JP6372284B2 - Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid replacement method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid from a nozzle, and a liquid replacement method in the liquid ejecting apparatus.

  As a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid from a nozzle, Patent Document 1 describes an ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink from a nozzle. In the recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the printer is shipped from the factory, the recording head is filled with a preserving liquid obtained by removing the dye and pigment components from the ink. Then, at the first use, by performing an initial purge, ink is introduced from the ink cartridge into the recording head while sucking the liquid in the recording head from the nozzles.

  If air is contained in the recording head, when ink is introduced into the recording head, the air remains without being discharged from the recording head, which causes ink ejection failure. On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, since the storage liquid is filled in the recording head at the time of shipment and no air is contained therein, air is introduced into the recording head when ink is introduced from the ink cartridge to the recording head. Can be prevented from remaining.

  In the ink jet printer described in Patent Document 2, a buffer tank for supplying ink to an ink jet head disposed on a carriage that reciprocates in the left-right direction, and a cartridge mounting portion disposed outside the carriage are provided. Connected through a tube. Then, the ink in the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion is supplied to the buffer tank via the tube. The ink jet printer prints on the recording paper by ejecting ink from the nozzles of the ink jet head that reciprocates in the left-right direction while transporting the front recording paper forward.

JP 2006-205747 A JP 2009-39870 A

  Here, also in the ink jet printer described in Patent Document 2, as described in Patent Document 1, air is left in the ink jet head by filling the ink jet head with a storage solution at the time of shipment. Can be prevented. However, in this case, in addition to the ink jet head, a buffer tank and a tube communicating with the ink jet head are filled with the storage solution. On the other hand, the buffer tank and the tube have a larger volume than the ink jet head. Therefore, in this case, the amount of the preservation solution increases to some extent. Further, when supplying ink to the inkjet head, buffer tank, and tube while sucking ink from the nozzle, the storage liquid and the ink are mixed in the inkjet head, buffer tank, and tube. For these reasons, the amount of ink consumed to replace the ink stored in the ink jet head, the buffer tank, and the tube with the ink is increased by the initial purge.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of reducing the amount of consumption of the first liquid as much as possible when replacing the second liquid such as a preserved preserving liquid with the first liquid to be ejected, and the liquid It is to provide a replacement method.

  The liquid ejecting apparatus according to the invention includes a liquid ejecting head having a flow path in the head including a nozzle that ejects the first liquid, a supply flow path connected to the flow path in the head, and a connection to the supply flow path. A liquid supply section having a discharge flow path, a first discharge device that discharges liquid in the head flow path and the supply flow path from the nozzle, and from the discharge flow path to the supply flow path. A liquid ejecting apparatus that is stored in a storage state in which the flow path in the head and the supply flow path are filled with a second liquid different from the first liquid. The supply channel is connectable to the liquid supply source of the first liquid and the supply channel is connected to the atmosphere, and the supply channel is connected to the liquid supply source. To determine whether it is connected to the atmosphere A connection determination unit; and a control device that controls operations of the first discharge device and the second discharge device, wherein the control device is configured such that the second flow path is in communication with the atmosphere. A first replacement process for causing the discharge device to discharge the second liquid in the supply flow path to replace at least a part of the second liquid in the supply flow path with air; and Later, in a state where the supply unit is connected to the liquid supply source, the air in the supply flow path is replaced with the first liquid by causing the second discharge device to discharge the air in the supply flow path. After the second replacement process and the second replacement process, the second liquid in the in-head flow path is supplied to the first discharge device in a state where the supply flow path is connected to the liquid supply source. By discharging, the flow in the head A third replacement processing for the second liquid to replace the first liquid, to run.

  The liquid replacement method according to the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head having an in-head passage including a nozzle for ejecting a first liquid, a supply passage communicating with the in-head passage, and the supply passage. A liquid supply section having a discharge flow path, and configured to be switchable between connecting the supply flow path to the liquid supply source of the first liquid and connecting the supply flow path to the atmosphere. In the liquid ejecting apparatus stored in a storage state in which the flow path in the head and the supply flow path are filled with the second liquid different from the first liquid, the first flow path in the head flow path and the supply flow path A liquid replacement method for replacing two liquids with the first liquid, wherein the second liquid in the supply flow path is discharged from the discharge flow path in a state where the supply flow path is communicated with the atmosphere. Less of the second liquid in the supply channel After the first replacement step, and after the first replacement step, the supply channel is connected to the liquid supply source, and then the air in the supply channel is discharged from the discharge channel. A second replacement step for replacing the air in the supply flow path with the first liquid, and after the second replacement step, the nozzles are connected to the liquid supply source from the nozzle. A third replacing step of replacing the second liquid in the in-head flow path with the first liquid by discharging the second liquid in the in-head flow path.

  According to the present invention, when replacing the second liquid in the supply flow path with the first liquid, the first liquid and the second liquid are not mixed in the supply flow path. Therefore, the second liquid in the supply channel is replaced with the first liquid by discharging the second liquid in the supply channel from the discharge channel in a state where the liquid supply source is connected to the supply channel. Thus, the amount of the first liquid required to replace the second liquid in the supply channel with the first liquid can be reduced.

