Liquid ejection device and liquid ejection head distribution system

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid ejection device and a distribution system for a liquid ejection head. In a liquid ejection device, when an adverse condition related to the ejection of a liquid ejection head occurs, there is a situation where the liquid ejection device cannot normally record on a medium. The liquid ejection device provided by the present invention can reduce the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head for replacement. The liquid ejection device (11) comprises: a liquid ejection head (54) which is installed in the liquid ejection device in a detachable manner and ejects liquid; and a control unit (70) which can send a distribution request for a new liquid ejection head to a server device (80) via a network (NW).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device for ejecting liquid to a medium and a distribution system of a liquid ejection head. Background Art

[0002] The image forming device as an example of a liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a replacement period prediction unit, which predicts the replacement period of a cartridge as an example of a liquid container, the cartridge being a consumable. The replacement period prediction unit periodically predicts the replacement period of the cartridge when the remaining amount of the colorant is below a replacement threshold value from the time of ordering the replacement cartridge, based on the remaining amount of the colorant and the consumption trend. Furthermore, the image forming device is provided with a replacement product ordering unit, which enables the replacement period prediction unit to predict the replacement period of the cartridge, and when the period before the predicted replacement period is below the ordering threshold value, automatically or upon request from the user, orders the replacement cartridge. Thus, it is possible to prevent the colorant of the cartridge from being used up before the delivery of the replacement cartridge. That is, a liquid ejection device is disclosed that reduces the possibility of downtime caused by the user not having a replacement cartridge on hand.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-224155

[0004] The liquid ejection device ejects the liquid supplied from the liquid container to the liquid ejection head of the liquid ejection device from the nozzle of the liquid ejection head toward the surface of the medium, thereby recording on the surface of the medium. Therefore, the liquid ejection device may fail to record normally on the medium not only when the liquid in the liquid container is exhausted before the replacement liquid container is delivered, but also when a malfunction related to the ejection of the liquid ejection head occurs.

[0005] However, the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1 does not take into account the occurrence of adverse conditions related to the ejection of the liquid ejection head. Therefore, when an adverse condition related to the ejection of the liquid ejection head occurs and the medium cannot be normally recorded by the liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection device will be downtime because the user does not have a new liquid ejection head for replacement. Summary of the invention

[0006] A liquid ejection device that solves the above-mentioned technical problem comprises: a liquid ejection head detachably mounted in the liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection head ejecting liquid; and a control unit capable of sending a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head to a server device via a network.

[0007] A liquid ejection head delivery system that solves the above-mentioned problem includes: the above-mentioned liquid ejection device; and a server device having a receiving unit that receives a delivery request for the new liquid ejection head transmitted from the control unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the liquid ejection device in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the casing is removed in the liquid ejecting device.

[0010] Figure 3 It means along Figure 2 A side sectional view of the periphery of the carriage unit after the 3-3 line is disconnected.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing the liquid flow path from the liquid container to the flow path in the head.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the liquid discharge process executed by the control unit.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the liquid resupply process executed by the control unit.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the maintenance process executed by the control unit.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing the delivery system of the liquid ejection head.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing a process for determining a malfunction related to discharge.

[0017] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing the confirmation flow in the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing the installation confirmation process of a new liquid ejection head.

[0019] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing the confirmation flow in the second embodiment.

[0020] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram showing a delivery system in a third embodiment.

[0021] Fig.14 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid container and a supplementary container.

[0022] Fig.15It is a three-dimensional diagram of a plurality of liquid containers.

[0023] Fig.16 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the injection mask.

[0024] Fig.17 It is a cross-sectional view of the injection mask and the retaining part.

[0025] Fig.18 is a flowchart showing a supplementation routine.

[0026] Fig.19 is a flowchart showing a supplementation routine.

[0027] Fig. 20 This is a schematic diagram of a display unit that displays a supplementary reminder screen.

[0028] Fig.21 This is a diagram of the display unit that displays the transmission confirmation screen.

[0029] Fig. 22 This is a schematic diagram of the display unit displaying the continue selection screen.

[0030] Fig.23 It is a schematic diagram showing a delivery system in a fourth embodiment.

[0031] Fig.24 is a flow chart showing the replacement routine.

[0032] Fig.25 is a flow chart showing the replacement routine.

[0033] Fig.26 This is a diagram of the display unit showing the replacement reminder screen.

[0034] Fig. 27 This is a diagram of the display unit that displays the transmission confirmation screen.

[0035] Fig.28 This is a schematic diagram of the display unit displaying the continue selection screen.

[0036] Fig.29 This is a flowchart showing a supplementary routine of a modified example.

[0037] Fig.30 This is a flowchart showing a replacement routine of a modification example.

[0038] Explanation of symbols

[0039] 11…Liquid ejection device, 12…Casing, 13…Upper cover, 14…Concave portion, 15…Discharge port, 17…First guide member, 18…Second guide member, 20…Recording unit, 21…Box, 21a…Operated portion, 22…Discharge tray, 24…Operation panel, 25…Operation portion as an example of an input portion, 25a…Power switch, 26…Display portion, 27…Liquid supply unit, 27a…Window portion, 27b…Cover portion, 28…Liquid container, 30…Reading unit, 31…Document table cover, 31a…Discharge tray, 32…Automatic document feeder, 33…Document tray, 33a…Edge guide, 35…Control portion, 40…Conveying portion, 41…Feeding portion , 42…supporting part, 50…carriage unit, 51…carriage, 52…carriage motor, 53…timing belt, 54…liquid ejection head, 54a…nozzle, 54b…nozzle surface, 54c…supply connection part, 54d…first head internal flow path, 55…monitoring part, 56…IC chip, 60…transmitting part, 70…control part, 70a…detection part, 71…maintenance part, 72…gap adjustment mechanism, 73…cap part, 73a…discharge flow path, 73b…suction pump, 75…first liquid supply flow path as an example of a supply flow path, 75a…downstream end, 75b…first opening and closing valve as an example of an opening and closing mechanism, 76…first atmosphere communication path, 76a…first atmosphere opening release valve, 80... server device, 80a... receiving unit, 100... distribution system, AH... counter-initial position, CS... closed space, D... manuscript, F... flow direction, HP... initial position, L... liquid, M... medium, N1... first prescribed number of times, N2... second prescribed number of times, N3... third prescribed number of times, NW... network, TA... conveying area, X... width direction, Y... depth direction, Y1... conveying direction, Z... vertical direction, 111... distribution system, 112... liquid ejecting device, 113... server, 114... control unit, 116... medium, 117... printing unit, 118... reading unit, 119... medium storage unit, 120... discharge unit, 121 …operating portion, 122…display portion, 124…liquid ejection head, 125…liquid container, 126…liquid supply flow path, 127…slide, 129…window portion, 130…housing, 131…housing cover, 133…scale, 135…holding portion, 136…remaining amount detection portion, 138…storage chamber, 139…replenishing container, 140…injection port, 141…barrel portion, 142…bolt cover, 144…injection mask, 145…hook, 146…cover, 147…positioning portion, 149…through hole, 151…box as an example of a liquid container, 152…mounting portion, 153…supply needle, 154…electrical connection portion, 56…storage medium, NT…network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In the accompanying drawings, it is assumed that the liquid ejection device is placed on a horizontal plane, the Z axis represents the direction of gravity, and the X axis and the Y axis represent the direction along the plane intersecting the Z axis. The X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis are preferably orthogonal to each other, and the X axis and the Y axis are along the horizontal plane. In the following description, the X axis direction is also referred to as the width direction X, the Y axis direction is also referred to as the depth direction Y, the conveying direction of the medium during recording is also referred to as the conveying direction Y1, and the Z axis direction is also referred to as the vertical direction Z. In addition, in the present embodiment, the width direction X is also the scanning direction of the carriage described later, so the width direction X is also referred to as the scanning direction X. It should be noted that the surface on which the operation panel described later is arranged on the Y axis is referred to as the front surface, and the surface on the opposite side of the front surface is referred to as the back surface.

[0041] First embodiment

[0042] Regarding the structure of the liquid ejection device

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 12 and an upper cover 13, and the upper cover 13 is provided on the +Z direction side of the housing 12 so as to be openable and closable, for example, with the back side as a rotation axis. The liquid ejection device 11 is a multifunction machine as an example, and includes a recording unit 20 occupying most of the housing 12 and a reading unit 30 composed of an end portion on the +Z direction side of the housing 12 and the upper cover 13. Furthermore, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a control unit 70 for controlling the recording unit 20 and the reading unit 30. The control unit 70 is composed of, for example, a processing circuit including a computer and a memory, and controls the recording unit 20 and the reading unit 30 according to a program stored in the memory.

[0044] A cassette 21 as an example of a medium storage unit is detachably inserted into a recess 14 provided at the lower front surface of the housing 12. The cassette 21 accommodates a plurality of media M. An operated portion 21a is provided at the center of the front surface of each cassette 21, where a user can hook a finger for detachment.

[0045] An outlet 15 for discharging the recorded medium M is opened at the +Z direction side of the cassette 21 in the housing 12. A retractable discharge tray 22 is provided between the outlet 15 and the cassette 21. The discharge tray 22 is used in a state of extending downstream in the conveying direction Y1, and the discharged recorded medium M is loaded on the discharge tray 22. In addition, an operation panel 24 is provided on the entire surface of the housing 12 at the +Z direction side of the discharge outlet 15.

[0046] The operation panel 24 includes an operation unit 25 and a display unit 26. The operation unit 25 is composed of a plurality of switches. When the user gives instructions to the liquid ejection device 11, the plurality of switches are operated. The display unit 26 displays menus, messages, etc. The operation unit 25 includes a power switch 25a, a selection switch, etc. Here, the display unit 26 can also be set as a touch panel, and the operation function of the display unit 26 also serves as a part of the operation unit 25. Based on the operation performed by the user through the operation unit 25, the control unit 70 controls the liquid ejection device 11. In addition, the control unit 70 displays menus, messages, etc. on the display unit 26 as needed.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper cover 13 is a document table cover 31 of the reading unit 30 in this embodiment, and an automatic document feeder 32 having a document tray 33 capable of placing a plurality of documents D is mounted thereon. The reading unit 30 has: a sheet-feeding scanner function that feeds one document D from the document tray 33 one by one and reads the documents D positioned in the depth direction Y by the edge guide 33a; and a flatbed scanner function that reads the documents D placed on the document table exposed when the document table cover 31 is opened. In the sheet-feeding scanner function, the documents D fed one by one from the document tray 33 are read by the reading unit 30 and then discharged to the discharge tray 31a.

