JP2021112910A - Liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device which can suppress adverse effects on a liquid discharge performance of a droplet discharge head or on a nozzle of the droplet discharge head.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device comprises: a droplet discharge head having a plurality of nozzles for discharging liquid; a head tank for temporarily accommodating liquid to be supplied to the droplet discharge head; at least one liquid cartridge for accommodating liquid to be supplied to the head tank; a liquid detection part for detecting a remaining amount of the liquid in the liquid cartridge; a maintenance recovery mechanism for performing cleaning operation of discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles of the droplet discharge head; and a notification part for issuing a perception signal to a user. (1) When a detected remaining amount of the liquid is not less than a predetermined amount, it goes into a state in which printing can be performed, and (2) when a detected remaining amount of the liquid is less than the predetermined amount, it goes into a state in which printing cannot be performed, issues notification that the liquid cartridge is empty or notification to urge replacement of the liquid cartridge, and makes cleaning operation executable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device.

A liquid ejection recording type image forming apparatus (inkjet) that uses, for example, a liquid ejection head (droplet ejection head) for ejecting droplets as an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, a copying apparatus, a plotter, or a multifunction device thereof. Recording devices, etc.) are known.

Inkjet recording devices mainly use an ink cartridge as a means for supplying a liquid (ink) to be ejected. Further, when the amount of ink in the ink cartridge becomes less than a certain amount (empty state), a message prompting the replacement is displayed on the built-in display (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

By the way, heavy pigment ink settles quickly, and the nozzle of the recording head is likely to be clogged. Therefore, it is necessary to frequently perform a maintenance operation (empty ejection, etc.). However, when the ink is emptied, empty ejection is not performed, so that there is a risk of damage to the nozzle.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection device capable of suppressing the liquid ejection performance of the droplet ejection head (recording head) and the adverse effect of the droplet ejection head on the nozzle.

The subject is a droplet ejection head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a liquid, a head tank for temporarily accommodating a liquid to be supplied to the droplet ejection head, and at least one liquid accommodating a liquid to be supplied to the head tank. A cartridge, a liquid detection unit that detects the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid cartridge, a maintenance / recovery mechanism that performs a cleaning operation for discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles of the droplet ejection head, and a notification that emits a perceived signal to the user. With a department,
(1) When the remaining amount of liquid in the detected liquid cartridge is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the liquid cartridge is ready to be printed.
(2) If the remaining amount of liquid in the detected liquid cartridge is less than the specified amount, printing is disabled.
When printing is not possible, the solution is solved by a liquid discharge device characterized in that the cleaning operation can be performed by notifying that the liquid cartridge is empty or prompting the replacement of the liquid cartridge. Will be done.

When the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid cartridge is less than a predetermined amount, the liquid discharge device of the present invention becomes in a non-printable state, prompts the user to replace the liquid cartridge, and enables a cleaning operation. Therefore, the liquid ejection performance of the droplet ejection head and the adverse effect on the nozzle of the droplet ejection head can be suppressed.

It is a perspective view which looked at the liquid ejection device (inkjet recording apparatus) which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from the front. It is a side view which shows the outline of the mechanism part of the apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view of the main part of the mechanism part of the apparatus shown in FIG. It is an overall block diagram which shows an example of the control part of the apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the head tank which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the ink discharge in the head tank shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the ink supply pipe which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of a tube pump. It is a schematic diagram explaining the change of the liquid level height of a head tank, and the film behavior. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic maintenance mechanism in the apparatus shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which left the white ink cartridge without shaking. It is a schematic diagram explaining the ink density at the time of using a white ink cartridge. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which the ink is solidified in the nozzle part of a recording head. It is a flowchart which shows the cleaning operation for improving a nozzle state. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the screen display which is displayed on the display of a notification part. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the warning displayed on the display of a notification part. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd cleaning operation which improves a nozzle state without supplying ink. It is a schematic diagram (the 1) which shows an example of the screen display at the time of the 1st end, which is displayed on the display of a notification part. It is a schematic diagram (No. 2) which shows an example of the screen display at the time of the 1st end, which is displayed on the display of a notification part.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection device (inkjet recording device) according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front. The inkjet recording apparatus 100 includes an apparatus main body 1, a paper feed tray 2 for loading the paper attached to the apparatus main body 1, and a paper detachably attached to the apparatus main body 1 on which an image is recorded (formed). A paper ejection tray 3 for stocking is provided.

Further, on one side of the front surface of the apparatus main body 1, a cartridge loading unit 4 for loading the ink cartridge 10 which is a liquid cartridge is provided so as to be adjacent to the paper supply / output tray unit. On the upper surface of the cartridge loading unit 4, a notification unit 5 that emits a perceptual signal to the user is provided.

The ink cartridge 10 is set in the cartridge loading unit 4. Each ink cartridge 10 contains a recording liquid (ink) which is a color material having a different color, for example, black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and white (W) color inks. Will be done. These ink cartridges 10 can be inserted and loaded from the front side to the rear side of the apparatus main body 1, and the ink cartridges 10 are arranged and loaded in the horizontal direction in the vertical installation state. A front cover (cartridge cover) 6 that opens when the ink cartridge 10 is attached / detached is provided on the front side of the cartridge loading portion 4 so as to be openable / closable.

The notification unit 5 is composed of a display, a speaker, or the like, and can display a message such as the remaining amount of each ink cartridge 10 or send a warning with a buzzer sound. Further, a power button 12, a paper feed / print restart button 13, and a cancel button 14 are also arranged below the notification unit 5.

Next, the mechanical portion of the inkjet recording device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Note that FIG. 2 is a side view showing an outline of the mechanism, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the main part.

In the mechanical portion of the inkjet recording device 100, guide rods 31 and stays 32, which are guide members, are laid horizontally on the left and right side plates 21A and 21B constituting the frame 21, and these slidably slide the carriage 33 in the main scanning direction. keeping. The carriage 33 is moved and scanned by the main scanning motor via the timing belt in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3 (carriage main scanning direction).

The inkjet recording device 100 of the present embodiment is a serial type image forming device that ejects ink while the recording head 34 moves in the main scanning direction to form an image.

In the carriage 33, a direction (paper feed direction) in which a recording head 34 composed of four droplet ejection heads for ejecting ink droplets of each color described above intersects a plurality of ink ejection ports (plurality of nozzles) with a main scanning direction. ), And the ink droplets are mounted with the ink droplet ejection direction facing downward. It should be noted that one or a plurality of head configurations having a nozzle row for ejecting droplets of each color may be adopted.

As the inkjet head constituting the recording head 34, a piezoelectric actuator such as a piezoelectric element provided as a pressure generating means for ejecting droplets can be used.