  Further, if air enters the flow path in the head, the first liquid may not be normally ejected from the nozzle. In the present invention, in the third replacement process, the first liquid is introduced into the flow path in the head filled with the second liquid, thereby replacing the second liquid in the flow path in the head with the first liquid. Therefore, it is difficult for air to enter the flow path in the head. At this time, the first liquid and the second liquid are mixed in the in-head flow path. However, the volume of the flow path in the head is usually smaller than the volume of the supply flow path. Therefore, even if the first liquid and the second liquid are mixed in the in-head flow path, the amount of the first liquid required to replace the second liquid in the in-head flow path with the first liquid is greatly increased. There is nothing. In this case, since air is introduced into the discharge flow path when the first replacement process is executed, air may remain in the supply flow path when the second replacement process is executed. However, unlike the case where air enters the flow path in the head, even if air exists in the supply flow path, the liquid is not given to the ejection of the first liquid from the nozzle. Further, the air remaining in the supply channel can be discharged from the discharge channel.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of a sub tank and an inkjet head. FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. It is the IV-IV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer. It is a figure which shows the connection relation of the flow path in the tube in a preservation | save state, a sub tank, and an inkjet head. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of replacing a preservation | save liquid with an ink. (A) is a figure which shows a state when the dummy cartridge is removed from a cartridge mounting part, (b) is a figure which shows a state when the 1st replacement process is performed. (A) is a figure which shows a state when the 2nd substitution process is performed, (b) is a figure which shows a state when the 3rd substitution process is being performed. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which interrupts and restarts a 1st replacement process. It is a flowchart which shows the change of the display content in a display part at the time of replacing a preservation | save liquid with an ink. 8A is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8B of the first modification, FIG. 9B is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9A of the first modification, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating execution timing of an initial setting process according to Modification 3.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

(Schematic configuration of the printer)
As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 (“liquid ejecting apparatus” of the present invention) includes a platen 2, a carriage 3, a sub tank 4, an ink jet head 5 (“liquid ejecting head” of the present invention), a cartridge holder 6, and a paper feed. A roller 7, a paper discharge roller 8, a maintenance unit 9 and the like are provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the front, rear, left, and right directions are defined as “front”, “rear”, “left”, and “right” of the printer. In addition, the front side of the sheet of FIG. 1 is defined as “up”, and the other side of the sheet is defined as “down”. Below, it demonstrates using each direction of front, back, left, right, up and down suitably.

  On the upper surface of the platen 2, a recording paper P that is a recording medium is placed. Two guide rails 11 and 12 extending in parallel with the scanning direction are provided above the platen 2. The carriage 3 is configured to be movable in the scanning direction along the two guide rails 11 and 12. An endless drive belt 14 is coupled to the carriage 3, and the carriage 3 is moved in the scanning direction by being driven by a carriage motor 51 (see FIG. 5).

  The sub tank 4 is mounted on the carriage 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a tube joint 16 is provided on the upper surface of the sub tank 4. The tube joint 16 is connected to the cartridge holder 6 via four ink supply tubes 17. In the present embodiment, the combination of the sub tank 4 and the ink supply tube 17 corresponds to the liquid supply unit according to the present invention. Further, on the right side surface of the sub tank 4, four exhaust units 27 for discharging bubbles mixed in the flow path in the sub tank 4 are provided. Detailed configurations of the sub tank 4 and the exhaust unit 27 will be described later.

  The cartridge holder 6 includes a holder body 41 and a lid 42 as shown in FIGS. The holder main body 41 is provided with four cartridge mounting portions 43. The four cartridge mounting portions 43 are arranged in the scanning direction. Each cartridge mounting portion 43 is formed with an ink flow path 43a connected to the ink supply tube 17 on the rear wall portion. The cartridge mounting portion 43 is open at the front end. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A, the ink cartridge 61 (“liquid cartridge”, “liquid supply source” of the present invention) can be mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 43 from the front. An ink storage space 61 a is formed inside the ink cartridge 61. In the ink storage space 61a of the ink cartridges 61 mounted on the four cartridge mounting portions 43, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks (in the “first” of the present invention, in order from the one arranged on the right side in FIG. 1). Liquid ") is stored.

  The four colors of ink stored in the ink storage spaces 61a of the four ink cartridges 61 mounted on the four cartridge mounting portions 43 are supplied to the sub tank 4 via the four ink supply tubes 17. The

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 4B, a dummy cartridge 62 that is not filled with ink can be mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 43 instead of the ink cartridge 61. In a state where neither the ink cartridge 61 nor the dummy cartridge 62 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 43, the ink flow path 43a is in air communication. When the dummy cartridge 62 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 43, the ink flow path 43a is blocked by the dummy cartridge 62, so that the atmosphere communication of the ink flow path 43a is blocked. Here, the dummy cartridges 62 may be individual for the four cartridge mounting portions 43. Alternatively, the dummy cartridge 62 may include four portions that are mounted on the four cartridge mounting portions 43.

  The lid 42 is an L-shaped member that extends over the entire length of the holder body 41 in the scanning direction, as viewed from the scanning direction. The lid 42 is provided at the front lower end of the holder main body 41 at the end opposite to the L-shaped bent portion, and is supported so as to be swingable around a swing shaft 42a extending in the scanning direction. Then, when the lid 42 is swung in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 2 around the swinging shaft 42a, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the front openings of the four cartridge mounting portions 43 are opened. Is closed by the lid 42 (“sealed state” of the present invention). Here, a protrusion 42b is formed on the surface of the end of the lid 42 opposite to the swinging shaft 42a, which becomes the lower surface in the state of FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). On the other hand, the upper surface of the holder main body 41 is formed with an engaging groove 41a that engages with the protrusion 42b in the state of FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). And the lid | cover 42 is fixed to the holder main body 41 because the protrusion 42b engages with the engaging groove 41a.

  On the other hand, when the protrusion 42b is removed from the engagement groove 41a and the lid 42 is swung clockwise about the swinging shaft 42a in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. The front opening is opened (the “open state” of the present invention). Thereby, the ink cartridge 61 and the dummy cartridge 62 can be attached to and detached from the cartridge mounting portion 43.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the cartridge holder 6 includes a cartridge sensor 53 (see FIG. 5, “mounting determination unit”, “connection determination unit” of the present invention), and a lid sensor. 54 (refer to FIG. 5, the “lid state determination unit” of the present invention). The cartridge sensor 53 is provided for each cartridge mounting portion 43, and the cartridge mounting portion 43 is mounted with the ink cartridge 61 or the dummy cartridge 62 mounted, as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). As shown in FIG. 4C, it is detected which state is the non-attached state in which neither the ink cartridge 61 nor the dummy cartridge 62 is attached. The lid sensor 54 detects whether the lid 42 is in a sealed state as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B or an open state as shown in FIG.