[0048] The liquid ejecting device 11 as a multifunction machine including the reading unit 30 has a scanner function for reading the document D and a copy recording function for recording an image of the document D read by the reading unit 30 in addition to the inkjet recording function.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a liquid supply unit 27 is provided at one end of the front surface of the housing 12 on the +X direction side. A plurality of liquid containers 28 each containing liquids such as ink are contained in the liquid supply unit 27. The plurality of liquid containers 28 are, for example, ink cartridges containing inks of different colors such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. The liquid contained in the liquid container 28 is used by the liquid ejection device 11 to eject the liquid onto the medium M for recording. The liquid supply unit 27 has a plurality of windows 27a on the front surface that show the amount of liquid in each liquid container 28.

[0050] The liquid supply unit 27 has a cover 27b that can be opened and closed upward. For example, the liquid ejection device 11 is configured so that when a user observes the window 27a and finds that the amount of liquid is reduced, the user opens the cover 27b and replaces the liquid container 28.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, the liquid ejecting device 11 has a transport area TA for transporting the medium M supplied from the box 21 in the central part of the width direction X. The liquid ejecting device 11 includes, in the recording unit 20 of the liquid ejecting device 11, a transport unit 40 that feeds the medium M to be recorded one by one from the box 21 and transports it on a path passing through the transport area TA, and a carriage unit 50 that ejects liquid for recording while moving relative to the medium M in the transport area TA.

[0052] The conveying unit 40 has a feed unit 41 that feeds the medium M one by one from the box 21 at the rear of the liquid ejecting device 11. The feed unit 41 has a plurality of intermediate rollers (not shown) arranged in a row in the conveying direction Y1. The feed unit 41 turns the medium M sent backward from the box 21 by the rotation of the pickup roller (not shown) along the outer periphery of the intermediate rollers, and then conveys it in the conveying direction Y1 through the conveying area TA. The conveying area TA is provided with a support unit 42 that supports the medium M to be recorded by the carriage unit 50. The conveying unit 40 has a plurality of rollers (not shown) along the conveying path, and conveys the medium M in the conveying direction Y1 by the rotation of the rollers. The conveying unit 40 is composed of Figure 1 The control unit 70 shown controls.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the carriage unit 50 includes a carriage 51 and a liquid ejecting device mounted on the carriage 51 and ejecting liquid toward the medium M. Figure 3 The liquid ejecting head 54 shown. The liquid ejecting device 11 is configured so that the liquid ejecting head 54 ejects the liquid contained in the liquid container 28. A carriage motor 52 serving as a driving source for the carriage unit 50 is provided at the rear of one end of the moving path of the carriage unit 50 in the liquid ejecting device 11. The driving force of the carriage motor 52 is transmitted to the carriage unit 50 via an annular timing belt 53. The timing belt 53 is wound around a pair of pulleys not shown in the figure and is stretched along the first guide member 17 in a manner extending in the scanning direction X. One of the pulleys is connected to the output shaft of the carriage motor 52. The carriage unit 50 and the carriage motor 52 are composed of Figure 1 The control unit 70 shown controls.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the carriage unit 50 having the liquid ejection head 54 on the surface on the -Z direction side is supported so as to be able to reciprocate in the scanning direction X intersecting with the conveying direction Y1 of the medium M by being guided by the first guide member 17 and the second guide member 18 respectively. That is, when the carriage motor 52 is driven to rotate forward and reverse, the carriage unit 50 having the liquid ejection head 54 reciprocates in the scanning direction X along the first guide member 17 and the second guide member 18 arranged in the vertical direction Z.

[0055] like Figure 3As shown, a support portion 42 for supporting the medium M is arranged at a position on the -Z direction side opposite to the moving area of ​​the liquid ejection head 54. An appropriate gap is ensured between the medium M supported by the support portion 42 and the liquid ejection head 54. During the process of the carriage unit 50 reciprocating in the scanning direction X along the first guide member 17 and the second guide member 18, liquid is ejected toward the medium M from a nozzle (not shown) of the liquid ejection head 54, thereby printing an image or the like on the medium M.

[0056] The control of the liquid ejection head 54 for ejecting liquid to the medium M is performed by Figure 1 The control unit 70 shown in the figure performs the control. In order for the control unit 70 to control the liquid ejection head 54, the control unit 70 and the liquid ejection head 54 are connected via a flexible flat cable (not shown).

[0057] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the carriage unit 50 is located at the initial position HP, and when recording is not performed on the medium M, the carriage unit 50 stands by at the initial position HP. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the position of the carriage unit 50 when it is located at the end on the side opposite to the arrangement position of the liquid supply unit 27 in the scanning direction X is the initial position HP. The position of the end on the side opposite to the initial position HP in the scanning direction X is the anti-initial position AH of the carriage 51. When recording on the medium M, the carriage 51 reciprocates in the recording area corresponding to the length of the medium M in the scanning direction X within the movable range between the initial position HP and the anti-initial position AH.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid container 28 carried by the liquid ejection device 11 can eject the liquid toward Figure 3 The liquid supplied by the liquid ejection head 54 is contained in the liquid supply unit 27 and is provided at a position different from the carriage 51. In this embodiment, the liquid container 28 for supplying liquid to the carriage unit 50 is arranged at a setting position on the anti-initial position AH side opposite to the initial position HP of the carriage unit 50.

[0059] Open by user Figure 1 The upper cover 13 shown, Figure 2 More specifically, when the carriage unit 50 is in a non-recording state and is in a standby state when recording is not performed on the medium M, Figure 2 When the user opens the upper cover 13, the user can access the slide unit 50. Figure 3 The liquid ejection head 54 is shown. Thus, the user can remove the liquid ejection head 54 from the carriage unit 50 and install a new liquid ejection head.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 has a maintenance unit 71 for performing cleaning or other maintenance on the liquid ejection head 54 at a position corresponding to the position directly below the carriage unit 50 that moves to a position that is biased toward the -X direction side relative to the transport area TA where the support portion 42 is disposed. In addition, the liquid ejection device 11 has a gap adjustment mechanism 72 that adjusts the gap between the liquid ejection head 54 and the medium M according to the type of the medium M by changing the height position of the liquid ejection head 54 relative to the support portion 42. The maintenance unit 71 and the gap adjustment mechanism 72 are composed of Figure 1 The control unit 70 shown controls.

[0061] About the structure of the maintenance department

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the liquid ejection head 54 has a nozzle surface 54b, and the nozzle surface 54b has a plurality of nozzles 54a for ejecting the liquid L. As described above, the liquid ejection device 11 has a maintenance unit 71 for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head 54, such as cleaning the nozzles 54a, at a position corresponding to the position directly below the carriage unit 50 that moves to a position that is biased toward the -X direction side relative to the conveying area TA where the support portion 42 is arranged. The maintenance unit 71 includes a wiping unit (not shown), a flushing unit (not shown), and a cap unit (not shown). In the present embodiment, the cap unit, the wiping unit, and the flushing unit are aligned with each other in the scanning direction X. Figure 3 The support portions 42 shown are located side by side at positions in the depth direction Y facing the nozzle surface 54b of the liquid ejection head 54. The arrangement order of these three units is not limited.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover unit has a cover portion 73. At a position offset from the conveying area TA to the -X direction side, and further at a position where the carriage unit 50 is located Figure 2 When the nozzle surface 54b of the liquid ejection head 54 is in the initial position HP shown in FIG. Figure 4 The cover 73 moves between the contact position shown in the figure and the avoidance position away from the liquid ejection head 54 in the -Z direction. The cover 73 located at the contact position contacts the liquid ejection head 54 in a manner surrounding the nozzle 54a to form a closed space CS surrounding the nozzle 54a. That is, the cover 73 caps the liquid ejection head 54. The closed space CS formed by the capping prevents the liquid L in the nozzle 54a from drying.

[0064] In addition, the cap 73 is connected to the suction pump 73b via the discharge flow path 73a. When the suction pump 73b is driven in the state where the cap 73 caps the liquid ejection head 54, negative pressure is generated in the cap 73. The thickened liquid L, bubbles, etc. are discharged from the nozzle 54a by the negative pressure generated in the cap 73. Forcibly discharging the liquid L from the nozzle 54a by suction in this way is also called suction cleaning.

[0065] The wiping unit (not shown) has a wiping member configured to remove the liquid L attached to the nozzle surface 54b. The wiping unit wipes the nozzle surface 54b of the liquid ejecting head 54 by the wiping member. Wiping refers to the action of wiping the nozzle surface 54b to remove the liquid L, dust and other dirt attached to the nozzle surface 54b of the liquid ejecting head 54.

[0066] The not-shown flushing unit has a not-shown liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid L ejected from the liquid ejection head 54. Flushing is an operation of ejecting the liquid L from the nozzle 54a of the liquid ejection head 54 regardless of recording processing in order to prevent or eliminate clogging of the nozzle 54a.

[0067] Regarding the structure of the liquid flow path of the liquid ejection head

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid ejection head 54 includes a first head internal flow path 54d that connects the supply connection portion 54c with the plurality of nozzles 54a. In addition, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a first liquid supply flow path 75 as an example of a supply flow path for supplying the liquid L from the liquid container 28 to the liquid ejection head 54. In the present embodiment, the first liquid supply flow path 75 includes a portion composed of a flexible tube. An upstream end portion of the first liquid supply flow path 75, not shown, is connected to the liquid container 28.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the flow direction F of the liquid L refers to the direction of the liquid L from the liquid container 28 to the liquid ejection head 54. The downstream side refers to the flow direction F side from the reference position, and the upstream side refers to the direction opposite to the flow direction F from the reference position.

[0070] The downstream end 75a of the first liquid supply passage 75 is detachably connected to the supply connection portion 54c of the liquid ejection head 54. The downstream end 75a may be a flexible tube end itself or a joint that can be easily detached from the supply connection portion 54c.

[0071] The liquid ejection device 11 is provided with a first opening and closing valve 75b as an example of an opening and closing mechanism capable of opening and closing the first liquid supply flow path 75. That is, the first opening and closing valve 75b as an example of an opening and closing mechanism opens and closes the first liquid supply flow path 75 as an example of a supply flow path. From the perspective of reducing the volume of the first liquid supply flow path 75 from the first opening and closing valve 75b to the liquid ejection head 54, the first opening and closing valve 75b is preferably connected to a position closer to the liquid ejection head 54 side than half of the total length of the first liquid supply flow path 75, and more preferably connected near the downstream end 75a. When the first opening and closing valve 75b is opened, the liquid ejection head 54 is connected to the liquid container 28. When the first opening and closing valve 75b is closed, the liquid ejection head 54 is disconnected from the liquid container 28.

[0072] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a first atmosphere communication path 76 that can communicate the first liquid supply flow path 75 with the atmosphere. The first atmosphere communication path 76 is connected to the first liquid supply flow path 75 at a position downstream of the first opening and closing valve 75b.

[0073] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a first atmosphere opening valve 76a that can open and close the first atmosphere communication path 76. The first atmosphere opening valve 76a is connected to the first atmosphere communication path 76. When the first atmosphere opening valve 76a is opened, the first liquid supply flow path 75 is connected to the atmosphere. When the first atmosphere opening valve 76a is closed, the first liquid supply flow path 75 is isolated from the atmosphere.