Further, the carriage 33 is equipped with a head tank 35 of each color for supplying ink of each color to each recording head 34. As described above, ink of each color is replenished and supplied to the head tank 35 of each color from the ink cartridge 10 of each color mounted on the cartridge loading unit 4 via the ink supply tube 36 of each color. The cartridge loading unit 4 is provided with a liquid feeding pump 24 which is a liquid feeding means for feeding the ink in the ink cartridge 10.

On the other hand, as a paper feed unit for feeding the paper 42 loaded on the paper load unit (pressure plate) 41 of the paper feed tray 2, a half-month roller (feed) that separates and feeds the paper 42 one by one from the paper load unit 41. A paper roller) 43 and a separation pad 44 facing the paper feed roller 43 are provided. The separation pad 44 is made of a material having a large coefficient of friction and is urged toward the paper feed roller 43.

Then, in order to feed the paper 42 fed from the paper feeding unit to the lower side of the recording head 34, the guide member 45 for guiding the paper 42, the counter roller 46, the transport guide member 47, and the tip pressurizing roller It is provided with a pressing member 48 having 49. Further, a transport belt 51, which is a transport means for electrostatically attracting the fed paper 42 and transporting the fed paper 42 at a position facing the recording head 34, is provided.

The transport belt 51 is an endless belt, is hung between the transport roller 52 and the tension roller 53, and is configured to circulate in the belt transport direction (sub-scanning direction). Further, a charging roller 56 which is a charging means for charging the surface of the transport belt 51 is provided. The charging roller 56 is arranged so as to come into contact with the surface layer of the transport belt 51 and rotate in accordance with the rotation of the transport belt 51. Further, on the back side of the transport belt 51, a guide member 57 is arranged corresponding to the printing area by the recording head 34.

The transport belt 51 orbits in the sub-scanning direction (belt transport direction) indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3 when the transport roller 52 is rotationally driven by the sub-scanning motor via timing.

Further, as a paper ejection unit for ejecting the paper 42 recorded by the recording head 34, a separation claw 61 for separating the paper 42 from the transport belt 51, a paper ejection roller 62, and a paper ejection roller 63 are provided. Has been done. A paper ejection tray 3 is provided below the paper ejection roller 62.

Further, a double-sided unit 71 is detachably attached to the back surface of the apparatus main body 1. The double-sided unit 71 takes in the paper 42 returned by the reverse rotation of the transport belt 51, reverses it, and feeds it again between the counter roller 46 and the transport belt 51. Further, the upper surface of the double-sided unit 71 is a manual feed tray 72.

As shown in FIG. 3, a maintenance / recovery mechanism 81 including recovery means for maintaining and recovering the state of the nozzle of the recording head 34 is arranged in the non-printing area on one side of the carriage 33 in the scanning direction.

The maintenance / recovery mechanism 81 includes cap members (hereinafter referred to as “caps”) 82a to 82d (hereinafter referred to as “caps 82” when not distinguished) for capping each nozzle surface of the recording head 34, and a nozzle surface. A wiper blade 83, which is a blade member for wiping, and an empty discharge receiver 84, which receives droplets when discharging droplets that do not contribute to recording in order to discharge thickened recording liquid, are provided. ing. Here, the cap 82a is used as a suction and moisturizing cap, and the other caps 82b to 82d are used as moisturizing caps.

The waste liquid of the recording liquid generated by the maintenance / recovery operation by the maintenance / recovery mechanism 81 is discharged and stored in the waste liquid tank 23 (see FIG. 6). Further, the ink discharged to the cap 82, the ink adhering to the wiper blade 83 and removed by the wiper cleaner, and the ink discharged to the empty discharge receiver 84 are also discharged to the waste liquid tank 23 (see FIG. 6). Be housed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, an empty discharge is performed in the non-printing area on the other side of the carriage 33 in the scanning direction to discharge droplets that do not contribute to recording in order to discharge the thickened recording liquid during recording or the like. An empty discharge receiver 88 that receives the droplets of the time is arranged. The empty discharge receiver 88 is provided with an opening 89 or the like along the nozzle row direction of the recording head 34.

In the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present invention configured in this way, the paper 42 is separately fed from the paper feed tray 2 one by one, and the paper 42 fed substantially vertically upward is guided by the guide member 45. Then, it is sandwiched between the transport belt 51 and the counter roller 46 and transported, and the tip is further guided by the transport guide member 47 and pressed against the transport belt 51 by the tip pressurizing roller 49 to change the transport direction by approximately 90 °. Will be done.

At this time, an alternating voltage is applied to the charging roller 56 from the AC bias supply unit of the control unit, which will be described later, so that the positive output and the negative output are alternately repeated. As a result, the transport belt 51 is alternately charged with plus and minus in a band shape with a predetermined width in the alternating charging voltage pattern, that is, the sub-scanning direction which is the circumferential direction. When the paper 42 is fed onto the transport belt 51 that is charged alternately with plus and minus, the paper 42 is attracted to the transport belt 51, and the paper 42 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the orbital movement of the transport belt 51.

Next, the recording head 34 is driven according to the image signal while moving the carriage 33 in the main scanning direction. The recording head 34 ejects ink droplets onto the stopped paper 42 to record one line, conveys a predetermined amount of the paper 42, and then records the next line. When the recording end signal or the signal that the rear end of the paper 42 reaches the recording area is received, the recording operation is ended and the paper 42 is discharged to the paper ejection tray 3.

Further, while waiting for printing (recording), the carriage 33 is moved to the maintenance / recovery mechanism 81 side, the recording head 34 is capped by the cap 82, and the nozzle is kept in a wet state to prevent ejection failure due to ink drying. .. Further, with the recording head 34 capped by the cap 82, the recording liquid is sucked from the nozzle by the suction pump 22 (see FIG. 6) (referred to as “nozzle suction” or “head suction”) to thicken the recording liquid or the recording liquid. Performs a recovery operation to discharge air bubbles. Further, an empty ejection operation for ejecting ink unrelated to recording is performed before the start of recording, during recording, and the like. As a result, the stable ejection performance of the recording head 34 can be maintained.

FIG. 4 is an overall block diagram showing an example of a control unit of the liquid discharge device. This control unit includes a main control unit 301 that controls the entire inkjet recording device, and a print control unit 302 that controls print control. The main control unit 301 and the print control unit 302 are composed of a microcomputer.

The main control unit 301 forms an image on the paper 42 based on the information of the printing process input from the communication circuit 300. Specifically, the main scanning motor is drive-controlled via the main scanning motor drive circuit 303 to move the carriage 33 in the main scanning direction, or the sub-scanning motor is driven and controlled via the sub-scanning motor drive circuit 304 to control the paper. 42 is transported. In addition, print data is sent to the print control unit 302.