  The inkjet head 5 is attached to the lower part of the sub tank 4. The ink-jet head 5 has an in-head flow path 19 including a plurality of nozzles 18 formed on the ink discharge surface 5a which is the lower surface thereof. The inkjet head 5 ejects the ink supplied from the sub tank 4 from a plurality of nozzles 18. The plurality of nozzles 18 are arranged corresponding to the four color inks, respectively, to form four nozzle rows 10.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the paper feed roller 7 and the paper discharge roller 8 are driven to rotate in synchronization with each other by a transport motor 52 (see FIG. 5). The paper feed roller 7 and the paper discharge roller 8 cooperate to transport the recording paper P placed on the platen 2 forward (hereinafter also referred to as a transport direction).

  The maintenance unit 9 is disposed at a position on the right side of the platen 2 in the scanning direction. The maintenance unit 9 performs operations for maintaining and recovering the ejection function of the inkjet head 5. Specifically, the maintenance unit 9 forcibly sucks and discharges ink from the plurality of nozzles 18 of the inkjet head 5, and discharges foreign matter, bubbles, ink having increased viscosity due to drying, and the like from the inkjet head 5. A so-called suction purge is performed. The maintenance unit 9 performs so-called exhaust purging, in which bubbles mixed in the flow path in the sub tank 4 are sucked and discharged from the exhaust unit 27 before flowing into the inkjet head 5.

<Configuration of sub tank and four exhaust units>
Next, the configuration of the sub tank 4 and the four exhaust units 27 provided in the sub tank 4 will be specifically described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sub tank 4 has a main body portion 20 extending along a horizontal plane and a connecting portion 21 extending vertically downward from the rear end portion of the main body portion 20. The sub tank 4 is formed with four ink supply channels 22 through which four colors of ink flow. In FIG. 2, the entirety of one ink supply channel 22 is shown, but the remaining three ink supply channels 22 are not shown for the sake of simplicity. . Moreover, in FIG. 3, the inkjet head 5 is shown in the side view. In the present embodiment, the combination of the ink supply channel 22 and the ink supply tube 17 corresponds to the supply channel of the present invention.

  Each ink supply channel 22 includes a damper chamber 24 formed in the main body portion 20 and a communication channel 25 formed in the connection portion 21. A flexible film 23 is attached to each of the upper and lower surfaces of the main body portion 20, and a flow path including a damper chamber 24 formed in the main body portion 20 is covered with the film 23. The damper chamber 24 is flatter in cross section than the channel portion connected to the upstream side and the downstream side of the damper chamber 24 of the ink supply channel 22. The damper chamber 24 absorbs pressure fluctuations of the ink flowing through the ink supply channel 22 due to the deformation of the film 23. A connecting portion 21 of the sub tank 4 is connected to the ink jet head 5. The ink flowing through the ink supply flow path 22 is supplied from the communication flow path 25 formed in the connection portion 21 to the in-head flow path 19 of the inkjet head 5. Further, a filter 31 is provided at a connection portion between the connecting portion 21 and the inkjet head 5. As a result, when the ink flows from the communication flow path 25 into the in-head flow path 19, foreign matter in the ink is captured by the filter 31.

  Also, four exhaust passages 26 connected to the four ink supply passages 22 are formed in the main body portion 20 of the sub tank 4. The four exhaust passages 26 are respectively connected to four exhaust units 27 provided on the right side surface of the sub tank 4. An exhaust passage 28 is formed inside the exhaust unit 27. The exhaust passage 28 extends in the vertical direction, is connected to the exhaust passage 26 at the upper end, and is open at the lower end. In the present embodiment, the combination of the exhaust flow path 26 and the exhaust flow path 28 corresponds to the “discharge flow path” of the present invention.

  In addition, an exhaust valve 29 is provided at a lower portion of the exhaust passage 28. The exhaust valve 29 is for opening and closing the exhaust passage 28. In the following, it is shown that the exhaust valve 29 is closed by painting the exhaust valve 29 as shown in FIG. 6, and the exhaust valve 29 is not painted by painting the exhaust valve 29 as shown in FIG. 7B. Indicates open.

<Configuration of maintenance unit>
As shown in FIG. 1, the maintenance unit 9 is disposed at a maintenance position on the right side in the scanning direction with respect to the platen 2. The maintenance unit 9 includes a nozzle cap 36, an exhaust cap 37, a suction pump 38, a switching device 39, and the like. In the present embodiment, the combination of the nozzle cap 36 and the suction pump 38 corresponds to the first discharge device and the suction device of the present invention, and the combination of the exhaust cap 37 and the suction pump 38 is the present. This corresponds to the second discharge device of the invention.

(Nozzle cap, exhaust cap)
The nozzle cap 36 and the exhaust cap 37 can be integrally moved up and down by a cap lifting device 55 (see FIG. 5). The exhaust cap 37 is disposed on the right side of the nozzle cap 36. When the carriage 3 moves to the maintenance position, the nozzle cap 36 faces the ink discharge surface 5 a of the inkjet head 5, and the exhaust cap 37 faces the lower surface of the four exhaust units 27 of the sub tank 4. In this state, when the nozzle cap 36 and the exhaust cap 37 are moved upward, the nozzle cap 36 comes into close contact with the ink discharge surface 5 a of the inkjet head 5, and the exhaust cap 37 comes into close contact with the lower surfaces of the four exhaust units 27. As a result, the plurality of nozzles 18 are covered with the nozzle caps 36, and the connection portions 30 formed at the lower ends of the four exhaust units 27 are covered with the exhaust caps 37.

