JP2019188746A - Liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device capable of continuously performing printing.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device 11 comprises: a liquid discharge part 14 performing printing by discharging liquid onto a medium 99 from a plurality of nozzles 13; a first mounting part 17 to which a first liquid storage body 16 storing the liquid can be mounted; a second mounting part 19 to which a second liquid storage body 18 storing a plurality of kinds of liquid different from the liquid stored in the first liquid storage body can be mounted; and a control part 23 controlling the liquid discharge part. The control part has at least two modes out of an exchange mode for exchanging the second liquid storage body, a monochromatic mode for performing the printing by the liquid stored in the first liquid storage body, and a continuation mode for continuing the printing without using the liquid of which residual quantity is below a first threshold value out of the plurality of kinds of liquid stored in the second liquid storage body, and allows one of the modes to be brought into a state of being selected when residual quantity of at least one kind of the plurality of kinds of liquid stored in the second liquid storage body is below the first threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus such as an ink jet printer.

  Patent Document 1 describes a printer that can be equipped with a cartridge that can store a plurality of liquids as an example of a liquid ejection apparatus.

JP 2008-149487 A

  In the printer described in Patent Document 1, when any one of a plurality of liquids contained in the cartridge becomes small, all other liquids are discharged. For this reason, if even one of the plurality of liquids contained in the cartridge becomes small, printing cannot be performed until the cartridge is replaced.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection apparatus capable of continuous printing.

  A liquid ejecting apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a liquid ejecting unit that prints by ejecting liquid onto a medium from a plurality of nozzles, a first mounting unit that can mount a first liquid container that stores liquid, A second mounting part capable of mounting a second liquid container that stores a plurality of types of liquids different from the liquid stored in the first liquid container; and a control unit that controls the liquid ejection part, The control unit includes an exchange mode for exchanging the second liquid container, a monochromatic mode for printing only with the liquid contained in the first liquid container, and a plurality of types of liquids contained in the second liquid container. At least one of a plurality of types of liquids having at least two modes among the continuous modes in which printing is continued without using a liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold, and stored in the second liquid container The remaining amount of liquid is below the first threshold The case, a state where one can choose from among the modes.

The front view which shows typically one Embodiment of a liquid discharge apparatus. The flowchart which shows the process routine of residual amount comparison processing.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a liquid ejection apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejecting apparatus is, for example, an ink jet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of liquid, on a medium such as paper.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a housing 12. The liquid ejection apparatus 11 includes a liquid ejection unit 14 that prints by ejecting liquid from a plurality of nozzles 13 to the medium 99, and a support base 15 that supports the medium 99. The liquid ejection device 11 includes a first mounting part 17 that can mount a first liquid container 16 that stores liquid, and a second mounting part 19 that can mount a second liquid container 18 that stores liquid.

  The liquid ejection device 11 includes a cap 21 that can form a closed space in which the nozzle 13 is opened, and a discharge mechanism 22 that forcibly discharges the liquid from the nozzle 13. The liquid ejection device 11 includes a control unit 23 that controls the liquid ejection unit 14. The control unit 23 of the present embodiment controls the entire apparatus including the liquid discharge unit 14, the cap 21, the discharge mechanism 22, and the like. The control unit 23 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like.

  The liquid ejection unit 14 includes a head 24 having a plurality of nozzles 13, a carriage 25 on which the head 24 is mounted, and a guide shaft 26 that supports the carriage 25. The carriage 25 is movable along the guide shaft 26. The head 24 prints an image on the medium 99 by ejecting liquid while scanning the medium 99 supported by the support base 15 together with the carriage 25. Therefore, the guide shaft 26 extends in the main scanning direction X, which is the direction in which the head 24 scans, in the liquid ejection device 11. In the present embodiment, the position at the right end in the main scanning direction X in FIG. The carriage 25 waits at the home position when it enters a standby state where printing on the medium 99 is not performed. The medium 99 supported by the support table 15 is conveyed on the support table 15 in the sub-scanning direction Y, which is a direction different from the main scanning direction X and the vertical direction Z.

  The liquid ejection unit 14 is supplied with liquid from the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 mounted on the first mounting unit 17 and the second mounting unit 19. The first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 each contain different types of liquid. The first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 are, for example, ink cartridges.

  The first mounting unit 17 and the second mounting unit 19 of the present embodiment are provided in the liquid ejection unit 14. Specifically, the first mounting portion 17 and the second mounting portion 19 are provided on the carriage 25. Therefore, the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 that store the liquid are mounted on the carriage 25 by being mounted on the first mounting portion 17 and the second mounting portion 19. The first mounting portion 17 and the second mounting portion 19 are positioned so as to be aligned in the main scanning direction X in the carriage 25. The second mounting portion 19 is located closer to the home position than the first mounting portion 17 in the main scanning direction X.

  The liquid ejection apparatus 11 according to the present embodiment is a so-called on-carriage type in which the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 are mounted on the carriage 25. The liquid ejection device 11 may be an off-carriage type in which the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 are not mounted on the carriage 25. That is, the first mounting portion 17 and the second mounting portion 19 may not be provided on the carriage 25. In this case, the first liquid container 16 attached to the first attachment part 17 and the second liquid container 18 attached to the second attachment part 19 are connected to the head 24 via, for example, a tube.