[0074] In the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of liquid containers 28 each containing a liquid L such as ink is contained in the liquid supply unit 27. The plurality of liquid containers 28 contain, for example, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow inks of different colors. That is, in the present embodiment, there are four types of liquids L for recording, and therefore the liquid ejection head 54 has a first head internal flow path 54d, a second head internal flow path not shown, a third head internal flow path not shown, and a fourth head internal flow path not shown as four head internal flow paths for the four types of liquids L.

[0075] Thus, the liquid ejection head 54 has a first liquid supply flow path 75, a second liquid supply flow path not shown, a third liquid supply flow path not shown, and a fourth liquid supply flow path not shown as supply flow paths for each head flow path. Furthermore, the liquid ejection head 54 also has a first opening and closing valve 75b, a second opening and closing valve not shown, a third opening and closing valve not shown, and a fourth opening and closing valve not shown as opening and closing valves capable of opening and closing the supply flow path for each head flow path. Furthermore, the liquid ejection head 54 also has a first atmosphere communication path 76, a second atmosphere communication path not shown, a third atmosphere communication path not shown, and a fourth atmosphere communication path not shown as atmosphere communication paths for each head flow path. Furthermore, the liquid ejection head 54 also has a first atmosphere opening valve 76a, a second atmosphere opening valve not shown, a third atmosphere opening valve not shown, and a fourth atmosphere opening valve not shown as atmosphere opening valves capable of opening and closing the atmosphere communication path for each head flow path.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the flow paths of the four liquids in each head flow path from each liquid container 28 to the liquid ejection head 54 have the same structure, and therefore, the flow path of one liquid L is described and the description of the flow paths of the other liquids L is omitted.

[0077] About the replacement process of the liquid ejection head

[0078] In this embodiment, the liquid ejection head 54 for ejecting the liquid L is installed by the user in a detachable manner. That is, the liquid ejection device 11 is a structure in which the liquid ejection head 54 can be replaced by the user. The liquid ejection head replacement process includes Figure 5 The liquid removal operation in the liquid ejection head 54 shown, the process of confirming whether to replace the liquid ejection head 54, Figure 6 The liquid filling operation to the liquid ejection head 54 is shown and Figure 7 The maintenance procedure of the liquid ejection head 54 is shown.

[0079] It should be noted that the control unit 70 may also display the replacement steps of the liquid ejection head 54 on the display unit 26 as one of the liquid ejection head replacement processes. That is, the control unit 70 may also be able to implement the liquid ejection head replacement process, which is a process for installing a new liquid ejection head 54 delivered through a delivery process request described later. In the present embodiment, the liquid removal action in the liquid ejection head 54 and the liquid filling action to the new liquid ejection head 54 are automatically performed by the control unit 70. Therefore, the control unit 70 may also display the progress of the liquid ejection head replacement process on the display unit 26, and display a message prompting the user to replace the new liquid ejection head on the display unit 26 when the liquid removal action in the liquid ejection head 54 is completed. When the liquid ejection device 11 does not have a display unit 26, or the display area of ​​the display unit 26 is small, it may also be that the user can use an application program in a PC or a portable terminal to display the replacement steps of the liquid ejection head and the progress of the liquid ejection head replacement process on the screen of the PC or the portable terminal.

[0080] First, refer to Figure 5 The flowchart shown in the figure explains an example of the liquid removal operation in the liquid ejection head 54 performed by the control unit 70 before the user replaces the liquid ejection head 54.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 70 controls the components of the liquid ejection device 11 by executing the discharge process described below, so that the liquid ejection head 54 performs the liquid removal operation. It should be noted that the first atmosphere release valve 76a is opened when the liquid removal operation starts.

[0082] When the liquid in the liquid ejection head 54 is removed, the carriage unit 50 is located Figure 2 In the initial position HP shown, the nozzle surface 54 b of the liquid ejection head 54 faces the cap portion 73 .

[0083] In step S101, the control unit 70 controls the moving mechanism of the cover unit so that the cover unit 73 moves from the avoidance position to the Figure 4 When the cap 73 is at the contact position, the cap 73 contacts the liquid ejection head 54. Thus, a closed space CS is formed at the opening of the plurality of nozzles 54a. When the cap 73 is at the contact position when the liquid removal operation starts, step S101 may be skipped.

[0084] In step S102, the control unit 70 closes the first on-off valve 75b and the first atmosphere release valve 76a. That is, step S102 is a process of closing the first liquid supply passage 75 as an example of a supply passage using the first on-off valve 75b as an example of an on-off mechanism, and closing the first atmosphere communication path 76 using the first atmosphere release valve 76a.

[0085] In step S103, the control unit 70 drives the suction pump 73b. Thus, the suction pump 73b sucks the liquid L in the closed space CS and discharges the liquid L to the waste liquid storage unit (not shown). The control unit 70 waits in a state where the suction pump 73b is driven until a first prescribed time, which is an example of a prescribed time, has passed. When the first prescribed time has passed, the control unit 70 transfers to the processing of step S104. The first prescribed time mentioned here refers to, for example, the time required for the pressure in the closed space CS to drop to between -50 kPa and -95 kPa by driving the suction pump 73b.

[0086] In step S104, the control unit 70 opens the first atmospheric opening valve 76a. In step S104, the control unit 70 stands by while keeping the suction pump 73b driven until a prescribed time has passed since the first atmospheric opening valve 76a was opened. That is, the liquid ejection device 11 continues to suck the suction pump 73b after opening the first atmospheric opening valve 76a. When the prescribed time has passed, the control unit 70 transfers to step S105. The prescribed time mentioned here refers to, for example, the time required for discharging the liquid L from the first opening and closing valve 75b to the nozzle 54a. The suction pump 73b can stop driving at the same time as opening the first atmospheric opening valve 76a, or can stop driving before opening the first atmospheric opening valve 76a.

[0087] In step S105, the control unit 70 stops the suction pump 73b. The processing of steps S101 to S105 constitutes a discharge operation of discharging the liquid L in the liquid discharge head 54.

[0088] In step S106, the control unit 70 closes the first atmosphere release valve 76a. That is, the liquid ejection device 11 closes the first atmosphere release valve 76a after the discharge operation is completed.

[0089] In step S107, the control unit 70 controls the moving mechanism of the cover unit so that the cover unit 73 moves from Figure 4 The contact position shown moves to the escape position. Thus, the liquid removal operation ends.

[0090] As described above, before the liquid ejection head 54 is removed from the downstream end 75a of the first liquid supply flow path 75, the liquid ejection device 11 performs suction for a predetermined time by the suction pump 73b while the first on-off valve 75b and the first atmospheric opening valve 76a are closed, and then the first atmospheric opening valve 76a is opened. Thus, the liquid ejection device 11 performs a discharge operation to discharge the liquid L in the liquid ejection head 54. As a result, the liquid L in the liquid ejection head 54 disappears, and the user can remove the liquid ejection head 54 from the liquid ejection device 11.

[0091] In addition, in the present embodiment, the closing action of the first opening and closing valve 75b and the opening and closing action of the first atmospheric opening valve 76a are automatically performed by the control unit 70, but it can also be set as a structure in which the user performs them manually. In this case, it is desirable that the control unit 70 displays the process of the liquid removal action on the display unit 26, and when the process of each opening and closing action needs to be performed, the display unit 26 prompts the closing action of the first opening and closing valve 75b and the release action and closing action of the first atmospheric opening valve 76a.

[0092] It should be noted that Figure 5 The routine shown is a routine for the discharge action of the liquid ejection device 11 to discharge a liquid from the liquid ejection head 54. In the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of liquid containers 28 each containing a plurality of liquids L are contained in the liquid supply unit 27 of the liquid ejection device 11. And, each liquid L contained in the plurality of liquid containers 28 is supplied to each head flow path of the liquid ejection head 54. Therefore, the liquid ejection device 11 similarly performs a discharge action of discharging all the liquids L supplied to the liquid ejection head 54. As a result, all the liquids L in the liquid ejection head 54 are gone, and the user can remove the used liquid ejection head 54 from the carriage unit 50 of the liquid ejection device 11. Then, the user can install a new, unused liquid ejection head 54 on the carriage unit 50 of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0093] Next, refer to Figure 6 The flowchart shown in the figure explains an example of the liquid filling operation performed by the control unit 70 to fill the new liquid ejecting head 54 with liquid after the user replaces the liquid ejecting head 54 .

[0094] like Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 70 controls the components of the liquid ejection device 11 by executing the resupply process so as to cause the liquid ejection head 54 to perform the liquid filling operation.

[0095] In step S201, the control unit 70 controls the moving mechanism of the cover unit so that the cover unit 73 moves from the avoidance position to the Figure 4 When the cap 73 is located at the contact position, the cap 73 contacts the liquid ejection head 54, thereby forming a closed space CS in which the openings of the plurality of nozzles 54a communicate with each other.

[0096] In step S202, the control unit 70 closes the first on-off valve 75b and the first atmosphere release valve 76a. It should be noted that when the liquid filling operation is performed after the liquid removal operation of the liquid ejection head 54, the first on-off valve 75b and the first atmosphere release valve 76a are already closed, so this step is unnecessary.

[0097] In step S203, the control unit 70 drives the suction pump 73b. Thus, the suction pump 73b sucks the liquid L in the closed space CS and discharges it to the waste liquid storage unit (not shown). The control unit 70 waits in a state where the suction pump 73b is driven until the second prescribed time has passed. When the second prescribed time has passed, the control unit 70 transfers to the processing of step S204. Here, the second prescribed time refers to, for example, the time required for the pressure in the closed space CS to drop to between -50 kPa and -95 kPa by driving the suction pump 73b.

[0098] In step S204, the control unit 70 opens the first opening and closing valve 75b. In step S204, the control unit 70 stands by while keeping the suction pump 73b driven until a prescribed time has passed since the first opening and closing valve 75b was opened. That is, the liquid ejection device 11 continues to suck the suction pump 73b even after opening the first opening and closing valve 75b. When the prescribed time has passed, the control unit 70 transfers to step S205. The prescribed time mentioned here refers to, for example, the time required to fill the liquid L from the first opening and closing valve 75b to the nozzle 54a. The suction pump 73b can stop driving at the same time as opening the first opening and closing valve 75b, or can stop driving before opening the first opening and closing valve 75b.

[0099] In step S205, the control unit 70 stops the suction pump 73b. The processing of steps S201 to S205 constitutes a resupply operation of the liquid L to the liquid ejection head 54. Thus, the liquid filling operation is completed.

[0100] As described above, the liquid ejection device 11 closes the first opening and closing valve 75b and the first atmosphere opening valve 76a after the user removes the liquid ejection head 54 and connects a new liquid ejection head 54 to the downstream end 75a of the first liquid supply flow path 75. In this state, the liquid ejection device 11 performs suction for a predetermined time by the suction pump 73b, and then opens the first opening and closing valve 75b. By this, the liquid ejection device 11 performs a resupply operation of supplying the liquid L into the liquid ejection head 54.