(Suction pump)
The suction pump 38 is a tube pump or the like, and is selectively connected to either the nozzle cap 36 or the exhaust cap 37 by the switching device 39. The suction pump 38 is connected to the waste liquid tank 40 on the side opposite to the connection with the nozzle cap 36 and the exhaust cap 37. In a state where the suction pump 38 is connected to the nozzle cap 36, the ink can be sucked and discharged (suction purge) from the plurality of nozzles 18 of the inkjet head 5. Further, in the state where the suction pump 38 is connected to the exhaust cap 37, the bubbles can be sucked and discharged (exhaust purge) from the sub tank 4.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the printer 1 will be described. The printer 1 has a control device 50 as shown in FIG. The control device 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like. The operation of the inkjet head 5, the transport motor 52, the switching device 39, the exhaust valve 29, the suction pump 38, and the like is controlled. The control device 50 receives signals from the cartridge sensor 53 and the lid sensor 54.

  At this time, the control device 50 may include only one CPU, and the one CPU may perform processing in a batch, or may include a plurality of CPUs, and the plurality of CPUs share the processing. It may be a thing. Further, the control device 50 may include only one ASIC, and the one ASIC may perform processing collectively, or may include a plurality of ASICs, and the plurality of ASICs share the processing. It may be.

  The printer 1 includes a display unit 56 and an operation unit 57 in addition to the above-described configuration. The display unit 56 is a liquid crystal display or the like. Messages and the like are displayed on the display unit 56 under the control of the control device 50. The operation unit 57 has buttons and the like. When the user operates the operation unit 57, the control device 50 performs processing according to the operation of the operation unit 57.

  Next, the storage state of the printer 1 will be described. The printer 1 is in a storage state described below in a state before the first use, such as at the time of shipment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a connection relationship among the ink supply tube 17, the ink supply flow path 22, the in-head flow path 19, the exhaust flow path 26, and the exhaust flow path 28 of the exhaust unit 27 in the storage state. Here, in FIG. 6, in order to show the in-head flow path 19 including the nozzles 18, the orientation of the inkjet head 5 is shown in a different direction from the actual direction, and in order to show the exhaust flow paths 26 and 28, The positions of the passage 26 and the exhaust unit 27 are illustrated at positions different from the actual positions. In addition, the nozzle cap 36 and the exhaust cap 37 are integrally formed, but in FIG. 6, these are separately illustrated for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the storage state, the printer 1 is filled with the storage liquid H (the “second liquid” of the present invention) in the in-head flow path 19, the ink supply flow path 22, and the ink supply tube 17. . The storage liquid H is, for example, a liquid obtained by removing the color material from the ink I. Then, when the printer 1 is stored without being used for a long period of time by filling the head internal flow path 19, the ink supply flow path 22, and the ink supply tube 17 with the storage liquid H, the flow path within the head is used. It is possible to prevent air from entering 19. As a result, when the storage liquid H is replaced with the ink I and ink is ejected from the nozzle 18 as described below, an ink ejection failure (such as ink is not ejected) occurs at the nozzle 18. Can be prevented. In the storage state, the dummy cartridge 62 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 43, and the cartridge mounting portion 43 is in a sealed state in which the ink flow path 43a does not communicate with the atmosphere. Thereby, it can prevent more reliably that air will enter into the flow path 19 in the head.

(Replacement of preservation solution with ink)
Next, an operation for replacing the storage liquid H filled in the in-head flow path 19, the ink supply flow path 22 and the ink supply tube 17 with the ink I in the printer 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is started when the printer 1 is turned on for the first time, for example.

  In order to replace the storage liquid H with ink, as shown in FIG. 8A, the dummy cartridges 62 are removed from the four cartridge mounting portions 43, and then, as shown in FIG. It waits until the lid | cover 42 of 6 is closed (S101: NO or S102: NO). When the dummy cartridge 62 is removed from the cartridge holder 6 and the lid 42 of the cartridge holder 6 is closed (S101: YES and S102: YES), the control device 50 executes the first replacement process (S103).

  Here, information indicating whether or not the printer 1 is unused is stored in an EEPROM of the control device 50. In the saved state, information indicating that the printer 1 is in an unused state (a state before the first use) is stored in the EEPROM. In S101, information indicating that the printer 1 is not in use is stored in the EEPROM, and all four cartridge mounting portions 43 are switched from the mounted state to the non-mounted state by the four cartridge sensors 53. Is detected, it is determined that the dummy cartridge 62 has been removed from the cartridge mounting portion 43. Further, the control device 50 indicates that the printer 1 of the EEPROM is not used when it is determined in S101 that the dummy cartridge 62 has been removed and in S102 that the lid 42 has been closed. The information is rewritten to information indicating that the printer 1 is not in an unused state.

  In the first replacement process, as shown in FIG. 8B, the exhaust valve 29 is opened, the exhaust cap 37 and the suction pump 38 are connected by the switching device 39, the nozzle 18 is covered with the nozzle cap 36, and the exhaust gas is exhausted. The connection port 30 is covered with the cap 37. In this state, the suction pump 38 is driven. Then, the storage liquid H filled in the ink supply channel 22 and the ink supply tube 17 is discharged from the exhaust channels 26 and 28, and air is introduced into the ink supply channel 22 and the ink supply tube 17. That is, the storage liquid H in the ink supply flow path 22 and the ink supply tube 17 is replaced with air (first replacement step).

