. In this case, the ink in the second ink cartridge 100b is also supplied to the second sub tank 34b as shown by an arrow B2.

  Next, in step S105 in FIG. 8, the determination unit 64 calculates the elapsed time from when the open / close state of each valve is set to the first printing state or the second printing state. And the determination part 64 determines whether the said elapsed time is more than predetermined 1st time. The first time is a numerical value stored in advance in the storage unit 61. For example, the specific value of the first time is not particularly limited, but is preferably a time that does not cause the ink in the first sub tank 34a and the second sub tank 34b to be emptied. For example, the first time is a time between 3 minutes and 10 minutes, for example, 5 minutes.

  In step S105, when the determination unit 64 determines that the elapsed time from when the open / closed state of each valve is set to the first printing state or the second printing state is equal to or longer than a predetermined first time, Next, step S107 is performed. In step S107, the switching unit 65 switches the open / close state of each valve. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the open / close state of each valve is the first print state, the switching unit 65 changes the open / close state of each valve from the first print state to the second print state as shown in FIG. Switch to the print state. On the other hand, when the open / close state of each valve is the second print state, the switching unit 65 switches the open / close state of each valve from the second print state to the first print state, as shown in FIG. After switching of the open / close state of each valve in step S107, the process of step S105 is performed again.

  In step S105 of FIG. 8, the determination unit 64 determines that the elapsed time from when the open / close state of each valve is set to the first printing state or the second printing state is less than a predetermined first time. Then, step S109 is performed. Next, in step S109, a print end determination is performed. For example, it is determined whether or not printing has been completed depending on whether or not the control device 28 has received a print end signal from the printer 10. Here, when the control device 28 receives the print end signal and determines that the printing by the printer 10 is finished, the processing at the time of printing is finished. On the other hand, if the control device 28 determines that printing by the printer 10 has not been completed, step S105 is performed again. As described above, in this embodiment, each time the predetermined first time elapses during printing, the open / close state of each valve in the ink supply system 30 changes from the first print state to the second print state. Alternatively, the second print state is switched to the first print state.

  The change in the open / close state of each valve of the ink supply mechanism 31 during printing has been described above. Next, a standby state that is an open / closed state of each valve during printing standby will be described. In the standby state, all the ink supply mechanisms 31 are controlled in the same way. When printing is completed and printing is on standby, the ink head 20 moves to the home position located at the right end of the guide rail 18 (see FIG. 1). Then, at the home position, as shown in FIG. 7, the cap 52 is attached to the ink head 20. Note that when waiting for printing, the supply pump 47 is stopped. Therefore, unless the suction device 54 connected to the cap 52 is activated, the ink is unlikely to leak from the ink head 20.

  In the standby state, the upstream valve 48 is opened, and the downstream valve 50 is closed. In this embodiment, when printing is finished and the print standby state is entered, for example, when it is determined in step S109 in the flowchart of FIG. 8 that printing is finished, the standby unit 66 opens the upstream valve 48. In addition, the downstream valve 50 is set to a closed state. As a result, in the standby state, the main downstream portion 36b is closed. Therefore, ink is not supplied to the ink head 20 in the standby state. In the standby state of the present embodiment, as indicated by the arrow C1, the ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 is stored in the main upstream portion 36a of the main supply channel 32, the sub downstream portion 39b of the sub supply channel 38, and the sub upstream. It is supplied to the sub tank 34 through the section 39a.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the ink in the sub tank 34 may be automatically replaced. Specifically, the ink stored in the sub tank 34 may be discharged, and new ink may be stored in the sub tank 34. Here, the replacement of the ink in the sub tank 34 is performed by the first ink replacement section 67 and the second ink replacement section 68 of the control device 28 as shown in FIG.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic views showing the ink supply system 30 when the ink in the sub tank 34 is replaced. 9 and 10, arrows D1 and E1 indicate the flow of ink. Moreover, in each valve 48 and 50 of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, “x” indicates a closed state. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for replacing the ink in the sub tank 34. Next, the procedure for replacing the ink in the sub tank 34 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The ink in the sub tank 34 is exchanged, for example, when a user operates the operation panel 16 (see FIG. 1) provided in the main body 10A and a replacement signal is transmitted from the operation panel 16 to the control device 28. Is called. Further, before step S201 in FIG. 11 is executed, the first ink replacement unit 67 moves the ink head 20 to the home position located at the right end of the guide rail 18 (see FIG. 1). 29 is controlled. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the first ink exchange unit 67 controls the cap moving mechanism 53 so that the cap 52 is attached to the ink head 20. In step S <b> 201, a cap 52 is attached to the ink head 20 so as to cover the nozzle 21 of the ink head 20.