  The second mounting portion 19 can be mounted with a second liquid container 18 that stores a plurality of types of liquids different from the liquid stored in the first liquid container 16. That is, the second liquid container 18 can store a plurality of liquids. The first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 have a storage chamber 28 for storing a liquid. The second liquid container 18 has a plurality of storage chambers 28. The first liquid container 16 of the present embodiment has one storage chamber 28. The second liquid container 18 of the present embodiment has three storage chambers 28. The first liquid container 16 contains black ink. The second liquid container 18 contains color ink. The second liquid container 18 stores cyan, magenta, and yellow ink in each storage chamber 28.

  The head 24 has a plurality of nozzle rows 31 composed of a plurality of nozzles 13. The nozzle row 31 of the present embodiment is configured by arranging a plurality of nozzles 13 in one row in the sub-scanning direction Y. The plurality of nozzle rows 31 are positioned so as to be aligned in the main scanning direction X in the head 24. The plurality of nozzle rows 31 correspond to the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 mounted on the first mounting part 17 and the second mounting part 19, respectively. That is, the liquid stored in the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 is ejected from a predetermined row of specific nozzles 31.

  The head 24 of the present embodiment has four nozzle rows 31. The number of nozzles 13 constituting the nozzle row 31 is the same. Of the four nozzle rows 31 arranged in the main scanning direction X, one nozzle row 31 located closer to the first mounting portion 17 corresponds to the first liquid container 16. The other three nozzle rows 31 correspond to the second liquid container 18. That is, black ink is ejected from one nozzle row 31 located closer to the first mounting portion 17 among the four nozzle rows 31 arranged in the main scanning direction X. Of the four nozzle rows 31 arranged in the main scanning direction X, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink are ejected from the other three nozzle rows 31. Thus, the nozzles 13 constituting the nozzle row 31 correspond to the liquids stored in the storage chamber 28 of the first liquid storage body 16 and the storage chamber 28 of the second liquid storage body 18, respectively.

  The cap 21 is positioned adjacent to the support base 15 in the main scanning direction X. The cap 21 is configured to be able to contact the head 24 mounted on the carriage 25 located at the home position. The cap 21 contacts the head 24 or moves away from the head 24 by moving up and down, for example. The head 24 may be configured to move up and down with respect to the cap 21.

  The cap 21 forms a closed space in which the nozzle 13 is opened by contacting the head 24 so that the edge portion surrounds the nozzle 13. Thus, the cap 21 contacting the head 24 so as to form a closed space in which the nozzle 13 is opened is called capping. That is, when the cap 21 caps the head 24, a closed space in which the nozzle 13 is opened is formed. The cap 21 of this embodiment is capped so as to surround all the nozzles 13 formed in the head 24.

  When the cap 21 caps the head 24, the evaporation of the liquid in the nozzle 13 is suppressed. Therefore, thickening and solidification of the liquid in the nozzle 13 are suppressed. Thereby, the discharge accuracy of the nozzle 13 that discharges the liquid is maintained.

  The head 24 may discharge liquid toward the cap 21 before capping. In this case, the head 24 discharges a liquid unrelated to printing into the cap 21. When capping is performed with the liquid remaining in the cap 21, the closed space formed by the cap 21 is moisturized by the liquid in the cap 21. Thereby, thickening and solidification of the liquid in the nozzle 13 are further suppressed. In this way, the discharge of the liquid not related to printing is called idle discharge or flushing.

  The idle ejection may be performed not only before capping but also during printing. In this case, the liquid in the nozzle 13 is suppressed from thickening and solidifying during printing. The head 24 may discharge the liquid into the cap 21 when discharging in the middle of printing, or may discharge the liquid to a member different from the cap 21.

  The discharge mechanism 22 is connected to the cap 21. The discharge mechanism 22 is configured to be able to suck the inside of the cap 21. When the discharge mechanism 22 sucks the cap 21 with the cap 21 capping the head 24, the closed space formed by the capping becomes negative pressure. When the negative pressure reaches the nozzle 13 of the head 24, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 13 into the cap 21. Thus, forcibly discharging the liquid from the nozzle 13 by suction is called suction cleaning. By performing the suction cleaning, the thickened and solidified liquid is discharged from the nozzle 13. That is, the discharge accuracy of the nozzle 13 that discharges the liquid is maintained. The discharge mechanism 22 discharges the liquid in the cap 21 by sucking the cap 21 without the cap 21 capping the head 24.

  The cap 21 preferably seals the inside of the cap 21 so as to block the flow of fluid such as air and liquid inside and outside the cap 21 when the head 24 is capped. The cap 21 does not need to seal the inside of the cap 21 when capping the head 24. The cap 21 only needs to be able to form a closed space in which a negative pressure is generated so that liquid can be sucked from the nozzle 13 when the discharge mechanism 22 sucks the inside of the cap 21 while the head 24 is capped.

  The controller 23 detects the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18. The control unit 23 according to the present embodiment is based on the initial remaining amount of liquid stored in the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 and the amount of liquid consumed by the liquid ejection unit 14. The remaining amount of liquid currently stored in the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 is detected. The initial remaining amount is the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 when mounted on the first mounting unit 17 and the second mounting unit 19. The first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 have storage elements that store the initial remaining amount. The control unit 23 acquires the initial remaining amount from this storage element. The consumption amount is the amount of liquid consumed by printing, suction cleaning, idle ejection, and the like.