  After the first replacement process is completed, the ink cartridges 61 are mounted on the four cartridge mounting portions 43, and thereafter, waiting is performed until the lid 42 is closed (S104: NO or S105: NO). Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the ink cartridge 61 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 43 and the lid 42 is closed (S104: YES and S105: YES), the control device 50 performs the second operation. A replacement process is executed (S106), and after the second replacement process is completed, a third replacement process is subsequently executed (S107).

  Here, in S104, when it is detected by the four cartridge sensors 53 that all of the four cartridge mounting portions 43 have switched from the non-mounted state to the mounted state for the first time after the first replacement process is completed, It is determined that the ink cartridge 61 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 43.

  In the second replacement process, as shown in FIG. 9A, the exhaust valve 29 is opened, the switching device 39 is connected to the exhaust cap 37 and the suction pump 38, the nozzle cap 36 is covered with the nozzle 18, and the exhaust gas is exhausted. The connection port 30 is covered with the cap 37. In this state, the suction pump 38 is driven. Then, the air in the ink supply channel 22 and the ink supply tube 17 is discharged from the exhaust channels 26 and 28, and the ink I is introduced from the ink cartridge 61 into the ink supply channel 22 and the ink supply tube 17. That is, the air in the ink supply channel 22 and the ink supply tube 17 is replaced with the ink I (second replacement step).

  Here, in the first and second replacement processes, since the nozzle 18 is covered with the nozzle cap 36, it is difficult for air to enter the in-head flow path 19 from the nozzle 18. Thereby, when the first and second replacement processes are executed, it is possible to prevent the storage liquid H filled in the in-head flow path 19 from being discharged from the exhaust flow paths 26 and 28. Further, in the present embodiment, since the filter 31 is provided at the connection portion between the in-head flow path 19 and the ink supply flow path 22, when the first and second replacement processes are executed, the in-head flow It can prevent more reliably that the preservation | save liquid H of the channel | path 19 will be discharged | emitted from the exhaust flow paths 26 and 28. FIG.

  In the third replacement process, as shown in FIG. 9B, the exhaust valve 29 is closed, the switching device 39 is connected to the exhaust cap 37 and the suction pump 38, and the nozzle 18 is covered with the nozzle cap 36. In this state, the suction pump 38 is driven. Then, the preserving liquid H filled in the in-head channel 19 and the communication channel 25 is discharged from the nozzle 18, and the ink I is introduced into the in-head channel 19 and the communication channel 25. That is, the preserving liquid H in the in-head flow path 19 and the communication flow path 25 is replaced with the ink I (third replacement step).

  At this time, since the ink I is introduced into the in-head channel 19 while the preserving liquid H filled in the in-head channel 19 is discharged, air bubbles are prevented from entering the in-head channel 19. Can do. In the second replacement process, air in the ink supply flow path 22 and the ink supply tube 17 is replaced with the ink I, so that bubbles may remain in the ink supply flow path 22 or the ink supply tube 17. However, even if bubbles remain in the ink supply flow path 22 or the ink supply tube 17, the bubbles do not directly affect the ejection of ink from the nozzles 18. The bubbles can be easily discharged by exhaust purge.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the exhaust flow path 26 is connected to the upper end portion of the communication flow path 25, which is positioned closer to the in-head flow path 19 than the damper chamber 24 of the ink supply flow path 22. Therefore, after the first and second replacement processes are performed, the storage liquid H in the portion of the ink supply passage 22 that is closer to the cartridge holder 6 than the connection portion with the exhaust passage 26 including the damper chamber 24. Is replaced with ink I, but at least a part of the storage liquid H in the communication channel 25 remains without being discharged. When the third replacement process is executed, the storage liquid H and the ink I are mixed in the in-head flow path 19 and the communication flow path 25. However, after the first and second replacement processes are executed, compared with the case where the storage liquid H remains in the ink supply tube 17 and the damper chamber 24 having a larger volume than the in-head flow path 19 and the communication flow path 25. If so, the amount of the ink I mixed with the storage liquid H is small. Therefore, an increase in the amount of ink I necessary to replace the storage liquid H due to the mixture of the storage liquid H and the ink I can be suppressed as much as possible.

  In the present embodiment, the first replacement process is automatically executed when the user removes the dummy cartridge 62 from the cartridge mounting portion 43 and then closes the lid 42. Further, after the execution of the first replacement process, the second replacement process and the third replacement process are automatically executed when the user closes the lid 42 after the ink cartridge 61 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 43. As described above, in the present embodiment, when replacing the storage liquid H in the in-head flow path 19, the ink supply flow path 22, and the ink supply tube 17 with the ink I, an operation to be performed by the user is performed on the dummy cartridge 62. It can be as simple as removal or mounting of the ink cartridge 61.

(Suspend and resume the first replacement process)
Here, the first replacement process described above may be interrupted or restarted in the middle. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the dummy cartridge 62 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 43 and the lid 42 is closed (S101: YES and S102: YES), the control device 50 The first replacement process is started (S201). When the first replacement process is completed (S202: YES), the process proceeds to S104. On the other hand, if the lid 42 is opened (S203: YES) until the first replacement process is completed (S202: NO), the suction pump 38 is stopped and the first replacement process is interrupted (S204). After that, in a state where the ink cartridge 61 is not mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 43, the process waits until the lid 42 is closed (S205: NO or S206: NO). Then, when the lid 42 is closed in a state where the ink cartridge 61 is not attached to the cartridge attachment portion 43 (S205: YES and S206: YES), the first replacement process is resumed (S207), and the process returns to S202.

  Here, in the middle of the first replacement process, the user may mistakenly determine that the first replacement process has been completed, and the ink cartridge 61 may be mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 43. If the first replacement process is continued in this state, the ink I is introduced into the ink supply channel 22 and the ink supply tube 17. As a result, the storage liquid H in the ink supply flow path 22 and the ink supply tube 17 cannot be replaced with air in the first replacement process. In the present embodiment, when the lid 42 is opened in the middle of the first replacement process, the first replacement process is interrupted, and the lid 42 is closed in a state where the ink cartridge 61 is not mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 43. The first replacement process is resumed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the above-described problem from occurring.