[0101] In addition, in the present embodiment, the opening and closing action of the first opening and closing valve 75b and the closing action of the first atmospheric opening valve 76a are automatically performed by the control unit 70, but it can also be set to a structure where the user manually performs them. In this case, it is desirable that the control unit 70 displays the process of the liquid filling action on the display unit 26, and when the process of each opening and closing action needs to be performed, the display unit 26 is prompted to display the release action and closing action of the first opening and closing valve 75b and the closing action of the first atmospheric opening valve 76a.

[0102] It should be noted that Figure 6The routine shown is a routine for a liquid filling operation in which the liquid ejection device 11 fills a single liquid into the liquid ejection head 54. In the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of liquid containers 28 each containing a plurality of liquids L are contained in the liquid supply unit 27 provided in the liquid ejection device 11. Then, each liquid L contained in the plurality of liquid containers 28 is supplied to each in-head flow path of the liquid ejection head 54. Therefore, the liquid ejection device 11 similarly performs a liquid filling operation in which all the liquids L supplied to the liquid ejection head 54 are filled.

[0103] After the liquid filling operation, as maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54, it is desirable to perform an operation of discharging the liquid L in the cap portion 73 and an operation of cleaning the nozzle surface 54b. Therefore, the liquid ejection head replacement process includes a maintenance step of performing maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54 by the maintenance portion 71. There are two types of maintenance: automatic maintenance and manual maintenance. Maintenance that is automatically performed by the control portion 70 based on information from each portion of the liquid ejection device 11 without the intervention of a user's operation is referred to as automatic maintenance. In addition, maintenance that is performed by the control portion 70 based on a start instruction from the user from the operation portion 25 is referred to as manual maintenance.

[0104] During manual maintenance, the control unit 70 starts the maintenance process on the display unit 26. For example, first, the control unit 70 allows the user to press a button to start manual maintenance. When the manual maintenance is completed, the control unit 70 may also display on the display unit 26 a method for the user to start nozzle check printing after the manual maintenance. Nozzle check printing refers to the following processing: in order for the user to check whether there is a bad ejection in the nozzle 54a of the liquid ejection head 54, the control unit 70 causes the liquid ejection device 11 to print a specific test pattern on the medium M. When the nozzle check printing is completed, the control unit 70 displays a selection screen of "recovered" or "not recovered" for the bad condition caused by the ejection on the display unit 26, and allows the user to select either one. Then, the control unit 70 performs processing corresponding to the result selected by the user. When the user selects "not recovered", the control unit 70 may also display on the display unit 26 a selection screen for whether to start the maintenance process again on the display unit 26.

[0105] During the automatic maintenance, the maintenance process may be automatically executed. For example, when the automatic maintenance is completed, the control unit 70 automatically performs the nozzle check printing. Then, when the nozzle check printing is completed, the control unit 70 may also display a selection screen of "recovered" or "not recovered" of the bad condition caused by the ejection on the display unit 26, so that the user can select either one. Then, the control unit 70 may also perform processing corresponding to the result selected by the user.

[0106] Both automatic maintenance and manual maintenance are performed by the control unit 70. Figure 7In this embodiment, automatic maintenance is performed after the liquid filling operation. Figure 7 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a subroutine of the maintenance process of the liquid ejecting head 54 .

[0107] In step S301, the control unit 70 performs suction cleaning. Suction cleaning refers to the action of sucking bubbles, foreign matter, etc. in the nozzle 54a together with the liquid L from the nozzle 54a. The control unit 70 moves the carriage unit 50 to the initial position HP, and performs suction for a predetermined time by the suction pump 73b in a state where the cover 73 is located at the contact position. When the suction is completed, the control unit 70 moves the cover 73 to the escape position.

[0108] When suction cleaning is performed, the liquid L discharged from the nozzle 54a may sometimes adhere to the nozzle surface 54b of the liquid ejection head 54. Therefore, wiping may be performed after suction cleaning is performed. Thus, the liquid L adhered to the nozzle surface 54b due to suction cleaning can be removed by wiping.

[0109] In step S302, the control unit 70 performs wiping after performing suction cleaning. The control unit 70 moves the carriage unit 50 to the wiping position to perform wiping. When wiping is performed by the wiping component, foreign matter, bubbles, etc. attached to the liquid ejection head 54 may sometimes be plugged into the nozzle 54a. In this case, the meniscus in the nozzle 54a may be destroyed or the nozzle 54a may have a poor ejection. Therefore, after the wiping unit performs wiping, the control unit 70 may also cause the flushing unit to perform flushing.

[0110] In step S303, the control unit 70 moves the carriage unit 50 to the flushing position and causes the flushing unit to perform flushing, thereby discharging foreign matter mixed in the nozzle 54a or adjusting the meniscus in the nozzle 54a.

[0111] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, after the liquid ejection head 54 is replaced and the liquid filling operation is performed, suction cleaning, wiping and rinsing are performed as maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54, but only suction cleaning may be performed. In addition, in the case where the liquid filling operation includes the function of suction cleaning, the control unit 70 may not perform suction cleaning after the liquid filling operation.

[0112] About the detection unit for detecting ejection failure

[0113] like Figure 8 As shown, in the present embodiment, the carriage unit 50 included in the liquid ejection device 11 includes a monitoring unit 55 that monitors the ejection state of the liquid ejection head 54 .

[0114] The monitoring unit 55 can adopt various monitoring methods. In the present embodiment, a method of obtaining residual vibration information of the liquid chamber in the liquid ejection head 54 is adopted. For example, the monitoring unit 55 outputs a piezoelectric element in the liquid ejection head 54 that has a piezoelectric element (not shown) so that the volume of the liquid chamber is not increased. Figure 4 The nozzle 54a shown ejects the liquid L within a range in which a driving signal varies. On the other hand, the ejection state of the liquid L in each nozzle is monitored by acquiring residual vibration information of the liquid chamber detected by the piezoelectric element.

[0115] The monitoring method may also be other methods. For example, the following method may be used: Figure 4 The liquid L ejected from the nozzle 54a shown is irradiated with light to generate scattered light, and the value of the output voltage of the light receiving element that receives the scattered light is obtained to determine whether the ejection is normal. In addition, the following method can also be used: the liquid L ejected from each nozzle 54a of the liquid ejection head 54 is ejected onto an electrostatic sensor, and the value of the electrostatic capacitance is obtained by the electrostatic capacitance detection unit of the electrostatic sensor to determine whether the ejection from each nozzle 54a is normal. Furthermore, the following method can also be used: according to the instruction of the user from the operation unit 25 or the control unit 70, the nozzle check printing is periodically performed, and according to the printing result of the nozzle check printing, the user determines whether the ejection is normal, and inputs the judgment result through the operation unit 25, and the control unit 70 obtains the judgment result from the operation unit 25.

[0116] In this embodiment, the control unit 70 includes a detection unit 70a, which has the function of detecting a poor discharge of the liquid discharge head 54. The monitoring unit 55 constantly monitors whether a poor discharge occurs in the liquid discharge head 54, and notifies the detection unit 70a of the result. Then, the control unit 70 performs a control operation according to the result notified from the monitoring unit 55 to the detection unit 70a. Figure 2 The maintenance unit 71 shown performs automatic maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54. That is, when the detection unit 70a detects an ejection failure, the control unit 70 performs automatic maintenance in which the maintenance unit 71 automatically performs maintenance.

[0117] The detection unit 70a detects a bad condition related to the ejection of the liquid ejection head 54. In the present embodiment, the detection unit 70a also detects the execution status of the maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54 by the maintenance unit 71. When the detection unit 70a detects that the automatic maintenance of the control unit 70 is repeatedly performed more than a prescribed number of times, it determines that a bad condition related to the ejection has occurred in the liquid ejection head 54. More specifically, in the present embodiment, when the detection unit 70a detects that the action of performing automatic maintenance based on the result notified from the monitoring unit 55 after all printing jobs are completed is repeatedly performed multiple times, it determines that a bad condition related to the ejection has occurred. That is, the detection unit 70a detects that the automatic maintenance is repeatedly performed more than a prescribed number of times as a bad condition related to the ejection.

[0118] In addition, the detection unit 70a also determines that a defect related to ejection has occurred in the liquid ejection head 54 when it detects that the manual maintenance by the user has been repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the detection unit 70a determines that a defect related to ejection has occurred when it detects that the operation of performing manual maintenance by the user after all printing jobs have been completed has been repeatedly performed a plurality of times. That is, the detection unit 70a detects that the maintenance has been repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times by the user as a defect related to ejection.

[0119] In the present embodiment, when the user finds that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred in the liquid ejection head 54, the user can operate the menu displayed on the display unit 26 through the operation unit 25, and input the occurrence of a bad condition related to ejection from the operation unit 25 as an example of an input unit. That is, the liquid ejection device 11 has an input unit that allows the user to input the occurrence of a bad condition related to ejection. Then, when the user inputs the occurrence of a bad condition related to ejection through the operation unit 25, the detection unit 70a also determines that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred in the liquid ejection head 54.

[0120] About the structure of the distribution system

[0121] like Figure 8 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a transmission unit 60 that transmits a signal under the control of the control unit 70. The transmission unit 60 is connected to the network NW wirelessly or by wire.

[0122] The control unit 70 is configured to obtain the model information related to the liquid ejection head 54 and the historical information of the bad condition related to the ejection of the liquid ejection head 54. The model information and the historical information of the bad condition related to the ejection are stored in the IC chip 56 provided in the liquid ejection head 54. The historical information of the bad condition related to the ejection is the number of times the automatic maintenance is repeatedly performed and the number of times the manual maintenance is repeatedly performed by the user, which will be described in detail later. The control unit 70 is electrically connected to the IC chip 56 of the liquid ejection head 54 mounted on the carriage unit 50.

[0123] The liquid ejection device 11 constitutes a part of the distribution system 100. That is, the distribution system 100 includes the liquid ejection device 11 and a server device 80 on the network NW. The server device 80 includes a receiving unit 80a that receives information transmitted from the transmitting unit 60 of the liquid ejection device 11. The distribution system 100 may also include a plurality of liquid ejection devices 11, and the plurality of liquid ejection devices 11 are connected to the server device 80. Each liquid ejection device 11 is connected to the server device 80 via the network NW in a manner that allows communication.

[0124] The liquid ejection head 54 that has a bad condition related to ejection needs to be replaced. When the detection unit 70a detects a bad condition related to ejection, the control unit 70 can cause the sending unit 60 to send a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head to the server device 80 via the network NW. In addition, the server device 80 can cause the receiving unit 80a to receive the delivery request for a new liquid ejection head sent from the control unit 70 via the network NW. That is, the server device 80 has the receiving unit 80a that receives the delivery request for a new liquid ejection head sent from the control unit 70.