  The liquid ejection device 11 can detect the remaining amount of liquid stored in each of the first liquid container 16 mounted on the first mounting unit 17 and the second liquid container 18 mounted on the second mounting unit 19. A simple sensor may be provided. In this case, the control unit 23 detects the remaining amount of liquid stored in the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 via the sensor. As a sensor capable of detecting the remaining amount of liquid, for example, an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like can be employed.

  The control unit 23 compares the detected remaining amount of liquid with a threshold value. The control unit 23 stores the first threshold value and the second threshold value as threshold values. The first threshold value is larger than the second threshold value. The first threshold refers to the lower limit amount of liquid that is expected to be required for printing. The second threshold value indicates the lower limit amount of liquid that is expected to be necessary for discharging liquid from the head 24.

  If the remaining amount of the liquid is lower than the first threshold, if the printing is continued as it is, the remaining amount of the liquid may be insufficient during printing. If the remaining amount of the liquid is insufficient during printing, the liquid may not be discharged normally from the nozzle 13, or if the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 13, air may flow into the head 24 from the nozzle 13. is there. Therefore, when the remaining amount of the liquid is lower than the first threshold value, it is not preferable to print using the liquid.

  When the remaining amount of the liquid is lower than the second threshold, if the liquid is to be ejected from the nozzle 13, air may flow into the head 24 from the nozzle 13. When air flows into the head 24, the air cannot be discharged from the nozzles 13 unless the suction cleaning or the like is executed, so that the liquid cannot be discharged normally. Therefore, when the remaining amount is lower than the second threshold value, it is not preferable to discharge using the liquid.

  When detecting the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the first liquid container 16, the control unit 23 compares the remaining amount with the first threshold value. When the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the first liquid container 16 is lower than the first threshold, the control unit 23 notifies that the remaining amount of the liquid is very small. At this time, for example, the control unit 23 notifies through a liquid crystal screen included in the liquid ejection device 11, a computer electrically connected to the liquid ejection device 11, and the like. The control unit 23 prompts the user to replace the first liquid container 16 by notifying.

  When detecting the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the second liquid container 18, the control unit 23 compares the remaining amount with the first threshold value and the second threshold value. The control unit 23 switches the mode of the liquid ejection device 11 based on a comparison between the remaining amount of liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 and the first threshold value and the second threshold value. The control unit 23 has a plurality of modes. The liquid ejection device 11 operates based on the mode.

  The control unit 23 has a normal mode that is a normal state. In addition to the normal mode, the control unit 23 has at least two modes among an exchange mode, a single color mode, and a continuous mode. In particular, the control unit 23 preferably has an exchange mode. That is, it is preferable that the control unit 23 has an exchange mode and at least one of a monochrome mode and a continuous mode. Therefore, the control unit 23 may have an exchange mode and a single color mode among the three modes, or may have an exchange mode and a continuous mode. The control unit 23 of the present embodiment has all three modes of an exchange mode, a single color mode, and a continuous mode.

  The normal mode is a mode when there is a sufficient remaining amount of liquid stored in the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18. In the normal mode, all the liquids stored in the first liquid container 16 and the second liquid container 18 can be used. Therefore, in the normal mode, an image can be printed on the medium 99 in full color.

  The exchange mode is a mode for exchanging the second liquid container 18. In the exchange mode, the carriage 25 stops at a predetermined position in the housing 12. The carriage 25 stands by at that position until the second liquid container 18 is replaced. When the replacement of the second liquid container 18 is completed, the mode is changed to the normal mode.

  The monochromatic mode is a mode for printing with the liquid stored in the first liquid container 16. That is, in the monochromatic mode, the liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is not used for printing. In the single color mode of the present embodiment, an image is printed using only black ink. Therefore, an image printed on the medium 99 in the monochrome mode is monochrome.

  The continuation mode is a mode in which printing is continued without using a liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold among a plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18. That is, in the continuous mode, printing is performed using the liquid stored in the first liquid container 16 and the liquid having a sufficient remaining amount among the liquids stored in the second liquid container 18. In the present embodiment, printing is performed without using ink that has a small remaining amount among color inks. Therefore, an image printed on the medium 99 in the continuous mode is in a state where some colors are missing.

  When the remaining amount of at least one of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 falls below the first threshold, the control unit 23 selects one of the replacement mode, single color mode, and continuation mode. Ready to select one. That is, when the remaining amount of at least one of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 falls below the first threshold value, the control unit 23 determines whether the replacement mode, single color mode, or continuation mode is in progress. Let the user select one of

  When the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold, the control unit 23 notifies that the remaining amount of the liquid is small. At this time, for example, the control unit 23 notifies through a liquid crystal screen included in the liquid ejection device 11, a computer electrically connected to the liquid ejection device 11, and the like. At this time, the control unit 23 causes the user to select one of the exchange mode, the single color mode, and the continuous mode via a liquid crystal screen included in the liquid ejection device 11, a computer connected to the liquid ejection device 11, and the like.

  If the remaining amount of the specific liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold, if the printing is continued as it is, the remaining amount of the liquid may be insufficient during printing. Therefore, it is not preferable to continue printing using a liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold. When the remaining amount of the specific liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold value, the remaining amount of other liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is sufficient. When the liquid container 18 is replaced, liquid is wasted. For example, when the remaining amount of cyan ink is lower than the first threshold and the remaining amount of magenta and yellow ink is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the remaining amount is sufficient when the second liquid container 18 is replaced. Magenta and yellow ink will be discarded. In this way, waste of liquid occurs.