(Display display)
Next, as described above, a message displayed on the display unit 56 when the storage liquid H in the in-head flow path 19, the ink supply flow path 22, and the ink supply tube 17 is replaced with the ink I will be described. When executing the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the control device 50 executes the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 in parallel.

  The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 will be described in detail. When the printer 1 is used for the first time, the control device 50 first displays a message on the display unit 56 urging the user to close the lid 42 after removing the dummy cartridge 62. This message is continuously displayed until the first replacement process is started (S302: NO).

  When the first replacement process is started (S302: YES), a message indicating that the first replacement process is being executed is displayed on the display unit 56 (S303), and until the first replacement process is completed. As long as the first replacement process is not interrupted (S304: NO), the display of this message is continued.

  When the first replacement process is interrupted (S305: YES), a message prompting the user to close the lid 42 without mounting the ink cartridge 61 on the cartridge mounting unit 43 is displayed on the display unit 56 (S306). Until the replacement process is resumed (S307: NO), the display of this message is continued. When the first replacement process is resumed (S307: YES), the process returns to S303.

  On the other hand, when the first replacement process is completed (S304: YES), a message prompting the user to close the lid 42 after mounting the ink cartridge 61 on the cartridge mounting unit 43 is displayed on the display unit 56 (S308). Until the 2 replacement process is started (S309: NO), the display of this message is continued.

  When the second replacement process is started (S309: YES), a message indicating that the second and third replacement processes are being executed is displayed on the display unit 56 (S310), and the third replacement process is completed. Until this time (S311: NO), the display of this message is continued. Then, when the third replacement process is completed (S311: YES), the process ends.

  In the present embodiment, in this way, a message prompting a necessary operation such as removal of the dummy cartridge 62 or attachment of the ink cartridge 61 at each timing during the replacement of the storage liquid H with the ink I is displayed on the display unit 56. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the timing for performing operations such as removal of the dummy cartridge 62 and mounting of the ink cartridge 61.

  Next, modified examples in which various changes are made to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the first and second replacement processes, the nozzle cap 36 is covered with the nozzle 18 to make it difficult for air to flow from the nozzle 18, but the present invention is not limited to this. . In Modification 1, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the nozzle cap 36 is connected to the suction pump 71, and the exhaust cap 37 is connected to a suction pump 72 different from the suction pump 71. Then, in the third replacement process, as shown in FIG. 12C, the storage liquid H in the in-head flow path 19 and the communication flow path 25 is discharged from the nozzle 18 by driving the suction pump 71. On the other hand, in the first and second replacement processes, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, by driving the suction pump 72, the ink supply flow path 22 and the ink supply are supplied from the exhaust flow paths 26 and 28. The preservation solution H or air in the tube 17 is discharged. Further, in the first and second replacement processes, the suction pump 71 is driven to perform suction with a weaker suction force than in the third replacement process, so that the ink meniscus of the nozzle 18 is not destroyed. In this case, since it becomes more difficult for air to enter through the nozzles 18 during the first and second replacement processes, the storage liquid H in the in-head flow path 19 is discharged when the first and second replacement processes are executed. Exhaust from the exhaust passages 26 and 28 can be more reliably prevented.

  Further, in the first and second replacement processes, the nozzle cap 36 is not limited to being covered with the nozzle 18. For example, when the nozzle cap 36 and the exhaust cap 37 can be moved up and down separately, the nozzle 18 may not be covered with the nozzle cap 36 in the first and second replacement processes. Even in this case, the flow path 19 in the head usually has higher flow path resistance than the ink supply flow path 22 and the ink supply tube 17, and the filter 31 is provided between the flow path 19 in the head and the ink supply flow path 22. For this reason, when the first and second replacement processes are executed, the storage liquid H in the head in-channel 19 is unlikely to be discharged from the exhaust channels 26 and 28.

  In the above-described embodiment, the filter 31 is provided at the connection portion between the in-head channel 19 and the ink supply channel 22, that is, at the end of the ink supply channel 22 on the side of the in-head channel 19. However, it is not limited to this. The filter 31 may be provided in the middle of the ink supply channel 22. At this time, if the exhaust flow path 26 is connected to a portion closer to the cartridge mounting portion 43 than the filter 31 of the ink supply flow path 22, such as the filter 31 is provided in the middle of the communication flow path 25, The filter 31 is positioned between the exhaust passage 26 and the in-head passage 19. Thereby, when the first and second replacement processes are executed, it is possible to prevent the storage liquid H in the in-head flow path 19 from being discharged from the exhaust flow paths 26 and 28.

  Alternatively, the exhaust channel 26 is provided with the filter 31 of the ink supply channel 22 such that the filter 31 is provided in a portion closer to the cartridge mounting portion 43 than the communication channel 25 of the ink supply channel 22. It may be connected to a part on the cartridge mounting part 43 side (opposite side to the in-head flow path 19) with respect to the existing part.

  In the above-described embodiment, the exhaust flow path 26 is connected to the upper end portion of the communication flow path 25, which is a portion closer to the in-head flow path 19 than the damper chamber 24 of the ink supply flow path 22. This is not a limitation. The exhaust passage 26 may be connected to a portion of the ink supply passage 22 that is closer to the cartridge mounting portion 43 than the damper chamber 24 (opposite to the in-head passage 19).