  In step S201 in FIG. 11, the first ink replacement unit 67 sets the upstream valve 48 to a closed state and the downstream valve 50 to a open state, as shown in FIG. As a result, the ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 does not flow through the main supply channel 32 and the sub supply channel 38. In step S201, the supply of ink from the ink cartridge 100 is stopped.

  Next, in step S <b> 203 of FIG. 11, the first ink replacement unit 67 drives the suction device 54. As a result, the ink in the main supply flow path 32, the sub supply flow path 38, and the sub tank 34 is sucked by the suction device 54. For example, the ink in the sub tank 34 is sucked toward the suction device 54 as indicated by an arrow D1 in FIG. Here, since the upstream valve 48 is closed, the ink in the ink cartridge 100 is not sucked by the suction device 54. In the present embodiment, although not shown, a waste liquid tank is connected to the suction device 54. The ink sucked by the suction device 54 is stored in the waste liquid tank.

  In the present embodiment, a stop signal is transmitted from the detection sensor 56 to the control device 28 when the amount of ink in the sub tank 34 is equal to or less than a predetermined first storage amount. As described above, the first storage amount is a value stored in advance in the storage unit 61. When the control device 28 receives the stop signal, the second ink replacement unit 68 stops the driving of the suction device 54. As a result, the suction of ink in the sub tank 34 is stopped. In the present embodiment, the time from when the suction device 54 is driven until the amount of ink in the sub tank 34 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined first storage amount corresponds to the “second time” of the present invention. Yes.

  Next, in step S205 in FIG. 11, the second ink replacement unit 68 sets the upstream valve 48 to the open state and the downstream valve 50 to the closed state, as shown in FIG. As a result, the ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 is supplied to the sub tank 34 through the main upstream portion 36 a of the main supply channel 32 and the sub supply channel 38. Therefore, new ink is supplied to the sub tank 34. Note that an end signal may be transmitted from the detection sensor 56 to the control device 28 when the amount of ink in the sub tank 34 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined second storage amount. As described above, the second storage amount is stored in the storage unit 61 in advance. When the control device 28 receives this end signal, the second ink replacement unit 68 may notify the user that the replacement of the ink in the sub tank 34 has ended. The specific method of this notification is not particularly limited. For example, the main body 10A is provided with a speaker (not shown), and the second ink exchanging unit 68 reproduces an audio file stored in advance in the storage unit 61, thereby passing through the speaker into the sub tank 34. The user may be notified that the ink replacement has been completed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the ink in the sub tank 34 can be replaced with new ink at the time of printing standby. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink in the sub tank 34 from deteriorating.

  In the present embodiment, the open / close state of each upstream valve 48 is switched each time a time equal to or longer than a predetermined first time elapses during printing. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, since the first upstream valve 48a is set to be opened in the first printing state, the first ink head 20a stores the first ink cartridge 100a. Ink is supplied. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, in the second printing state, since the first upstream valve 48a is set to be closed, the ink stored in the first sub tank 34a is stored in the first ink head 20a. Is supplied. Therefore, during printing, the ink stored in the first sub tank 34a is periodically supplied to the first ink head 20a. Therefore, since the ink stored in the first sub tank 34a does not stay in the first sub tank 34a for a long time during printing, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the ink stored in the first sub tank 34a. Similarly, during printing, the ink stored in the second sub tank 34b is periodically supplied to the second ink head 20b. Accordingly, during printing, the ink in the second sub tank 34b does not stay in the second sub tank 34b, so that the ink stored in the second sub tank 34b can be prevented from deteriorating.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, since the open / close state of each valve is the first print state or the second print state during printing, the ink head 20 (here, the first print state) The ink cartridge 100 (here, the first ink cartridge 100a and the second ink cartridge 100b) and the sub tank 34 (here, the first sub tank 34a and the second sub tank 34b) are included in the first ink head 20a and the second ink head 20b). The ink stored in either one of these is supplied. Therefore, printing can be continued without interruption.

  In the present embodiment, at the time of printing standby, the standby unit 66 sets the upstream valve 48 to the open state and the downstream valve 50 to the closed state, as shown in FIG. As a result, the ink in the ink cartridge 100 can flow to the sub tank 34 during standby for printing. Therefore, when there is a space where ink can be stored in the sub tank 34, the ink can be automatically replenished in the sub tank 34 during printing standby. Further, the ink in the sub tank 34 is agitated by replenishing the ink in the sub tank 34. Therefore, the deterioration of the ink stored in the sub tank 34 can be suppressed.

  In this embodiment, since the sub tank 34 is automatically replenished with ink when waiting for printing, the ink in the sub tank 34 is replaced with new ink as shown in FIG. 11 for the purpose of replenishing the sub tank 34 with ink. The frequency of performing replacement work can be reduced. Accordingly, since the amount of ink sucked by the suction device 54 can be reduced, it is possible to suppress wasted ink consumption.