  The liquid ejection device 11 according to the present embodiment can select the monochrome mode or the continuous mode separately from the replacement mode when the remaining amount of the specific liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold value. When the monochrome mode is selected, printing can be continued by using the liquid stored in the first liquid container 16. When the continuous mode is selected, printing can be continued by using other liquids except for the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold. As a result, even when the remaining amount of at least one of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 is below the first threshold, the use of the liquid with a sufficient remaining amount is continued. Can be printed. Therefore, printing can be continued. In particular, when the continuation mode is selected, a liquid with a sufficient remaining amount is used among the liquids stored in the second liquid container 18, so that the waste of liquid when the second liquid container 18 is replaced is used. Can be further reduced.

  When the monochromatic mode or the continuous mode is selected, the control unit 23 prohibits the discharge of the liquid related to printing to the nozzle 13 corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold, and It is preferable to be able to perform idle ejection, which is ejection of no liquid. In other words, in the single color mode or the continuous mode, the control unit 23 preferably does not use the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold value for printing, but uses it for idle ejection.

  In the monochrome mode or the continuous mode, nozzles 13 that are not used for printing appear. In the nozzles 13 that are not used for printing, the liquid tends to stay, and the thickening and solidification of the liquid is promoted. Therefore, in the single color mode or the continuous mode, it is preferable that the nozzles 13 that are not used for printing are ejected idle. Usually, the amount of liquid expected to be ejected empty is small compared to the amount of liquid expected to be printed. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of liquid is lower than the first threshold value, it is possible to perform idle ejection using that liquid. By performing the idle ejection, thickening and solidification of the liquid in the nozzle 13 not used for printing is suppressed.

  It is preferable that the control unit 23 reduce the discharge amount of the liquid discharged by one empty discharge in response to the decrease in the remaining amount of the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold. In the single color mode or the continuous mode, when the idle discharge is repeated using the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold, the remaining amount of the liquid is further reduced. For this reason, the discharge amount in the idle discharge is reduced in accordance with the decrease in the remaining amount of liquid below the first threshold. As a result, the amount of liquid consumed by the idle ejection is reduced, and the idle ejection can be executed over a long period.

  When the controller 23 performs the idle discharge in the cap 21 before the closed space is formed after the single color mode or the continuation mode is selected, the control unit 23 controls the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18. Among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18, the discharge amount when discharging the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold from the nozzle 13 is excluded. It is preferable to make the amount less than the discharge amount when discharging the liquid from the nozzle 13. If it carries out like this, the amount of consumption of the liquid at the time of empty-discharging in the cap 21 before capping to moisturize the nozzle 13 can be suppressed.

  When the remaining amount of at least one of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 falls below a second threshold that is less than the first threshold, the control unit 23 causes the second liquid container 18 to It is preferable to prohibit the discharge of the liquid from the nozzle 13 corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the second threshold value among the plural kinds of liquids to be stored. As described above, if the liquid is to be ejected in a state where the remaining amount is lower than the second threshold, air may flow into the head 24 from the nozzle 13. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk of air flowing into the head 24 by prohibiting the discharge from the nozzle 13 corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the second threshold. It can be said that the second threshold value of the present embodiment is a lower limit amount of liquid that is expected to be necessary for idle ejection.

  When the difference between the remaining amount of one liquid and the remaining amount of the other liquid is a predetermined amount or more among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18, the control unit 23 has a small remaining amount. It is preferable that a saving mode for printing can be selected by reducing the discharge amount from the corresponding nozzle 13. That is, the control unit 23 may have a saving mode in addition to the replacement mode, the single color mode, and the continuous mode. If the remaining amount of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 is uneven, the liquid is likely to be wasted when the second liquid container 18 is replaced. Therefore, by reducing the discharge amount from the nozzle 13 corresponding to the liquid with a small remaining amount, it is possible to reduce the unevenness of the remaining amount of the liquid in the second liquid container 18.

  When the replacement mode is selected without selecting the single color mode or the continuous mode, the control unit 23 does not execute the liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism 22 after the second liquid container 18 is replaced. When there is a history that the monochromatic mode or the continuous mode has been selected before the replacement mode is selected, it is preferable that the liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism 22 is executed after the second liquid container 18 is replaced. When the monochrome mode or the continuation mode is selected when the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold value, the nozzles 13 that are not used for printing appear. Since the amount of liquid ejected in the idle ejection is smaller than that in the printing operation, the thickening and solidification of the liquid may be promoted in the nozzles 13 that are not used for printing even if the idle ejection is performed. Therefore, when the monochrome mode or the continuous mode is selected, the liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism 22 may be executed when the second liquid container 18 is replaced. In this way, the liquid whose viscosity and solidification are promoted during the single color mode or the continuous mode can be discharged from the nozzle 13.

  When the replacement mode is selected when the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold, the liquid stays in the nozzle 13 as compared with the case where the monochromatic mode or the continuous mode is selected. It is hard to occur. That is, when the exchange mode is selected, it is difficult to increase the viscosity and solidification of the liquid in the nozzle 13. For this reason, when the exchange mode is selected, it is not necessary to execute the liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism 22. By doing so, the liquid is not forcibly discharged by the discharge mechanism 22 when the second liquid container 18 is replaced, so that the liquid consumption can be suppressed.