[0125] The delivery system 100 delivers a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement to a user who uses the liquid ejection device 11, which replaces the liquid ejection head 54 that needs to be replaced in the liquid ejection device 11. At this time, the control unit 70 may also cause the transmission unit 60 to transmit a delivery request for a new liquid container to the server device 80 via the network NW. That is, the server device 80 may also arrange for the delivery of a new liquid container when receiving a request signal for the delivery of a new liquid container for replacement sent from the liquid ejection device 11.

[0126] In addition, even if the control unit 70 does not detect a bad condition related to the ejection, the delivery system 100 can deliver a replacement liquid ejection head 54 to the user who uses the liquid ejection device 11 according to an instruction from the user of the operation unit 25. In addition, the delivery system 100 can deliver a new liquid container 28 to the user who uses the liquid ejection device 11 according to an instruction from the user of the operation unit 25.

[0127] Regarding the judgment and handling of the fault conditions related to the discharge

[0128] Reference Fig. 9The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an example of control performed by the control unit 70 in the "judgment process of a defect related to ejection" of the liquid ejection head 54. This routine is executed when the power of the liquid ejection device 11 is turned on by operating the power switch 25a and the initialization operation of the liquid ejection device 11 is just performed, or when the liquid ejection head 54 is mounted on the carriage unit 50 in the power-on state.

[0129] In step S600, the control unit 70 executes Fig.11 The subroutine of the "new liquid ejection head installation confirmation process" shown in FIG. The subroutine of the "new liquid ejection head installation confirmation process" will be described later.

[0130] In step S401, the control unit 70 determines whether the discharge of the liquid discharge head 54 is judged to be normal. More specifically, the control unit 70 determines whether to set a flag of "occurrence of an adverse condition related to discharge" described later. In the liquid discharge head 54, when an adverse condition related to discharge has occurred, the power switch 25a is sometimes temporarily turned off and then turned on again. Therefore, the judgment of this step S401 is required at the time of turning on the power. That is, at the time of turning on the power, the detection unit 70a of the control unit 70 sometimes determines that an adverse condition related to discharge has occurred. When the discharge of the liquid discharge head 54 is normal, the judgment result of step S401 is "yes", and transfers to step S402. When the discharge of the liquid discharge head 54 is not judged to be normal, the judgment result of step S401 is "no", and transfers to step S407 described later.

[0131] In step S402, the control unit 70 determines whether the detection unit 70a detects a discharge failure of the liquid discharge head 54. If a discharge failure is detected, the determination result of step S402 is "yes", and the process moves to step S403. If a discharge failure is not detected, the determination result of step S402 is "no", and the process moves to step S408.

[0132] In step S403, the control unit 70 causes the maintenance unit 71 to start maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54 at the timing when the print job ends. The maintenance performed in this step is automatic maintenance that is automatically performed without intervention by the user.

[0133] In step S300, the control unit 70 executes Figure 7 The subroutine of the above maintenance processing is shown.

[0134] In step S404, when the automatic maintenance ends, the control unit 70 adds 1 to the number of times the automatic maintenance is repeatedly performed. The control unit 70 has, for example, a rewritable memory inside, which reads a plurality of information in the IC chip 56 of the liquid ejection head 54 installed in the liquid ejection device 11 and stores them in the memory, and shares the information with the IC chip 56. The IC chip 56 stores the model information of the liquid ejection head 54, the historical records of bad conditions related to ejection, and the like. The model information is the model and manufacturing number of the liquid ejection head 54, and is used for the control unit 70 to identify the liquid ejection head 54. Furthermore, the control unit 70 can determine whether the installed liquid ejection head 54 can be used without problems in the liquid ejection device 11 based on the model information. The historical records of bad conditions related to ejection are the number of times the automatic maintenance is repeatedly performed in the installed liquid ejection head 54, the number of times the manual maintenance is repeatedly performed, and the like.

[0135] If automatic maintenance is performed for the first time in this step S404 after the new liquid ejection head 54 is installed in the liquid ejection device 11, the value "0" stored in the IC chip 56 as the number of times the automatic maintenance is repeated is rewritten to 1. The control unit 70 sets the number of times the automatic maintenance is repeated to 1, and shares the value in the internal memory and the value in the IC chip 56.

[0136] When the detection unit 70a does not detect a bad ejection in the next printing operation after the automatic maintenance is performed and the automatic maintenance is not performed, the value 1 stored in the IC chip 56 is rewritten to "zero" for the number of times the automatic maintenance is repeated. The control unit 70 sets the number of times the automatic maintenance is repeated to "zero" and shares the value in the internal memory and the value in the IC chip 56. Therefore, even if the liquid ejection head 54 has been automatically maintained in this step S404, there is a case where the value stored in the IC chip 56 as the number of times the automatic maintenance is repeated is "zero". In the following description, the number of times the automatic maintenance is repeated is referred to as the number of automatic maintenance.

[0137] In step S405, the detection unit 70a of the control unit 70 determines whether the number of automatic maintenance times has reached the first prescribed number of times N1. That is, the detection unit 70a detects that the automatic maintenance has been repeatedly performed for more than a prescribed number of times as an adverse condition related to the ejection. When the number of automatic maintenance times reaches the first prescribed number of times N1, the determination result of step S405 is "yes", and the process is transferred to step S406. When the number of automatic maintenance times does not reach the first prescribed number of times N1, the determination result of step S405 is "no", and the process is transferred to step S402. The first prescribed number of times N1 varies depending on the type of liquid ejection head 54, so it is not limited, for example, and is set to three times. The first prescribed number of times N1 can be more or less than three times. When the first prescribed number of times N1 is three times, if the number of automatic maintenance times reaches three times, the determination result of step S405 is "yes", and the process is transferred to step S406.

[0138] In step S406, the detection unit 70a of the control unit 70 determines that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred in the liquid ejection head 54. The control unit 70 sets a flag of "the bad condition related to ejection has occurred" in its internal rewritable memory. For example, the value of the part storing whether or not "the bad condition related to ejection has occurred" is rewritten from "0" to 1. In addition, the control unit 70 can also write in the IC chip 56 of the liquid ejection head 54, and rewrite the value of the part storing whether or not "the bad condition related to ejection has occurred" from "0" to 1, thereby sharing information in the internal memory of the control unit 70 and the IC chip 56.

[0139] Then, in step S500, the control unit 70 executes a subroutine including a confirmation process for a delivery request of a new liquid ejection head, which will be described in detail later. That is, when the detection unit 70a detects a defect related to ejection in the liquid ejection head 54, the control unit 70 starts a confirmation process including a delivery request of a new liquid ejection head.

[0140] In this embodiment, instead of starting the above-mentioned confirmation process, when the detection unit 70a detects a malfunction related to ejection in the liquid ejection head 54, the control unit 70 automatically sends a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head to the server device 80 without starting the confirmation process.

[0141] When the subroutine of the above confirmation process ends, the control unit 70 ends Fig. 9 This process is shown.

[0142] As described above, in step S401 , when the discharge of the liquid discharge head 54 is not determined to be normal, the determination result of step S401 is “No”, and the process moves to step S407 .

[0143] In step S407, the control unit 70 determines whether the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head has been sent. If the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head has been sent, the determination result of step S407 is "yes", and the control unit 70 ends. Fig. 9 The present process shown. That is, when the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head has been sent, the control unit 70 does not need to perform the confirmation process including the delivery process. For example, when the power switch 25a is temporarily turned off and the power switch 25a is turned on again after the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head is sent, the control unit 70 sends the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head. When the control unit 70 does not send the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head, the judgment result of step S412 is "No", and it transfers to step S500. For example, when the power switch 25a is temporarily turned off and the power switch 25a is turned on again before the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head is started by starting the confirmation process through the control unit 70, the control unit 70 does not send the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head. At this time, it is necessary to send the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head. That is, the control unit 70 starts the confirmation process including the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head again.

[0144] As described above, when a discharge failure is not detected in step S402 , the determination result of step S402 is “NO”, and the control unit 70 proceeds to the process of step S408 .

[0145] In step S408, the control unit 70 determines whether the user has performed manual maintenance on the liquid ejection head 54. If the user has performed manual maintenance on the liquid ejection head 54, the determination result of step S408 is "yes", and the process moves to step S409. If the user has not performed manual maintenance on the liquid ejection head 54, the determination result of step S408 is "no", and the process moves to step S411.

[0146] In step S409, when the manual maintenance ends, the control unit 70 adds 1 to the number of times the manual maintenance is repeatedly performed. If the manual maintenance is performed for the first time in this step S409 after the new liquid ejection head 54 is installed in the liquid ejection device 11, the value "0" stored in the IC chip 56 as the number of times the manual maintenance is repeatedly performed is rewritten to 1. The control unit 70 sets the number of manual maintenance times to 1, and shares the value in the internal memory and the value in the IC chip 56.

[0147] When manual maintenance is not performed in the first printing job after manual maintenance by the user, the value 1 stored in the IC chip 56 is rewritten to "zero" as the number of times manual maintenance is repeatedly performed. The control unit 70 sets the number of times manual maintenance is repeatedly performed to "zero", and shares the value in the internal memory and the value in the IC chip 56. When manual maintenance has been performed in this step S409 after the new liquid ejection head 54 is installed in the liquid ejection device 11, if manual maintenance has not been performed since the last printing job, the value stored in the IC chip 56 as the number of times manual maintenance is repeatedly performed is also "zero". In the following description, the number of times manual maintenance is repeatedly performed is referred to as the number of manual maintenance times.

[0148] In step S410, the detection unit 70a of the control unit 70 determines whether the number of manual maintenance times reaches the second prescribed number N2. That is, the detection unit 70a detects that the manual maintenance has been repeatedly performed for more than a prescribed number of times as an adverse condition related to the ejection. When the number of manual maintenance times reaches the second prescribed number N2, the determination result of step S410 is "yes", and the process is transferred to step S406. When the number of manual maintenance times does not reach the second prescribed number N2, the determination result of step S410 is "no", and the process is transferred to step S402. The second prescribed number N2 varies depending on the type of liquid ejection head 54, so it is not limited, for example, it is set to three times. The second prescribed number N2 can be more or less than three times. In addition, the second prescribed number N2 can be set to the same value as the first prescribed number N1, or it can be set to a value different from the first prescribed number N1. When the second prescribed number N2 is three times, if the number of manual maintenance times reaches three times, the determination result of step S410 is "yes", and the process is transferred to step S406.