  In the present embodiment, the upstream valve 48 and the downstream valve 50 are electromagnetic valves. Thus, the control device 28 can automatically switch the open / close state of the upstream valve 48 and the downstream valve 50.

  According to the present embodiment, the amount of ink that can be stored in the ink cartridge 100 (specifically, the first ink cartridge 100a and the second ink cartridge 100b) is the first amount. The amount of ink that can be stored in the sub tank 34 (specifically, the first sub tank 34a and the second sub tank 34b) is a second amount that is smaller than the first amount. Thus, for example, when the ink in the sub tank 34 runs out, the ink in the ink cartridge 100 may be replenished into the sub tank 34. Therefore, the amount of usable ink can be increased compared to a printer in which the ink cartridge 100 is connected to the ink head 20 and the sub tank 34 is not connected to the ink head 20.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the ink cartridge housing portion 22 in which the ink cartridge 100 is housed is disposed at a position higher than the sub tank housing portion 26 in which the sub tank 34 is housed. Therefore, the ink cartridge 100 (specifically, the first ink cartridge 100a and the second ink cartridge 100b) is disposed at a position higher than the sub tank 34 (specifically, the first sub tank 34a and the second sub tank 34b). As described above, since the ink cartridge 100 is disposed at a position physically higher than the sub tank 34, for example, when ink is allowed to flow from the ink cartridge 100 toward the sub tank 34 as in the standby state of FIG. Ink can flow smoothly to the sub tank 34.

  In the above embodiment, during printing, the plurality of ink supply mechanisms 31 are divided into two groups, a first group 71 and a second group 72, and the ink supply mechanisms 31 included in the first group 71 and the second group 72 are divided into two groups. Different control was performed with the ink supply mechanism 31 included. However, the number of groups into which the plurality of ink supply mechanisms 31 are divided during printing is not limited to two, and may be three or more. The number of ink supply mechanisms 31 included in each group may be the same or different. Hereinafter, as an example, a plurality of ink supply mechanisms 31 are included in each group when the plurality of ink supply mechanisms 31 are divided into four groups of a first group, a second group, a third group, and a fourth group. The ink supply mechanism control will be briefly described. Here, it is assumed that each group includes two ink supply mechanisms 31. At this time, for example, each time the predetermined first time elapses after printing is started, each unit of the control device 28 controls so that the following processing A to processing D are executed in order.

(Process A)
The switching unit 65 is set to open the upstream valve 48 and the downstream valve 50 of the ink supply mechanism 31 included in the first group, and the ink supply mechanism 31 included in each of the second to fourth groups. Are set in a state in which the upstream valve 48 is closed and in a state in which the downstream valve 50 is opened.

(Process B)
The switching unit 65 is set to open the upstream valve 48 and the downstream valve 50 of the ink supply mechanism 31 included in the second group, and is included in the first group, the third group, and the fourth group, respectively. In the ink supply mechanism 31, the upstream valve 48 is set to a closed state and the downstream valve 50 is set to a opened state.

(Process C)
The switching unit 65 is set to a state in which the upstream valve 48 and the downstream valve 50 of the ink supply mechanism 31 included in the third group are opened, and included in the first group, the second group, and the fourth group, respectively. In the ink supply mechanism 31, the upstream valve 48 is set to a closed state and the downstream valve 50 is set to a opened state.

(Process D)
The switching unit 65 is set to open the upstream valve 48 and the downstream valve 50 of the ink supply mechanism 31 included in the fourth group, and the ink supply mechanism 31 included in each of the first to third groups. Are set in a state in which the upstream valve 48 is closed and in a state in which the downstream valve 50 is opened.

  In this way, the ink supply mechanism 31 that closes the upstream valve 48 is changed every time the predetermined first time elapses. In the processes A to D, the upstream side valve 48 is in the open state in the ink supply mechanism 31 included in one group, but the ink included in two groups or three groups. The supply mechanism 31 may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the printer 10 is provided with a printing function using an inkjet method. However, the printer 10 may include a processing function for processing the recording medium 5 in addition to the printing function. Here, the processing function includes a cutting function for cutting the recording medium 5.

  Note that the storage unit 61, the first print setting unit 62, the second print setting unit 63, the determination unit 64, the switching unit 65, the standby unit 66, and the first ink exchange unit, which are each unit of the control device 28. 67 and the second ink exchange unit 68 may be configured by software. In other words, each of the above units may be realized by a computer by reading the computer program into the computer. The present invention includes a computer program for printing for causing a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also includes a computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. Each of the above units may be a processor that is realized by executing a computer program stored in the control device 28. In this case, each unit may be realized by one processor or may be realized by a plurality of processors. Further, the present invention includes a circuit that realizes the same function as the program executed by each unit.