  The control unit 23 may increase the strength of liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism 22 that is executed after the second liquid container 18 is replaced as the time elapsed since the single color mode or the continuous mode was selected is longer. preferable. The longer the time that has elapsed since the selection of the monochrome mode or the continuous mode, the more the viscosity and solidification of the liquid in the nozzles 13 not used for printing are promoted. Therefore, the liquid in the nozzle 13 can be effectively discharged by increasing the strength of the discharge by the discharge mechanism 22 according to the elapsed time.

  It is preferable that the control unit 23 can select the exchange mode or the single color mode when the remaining amount of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold value. When the remaining amount of all liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold value, it is not preferable to use the liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 for printing. Even in such a case, if the monochrome mode is selected, printing can be continued using the liquid stored in the first liquid container 16.

Next, the operation of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described.
After detecting the remaining amount of the second liquid container 18, the control unit 23 performs a remaining amount comparison process that compares the remaining amount with a threshold value. For example, the liquid ejection device 11 performs the remaining amount comparison process at a timing such as during printing of an image, after printing is finished, and immediately after power is turned on. When executing the remaining amount comparison process, the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the first liquid container 16 may be compared with a threshold value.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 23 that executes the remaining amount comparison process determines whether or not the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold value in step S <b> 11. The control unit 23 shifts the process to step S <b> 12 when there is at least one type of liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold value among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18. When the remaining amount of all liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S31.

  In step S12, the control unit 23 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the second threshold value. When there is at least one type of liquid whose remaining amount falls below the second threshold among the plurality of types of liquid stored in the second liquid container 18, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S <b> 13. When the remaining amount of all liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S14.

  In step S <b> 13, the control unit 23 prohibits the discharge of the liquid from the nozzle 13 corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the second threshold value among the plurality of types of liquid stored in the second liquid container 18. The control unit 23 prohibits all ejection by the printing operation from the nozzle 13 corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the second threshold, ejection by idle ejection, and ejection by suction cleaning.

  In step S <b> 14, the control unit 23 determines whether or not the remaining amount of all the liquids among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 is less than the first threshold value. When the remaining amount of all the liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 falls below the first threshold, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S15. The control part 23 transfers a process to step S41, when the liquid whose remaining amount is more than a 1st threshold value is also 1 type among the multiple types of liquid accommodated in the 2nd liquid container 18. FIG.

  In step S15, the control unit 23 causes the user to select a mode. At this time, the control unit 23 waits until the user selects a mode. The modes that can be selected in step S15 of the present embodiment are an exchange mode and a single color mode. In step S15, since the remaining amount of all the liquids accommodated in the second liquid container 18 is below the first threshold value, the continuous mode cannot be selected. When the mode is selected, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S16.

  The control unit 23 causes the user to select a mode in step S41 when there is at least one type of liquid whose remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first threshold value among the plurality of types of liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 in step S14. . At this time, the control unit 23 waits until the user selects a mode. The modes that can be selected in step S41 of the present embodiment are an exchange mode, a single color mode, and a continuation mode. When the mode is selected, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the control unit 23 determines whether or not the mode selected in step S15 or step S41 is the exchange mode. If the selected mode is the exchange mode, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S17. When the selected mode is other than the exchange mode, that is, the single color mode or the continuous mode, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S51.

  In step S17, the controller 23 stands by until the second liquid container 18 is replaced. When the second liquid container 18 is replaced, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S18.

  In step S18, the control unit 23 determines the presence or absence of a flag. This flag is stored in the control unit 23. The flag is information indicating that the monochromatic mode or the continuous mode has been selected after the second liquid container 18 is mounted on the second mounting portion 19. That is, when there is a flag, it can be seen that the monochromatic mode or the continuous mode has been selected between the time when the second liquid container 18 is mounted on the second mounting portion 19 and the present time. The control unit 23 proceeds to step S19 when there is a flag, and ends the remaining amount comparison process when there is no flag.

  In step S <b> 19, the control unit 23 causes the discharge mechanism 22 to discharge the liquid from the nozzle 13. When the flag is present, the monochromatic mode or the continuous mode has been selected until the second liquid container 18 is replaced. Therefore, there is a possibility that the thickening and solidification of the liquid is promoted in the nozzles 13 not used for printing. Therefore, the liquid is discharged by the discharge mechanism 22.

  In step S <b> 19, the control unit 23 causes the discharge mechanism 22 to discharge the liquid from the nozzle 13 with an intensity corresponding to the length of time that has elapsed since the monochrome mode or the continuous mode was selected. Therefore, the control unit 23 starts counting time when the monochrome mode or the continuous mode is selected.

  In step S20, the control unit 23 resets the flag. Thereby, the control part 23 will be in the state without a flag. In step S20, the control unit 23 resets the count. At this time, the control unit 23 resets the count and stops.

  In step S21, the controller 23 shifts from the exchange mode to the normal mode. When the control unit 23 shifts to the normal mode, the control unit 23 cancels the prohibition of the nozzle 13 that is prohibited from discharging the liquid. When shifting to the normal mode, the control unit 23 ends the remaining amount comparison process.

  When there is no flag in step S18, the control unit 23 skips the processes in step S19, step S20, and step S21. That is, when there is no flag in step S18, that is, when the monochrome mode or the continuous mode is not selected after the second liquid container 18 is replaced and the replacement mode is selected, the control unit 23 The liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism 22 is not executed.