[0149] In the present embodiment, the detection unit 70a counts the number of automatic maintenance and the number of manual maintenance respectively, but the detection unit 70a may also determine whether the total number of automatic maintenance and the number of manual maintenance has reached a prescribed number of times. The control unit 70 may also determine whether an unfavorable condition related to ejection has occurred based on the result of the determination of whether the total number of automatic maintenance and the number of manual maintenance has reached a prescribed number of times. In addition, in this case, the detection unit 70a may also determine that maintenance has been repeatedly performed when automatic maintenance is performed after the last printing job and manual maintenance is performed after the next printing job, or when manual maintenance is performed after the last printing job and automatic maintenance is performed after the next printing job.

[0150] As described above, in step S408 , when manual maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54 by the user is not performed, the determination result of step S408 is “NO”, and the control unit 70 proceeds to the process of step S411 .

[0151] In step S411, the control unit 70 determines whether the user has inputted the occurrence of a bad condition related to the ejection through the operation unit 25 as an example of an input unit. When the user has inputted the occurrence of a bad condition related to the ejection through the operation unit 25, the determination result of step S411 is "yes", and the process moves to step S406. That is, when the occurrence of a bad condition related to the ejection of the liquid ejection head 54 is inputted through the operation unit 25, the control unit 70 starts the confirmation process including the delivery request of a new liquid ejection head. When the user has not inputted the occurrence of a bad condition related to the ejection through the operation unit 25, the determination result of step S411 is "no", and the process moves to step S412.

[0152] In step S412, the control unit 70 determines whether the user has input a new liquid ejection head delivery request through the operation unit 25 as an example of an input unit. When the user has input a new liquid ejection head delivery request to the operation unit 25, the determination result of step S412 is "yes", and the process moves to step S406. That is, when the user has input a new liquid ejection head delivery request through the operation unit 25, it is also included in the input of the user to the operation unit 25 that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred. When the user has not input a new liquid ejection head delivery request to the operation unit 25, the determination result of step S412 is "no", and the process moves to step S402.

[0153] About the confirmation process

[0154] First of all, Fig.10 The following describes an overview of the confirmation flow shown.

[0155] When the control unit 70 determines that a malfunction related to discharge has occurred, the detection unit 70a may detect the state of the liquid discharge device 11 to make the determination, or the control unit 70a may determine the state based on the user's input using the operation unit 25. Fig. 9 When the user inputs that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred in step S411, or Fig. 9 When the user inputs a request for delivery of a new liquid ejection head in step S412 , the control unit 70 determines that a malfunction related to ejection has occurred based on the input by the user using the operation unit 25 .

[0156] Sometimes, the user does not know that manual maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54 can be performed in the liquid ejection device 11, and inputs an input of a bad condition related to ejection or a request for delivery of a new liquid ejection head to the operation unit 25. Therefore, it is desirable that the control unit 70 starts a confirmation process corresponding to the implementation status of the maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54 in the liquid ejection device 11. Thus, the control unit 70 starts a confirmation process corresponding to the implementation status of the maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54 before the user inputs through the operation unit 25 as an example of an input unit.

[0157] More specifically, in the present embodiment, when the user inputs the occurrence of a bad condition related to ejection or a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head to the operation unit 25, if the number of manual maintenance times is greater than the third predetermined number N3, the control unit 70 transfers to the delivery process. In addition, when the user inputs the occurrence of a bad condition related to ejection or a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head to the operation unit 25, if the number of manual maintenance times is less than the third predetermined number N3, if the bad condition caused by ejection cannot be restored even by automatic maintenance after the control unit 70 performs automatic maintenance, the control unit 70 transfers to the delivery process.

[0158] In the case where the user does not know that the liquid ejection device 11 can perform manual maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54 and inputs the occurrence of an unfavorable condition related to ejection and inputs a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head to the operation unit 25, the unfavorable condition caused by ejection can sometimes be restored by automatic maintenance. For example, in the case where the user does not know that the liquid ejection device 11 can perform manual maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54 and inputs the occurrence of an unfavorable condition related to ejection using the operation unit 25, if the unfavorable condition is restored by maintenance, there is no need to deliver a new liquid ejection head 54. That is, the control unit 70 does not need to transfer to the delivery process. For this reason, the control unit 70 causes the maintenance unit 71 to perform maintenance more than once.

[0159] Furthermore, during the delivery process, a delivery request for consumables can also be made simultaneously. The control unit 70 sends a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head to the server device 80 and also sends a delivery request for a new liquid container to the server device 80 .

[0160] In the present embodiment, the control unit 70 starts the confirmation process on the display unit 26 of the liquid ejecting device 11. Alternatively, the control unit 70 may start the confirmation process on the screen of a PC connected via the network NW, or may start the confirmation process on both the screen of the PC and the display unit 26 of the liquid ejecting device 11.

[0161] Next, refer to Fig.10 The flowchart shown in the figure sequentially explains the control executed by the control unit 70 in each step for the subroutine of the confirmation flow.

[0162] In step S501, the control unit 70 determines whether an input indicating a bad condition related to ejection or a delivery request has been inputted to the operation unit 25 as an example of an input unit. If an input indicating a bad condition related to ejection or a delivery request has been inputted to the operation unit 25 and the control unit 70 has shifted to the confirmation process, the result of the determination in step S501 is "yes", and the control unit 70 shifts to step S502. If an input indicating a bad condition related to ejection or a delivery request has not been inputted to the operation unit 25, that is, the number of automatic maintenance times has reached the first predetermined number of times N1 or the number of maintenance times performed by the user has reached the second predetermined number of times N2 and the control unit 70 has shifted to the confirmation process, the result of the determination in step S501 is "no", and the control unit 70 shifts to step S503.

[0163] In step S502, the detection unit 70a of the control unit 70 determines whether the number of manual maintenance times reaches the third prescribed number of times N3. That is, the detection unit 70a detects that the manual maintenance has been repeatedly performed for more than a prescribed number of times as an unfavorable condition related to the ejection. When the number of manual maintenance times reaches the third prescribed number of times N3, the determination result of step S502 is "yes", and the process is transferred to step S503. When the number of manual maintenance times does not reach the third prescribed number of times N3, the determination result of step S502 is "no", and the process is transferred to step S511. The third prescribed number of times N3 varies depending on the type of the liquid ejection head 54, so it is not limited, for example, it is set to two times. The third prescribed number of times N3 can be more or less than two times. In addition, the third prescribed number of times N3 can be set to the same value as the first prescribed number of times N1 or the second prescribed number of times N2, or it can be set to a value different from the first prescribed number of times N1 or the second prescribed number of times N2. When the third prescribed number of times N3 is two times, if the number of manual maintenance times reaches two times, the determination result of step S502 is "yes", and the process is transferred to step S503. If the number of manual maintenance times is "zero" or one, the determination result of step S502 is "no", and the process moves to step S511.

[0164] It should be noted that the control unit 70 may also set step S502 as a step of confirming to the user whether manual maintenance or nozzle check printing has been performed through the display unit 26. That is, the control unit 70 may confirm to the user whether manual maintenance or nozzle check printing has been performed through the display unit 26 and transfer to the delivery process of step S503 when "completed" is selected through the operation unit 25, and transfer to step S511 when "not performed" is selected.

[0165] In step S503, the control unit 70 displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 26 to confirm whether to deliver a new liquid ejection head 54. For example, the control unit 70 displays a message "An ejection-related defect has been detected. Do you request delivery of a new liquid ejection head?" on the display unit 26, and requests the user to select and input "Yes" or "No" using the operation unit 25. When the user inputs "Yes" through the operation unit 25, in step S503, the control unit 70 starts the delivery process.

[0166] In step S504, the control unit 70 determines whether a new liquid ejection head delivery request is selected through the operation unit 25. When a new liquid ejection head delivery request is selected, the determination result of step S504 is "yes", and the process moves to step S505. When a new liquid ejection head delivery request is not selected, the determination result of step S504 is "no", and the process moves to step S509. When the user has already made a new liquid ejection head delivery request, the control unit 70 may also display this fact on the display unit 26, and set the process so that the user cannot request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head.

[0167] In step S505, Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 70 causes the sending unit 60 to send a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head to the server device 80 via the network NW. The server device 80 receives the transmission content from the sending unit 60 through the receiving unit 80a, and accepts the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head. Then, the control unit 70 displays a message "Please replace with a new liquid ejection head." on the display unit 26, and prohibits the use of the liquid ejection device 11. For example, in the present embodiment, when a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head is sent, when the control unit 70 ends the delivery process in step S508 described later, the liquid ejection device 11 does not accept any operation from the operating unit 25 except the operation of the power switch 25a and the operation of the use prohibition release process. That is, the control unit 70 prohibits the use of the liquid ejection device 11 when a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head is sent.

[0168] In step S506, the control unit 70 displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 26 to confirm whether to deliver a new liquid container 28 for the liquid container 28 provided in the liquid ejection device 11. For example, the control unit 70 displays a message "Do you request to deliver all new liquid containers at the same time as delivering a new liquid ejection head?" on the display unit 26, and requests the user to select and input "Yes" or "No" using the operation unit 25. Then, the control unit 70 determines whether the delivery request for all new liquid containers has been selected through the operation unit 25. When the delivery request for all new liquid containers has been selected, the determination result of step S506 is "Yes", and the process moves to step S507. When the delivery request for all new liquid containers has not been selected, the determination result of step S506 is "No", and the process moves to step S509. It should be noted that the control unit 70 may not perform the processing of step S506, but move to step S509 after executing step S505.

[0169] Sometimes, nozzle check printing is performed in the liquid ejection device 11, and the user confirms the result of the nozzle check printing, thereby enabling the user to determine which liquid container 28 from which the defective condition has occurred in the nozzle ejecting the liquid L supplied. For example, when defective ejection occurs in the yellow ink, there is a possibility that there is a problem with the yellow ink. In this case, it is desirable to deliver a new liquid container 28 to the liquid container 28 that contains the yellow ink from which the defective ejection has occurred. That is, in step S506, the control unit 70 may also display a screen on the display unit 26 for selecting which liquid container 28 of the liquid container 28 provided in the liquid ejection device 11 to deliver the new liquid container 28, and the control unit 70 allows the user to select which liquid container 28 to deliver the new liquid container 28.

[0170] In step S507, Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 70 causes the sending unit 60 to send a new liquid container delivery request to the server device 80 via the network NW. When the detection unit 70a detects a bad condition related to ejection, the control unit 70 can send a new liquid container delivery request in addition to a new liquid ejection head delivery request. The server device 80 receives the content sent from the sending unit 60 through the receiving unit 80a and accepts the new liquid container delivery request.

[0171] As in the present embodiment, the control unit 70 may send delivery requests for all new liquid containers to the server device 80 , or may send a delivery request for a new liquid container 28 selected by the user to the server device 80 .

[0172] In step S508, the control unit 70 ends the delivery process. For example, when the delivery of a new liquid ejection head 54 and all new liquid containers 28 is requested, the control unit 70 displays a message "The delivery of a new liquid ejection head and all new liquid containers is requested." on the display unit 26 and ends the delivery process. Then, the control unit 70 ends the subroutine of the confirmation process.