Further, a detection signal from the carriage position detection circuit 305 that detects the position of the carriage 33 is input to the main control unit 301, and the main control unit 301 controls the movement position and the movement speed of the carriage 33 based on this detection signal. do. The carriage position detection circuit 305 detects the position of the carriage 33 by reading and counting the number of slits of the encoder sheet arranged in the scanning direction of the carriage 33 by a photo sensor mounted on the carriage 33, for example. The main scanning motor drive circuit 303 rotationally drives the main scanning motor according to the amount of carriage movement input from the main control unit 301, and moves the carriage 33 to a predetermined position at a predetermined speed.

Further, a detection signal from the transport amount detection circuit 306 that detects the movement amount of the transport belt 51 is input to the main control unit 301, and the main control unit 301 moves the movement amount and the movement speed of the transport belt 51 based on this detection signal. To control. The transport amount detection circuit 306 detects the transport amount by, for example, reading the number of slits in the rotary encoder sheet attached to the rotary shaft of the transport roller 52 with a photo sensor and counting the number of slits. The sub-scanning motor drive circuit 304 rotationally drives the sub-scanning motor according to the transfer amount input from the main control unit 301, rotationally drives the transfer roller 52, and drives the transfer belt 51 to a predetermined position at a predetermined speed. Move.

The main control unit 301 rotates the paper feed roller 43 once by giving a paper feed roller drive command to the paper feed roller drive circuit 307. By rotationally driving the motor of the maintenance / recovery mechanism 81 via the maintenance / recovery mechanism drive motor drive circuit 308, the main control unit 301 raises / lowers the cap 82, raises / lowers the wiper blade 83, and raises / lowers the suction pump 22 as described above. Let them drive.

The main control unit 301 controls the drive motor (supply motor) for driving the liquid feed pump 24 via the drive circuit 311 for the supply pump, and the ink cartridge 10 loaded in the cartridge loading unit 4 is transferred to the head tank 35. Replenish (fill) ink. At this time, the main control unit 301 controls the replenishment supply (filling operation) based on the detection signal from the head tank full tank sensor 312 that detects that the head tank 35 is in the full tank state. In this case, there are two types of filling: open-air filling in which the open-air portion (open-air valve 94) of the head tank 35 is opened and filled, and normal filling in which the open-air portion is closed.

Further, the main control unit 301 captures information stored in the non-volatile memory 316, which is an information storage element unit provided in each ink cartridge 10 mounted on the cartridge loading unit 4, through the cartridge communication circuit 314. Then, the required processing is performed, and the information is stored and held in the non-volatile memory (for example, EEPROM) 315 which is the main body information storage element unit.

Further, a detection signal from the environmental sensor 313 that detects the environmental temperature and the environmental humidity is input to the main control unit 301.

The print control unit 302 generates pressure for ejecting droplets from the recording head 34 based on the signal from the main control unit 301 and the carriage position and the transfer amount from the carriage position detection circuit 305 and the transfer amount detection circuit 306. Generate data to drive the means. Further, the print control unit 302 transfers the above-mentioned image data as serial data to the head drive circuit 310, and also transfers the image data and confirms the transfer. The transfer clock, latch signal, and drop control signal (mask signal) are required. ) Etc. are output to the head drive circuit 310.

Further, the print control unit 302 supplies the pattern data of the drive signal stored in the ROM to the drive waveform generator and the head driver including the D / A converter, the voltage amplifier, the current amplifier, and the like for D / A conversion. Includes drive waveform selection means. Then, the print control unit 302 generates a drive waveform composed of one drive pulse (drive signal) or a plurality of drive pulses (drive signals) and outputs the drive waveform to the head drive circuit 310.

The head drive circuit 310 selectively records a drive signal constituting a drive waveform given from the print control unit 302 based on image data corresponding to one line of the recording head 34 input serially. The recording head 34 is driven by applying the data to the recording head 34. Here, the driving element is, for example, the piezoelectric element as described above, and generates energy for ejecting droplets from the recording head 34.

At this time, by selecting the drive pulse that constitutes the drive waveform, dots of different sizes such as large droplets (large dots), medium droplets (medium dots), and small droplets (small dots) can be separated. can.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of the head tank according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the film 92 provided inside the head tank 35 is urged by a spring to generate a negative pressure, and is displaced according to the consumption of ink stored in the head tank. Further, the negative pressure lever 91 is a lever that operates following the film 92.

The supply port 93 is a supply port to which ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 10 via the ink supply tube 36 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). Further, the atmospheric release valve 94 is a pin that opens the inside of the head tank 35 to the atmospheric state as needed. Further, a recording head 34 for ejecting ink droplets is attached below the head tank 35. Further, a detection mechanism 95 for detecting ink or air is provided.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing ink discharge in the head tank. As shown in FIG. 6, when the nozzle surface of the recording head 34 is covered with the cap 82 and suction is performed by the suction pump 22, the ink in the head tank 35 can be discharged to the waste liquid tank 23 (head suction). By this head suction, thickening ink of the nozzle and the like can be eliminated.

Here, by sucking the head while shutting off from the atmosphere, the pressure in the head tank 35 can be lowered and a negative pressure can be created (the negative pressure lever 91 is closed). On the other hand, the liquid level in the head tank 35 can be lowered by sucking the head while opening to the atmosphere (the negative pressure lever 91 remains open).

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of an ink supply pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a liquid feeding pump 24 capable of forward or reverse transfer of liquid between the head tank 35 and the ink cartridge 10. That is, the liquid feed pump 24 sends liquid from the ink cartridge 10 to the head tank 35 during "normal rotation" and returns the liquid from the head tank 35 to the ink cartridge 10 during "reverse rotation" (liquid circulation). ).

The inkjet recording device 100 of the present embodiment positively transfers the liquid by the liquid feed pump 24 while opening to the atmosphere by the air release valve 94, and detects the liquid level in the head tank 35 by the electrode pin (detection mechanism 95). By stopping the liquid feed pump 24 when the liquid level is detected, the head tank 35 can be filled with liquid.

Here, the liquid feed pump 24 used in the present invention employs a tube pump 30 as shown in FIG. 8 in which the pump structure is not complicated and the forward and reverse feed of ink is possible by changing the rotation direction of the drive motor. is doing. A rubber tube 25 for liquid feeding is crawled inside the pump of the tube pump 30. The rubber tube 25 is locally crushed by the pump rotor 27 built in the pump, and the pump rotor 27 is rotated to move the crushed point in the rotation direction, whereby ink is sent in the rotation direction of the pump rotor 27. Will be done.

Specifically, when the ink is positively transferred from the ink cartridge 10 to the head tank 35, the pump rotor 27 is rotated in the rotation direction of the arrow A. On the other hand, when the ink cartridge 10 is reverse-transferred from the head tank 35, the pump rotor 27 is rotated in the rotation direction of the arrow B. Here, in the rotation of the pump rotor 27, the rotation of the arrow A in the rotation direction is referred to as a forward rotation, and the rotation of the arrow B in the rotation direction is referred to as a reverse rotation. Therefore, the ink feeding direction can be controlled by controlling the rotation of the pump rotor 27 in the forward and reverse directions.