  When the remaining amount of all the liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 in step S11 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the control unit 23 performs multiple types stored in the second liquid container 18 in step S31. It is determined whether or not the difference between the remaining amount of one of the liquids and the remaining amount of the other liquids is a predetermined amount or more. When the difference between the remaining amount of one liquid and the remaining amount of the other liquid is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S32. The control unit 23 ends the remaining amount comparison process when the difference between the remaining amount of one liquid and the remaining amount of the other liquid is not equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

  In step S32, the control unit 23 causes the user to select a mode. At this time, the control unit 23 waits until the user selects a mode. The modes that can be selected in step S32 of the present embodiment are the saving mode and the normal mode. When the saving mode is selected, the control unit 23 reduces the discharge amount from the nozzle 13 corresponding to the liquid with a small remaining amount. When the mode is selected, the control unit 23 ends the remaining amount comparison process.

  The control unit 23 determines the presence or absence of a flag in step S51 when the mode is other than the replacement mode in step S16, that is, in the monochrome mode or the continuous mode. When there is a flag, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S53, and when there is no flag, the control unit 23 proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52, the control unit 23 sets a flag. In step S52, the controller 23 starts counting. By setting the flag, the liquid discharge is performed by the discharge mechanism 22 when the second liquid container 18 is replaced.

  In step S <b> 53, the control unit 23 changes the discharge amount for each nozzle 13 in accordance with the remaining amount of liquid stored in the second liquid container 18. Specifically, in step S53, the control unit 23 reduces the discharge amount of the liquid discharged in one empty discharge in response to a decrease in the remaining amount of the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold value. In step S <b> 53, the control unit 23 determines the discharge amount when the remaining amount of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 is less than the first threshold value from the nozzle 13. The discharge amount is set to be smaller than the discharge amount when discharging other liquids excluding the liquid below the threshold value from the nozzle 13.

Next, the operation and effect of the above embodiment will be described.
(1) The control unit 23 has at least two modes among the three modes of the exchange mode, the single color mode, and the continuous mode. Therefore, when the remaining amount of at least one type of liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold value, the monochrome mode or the continuous mode can be selected separately from the replacement mode. When the monochrome mode is selected, printing can be continued by using the liquid stored in the first liquid container 16. When the continuous mode is selected, printing can be continued by using other liquids except for the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of at least one type of liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 is lower than the first threshold value, the liquid is continuously used by using the remaining amount. Can print.

  (2) When the monochrome mode or the continuation mode is selected, the control unit 23 performs only the idle ejection, which is the ejection of the liquid not related to printing, to the nozzle 13 corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold value. Is executed. In this case, the nozzles 13 that are not used for printing are executed by causing the nozzles 13 corresponding to the liquids whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold value among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 to be executed. The thickening and solidification of the liquid inside can be suppressed. Thereby, the discharge accuracy of the nozzle 13 can be maintained.

  (3) The control unit 23 reduces the discharge amount of the liquid discharged by one empty discharge in response to a decrease in the remaining amount of the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold. If it carries out like this, consumption of the liquid in which remaining amount is less than a 1st threshold value among the multiple types of liquid accommodated in the 2nd liquid container 18 can be suppressed when carrying out idle discharge. Thereby, it can print over a long term.

  (4) When the single color mode or the continuation mode is selected, the control unit 23 performs a plurality of types stored in the second liquid container 18 when performing the idle discharge in the cap 21 before forming the closed space. Of the plurality of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18, the remaining amount of which is less than the first threshold. This is less than the discharge amount when discharging other liquids from the nozzle 13. When the empty cap 21 forms a closed space, the nozzle 13 is moisturized by the liquid in the cap 21. When discharging idly into the cap 21, the consumption of the liquid is suppressed by reducing the discharge amount of the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold value among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18. it can. Thereby, it can print over a long term.

  (5) When the remaining amount of at least one of the plurality of types of liquid stored in the second liquid container 18 falls below a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value, the control unit 23 stores the second liquid. Discharging all of the liquid from the nozzle 13 corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the second threshold value among the plurality of types of liquid stored in the body 18 is prohibited. Thereby, the possibility that air may flow into the head 24 from the nozzle 13 corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is less than the second threshold among the liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 can be reduced.

  (6) When the difference between the remaining amount of one liquid and the remaining amount of the other liquid among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, A saving mode for printing can be selected by reducing the discharge amount from the nozzle 13 corresponding to a small amount of liquid. Thereby, the bias | inclination of the residual amount of the multiple types of liquid accommodated in the 2nd liquid container 18 can be reduced.

  (7) When the replacement mode is selected without selecting the single color mode or the continuous mode, the control unit 23 discharges the liquid by the discharge mechanism 22 after the second liquid container 18 is replaced. If there is a history that the single color mode or the continuous mode has been selected before selecting the replacement mode, the liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism 22 is executed after the second liquid container 18 is replaced. If it carries out like this, since the timing which discharges a liquid compulsorily by the discharge mechanism 22 when replacing | exchanging the 2nd liquid container 18 decreases, consumption of a liquid can be suppressed. Thereby, it can print over a long term.

  (8) The control unit 23 increases the strength of liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism 22 that is executed after the second liquid container 18 is replaced as the time elapsed since the monochrome mode or the continuous mode is selected is longer. To do. The longer the time that has elapsed since the selection of the monochrome mode or the continuous mode, the more the liquid is thickened and solidified in the nozzles 13 that are not used for printing. Therefore, the liquid in the nozzle 13 can be effectively discharged by increasing the strength of the discharge by the discharge mechanism 22 according to the elapsed time.