[0173] In step S509, the control unit 70 determines whether there is a liquid container 28 with a remaining amount less than a predetermined threshold value among the liquid containers 28 provided in the liquid ejection device 11. For example, the liquid ejection device 11 has a plurality of liquid remaining amount sensors (not shown) in the liquid supply unit 27 for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid L in each liquid container 28. The liquid remaining amount sensor including a light projecting element and a light receiving element detects the remaining amount of the liquid L based on the intensity of the reflected light, and the intensity of the reflected light varies according to the remaining amount of the liquid L contained in each liquid container 28. The control unit 70 determines whether there is a liquid container 28 with a remaining amount of the liquid L contained in the liquid container 28 less than a predetermined threshold value based on the signal input from the liquid remaining amount sensor. For example, the threshold value is a value determined based on the number of days until the liquid container 28 is delivered and the amount of the liquid L consumed in one day in the liquid ejection device 11. If there is a liquid container 28 with a remaining amount less than the predetermined threshold value, the determination result of step S509 is "yes", and the process moves to step S510. When there is no liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than the predetermined threshold value, the determination result of step S509 is "No", and the process proceeds to step S508.

[0174] In step S510, the control unit 70 causes the transmission unit 60 to transmit a delivery request for a new liquid container to the server device 80 via the network NW for the liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold. When the detection unit 70a detects a fault, the control unit 70 can transmit a delivery request for a new liquid container corresponding to the liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold in addition to the delivery request for a new liquid ejection head. That is, when requesting the delivery of a new liquid ejection head, if there is a liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold among the plurality of liquid containers 28 containing the liquid L supplied to the liquid ejection head 54, the control unit 70 transmits a delivery request for a new liquid container in addition to the delivery request for a new liquid ejection head.

[0175] It should be noted that when the user has already made a new liquid container delivery request, it is not necessary to make a new liquid container delivery request. In addition, when there are a plurality of liquid containers 28 whose remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 70 may also automatically send a new liquid container delivery request corresponding to the plurality of liquid containers 28 to the server device 80.

[0176] In step S508, the control unit 70 ends the delivery process. For example, when the delivery of a new liquid ejection head 54 and a new liquid container 28 for yellow ink is requested, the control unit 70 displays a message "The delivery of a new liquid ejection head and a new liquid container for yellow ink is requested." on the display unit 26 and ends the delivery process. Then, the control unit 70 ends the subroutine of the confirmation process.

[0177] As described above, when the number of manual maintenance times has not reached the third predetermined number of times N3, the result of the determination in step S502 is "NO", and the control unit 70 moves to the process of step S511.

[0178] In step S511, the control unit 70 causes the maintenance unit 71 to start automatic maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54. It should be noted that in step S511, the control unit 70 may also switch to a process for performing manual maintenance. Therefore, manual maintenance may also be started based on an operation performed by the user using the operation unit 25.

[0179] In step S300, the control unit 70 executes Figure 7 The subroutine for the above maintenance is shown.

[0180] In step S512, the control unit 70 causes the carriage unit 50 to execute nozzle check printing. The purpose of performing nozzle check printing after automatic maintenance is to allow the user to confirm whether a defect caused by discharge has been restored by automatic maintenance when the number of manual maintenance by the user is small.

[0181] In step S513, the control unit 70 displays a selection screen for "recovered" or "not recovered" from the failure caused by the ejection on the display unit 26. The user checks the result of the nozzle check printing and selects either "recovered" or "not recovered".

[0182] In step S514, the control unit 70 determines whether "restored" is selected by the operation unit 25. When "restored" is selected, the determination result of step S514 is "yes", and the control unit 70 ends the subroutine of the confirmation process. When "restored" is not selected, that is, "not restored" is selected, the determination result of step S514 is "no", and the delivery process is transferred to step S503. Then, the control unit 70 displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 26 to confirm whether a new liquid ejection head 54 is delivered.

[0183] When "Not restored" is selected in step S514, the control unit 70 may transfer to step S511 and perform the automatic maintenance process again. In this case, when "Not restored" is selected after the automatic maintenance process is repeated a predetermined number of times, the control unit 70 transfers to the delivery process of step S503.

[0184] It should be noted that, in step S513, the control unit 70 may also display a selection screen of "recovered" or "not recovered" for the bad condition caused by the ejection on the display unit 26, and in step S514, the control unit 70 may automatically perform a bad ejection detection through the detection unit 70a instead of determining whether "recovered" is selected through the operation unit 25. Then, the control unit 70 may also determine whether the bad condition caused by the ejection has been recovered based on the result. When it is determined that it has been recovered, the control unit 70 ends the subroutine of the confirmation process. When it is determined that it has not been recovered, it transfers to the delivery process of step S503.

[0185] Regarding the installation confirmation process of the new liquid ejection head

[0186] Next, refer to Fig.11 The flowchart shown in Fig. 9 The following will describe a subroutine of a "new liquid ejection head mounting confirmation process" that is first executed by the control unit 70 in the "discharge-related fault determination process" shown in FIG.

[0187] In step S601, the control unit 70 determines whether the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head has been sent. When the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head has been sent, the determination result of step S601 is "yes", and the process moves to step S602. When the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head has not been sent or the new liquid ejection head 54 delivered according to the delivery request has been installed and the use of the delivered new liquid ejection head 54 has begun, the determination result of step S601 is "no", and the control unit 70 ends this subroutine.

[0188] In step S602 , the control unit 70 acquires the model information of the liquid ejection head 54 included in the carriage unit 50 and the history information of the malfunction related to the ejection from the IC chip 56 included in the liquid ejection head 54 .

[0189] In step S603, when a message "The replaced liquid ejection head is a used liquid ejection head" or "Please replace with a new liquid ejection head" is displayed on the display unit 26, the control unit 70 deletes the message. This message will be described in step S605 and step S607 described later.

[0190] In step S604, the control unit 70 determines whether the model information of the liquid ejection head 54 has been changed. As described above, the control unit 70 identifies the liquid ejection head 54 based on the model information. That is, the control unit 70 can confirm whether the liquid ejection head 54 has been replaced based on the model information. When the model information of the liquid ejection head 54 has been changed, the determination result of step S604 is "yes", and the process is transferred to step S606. When the model information of the liquid ejection head 54 has not been changed, the determination result of step S604 is "no", and the process is transferred to step S605. It should be noted that when the liquid ejection head 54 is first mounted on the liquid ejection device 11, the process is transferred to step S606.

[0191] In step S605, the control unit 70 displays a message "Please replace with a new liquid ejection head." on the display unit 26, and prohibits the use of the liquid ejection device 11. For example, the liquid ejection device 11 does not accept any operation from the operation unit 25 except the power switch 25a and the use prohibition release process. The control unit 70 ends this subroutine while the use of the liquid ejection device 11 is prohibited.

[0192] When the liquid ejection device 11 is in a state where the use of the liquid ejection device 11 is prohibited, if the user temporarily turns off the power switch 25a from the operation unit 25 and then turns it on again, the control unit 70 performs the initialization operation of the liquid ejection device 11 and then executes the operation of Fig. 9 The control unit 70 immediately transfers to the present routine, which is the first process of the "determination process of the bad condition related to the ejection". Then, the control unit 70 displays the message "Please replace with a new liquid ejection head" on the display unit 26 again, and does not accept any operation from the operation unit 25 except the power switch 25a and the use prohibition release process described later. That is, the control unit 70 prohibits the use of the liquid ejection device 11 when a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head is sent.

[0193] When the liquid ejection device 11 is in a state where the use of the liquid ejection device 11 is prohibited, the liquid ejection device 11 can be operated by the user through the operation unit 25 to cancel the use prohibition. For example, in the present embodiment, when the liquid ejection device 11 is in a state where the use of the liquid ejection device 11 is prohibited, the control unit 70 allows only the menu for managing the operation of the liquid ejection device 11 to be operated on the display unit 26. Thus, the user can select "Release the prohibition on the use of the device" from the menu by operating the operation unit 25. When the liquid ejection device 11 is in a state where the use of the liquid ejection device 11 is prohibited, if the user performs the operation of canceling the use prohibition from the operation unit 25, the control unit 70 cancels the prohibition on the use of the liquid ejection device 11 while keeping the message "Please replace with a new liquid ejection head." displayed on the display unit 26. That is, the control unit 70 cancels the prohibition on the use of the liquid ejection device 11 after sending the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head, subject to the request from the user.

[0194] It should be noted that in step S605, the control unit 70 can also display the message "Please replace with a new liquid ejection head." on the display unit 26, and the user can choose whether to prohibit the use of the liquid ejection device 11 or continue the use of the liquid ejection device 11 through the operation unit 25.

[0195] As described above, in step S604 , when the model information of the liquid ejecting head 54 is changed, the determination result of step S604 is “Yes”, and the control unit 70 shifts the process to step S606 .

[0196] In step S606, the control unit 70 determines whether there is a history record of a bad condition related to ejection in the liquid ejection head 54. When the model information of the liquid ejection head 54 is changed, if there is a history record of a bad condition related to ejection in the liquid ejection head 54, the control unit 70 determines that the liquid ejection head 54 is replaced with another used liquid ejection head 54 having a bad condition related to ejection. When there is a history record of a bad condition related to ejection in the liquid ejection head 54, the determination result of step S606 is "yes", and the process moves to step S607. When there is no history record of a bad condition related to ejection in the liquid ejection head 54, the determination result of step S606 is "no", and the process moves to step S608.

[0197] In step S607, the control unit 70 displays two messages, "Please replace with a new liquid ejection head." and "The replaced liquid ejection head is a used liquid ejection head." on the display unit 26, and prohibits the use of the liquid ejection device 11. It should be noted that when the user temporarily turns off the power switch 25a of the operation unit 25 and turns it on again, this message will be displayed again on the display unit 26. The control unit 70 ends this subroutine while the use of the liquid ejection device 11 is prohibited.

[0198] In step S607, when the number of automatic maintenance of the installed liquid ejection head 54 does not reach the first specified number N1, and the number of manual maintenance does not reach the second specified number N2, the control unit 70 can also lift the prohibition on the use of the liquid ejection device 11 and enable the use of the liquid ejection device 11, and end this sub-routine.

[0199] As described above, in step S606 , when there is no history of a malfunction related to discharge in the liquid discharge head 54 , the result of the determination in step S606 is “No”, and the process moves to step S608 .

[0200] In step S608, the control unit 70 resets the history of the bad condition related to the ejection stored in the control unit 70 and initializes the flag of the bad condition related to the ejection. For example, the control unit 70 rewrites the value of the portion storing whether or not the "bad condition related to the ejection has occurred" from 1 to "zero". That is, when the model information of the liquid ejection head 54 is changed, if there is no history of the bad condition related to the ejection in the liquid ejection head 54, the control unit 70 determines that the liquid ejection head 54 has been replaced with a new one.