Further, by using the tube pump 30 having a simple structure for the liquid feeding pump 24, the pump structure has a small space. Furthermore, since the liquid feeding direction can be controlled by the forward / reverse control of the pump drive motor, the piping becomes simple. The structure of the tube pump 30 is not limited to the rotary roller type as shown in FIG. 8, and may be a eccentric cam type or the like.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating changes in the liquid level of the head tank and film behavior. FIG. 9 (a) is a diagram showing a full tank state, FIG. 9 (b) is a diagram showing a state in which a negative pressure is generated, and FIG. 9 (c) is a diagram in which the liquid level is lowered due to opening to the atmosphere. It is a figure which shows the state.

As shown in FIG. 9A, when the head tank 35 is full and the air release valve 94 (see FIG. 5) is closed, suction is performed by the suction pump 22 (see FIG. 6). The film 92 (see FIG. 5) closes, a negative pressure is generated in the head tank, and the state transitions to the state shown in FIG. 9 (b). At this time, the height of the liquid level hardly changes. This also applies to the reverse transfer liquid (see FIG. 7) in the liquid feed pump 24 or the ink ejection in the recording head 34.

Further, in the head tank 35 shown in FIG. 9B, when the atmospheric release valve 94 is opened, the film 92 opens and the liquid level drops, and the state transitions to the state shown in FIG. 9C. The larger the negative pressure, the greater the degree of lowering of the liquid level and the degree of opening of the film 92.

Further, in the head tank 35 shown in FIG. 9 (c), when the air release valve 94 is closed and the positive transfer liquid is performed by the liquid feed pump 24, the liquid level rises and the state shown in FIG. 9 (a). Transition to. When the detection mechanism 95 (see FIG. 5) detects the liquid level, the positive transfer liquid in the liquid feed pump 24 is stopped.

In the head tank 35 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, when the air release valve 94 is closed and the positive transfer liquid is carried out by the liquid feed pump 24, the liquid level does not change much, but the liquid level does not change. The degree of opening of the film 92 increases.

The ink end detection of the ink cartridge 10 is performed as follows. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, when the ink cartridge 10 is empty and the ink is consumed by ink ejection, head suction, or the like, the pressure in the film 92 is reduced. When the pressure in the film 92 decreases, the negative pressure lever 91, which is a pressure detecting means, is displaced, and when it crosses the negative pressure lever sensor, the ink cartridge 10 is determined to be in an empty state (ink end detection).

Further, in the present embodiment, the remaining amount of liquid data is stored (stored) in the information storage element unit provided in the ink cartridge 10 of each color, and the remaining amount of ink is obtained by subtracting the amount consumed from the data. be able to. The cumulative ink consumption of the ink cartridges 10 of each color is the sum of the ink amounts due to head suction and ejection. That is, it can be calculated by (ink remaining amount) = (ink capacity)-(ink consumption amount).

The negative pressure lever 91, the negative pressure lever sensor, the information storage element unit provided on the ink cartridge 10, and the like are examples of the liquid detection unit that detects the remaining amount of liquid in the ink cartridge 10.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of an automatic maintenance mechanism in the apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the automatic maintenance mechanism includes an ink cartridge 10, a liquid feed pump 24, a head tank 35, a recording head 34, a cap 82, a suction pump 22, a waste liquid tank 23, and a wiper blade 83. And an empty discharge receiver 84. Here, the ink cartridge 10 contains white (W1, W2), black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) color inks from the left in the drawing.

Subsequently, the characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the white ink cartridge is left without shaking, and FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an ink density when the white ink cartridge is used. In an ink cartridge filled with heavy pigment ink such as white ink, high-density ink collects on the lower side of the container, and the ink density on the upper side of the container becomes low. Further, even when the ink cartridge is mounted on the inkjet recording device and the ink is ejected, the ink density increases as the actual ink remaining amount decreases.

As shown in FIG. 13, it has been experimentally confirmed that this dark ink tends to solidify at the nozzle portion of the recording head 34, causing nozzle non-ejection and poor nozzle recovery.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, before the ink in the ink cartridge becomes dark, the user is urged to replace the ink cartridge and automatic maintenance is performed.

First, Table 1 shows terms indicating the state of the ink cartridge (remaining amount of ink), their definitions, and printability (printability).

As shown in Table 1, printing is possible (printing is possible) when the ink cartridge status is from "normal" to "near end", but printing is not possible (printing is not possible) at the "first end" and "second end". ). In Table 1, the numerical values are examples. It may be arbitrarily determined according to the specifications of the actual device.

The state of the ink cartridge is "second end". (A) Even if the ink of the ink cartridge 10 is positively transferred by the liquid feed pump 24, the liquid level in the head tank 35 is the electrode pin (a). It is in a state where it is not detected by the detection mechanism 95). Further, "zero" here means that the amount of ink in the ink cartridge is equal to or less than the limit amount that can be detected from zero.

Further, the inkjet recording device 100 of the present embodiment sets "whether or not automatic maintenance is possible" according to the state of the ink cartridge. Table 2 shows "printability", "automatic maintenance availability", and "user action" according to the state of the ink cartridge.

Here, the automatic maintenance includes (1) "ink circulation operation" performed every hour, (2) "cleaning operation" performed every 3 hours, and (3) "ink stirring alert" performed every 12 hours. Consists of. The contents will be described in order below.

(Ink circulation operation)
The ink circulation operation will be described with reference to FIG. 7 shown above. The main control unit 301 of the inkjet recording device 100 rotates the liquid feed pump 24 in the forward rotation and the reverse direction to discharge the ink in the supply path (head tank 35 to ink supply tube 36 to ink cartridge 10) without discharging the ink. Circulate. This series of operations is called an ink circulation operation. In this embodiment, it is assumed that it is carried out every hour, but it may be arbitrarily determined according to the device specifications.

When this ink circulation operation is performed, the bias of the components of the highly sedimentary ink (especially white ink) is eliminated, and "color difference of the image", "nozzle non-ejection", and / or "deterioration of nozzle recovery". Is easy to eliminate.

The ink circulation operation may be performed by including the recording head 34 in the supply path.

(Cleaning operation)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a cleaning operation for improving the nozzle state. The cleaning operation will be described with reference to this flowchart.

First, in step S01, the main control unit 301 of the inkjet recording device 100 supplies ink from the ink cartridge 10 to the head tank 35 by driving the liquid feed pump 24. Next, the process proceeds to step S02, and the main control unit 301 sucks the head by driving the suction pump 22. As a result, ink is discharged and ink is supplied to the head tank 35.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S03, and the wiping operation is performed. That is, the main control unit 301 lowers the cap 82 by driving the suction pump 22, and moves the carriage 33 to the wiping start position by driving the main scanning motor. Then, the wiper blade 83 is raised by driving the suction pump 22, and the carriage 33 is moved to the wiping end position by driving the main scanning motor.