  (9) When the remaining amounts of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 are all lower than the first threshold value, the control unit 23 sets the replacement mode or the single color mode to be selectable. Accordingly, even when the remaining amounts of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container 18 are all below the first threshold, printing can be continuously performed by selecting the monochromatic mode.

This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The present embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
In the case where the second liquid container 18 is replaced without the flag, the liquid may be forcibly discharged from the nozzle 13 by the discharge mechanism 22 after the second liquid container 18 is replaced.

  In the case where the second liquid container 18 is exchanged without the flag, the liquid discharge mechanism 22 discharges the liquid when the second liquid container 18 is not exchanged within a specified time after the exchange mode is selected. May be executed. The reason is that thickening and solidification of the liquid are promoted until the second liquid container 18 is replaced. Therefore, the strength of liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism 22 may be increased as the time from when the replacement mode is selected until the second liquid container 18 is replaced is longer.

-The 2nd liquid container 18 with which the 2nd mounting part 19 is mounted | worn may be the structure which has two storage chambers 28, and the structure which has four or more.
The nozzle row 31 included in the head 24 may be 2 rows, 3 rows, or 5 rows or more.

The number of nozzles 13 constituting the nozzle row 31 may be different from each other.
The discharge mechanism 22 may be a pump that pressurizes the liquid in the head 24. By pressurizing the liquid in the head 24, the liquid is forcibly discharged from the nozzle 13. Thus, forcibly discharging the liquid from the nozzle 13 by pressurization is called pressure cleaning.

A plurality of caps 21 may be provided for each nozzle row 31. In this case, suction cleaning can be performed for each nozzle row 31.
The liquid ejection unit 14 is not limited to a serial type in which the head 24 can move in the main scanning direction X, but may be a line type in which the head 24 is elongated in the main scanning direction X.

Below, the technical idea grasped | ascertained from embodiment mentioned above and the example of a change, and its effect are described.
[Thought 1]
A liquid ejection unit that prints by ejecting liquid onto a medium from a plurality of nozzles;
A first mounting portion capable of mounting a first liquid container for storing a liquid;
A second mounting portion capable of mounting a second liquid container that stores a plurality of types of liquids different from the liquid stored in the first liquid container;
A control unit for controlling the liquid discharge unit,
The control unit includes an exchange mode for exchanging the second liquid container, a single color mode for printing with the liquid contained in the first liquid container, and a plurality of types of liquids contained in the second liquid container. Having at least two modes among continuous modes in which printing is continued without using a liquid whose remaining amount is below the first threshold;
When the remaining amount of at least one type of liquid stored in the second liquid container is lower than the first threshold, one mode can be selected from the modes. A liquid ejection device.

  The control unit has at least two modes among the three modes of the exchange mode, the single color mode, and the continuous mode. Therefore, when the remaining amount of at least one type of liquid stored in the second liquid container is lower than the first threshold value, the monochrome mode or the continuous mode can be selected separately from the replacement mode. When the monochromatic mode is selected, printing can be continuously performed by using the liquid stored in the first liquid container. When the continuous mode is selected, printing can be continued by using other liquids except for the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold. According to the above configuration, even when the remaining amount of at least one type of liquid stored in the second liquid container is lower than the first threshold value, by using a liquid that has a sufficient remaining amount. You can print continuously. Therefore, printing can be continued.

[Thought 2]
When the monochrome mode or the continuation mode is selected, the control unit prohibits ejection of liquid related to printing to the nozzle corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold, The liquid ejecting apparatus according to [Concept 1], wherein idle ejection that is irrelevant liquid ejection can be performed.

  According to this configuration, nozzles that are not used for printing by causing the nozzles corresponding to the liquids whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container to be executed. The thickening and solidification of the liquid inside can be suppressed. Thereby, the discharge accuracy of the nozzle can be maintained.

[Thought 3]
The control unit reduces the discharge amount of the liquid discharged in one empty discharge in response to a decrease in the remaining amount of the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold [Concept 2] ] The liquid discharge apparatus of description.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container when performing the idle discharge. Thereby, it can print over a long term.

[Thought 4]
A cap capable of forming a closed space in which the nozzle opens;
The control unit includes a plurality of units accommodated in the second liquid container when the idle discharge is performed in the cap after the monochrome mode or the continuation mode is selected and before the closed space is formed. Among the types of liquids, the amount of discharge when the liquid with a remaining amount lower than the first threshold value is discharged from the nozzle, and the remaining amount among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container has a first threshold value. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to [Concept 2] or [Concept 3], wherein the amount of liquid other than the lower liquid is less than the amount of liquid ejected from the nozzle.

  According to this configuration, when the cap ejected in an empty space forms a closed space, the nozzle is moisturized by the liquid in the cap. When empty discharging into the cap, consumption of the liquid can be suppressed by reducing the discharge amount of the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold value among the plurality of types of liquid stored in the second liquid container. Thereby, it can print over a long term.