10 Printer (inkjet printer)
20 Ink Head 28 Control Device 30 Ink Supply System 32 Main Supply Channel 32a First Main Supply Channel (First Supply Channel)
32b Second main supply channel (third supply channel)
34 sub tank 34a first sub tank (second ink container)
34b Second sub tank (fourth ink container)
38 sub supply channel 38a first sub supply channel (second supply channel)
38b Second sub supply channel (fourth supply channel)
48 upstream side valve 50 downstream side valve 62 first print setting unit 63 second print setting unit 64 determination unit 65 switching unit 66 standby unit 100 ink cartridge 100a first ink cartridge (first ink container)
100b Second ink cartridge (third ink container)

Claims (13)

A first ink head for discharging ink onto a recording medium;
A first ink container for storing ink;
A second ink container for storing ink;
A first upstream portion connected to the first ink container; a first downstream portion connected to the first ink head; and a first midway located between the first upstream portion and the first downstream portion. A first supply flow path having a portion;
A second supply flow path having a second upstream portion connected to the second ink container and a second downstream portion connected to the first upstream portion and the first midway portion;
A first upstream side opening / closing mechanism provided at the first upstream part and freely openable / closable;
A control device electrically connected to the first upstream opening / closing mechanism;
With
The controller is
A first print setting unit for setting to a first print state in which the first upstream opening / closing mechanism is opened during printing;
A second print setting unit for setting to a second print state in which the first upstream side opening / closing mechanism is closed during printing;
A determination unit that determines whether an elapsed time from when set by any one of the first print setting unit and the second print setting unit is equal to or longer than a predetermined first time;
When the determination unit determines that the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the first time, the switching from the first printing state to the second printing state and the second printing state to the first time A switching unit that performs any one of the switching to the printing state of 1;
An ink supply system. A first downstream opening / closing mechanism provided between the first downstream portion and the first midway portion;
The control device is electrically connected to the first downstream opening / closing mechanism,
2. The ink supply system according to claim 1, wherein the first printing state and the second printing state are states in which the first downstream opening / closing mechanism is opened.   3. The ink supply system according to claim 2, wherein the control device includes a standby unit configured to close the first downstream opening / closing mechanism during printing standby.   The ink supply system according to claim 3, wherein the standby unit is set to open the first upstream opening / closing mechanism. A nozzle for discharging ink is formed on the bottom surface of the first ink head,
A cap attachable to the first ink head so as to cover the nozzle;
A cap moving mechanism for moving the cap toward the first ink head;
A suction device connected to the cap and capable of sucking ink in the first in-head in a state where the cap is attached to the first ink head;
With
The control device is electrically connected to the cap moving mechanism and the suction device,
The controller is
During printing standby, the cap moving mechanism is controlled so that the cap is attached to the first ink head, the first upstream opening / closing mechanism is closed, and the first downstream opening / closing mechanism is set. A first ink replacement unit that drives the suction device after setting the state to open,
After a predetermined second time has elapsed since the suction device was driven by the first ink exchange unit, the suction device is stopped and the first upstream opening / closing mechanism is opened. A second ink replacement unit that sets the first downstream side opening / closing mechanism in a closed state;
An ink supply system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising:   The ink supply system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first downstream side opening / closing mechanism is an electromagnetic valve.   The ink supply system according to claim 1, wherein the first upstream opening / closing mechanism is an electromagnetic valve.   The ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first ink container is disposed at a position higher than the second ink container. A second ink head for discharging ink onto a recording medium;
A third ink container for storing ink;
A fourth ink container for storing ink;
A third upstream portion located between the third upstream portion connected to the third ink container, a third downstream portion connected to the second ink head, and the third upstream portion and the third downstream portion. A third supply channel having a portion;
A fourth supply flow path having a fourth upstream portion connected to the fourth ink container and a fourth downstream portion connected to the third upstream portion and the third midway portion;
A second upstream opening / closing mechanism provided at the third upstream portion and freely openable / closable;
With
The control device is electrically connected to the second upstream opening / closing mechanism,
The first printing state is a state in which the second upstream opening / closing mechanism is closed,
The ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second printing state is a state in which the second upstream side opening / closing mechanism is opened. A second downstream opening / closing mechanism provided between the third downstream portion and the third midway portion;
The control device is electrically connected to the second downstream opening / closing mechanism,
The ink supply system according to claim 9, wherein the first printing state and the second printing state are states in which the second downstream opening / closing mechanism is opened.   The ink supply system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the third ink container is arranged at a position higher than the fourth ink container. The amount of ink that can be stored in the first ink container is the first amount,
The ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the amount of ink that can be stored in the second ink container is a second amount that is smaller than the first amount. A platen on which a recording medium is placed;
An ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Inkjet printer equipped with.

Images