Next, in step S04, the main control unit 301 moves the carriage 33 to the capping position by driving the main scanning motor, and causes each recording head 34 to eject ink (empty ejection / preliminary ejection). As a result, the mixed color ink in the vicinity of the inside of the nozzle can be eliminated. Next, the process proceeds to step S05, and the main control unit 301 sucks in the cap by driving the suction pump 22. By removing the ink in the cap, color mixing is prevented during capping. Then, in step S06, the main control unit 301 performs capping by driving the suction pump 22, and ends the cleaning operation.

In the above flowchart, the head suction (step S02) is performed, but instead of this, the ink may be discharged by pressurizing each recording head 34.

(Ink stirring alert)
The ink stirring alert is, for example, displaying a screen as shown in FIG. 15 on the notification unit 5 of the apparatus main body 1 and urging the user to shake (stir) the white ink cartridge. In addition, the above screen disappears when the corresponding white ink cartridge is removed and reattached.

By stirring the corresponding cartridge, the bias of the components of highly sedimentary ink (especially white ink) is eliminated, and "image color difference", "nozzle non-ejection", and / or "nozzle recovery deterioration" Is easy to eliminate.

The inkjet recording device 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above operates as follows.

(1) When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is "normal" (the remaining amount of liquid is equal to or more than a predetermined amount), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a printable state.
(2) When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is "first end" (the remaining amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a non-printable (non-printable) state. In addition, the notification unit 5 notifies that the ink cartridge is empty, or notifies that the ink cartridge should be replaced. Further, the inkjet recording device 100 (automatic maintenance mechanism) is in a state where "automatic maintenance" can be performed.
(3) When the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge is the "second end" (the liquid remaining amount is zero), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a state where "automatic maintenance" cannot be performed.

When the inkjet recording device 100 is in a non-printable state, it is preferable to continue "automatic maintenance (cleaning operation)" as long as the remaining amount of ink can be detected.

The above contents are shown in Table 3.

As described above, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment becomes unprintable when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge reaches the "first end", and prompts the user to replace the ink cartridge. Therefore, it is possible to suppress quality changes such as an increase in the density of printed matter. Moreover, since automatic maintenance can be performed, it is possible to suppress adverse effects on the liquid discharge performance and the nozzle.

(Modification example 1)
In the case of inks with relatively little pigment precipitation, such as black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), the ink density does not change much over time, so until the ink cartridge is empty. Can be used up. Therefore, the inkjet recording device 100 of the modified example performs the following operations.

(A) For an ink cartridge containing a specific ink (heavy pigment ink such as white ink)
(1) When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is "normal" (the remaining amount of liquid is equal to or more than a predetermined amount), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a printable state.
(2) When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is "first end" (the remaining amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a non-printable state. The notification unit 5 notifies that the ink cartridge is empty, or notifies that the ink cartridge should be replaced. Further, the inkjet recording device 100 (automatic maintenance mechanism) is in a state where "automatic maintenance" can be performed.
(3) When the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge is the "second end" (the liquid remaining amount is zero), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a state where "automatic maintenance" cannot be performed.

(B) For ink cartridges containing inks other than specific inks (black, cyan, magenta, yellow, etc.)
(1) When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is "normal" (the remaining amount of liquid is equal to or more than a predetermined amount), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a printable state.
(2) When the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge is "second end" (the liquid remaining amount is zero), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a non-printable state. The notification unit 5 notifies that the ink cartridge is empty, or notifies that the ink cartridge should be replaced.
However, "automatic maintenance" cannot be performed.

When the inkjet recording device 100 is in a non-printable state, it is preferable to continue "automatic maintenance (cleaning operation)" as long as the remaining amount of ink can be detected.

The above contents are shown in Table 4.

By doing so, black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow are suppressed while suppressing the liquid ejection performance of the recording head that ejects a specific ink (for example, white ink) and the adverse effect on the nozzle. Ink such as (Y), which has a relatively small amount of pigment settling, can be used up.

Subsequently, an advantageous configuration of the present invention will be described.

(Structure 1)
When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge reaches the "second end" (the remaining amount of liquid is zero), the notification unit 5 notifies that the ink cartridge 10 is empty or prompts the replacement of the ink cartridge 10. Notify. Further, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge reaches the "first end" (the remaining amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount), the notification that the ink cartridge 10 is empty or the replacement of the ink cartridge 10 is urged. Notify.

Here, a notification when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge reaches the "second end" (the remaining amount of liquid is zero) and the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge are "first end" (the remaining amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount). ), It is desirable that the notification is the same. At the "first end" (the remaining amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount), the user can be notified that the ink is empty and the ink cartridge can be replaced, which adversely affects the liquid ejection performance and the nozzle. The fear can be reduced.

(Structure 2)
If the power is turned off when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is low, the inkjet recording device 100 cannot perform "automatic maintenance".

Therefore, when the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge is the "first end" (the remaining amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount) and the inkjet recording device 100 is in a state where "automatic maintenance" can be performed, the device main body 1 can be used by the user. When an instruction to turn off the power of the above is input, it is desirable that the notification unit 5 notifies the user of a warning.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a warning displayed on the display of the notification unit 5. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the device main body 1 is left in the power-off state.

(Structure 3)
It is desirable that the amount of ink (liquid amount) actually stored in the ink cartridge 10 is larger than the liquid amount (value that can be visually recognized by the user) indicated on the ink cartridge 10.

For example, for a white ink cartridge having an actual ink filling amount of 250 ml, the notation (label or the like) is 200 ml, and the liquid remaining amount data to be written to the information storage element portion of the ink cartridge 10 is 200 ml. By doing so, when the liquid detection unit detects the first end (the remaining amount of ink is 1% or less of the total capacity), the actual filling amount of the ink becomes about 50 ml, and the increase in the ink concentration can be suppressed. .. Therefore, the liquid discharge performance and the adverse effect on the nozzle can be further suppressed. In addition, since the indicated amount of ink can be used reliably, no disadvantage is caused to the user.

(Second Embodiment)
Certain inks (eg, white inks, metallic inks, etc.) are generally used less frequently than regular inks (black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), etc.). .. Therefore, when the remaining amount of the specific ink is less than the predetermined amount, it is desirable that the specific ink cannot be printed (printing is not possible) and the normal ink can be printed. As a result, the convenience of the inkjet recording device 100 can be improved.

The above contents are shown in Table 5.