[Thought 5]
When the remaining amount of at least one of the plurality of types of liquid stored in the second liquid container is lower than a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value, the control unit is configured to store the second liquid container. Any one of [Idea 2] to [Idea 4], wherein the discharge of the liquid from the nozzle corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the second threshold value among a plurality of types of liquids contained in the nozzle is prohibited. The liquid discharge apparatus according to one.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the risk of air being ejected from the nozzle corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is less than the second threshold among the liquid stored in the second liquid container.
[Thought 6]
When the difference between the remaining amount of one liquid and the remaining amount of the other liquid is a predetermined amount or more among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container, the control unit is a liquid with a small remaining amount The liquid discharge apparatus according to any one of [Thought 1] to [Thought 5], wherein a saving mode for printing can be selected by reducing a discharge amount from the corresponding nozzle.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce a bias in the remaining amount of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container.
[Thought 7]
A discharge mechanism for forcibly discharging the liquid from the nozzle,
When the exchange mode is selected, the control unit does not execute the discharge of the liquid by the discharge mechanism after the second liquid container is replaced,
When the monochromatic mode or the continuation mode is selected, the liquid is discharged by the discharge mechanism after the second liquid container is replaced [Concept 1] to [Concept 6]. The liquid ejection apparatus according to any one of the above.

According to this configuration, since the timing at which the liquid is forcibly discharged by the discharge mechanism is reduced, liquid consumption can be reduced. Thereby, it can print over a long term.
[Thought 8]
The control unit increases the strength of liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism executed after the second liquid container is replaced as the time elapsed since the single color mode or the continuation mode was selected is longer. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to [Concept 7].

  The longer the time that has elapsed since the selection of the monochrome mode or the continuous mode, the more the liquid is thickened and solidified in the nozzles that are not used for printing. According to the said structure, the liquid in a nozzle can be discharged | emitted effectively by strengthening the discharge | emission intensity | strength by a discharge | emission mechanism according to the elapsed time.

[Thought 9]
From the [philosophy 1], the control unit can select the replacement mode or the monochromatic mode when the remaining amount of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container is lower than the first threshold value. The liquid ejection device according to any one of [Idea 8].

  According to this configuration, even when the remaining amounts of the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container are all below the first threshold value, printing can be continuously performed by selecting the monochromatic mode.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Liquid discharge apparatus, 12 ... Housing | casing, 13 ... Nozzle, 14 ... Liquid discharge part, 15 ... Support stand, 16 ... 1st liquid container, 17 ... 1st mounting part, 18 ... 2nd liquid container, 19 2nd mounting part, 21 ... Cap, 22 ... Discharge mechanism, 23 ... Control part, 24 ... Head, 25 ... Carriage, 26 ... Guide shaft, 28 ... Storage chamber, 31 ... Nozzle array, 99 ... Medium, X ... Main Scanning direction, Y ... sub-scanning direction, Z ... vertical direction.

Claims (9)

A liquid ejection unit that prints by ejecting liquid onto a medium from a plurality of nozzles;
A first mounting portion capable of mounting a first liquid container for storing a liquid;
A second mounting portion capable of mounting a second liquid container that stores a plurality of types of liquids different from the liquid stored in the first liquid container;
A control unit for controlling the liquid discharge unit,
The control unit includes an exchange mode for exchanging the second liquid container, a single color mode for printing with the liquid contained in the first liquid container, and a plurality of types of liquids contained in the second liquid container. Having at least two modes among continuous modes in which printing is continued without using a liquid whose remaining amount is below the first threshold;
When the remaining amount of at least one type of liquid stored in the second liquid container is lower than the first threshold, one mode can be selected from the modes. A liquid ejection device.   When the monochrome mode or the continuation mode is selected, the control unit prohibits ejection of liquid related to printing to the nozzle corresponding to the liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold, The liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 1, wherein idle discharge, which is an unrelated liquid discharge, can be executed.   The control unit reduces the discharge amount of the liquid discharged in one empty discharge in response to a decrease in a remaining amount of liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the first threshold value. The liquid discharge apparatus according to 1. A cap capable of forming a closed space in which the nozzle opens;
The control unit includes a plurality of units accommodated in the second liquid container when the idle discharge is performed in the cap after the monochrome mode or the continuation mode is selected and before the closed space is formed. Among the types of liquids, the amount of discharge when the liquid with a remaining amount lower than the first threshold value is discharged from the nozzle, and the remaining amount among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container has a first threshold value. 4. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the liquid discharge apparatus is configured to reduce a discharge amount other than a lower liquid than a discharge amount when the liquid is discharged from the nozzle.   When the remaining amount of at least one of the plurality of types of liquid stored in the second liquid container is lower than a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value, the control unit is configured to store the second liquid container. The liquid discharge according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the discharge of the liquid from the nozzle corresponding to a liquid whose remaining amount is lower than the second threshold value among a plurality of types of liquid stored in the liquid is prohibited. apparatus.   When the difference between the remaining amount of one liquid and the remaining amount of the other liquid is a predetermined amount or more among the plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container, the control unit is a liquid with a small remaining amount 6. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a saving mode for printing can be selected by reducing a discharge amount from the nozzle corresponding to the liquid ejecting apparatus. A discharge mechanism for forcibly discharging the liquid from the nozzle,
When the exchange mode is selected, the control unit does not execute the discharge of the liquid by the discharge mechanism after the second liquid container is replaced,
7. The liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism is executed after the second liquid container is replaced when the single color mode or the continuous mode is selected. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1.   The control unit increases the strength of liquid discharge by the discharge mechanism executed after the second liquid container is replaced as the time elapsed since the single color mode or the continuation mode was selected is longer. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 7.   The control unit is configured to select the exchange mode or the monochromatic mode when a remaining amount of a plurality of types of liquids stored in the second liquid container is lower than the first threshold value. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1.