  In the above-described embodiment, when the lid 42 is opened during the first replacement process, the first replacement process is interrupted, and then the ink cartridge 61 is not mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 43. The first replacement process is resumed when 42 is closed, but is not limited thereto. For example, in S303, a message indicating that the cover 42 is not opened is displayed together with a message indicating that the first replacement process is being executed, and the user opens the cover 42 during the first replacement process. It is possible to prevent it from being lost.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the first replacement process is completed, a message that prompts the user to install the ink cartridge 61 in the cartridge mounting unit 43 is displayed on the display unit 56. It does not have to be displayed. Even in this case, the user can know that the first replacement process has been completed, for example, by not being able to hear the operation sound of the printer 1 when the first replacement process is executed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first replacement process is automatically started when the lid 42 is closed after the dummy cartridge 62 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 43. This is not a limitation. For example, the first replacement process may be started when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 57 after removing the dummy cartridge 62 from the cartridge mounting unit 43 and closing the lid 42. Good. In this case, a message that prompts the user to perform the above operation may be displayed on the display unit 56.

  In the above-described embodiment, for the first time after the first replacement process, when the ink cartridge 61 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 43 and the lid 42 is closed, the second replacement process is automatically performed. It was supposed to start, but it is not limited to this. For example, after the first replacement process, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 57 after the ink cartridge 61 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 43 and the lid 42 is closed, the second replacement process is performed. May be started. In this case, a message prompting the user to perform the above operation may be displayed on the display unit 56 after the first replacement process.

  In the above-described embodiment, when neither the ink cartridge 61 nor the dummy cartridge 62 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 43, the ink supply tube 17 communicates with the atmosphere via the ink flow path 43a. However, it is not limited to this. In the second modification, as shown in FIG. 13, a switching device 81 controlled by the control device 50 is provided at the end of the ink supply tube 17 on the cartridge mounting portion 43 side. The switching device 81 switches whether the ink supply tube 17 is connected to the ink flow path 43a of the cartridge mounting portion 43 or communicated with the atmosphere.

  In this case, the user mounts the ink cartridge 61 in the cartridge mounting portion 43 before executing the first to third replacement processes. The control device 50 causes the switching device 81 to communicate with the ink supply tube 17 in the atmosphere in the first and second replacement processes. Further, the control device 50 causes the switching device 81 to connect the ink supply tube 17 to the ink flow path 43a in the third replacement process. In this case, for example, the control device 50 determines whether the ink supply tube 17 is connected to the ink tank or communicates with the atmosphere based on the connection destination of the ink supply tube 17 by the switching device 81. Can do. That is, the switching device 81 corresponds to the connection determination unit of the present invention.

  In the second modification, ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 61 mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 43 to the ink supply tube 17, the ink supply flow path 22, and the in-head flow path 19. Is not limited. In the case of the second modification, the printer 1 includes an ink tank (an “ink supply source” of the present invention) directly connected to the ink supply tube 17, and the ink supply tube 17 and the ink supply flow path 22 are connected from the ink tank. Ink may be supplied to the in-head flow path 19.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the ink supply flow path 22 and the ink supply tube 17 are stored in the first and second replacement processes by using the exhaust flow paths 26 and 28 for discharging bubbles during the exhaust purge. Although liquid H and air were discharged, it is not restricted to this. There is a discharge flow path that is connected to the ink supply flow path 22 and is configured to be connectable to the suction pump 38, and is different from the exhaust flow paths 26 and 28. In the replacement process, the storage liquid H and air in the ink supply flow path 22 and the ink supply tube 17 may be discharged.

  In the above-described embodiment, it takes a certain amount of time to complete all the first to third replacement processes. Therefore, in Modification 3, the control device 50 executes the initial setting process in parallel with the execution of the first to third replacement processes. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the control device 50 stands by without executing the initial setting process until the second replacement process is started (S401: NO), and the second replacement process is performed. When started (S401: YES), an initial setting process is executed (S402). Here, the initial setting process is a process for causing the user to make preparations necessary for using the printer 1. Specifically, in the initial setting process, the control device 50 causes the display unit 56 to display an input screen for inputting information necessary for the printer 1 (current time, IP address, and the like). The written contents are written in the EEPROM of the control device 50, or a message for prompting the user to set the recording paper P is displayed on the display unit 56. As described above, in the third modification, the initial setting process is executed in parallel with the first to third replacement processes. Therefore, the user does nothing while the first to third replacement processes are being executed. The waiting time can be shortened.

  In the third modification, the initial setting process is started when the second replacement process is started. However, when the first replacement process or the third replacement process is started, the initial setting process is performed. It may be started. However, if the initial setting process is started when the first replacement process is started, for example, when the first replacement process is completed, it is urged to mount the ink cartridge 61 in the cartridge mounting unit 43. Both the message and the input screen for inputting information are displayed on the display unit 56, and it may be difficult for the user to grasp what operation the user should perform. On the other hand, if the initial setting process is started when the third replacement process is started, there is a possibility that the user waits for nothing until the second replacement process is completed. is there. Therefore, it is more preferable that the initial setting process is started when the second replacement process is started.

  In the above example, the liquid or air is replaced by causing the suction pump 38 to perform suction in the first to third replacement processes, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid or air may be replaced by pressurizing the liquid or air in the in-head flow path 19, the ink supply flow path 22, and the ink supply tube 17.

  In the above-described embodiment, the message prompting the removal of the dummy cartridge 62 and the mounting of the ink cartridge 61 is displayed on the display unit 56 of the printer 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. These messages may be displayed on a display of a PC connected to the printer 1.