(Third Embodiment)
It has been described that the cleaning operation, which is one of the automatic maintenance, is performed by supplying the ink in the ink cartridge 10 to the recording head 34 (see FIG. 14). In the present embodiment, as the second cleaning operation, the nozzle surface of the recording head 34 is cleaned without using ink (that is, the first cleaning and the second cleaning can be switched).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a second cleaning operation for improving the nozzle state without supplying ink. The cleaning operation without using ink will be described with reference to this flowchart.

First, in step S01-1, the main control unit 301 of the inkjet recording device 100 opens the air release valve 94 and opens the head tank 35 to the atmosphere. Next, the process proceeds to step S01-2, and the main control unit 301 opens the atmosphere release valve 94. As a result, the internal pressure of the head tank 35 becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure. Next, the process proceeds to step S02, and the main control unit 301 sucks the head by driving the suction pump 22. As a result, the residual ink in the head tank 35 can be discharged.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S03, and the wiping operation is performed. That is, the main control unit 301 lowers the cap 82 by driving the suction pump 22, and moves the carriage 33 to the wiping start position by driving the main scanning motor. Then, the wiper blade 83 is raised by driving the suction pump 22, and the carriage 33 is moved to the wiping end position by driving the main scanning motor.

Next, in step S04, the main control unit 301 moves the carriage 33 to the capping position by driving the main scanning motor, and causes each recording head 34 to eject ink (empty ejection / preliminary ejection). As a result, the mixed color ink in the vicinity of the inside of the nozzle can be eliminated. Next, the process proceeds to step S05, and the main control unit 301 sucks in the cap by driving the suction pump 22. By removing the ink in the cap, color mixing is prevented during capping. Then, in step S06, the main control unit 301 performs capping by driving the suction pump 22, and ends the cleaning operation.

In the above flowchart, the head suction (step S02) is performed, but instead of this, the ink may be discharged by pressurizing each recording head 34.

In the inkjet recording device 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above, in addition to the operation of the above-described embodiment, in addition to the operation of the above-described embodiment,
(3) When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is "second end" (the remaining amount of liquid is zero), the second cleaning operation can be performed after the head tank is opened to the atmosphere.

By doing so, the cleaning is performed even if there is no ink in the ink cartridge, so that the liquid ejection performance and the adverse effect on the nozzle can be further suppressed.

(Fourth Embodiment)
It has been explained that the ink circulation operation, which is one of the automatic maintenance operations, is an operation of circulating ink between the supply paths (head tank 35 to ink cartridge 10) by the liquid feed pump 24 (FIG. 7). In the present embodiment, the liquid feed pump 24 is made operational even when the ink is used up, and the residual dark ink is suppressed in the supply path.

That is, in the inkjet recording device 100 of the present embodiment, in addition to the operation of the above-described embodiment,
(3) When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge reaches the "second end" (the remaining amount of liquid is zero), the liquid feeding pump 24 can be operated.

By doing so, it becomes difficult for dark ink to accumulate in the supply path (head tank 35 to ink cartridge 10), so that problems due to ink sticking can be suppressed.

(Fifth Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, it has been described that the cleaning operation can be performed until the ink cartridge 10 is empty. In the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration, even if the ink cartridge 10 is empty, if there is ink in the head tank 35, the cleaning operation is performed using the ink.

That is, in the inkjet recording device 100 of the present embodiment, in addition to the operation of the first embodiment described above, in addition to the operation of the first embodiment described above,
(3) The cleaning operation can be performed until the remaining amount of ink in the head tank 35 becomes zero.

By doing so, it is possible to suppress the liquid discharge performance and the adverse effect on the nozzle for a longer period of time, which is advantageous.

(Sixth Embodiment)
In the present invention, even if printing is not possible (printing is not possible), maintainable amount of ink remains in the ink cartridge (see Tables 1 and 2). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the inkjet recording device is temporarily changed to a printable state according to the user's instruction so that printing can be performed.

Specifically, the inkjet recording device 100 of the present embodiment operates as follows.

(1) When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is "normal" (the remaining amount of liquid is equal to or more than a predetermined amount), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a printable state.
(2) When the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is "first end" (the remaining amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a non-printable (non-printable) state. In addition, the notification unit 5 notifies that the ink cartridge is empty, or notifies that the ink cartridge should be replaced. Further, the inkjet recording device 100 (automatic maintenance mechanism) is in a state where "automatic maintenance" can be performed.
(2a) Here, when a print instruction is received from the user, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is changed to a printable state and printing is performed. The printing instruction from the user is given, for example, by pressing the paper feed / print restart button 13 (see FIG. 1).
(2b) When the printing is completed, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is put into a non-printable (non-printable) state again. In addition, the notification unit 5 notifies that the ink cartridge is empty, or notifies that the ink cartridge should be replaced. Further, the inkjet recording device 100 (automatic maintenance mechanism) is in a state where "automatic maintenance" can be performed.
(3) When the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge is the "second end" (the liquid remaining amount is zero), the inkjet recording apparatus 100 is in a state where "automatic maintenance" cannot be performed.

When the inkjet recording device 100 is in a non-printable state, it is preferable to continue "automatic maintenance (cleaning operation)" as long as the remaining amount of ink can be detected.

The above contents are shown in Table 6.

As described above, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is in a non-printable state when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge reaches the "first end", but is in a printable state when a print instruction is received. change. Therefore, even if there is only a small amount of printing left until the printing is completed and printing becomes impossible, printing can be temporarily resumed and completed, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

In particular, if the user prepares a replacement ink cartridge in advance, the ink in the ink cartridge currently in use may be used up and then replaced, which is more economical.

(Modification example)
In the case of inks with relatively little pigment precipitation, such as black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), the ink density does not change much over time, so until the ink cartridge is empty. It will be used up. Then, only for the ink cartridge in which a specific ink (for example, white ink) is stored, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge reaches the "first end", printing is disabled and a printing instruction is accepted from the user. In that case, it may be changed to a printable state.

The above contents are shown in Table 7.

By doing so, only for a specific ink (for example, white ink), when the remaining amount of ink reaches the "first end", the cartridge is prompted to be replaced, and the ink jet is temporarily instructed by the user. The recording device can be made printable and printing can be completed.

(7th Embodiment)
Continuing printing with the remaining amount of ink less than the "first end" is only a temporary measure, and the cartridge needs to be replaced from the viewpoint of preventing defects. Therefore, when the inkjet recording device 100 of the present embodiment receives a printing instruction and changes to a printable state, it notifies the user to that effect and calls attention to it.

18 and 19 are schematic views showing an example of a screen display at the first end, which is displayed on the display of the notification unit. At the "first end", the inkjet recording device 100 displays the screen shown in FIG. 18 on the notification unit 5 of the device main body 1 and notifies the user of confirmation of whether or not to change to a printable state.

When the "printability change button" shown in the center of FIG. 18 is pressed (touched), the screen shown in FIG. 19A is displayed on the notification unit 5. This is intended to inform the user that the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is low and if it is not replaced, image defects or ejection defects are likely to occur.

Here, when the user presses (touches) "YES", the inkjet recording device 100 changes from the non-printable state to the printable state. On the other hand, when the user presses (touches) "NO", the inkjet recording device 100 remains in a non-printable state.

As an alternative example, as shown in FIG. 19B, a screen that repeatedly calls attention to the user may be displayed on the notification unit 5. When the user presses (touches) "YES" shown in the upper figure of FIG. 19B, the screen shown in the lower figure is subsequently displayed on the notification unit 5. This is intended to inform the user that when printing is resumed (emergency printing), image defects or ejection defects are more likely to occur.

Here, when the user further presses (touches) "YES", the inkjet recording device 100 changes from the non-printable state to the printable state. On the other hand, when the user presses (touches) "NO", the inkjet recording device 100 remains in a non-printable state.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the user is notified that there is a risk of printing after the remaining amount of ink reaches the "first end", and the printable state is changed after the confirmation of the user is obtained. Therefore, the user can be strongly urged to replace the ink cartridge, and the possibility of image defect or ejection defect can be reduced.

Subsequently, a clear definition of the terms used in the present application is given.

The "printable state" and the "printable (printable) non-printable state" mean that the liquid discharge device can or cannot accept new print jobs, respectively, and / or the device (for example, a notification unit). 5) is to indicate that printing is possible or not possible. This can be done, for example, by having the control unit (FIG. 4) have internal information (parameters) for control.

In addition, those "printable states" and "printable (printable) impossible states" can be determined by whether or not the device starts printing when a print job is instructed (by a user or the like). Is.

The "liquid discharge device" is a device including a liquid discharge head or a liquid discharge unit, which drives the liquid discharge head to discharge the liquid. The device for discharging the liquid includes not only a device capable of discharging the liquid to a device to which the liquid can adhere, but also a device for discharging the liquid toward the air or the liquid.

This "liquid discharge device" can also include means related to feeding, transporting, and discharging paper to which a liquid can be attached, as well as a pretreatment device, a posttreatment device, and the like.

The "liquid ejection device" includes, for example, an image forming apparatus that ejects ink to form an image on paper, and a layered powder for forming a three-dimensional object (three-dimensional object). There is a three-dimensional modeling device (three-dimensional modeling device) that discharges the modeling liquid into the powder layer.

Further, the "liquid discharge device" is not limited to a device in which a significant image such as a character or a figure is visualized by the discharged liquid. For example, those that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves and those that form a three-dimensional image are also included.

The above-mentioned "material to which a liquid can adhere" means a material to which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, such as one that adheres and adheres, and one that adheres and permeates. Specific examples include paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, recording media such as cloth, electronic substrates, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and media such as inspection cells. Yes, including anything to which the liquid adheres, unless otherwise specified.

The materials of the above "materials to which liquid can adhere" are paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, building materials such as wallpaper and flooring, and textiles for clothing. However, it is sufficient if it can be attached.

The "liquid" may have a viscosity and surface tension that can be discharged from the head, and is not particularly limited, but has a viscosity of 30 mPa · s or less at room temperature, under normal pressure, or by heating or cooling. It is preferable to have. More specifically, solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, functionalizing materials such as polymerizable compounds, resins and surfactants, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids and proteins, and calcium. , Solvents, suspensions, emulsions and the like containing edible materials such as natural pigments. These can be used, for example, in applications such as ink for inkjet, surface treatment liquid, liquid for forming electronic elements and light emitting elements, liquid for forming an electronic circuit resist pattern, and liquid for three-dimensional modeling.

Further, the "liquid discharge device" includes, but is not limited to, a device in which the liquid discharge head and the device to which the liquid can adhere move relatively. Specific examples include a serial type device that moves the liquid discharge head, a line type device that does not move the liquid discharge head, and the like.

In addition, as the "liquid ejection device", there is a processing liquid coating device that ejects the processing liquid onto the paper in order to apply the processing liquid to the surface of the paper for the purpose of modifying the surface of the paper. In addition, there is also an injection granulation device that injects a composition liquid in which a raw material is dispersed in a solution through a nozzle to granulate fine particles of the raw material.

The "liquid discharge unit" is a liquid discharge head integrated with functional parts and a mechanism, and is an aggregate of parts related to liquid discharge. For example, the "liquid discharge unit" includes a combination of at least one of a head tank, a carriage, a supply mechanism, a maintenance / recovery mechanism, and a main scanning movement mechanism with a liquid discharge head.

Here, "integration" means, for example, a liquid discharge head and a functional component, a mechanism in which the mechanism is fixed to each other by fastening, adhesion, engagement, etc., or one in which one is movably held with respect to the other. include. Further, the liquid discharge head, the functional component, and the mechanism may be configured to be detachable from each other.

The main scanning movement mechanism shall also include a single guide member. Further, the supply mechanism includes a single tube and a single loading unit.

The "liquid discharge head" is a functional device that discharges and ejects liquid from a nozzle. Piezoelectric actuators (laminated piezoelectric elements or thin-film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators that use electrothermal conversion elements such as heat-generating resistors, and electrostatic actuators that consist of a vibrating plate and counter electrodes are used as energy sources for discharging liquid. Be done.

In the present specification, "paper" is not limited to paper as a material, but includes OHP, cloth, glass, substrate, etc., and means a material to which ink droplets, other liquids, etc. can adhere, and is a recording medium. , Recording media, recording paper, recording paper, etc. are included. In addition, image formation, recording, printing, printing, and printing are all synonymous.

Unless otherwise specified, "ink" is not limited to what is called ink, but is a general term for all liquids that can form images, such as recording liquids, fixing treatment liquids, and liquids. Also included are, for example, DNA samples, resists, pattern materials, resins and the like.

The "image" is not limited to a two-dimensional image, but also includes an image given to a three-dimensionally formed object and an image formed by three-dimensionally modeling the three-dimensional object itself.

The present invention has been described in detail above using the embodiments. This embodiment is an example, and can be used with various modifications within a range that does not deviate from the gist. For example, a plurality of embodiments may be combined.