  Moreover, although the example which applied this invention to the inkjet printer which prints by ejecting an ink from a nozzle was demonstrated above, it is not restricted to this. The present invention can also be applied to a liquid ejecting apparatus other than an ink jet printer that includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid other than ink from nozzles.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 5 Inkjet head 18 Nozzle 19 In-head flow path 22 Ink supply flow path 24 Damper chamber 28 Exhaust flow path 31 Filter 36 Nozzle cap 37 Exhaust cap 38 Suction pump 42 Lid 43 Cartridge mounting part 50 Controller 53 Cartridge sensor 54 Lid sensor 81 switching device

Claims (11)

A liquid ejecting head having a flow path in the head including a nozzle for ejecting the first liquid;
A liquid supply section having a supply flow path connected to the flow path in the head, and a discharge flow path connected to the supply flow path;
A first discharge device for discharging the liquid in the head flow path and the supply flow path from the nozzle;
A second discharge device for discharging the liquid or gas in the supply flow channel from the discharge flow channel,
A liquid ejecting apparatus stored in a storage state in which the second liquid different from the first liquid is filled in the in-head flow path and the supply flow path;
Connecting the supply flow path to the liquid supply source of the first liquid and switching the supply flow path to the atmosphere are switchable,
A connection determination unit for determining whether the supply channel is connected to the liquid supply source or communicates with the atmosphere;
A control device for controlling the operation of the first discharge device and the second discharge device,
The controller is
With the supply flow path communicating with the atmosphere, the second discharge device discharges the second liquid in the supply flow path so that at least a part of the second liquid in the supply flow path is made into air. A first replacement process for replacement;
After the first replacement process, in the state where the supply unit is connected to the liquid supply source, the second discharge device discharges the air in the supply flow path, thereby the air in the supply flow path is A second replacement process for replacing the first liquid;
After the second replacement process, in the state where the supply flow path is connected to the liquid supply source, the first discharge device discharges the second liquid in the head internal flow path, thereby And a third replacement process for replacing the second liquid in the flow path with the first liquid. A liquid cartridge as the liquid supply source is configured to be mountable, the mounted liquid cartridge is connected to the supply flow path, and the supply flow path is connected to the atmosphere in a state where the liquid cartridge is not mounted. A cartridge mounting part,
As the connection determination unit, a mounting determination unit that determines whether the cartridge mounting unit is in a mounted state in which the liquid cartridge is mounted or a non-mounted state in which the liquid cartridge is not mounted; The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The cartridge mounting portion is configured to selectively mount either the liquid cartridge or a dummy cartridge that blocks the atmosphere communication of the supply flow path,
In the storage state, the dummy cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion,
The mounting determination unit determines that the cartridge mounting unit is in the mounting state when either the liquid cartridge or the dummy cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit, and the cartridge mounting unit When neither the liquid cartridge nor the dummy cartridge is mounted, it is determined that the cartridge mounting portion is not mounted,
The controller is
When the cartridge mounting portion on which the dummy cartridge is mounted is switched from the mounted state to the non-mounted state for the first time by removing the dummy cartridge, the first replacement process is started,
The cartridge mounting unit starts the second replacement process when the liquid cartridge is mounted for the first time after the execution of the first replacement process and when the cartridge is switched from the non-mounted state to the mounted state. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2. A display unit controlled by the control device;
4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein when the first replacement process is completed, a message that prompts the user to mount the liquid cartridge on the cartridge mounting unit is displayed on the display unit. 5. Liquid ejector. A lid for covering the cartridge mounting portion;
A lid state determination unit that determines whether the lid is in a sealed state that covers the cartridge mounting unit and an open state that does not cover the cartridge mounting unit;
The controller is
When the cartridge mounting portion is first switched from the mounted state to the non-mounted state and the lid is in the sealed state, the first replacement process is started.
During the execution of the first replacement process, when the lid is in the open state, the first replacement process is interrupted,
Thereafter, when the lid is in the sealed state in a state where the cartridge mounting portion is in the non-mounted state, the first replacement process is resumed. The liquid ejecting apparatus described. The supply flow path has a damper chamber for suppressing the pressure fluctuation of the liquid,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge flow path is connected to a portion of the supply flow path that is closer to the flow path in the head than the damper chamber. A filter for preventing foreign matter from flowing into the flow path in the head by capturing foreign matter in the liquid in the supply flow path is provided,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discharge flow path is connected to a portion of the supply flow path that is opposite to the flow path in the head from the filter. . A nozzle cap for covering the nozzle, which is controlled by the control device;
The controller is
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle cap is covered with the nozzle cap in the first replacement process and the second replacement process. The first discharge device is a suction device that performs suction from the nozzle,
The controller is
The said 1st replacement process and the said 2nd replacement process WHEREIN: Let the said suction device perform attraction | suction with weaker suction force than the time of the said 3rd replacement process. Liquid ejector. The controller is
The initial setting process for initializing the apparatus is started during the execution of any one of the first replacement process, the second replacement process, and the third replacement process. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of? A liquid ejecting head having an in-head flow path including a nozzle for ejecting the first liquid;
A liquid supply section having a supply flow path communicating with the flow path in the head, and a discharge flow path connected to the supply flow path,
Connecting the supply flow path to the liquid supply source of the first liquid and switching the supply flow path to the atmosphere are switchable,
In the liquid ejecting apparatus that is stored in a storage state in which the second liquid different from the first liquid is filled in the in-head flow path and the supply flow path, the second in-head flow path and the second in the supply flow path A liquid replacement method for replacing a liquid with the first liquid,
By discharging the second liquid in the supply flow path from the discharge flow path in a state where the supply flow path is communicated with the atmosphere, at least a part of the second liquid in the supply flow path is replaced with air. A first replacement step;
After the first replacement step, the supply flow path is connected to the liquid supply source, and then the air in the supply flow path is discharged from the discharge flow path, whereby the air in the supply flow path is discharged from the first flow path. A second replacement step for replacing with liquid;
After the second replacement step, the second liquid in the flow path in the head is discharged from the nozzle while the supply flow path is connected to the liquid supply source. And a third replacement step of replacing two liquids with the first liquid.

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