1 Device body 2 Paper feed tray 3 Paper discharge tray 4 Cartridge loading unit 5 Notification unit 10 Ink cartridge 12 Power button 13 Paper feed / print restart button 14 Cancel button 21 Frame 21A, 21B Side plate 22 Suction pump 23 Waste liquid tank 24 Liquid feed pump 25 Rubber tube 27 Pump rotor 30 Tube pump 31 Guide rod 32 Stay 33 Carriage 34 Recording head 35 Head tank 36 Ink supply tube 41 Paper loading part 42 Paper 43 Paper feed roller 44 Separation pad 45 Guide member 46 Counter roller 47 Transport guide member 48 Presser Member 49 Tip pressurizing roller 51 Conveying belt 52 Conveying roller 53 Tension roller 56 Charging roller 57 Guide member 61 Separation claw 62 Paper ejection roller 63 Paper ejection roller 71 Double-sided unit 72 Manual feed tray 81 Maintenance recovery mechanism 82 Cap 83 Wiper blade 84, 88 Empty discharge receiver 89 Opening 91 Negative pressure lever 92 Film 93 Supply port 94 Atmospheric release valve 95 Detection mechanism 100 Inkjet recording device 300 Communication circuit 301 Main control unit 302 Print control unit 303 Main scanning motor drive circuit 304 Sub-scanning motor drive circuit 305 Carriage position detection circuit 306 Transport amount detection circuit 307 Paper feed roller drive circuit 308 Maintenance / recovery mechanism drive motor drive circuit 310 Head drive circuit 311 Supply pump drive circuit 312 Head tank full tank sensor 313 Environmental sensor 314 Cartridge communication circuit 316 Non-volatile memory

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-155446

Claims (16)

A droplet ejection head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a liquid,
A head tank that temporarily stores the liquid to be supplied to the droplet ejection head, and
At least one liquid cartridge containing the liquid to be supplied to the head tank, and
A liquid detection unit that detects the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid cartridge,
A maintenance / recovery mechanism that performs a cleaning operation to discharge liquid from the plurality of nozzles of the droplet ejection head.
A notification unit that emits a perceptual signal to the user,
With
(1) When the remaining amount of liquid in the detected liquid cartridge is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the liquid cartridge is ready to be printed.
(2) If the remaining amount of liquid in the detected liquid cartridge is less than the specified amount, printing is disabled.
A liquid discharge device characterized in that when a printable state is present, the liquid cartridge is notified that the liquid cartridge is empty, or the liquid cartridge is urged to be replaced, so that the cleaning operation can be performed. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined amount is a liquid amount capable of performing the cleaning operation. If the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid cartridge containing a specific liquid is less than a predetermined amount, printing is not possible.
Notifying that the liquid cartridge containing the specific liquid is empty, or notifying the user to replace the liquid cartridge containing the specific liquid, so that the cleaning operation can be performed. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 or 2. The liquid discharge device according to claim 3, wherein the non-printable state is a state in which printing with the specific liquid is disabled and printing with a liquid other than the specific liquid is possible. .. When the detected remaining amount of liquid becomes zero, a notification that the liquid cartridge is empty, or a notification prompting the replacement of the liquid cartridge, and
The claim is characterized in that, when the detected remaining amount of liquid in the liquid cartridge is less than a predetermined value, the notification that the liquid cartridge is empty or the notification prompting the replacement of the liquid cartridge is the same. The liquid discharge device according to any one of 1 to 4. When the detected remaining amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount and the maintenance / recovery mechanism is in a state where the cleaning operation can be performed, when the user inputs an instruction to turn off the power of the device main body, the notification unit notifies the notification unit. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a warning is notified to the user. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the amount of liquid actually stored in the liquid cartridge is larger than the amount of liquid indicated on the liquid cartridge. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the liquid cartridge has an information storage element unit, and the liquid remaining amount data is stored in the information storage element unit. A droplet ejection head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a liquid,
A head tank that temporarily stores the liquid to be supplied to the droplet ejection head, and
An air opening part that opens the inside of the head tank to the atmosphere,
At least one liquid cartridge containing the liquid to be supplied to the head tank, and
A liquid detection unit that detects the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid cartridge,
A maintenance / recovery mechanism that maintains and recovers the plurality of nozzles of the droplet ejection head,
With
The maintenance / recovery mechanism includes a cleaning operation of discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles of the droplet ejection head and a second cleaning operation of maintaining and recovering the plurality of nozzles of the droplet ejection head without supplying the liquid. Can be switched between
When the detected liquid level becomes zero,
A liquid discharge device characterized in that the second cleaning operation can be performed after the head tank is opened to the atmosphere. Equipped with a notification unit that emits a perceptual signal to the user
(1) When the remaining amount of liquid in the detected liquid cartridge is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the liquid cartridge is ready to be printed.
(2) If the remaining amount of liquid in the detected liquid cartridge is less than the specified amount, printing is disabled.
The ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, when the liquid cartridge is in a non-printable state, a notification that the liquid cartridge is empty or a notification for urging the replacement of the liquid cartridge is performed so that the cleaning operation can be performed. Liquid discharge device. A droplet ejection head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a liquid,
A head tank that temporarily stores the liquid to be supplied to the droplet ejection head, and
At least one liquid cartridge containing the liquid to be supplied to the head tank, and
A liquid detection unit that detects the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid cartridge,
A liquid feeding means for circulating the liquid between the liquid cartridge and the head tank is provided.
A liquid discharge device characterized in that the liquid feeding means can be operated even when the detected remaining amount of liquid becomes zero. The liquid discharge device according to claim 11, wherein the liquid feeding means can be a forward transfer liquid and a reverse transfer liquid of the liquid. A maintenance / recovery mechanism that performs a cleaning operation to discharge liquid from the plurality of nozzles of the droplet ejection head.
A notification unit that emits a perceptual signal to the user,
With
(1) When the remaining amount of liquid in the detected liquid cartridge is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the liquid cartridge is ready to be printed.
(2) If the remaining amount of liquid in the detected liquid cartridge is less than the specified amount, printing is disabled.
11. The liquid discharge device according to. A droplet ejection head having a plurality of nozzles for ejecting a liquid,
A head tank that temporarily stores the liquid to be supplied to the droplet ejection head, and
At least one liquid cartridge containing the liquid to be supplied to the head tank, and
A liquid detection unit that detects the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid cartridge,
A maintenance / recovery mechanism that performs a cleaning operation to discharge liquid from the plurality of nozzles of the droplet ejection head.
A notification unit that emits a perceptual signal to the user,
With
(1) When the remaining amount of liquid in the detected liquid cartridge is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the liquid cartridge is ready to be printed.
(2) If the remaining amount of liquid in the detected liquid cartridge is less than the specified amount, printing is disabled.
When printing is not possible, a notification that the liquid cartridge is empty or a notification prompting the replacement of the liquid cartridge is performed.
A liquid discharge device characterized in that the cleaning operation can be performed until the remaining amount of liquid in the head tank becomes zero. After notifying that the liquid cartridge is empty or notifying that the liquid cartridge should be replaced when the printing is not possible.
The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 10, 13, and 14, wherein when a print instruction is received, the liquid discharge device is changed to a printable state. After notifying that the liquid cartridge is empty or notifying that the liquid cartridge should be replaced when the printing is not possible.
The liquid discharge device according to claim 15, further comprising notifying confirmation of whether or not to change to a printable state.

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