[0201] In step S609, the control unit 70 deletes the message “Please replace the liquid ejection head with a new one.” displayed on the display unit 26, and cancels the prohibition on the use of the liquid ejection device 11. The control unit 70 ends this subroutine.

[0202] The operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0203] In the liquid ejection device 11, when the user turns on the power switch 25a, the control unit 70 starts to operate immediately after the initialization operation. Fig. 9 The process shown, first, execute Fig.11 The "new liquid ejection head installation confirmation process" is shown.

[0204] The control unit 70 shares the model information written in the IC chip 56 of the liquid ejection head 54 and the history of the bad condition related to the ejection as information in the memory in the control unit 70. The control unit 70 confirms whether the liquid ejection head 54 has been replaced with another liquid ejection head 54 based on the model information, and confirms the compatibility with the liquid ejection device 11. Then, the control unit 70 confirms whether the liquid ejection head 54 has been replaced with a new liquid ejection head 54 based on the history of the bad condition related to the ejection.

[0205] When a defect related to ejection occurs in the liquid ejection head 54 installed in the liquid ejection device 11, the control unit 70 confirms whether the liquid ejection head 54 has been replaced with another liquid ejection head 54, thereby enabling printing to be performed using a liquid ejection head 54 different from the liquid ejection head 54 in which the defect related to ejection occurs. That is, the possibility of ejection defect occurring in the liquid ejection device 11 is reduced.

[0206] In addition, the control unit 70 checks compatibility, so that when an incompatible liquid ejection head 54 is installed, the control unit 70 can prevent the liquid ejection device 11 from printing. For example, with respect to a liquid ejection head 54 having a certain manufacturing number, if it is found after shipment that a malfunction will occur if it is installed in a specific liquid ejection device, the control unit 70 can prohibit the use of the liquid ejection device 11 when the liquid ejection head 54 having a manufacturing number that may cause the malfunction is installed in the corresponding liquid ejection device.

[0207] Furthermore, by confirming the history of the bad condition related to the ejection, it is possible to prevent the liquid ejection head 54 from being replaced with a liquid ejection head 54 having a bad condition related to the ejection when the liquid ejection head 54 is replaced with another liquid ejection head 54. That is, the control unit 70 can confirm whether the liquid ejection head 54 has been replaced with a new liquid ejection head 54, so the possibility of ejection failure in the liquid ejection device 11 is reduced. For example, when the user mistakenly replaces the liquid ejection head 54 with a liquid ejection head 54 that has been previously determined to have a bad condition related to the ejection, the control unit 70 can detect this situation. Then, in this case, the control unit 70 can prohibit the use of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0208] The control unit 70 ends the installation confirmation process of the liquid ejection head 54. In this state, the liquid ejection device 11 can record on the medium M. In addition, even when the use of the liquid ejection device 11 has been prohibited, if the control unit 70 determines that the installed liquid ejection head 54 can be used based on the model information written in the IC chip 56 and the history of bad conditions related to ejection, the control unit 70 can also release the prohibition of the use of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0209] like Fig. 9 As shown, when the installation confirmation process of the new liquid ejection head 54 is completed, if the control unit 70 determines in step S401 that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred and in step S407 that a delivery request has not been sent, the control unit 70 immediately starts the confirmation process. That is, when the user turns on the power switch 25a, if a bad condition related to ejection has occurred but a delivery request has not been sent, the control unit 70 can immediately start the confirmation process including the delivery request.

[0210] When the liquid ejection device 11 records on the medium M, the liquid L is ejected from the nozzle 54a of the liquid ejection head 54 toward the medium M. Thus, the liquid ejection device 11 alternately repeats a conveying operation of conveying the medium M to the next recording position and a recording operation of ejecting the liquid L from the nozzle 54a of the liquid ejection head 54 at the next recording position while the carriage unit 50 moves in the scanning direction X, thereby recording characters, images, etc. on the medium M.

[0211] As the liquid ejection device 11 records on the medium M, the liquid L is ejected from the nozzle 54a of the liquid ejection head 54 repeatedly. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the liquid ejection device 11, when recording is not performed, the cap 73 is in contact with the liquid ejection head 54 to form a closed space CS surrounding the nozzle 54a. However, the liquid L in the liquid ejection head 54 is always in contact with the air at the opening of the nozzle 54a, and the water in the liquid L evaporates little by little. Therefore, the liquid L in the portion that is always in contact with the air at the opening of the nozzle 54a may be thickened. That is, there is a case where the opening of the nozzle 54a is clogged with the thickened liquid L, and a poor ejection occurs in which the liquid L is not ejected.

[0212] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the monitoring unit 55 monitors whether a discharge failure occurs in the liquid discharge head 54 and notifies the detection unit 70a of the result. Then, the control unit 70 Fig. 9 In step S402 and step S403, the automatic maintenance of the liquid ejection head 54 is performed by the maintenance unit 71 based on the result notified to the detection unit 70a from the monitoring unit 55. The liquid L that has clogged the opening of the nozzle 54a due to thickening is discharged from the opening of the nozzle 54a during the maintenance. Therefore, the possibility of ejection failure in the next printing after the automatic maintenance is performed can be reduced.

[0213] exist Fig. 9When the detection unit 70a detects that the automatic maintenance has been repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times in step S405, the control unit 70 determines that it is a bad condition related to the ejection in step S406. That is, the detection unit 70a detects that the automatic maintenance has been repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times as a bad condition related to the ejection. Thus, when the detection unit 70a detects a bad condition and there is a bad ejection that cannot be recovered even if the automatic maintenance is repeated more than a predetermined number of times, the control unit 70 determines that a bad condition related to the ejection has occurred, and the control unit 70 can start a confirmation process including a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head for replacement.

[0214] In the liquid ejection head 54, there is a case where the automatic maintenance is not repeatedly performed by the control unit 70 for more than a predetermined number of times even though the state of poor ejection continues. For example, when the residual vibration information of the liquid chamber is near the detection threshold, even if the same poor ejection is detected, it is sometimes detected and sometimes not detected, so there is a case where the automatic maintenance is not repeatedly performed for more than a predetermined number of times. In such a case, the user notices the poor ejection by checking the printing result of the printed matter, and performs maintenance by the user, that is, manual maintenance.

[0215] exist Fig. 9 When the detection unit 70a detects that the manual maintenance has been repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times in step S410, the control unit 70 determines that it is a bad condition related to ejection in step S406. That is, the detection unit 70a detects that the maintenance has been repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times by the user as a bad condition related to ejection. Thus, in the case of ejection failure that cannot be recovered even if the manual maintenance is repeated more than a predetermined number of times, the control unit 70 determines that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred, and thus the control unit 70 can start a confirmation process including a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head for replacement.

[0216] The liquid ejection device 11 includes an operation unit 25 as an example of an input unit for a user to input that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred. The user can input that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred into the operation unit 25 without waiting for automatic maintenance to be repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times or manual maintenance to be repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times. Fig. 9 When the user inputs to the operation unit 25 in step S411 that a malfunction related to ejection has occurred, the control unit 70 determines in step S406 that a malfunction related to ejection has occurred, and thus the control unit 70 can start a confirmation process including a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head for replacement.

[0217] The liquid ejection device 11 includes an operation unit 25 for the user to input a request for delivery of a new liquid ejection head. The user can input a request for delivery of a new liquid ejection head into the operation unit 25 without waiting for automatic maintenance to be repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times or manual maintenance to be repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times. Fig. 9 When a delivery request is input to the operation unit 25 in step S412, the control unit 70 determines in step S406 that a malfunction related to discharge has occurred, and thus the control unit 70 can start a confirmation process including a delivery request for a new liquid discharge head for replacement.

[0218] The control unit 70 Fig. 9 When it is determined in step S406 that a malfunction related to discharge has occurred in the liquid discharge device 11, the control unit 70 starts Fig.10 The confirmation process shown.

[0219] like Fig.10 As shown, in the case where an input of an adverse condition related to ejection or an input of a delivery request is made through the operating unit 25 in steps S501 to S503, if manual maintenance is not repeated more than a prescribed number of times, the control unit 70 starts the execution of automatic maintenance in step S511. In other words, before an input of an adverse condition related to ejection or an input of a delivery request is about to be made, if manual maintenance is not repeated more than a prescribed number of times, automatic maintenance is performed. That is, when the user inputs an adverse condition related to ejection or a delivery request through the operating unit 25 as an example of an input unit, the control unit 70 causes the maintenance unit 71 to perform the maintenance more than once. Thus, when the adverse condition is restored by maintenance, the control unit 70 does not need to start the confirmation process of the delivery request of the new liquid ejection head for replacement.

[0220] In addition, when the user inputs an input indicating a malfunction related to ejection or a delivery request, if manual maintenance has been repeated more than a specified number of times, the malfunction cannot be restored by maintenance, so the control unit 70 can immediately start a confirmation process for a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head for replacement.

[0221] That is, when the user inputs that a problem related to discharge has occurred or inputs a delivery request, the control unit 70 can execute a confirmation flow corresponding to the status of maintenance performed before the input and the status of the result of automatic maintenance after the input.

[0222] The control unit 70 starts the confirmation process in step S503, confirms the user's selection of a new liquid ejection head delivery request in steps S504 to S505, and sends the new liquid ejection head delivery request to the server device 80. Then, the control unit 70 prohibits the use of the liquid ejection device 11. Thus, it is possible to prevent the liquid ejection head 54 that has a defective condition related to ejection from continuing to print.

[0223] The control unit 70 confirms in steps S506 and S507 that the user has selected a delivery request for a new liquid container for all the liquid containers 28, and when the delivery request for a new liquid container for all the liquid containers 28 has been selected, transmits the delivery request for all the new liquid containers to the server device 80. If the delivery request for a new liquid container for all the liquid containers 28 has not been selected, in steps S509 and S510, if there is a liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold value among the liquid containers 28, the control unit 70 transmits a delivery request for a new liquid container corresponding to the liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than the predetermined threshold value to the server device 80.

[0224] Thus, the user can request delivery of both the liquid ejection head 54 and the liquid L, which may be the main causes of the malfunction related to ejection, and further, the user can request delivery of a new liquid container when a new liquid ejection head is delivered.

[0225] like Figure 8 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 includes: a liquid ejection head 54, which is detachably mounted in the liquid ejection device 11 and ejects the liquid L; and a control unit 70, which can send a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head via a network NW to a server device 80. Thus, the user can request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement when necessary.

[0226] The liquid ejection device 11 further includes a detection unit 70a for detecting a malfunction related to ejection. Thus, when a malfunction related to ejection occurs, the user can request delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement.

[0227] exist Figure 8 In the liquid ejection device 11 shown, the control unit 70 can automatically send a delivery request when the detection unit 70a detects a malfunction. This can save the user the trouble of requesting delivery.

[0228] like Figure 8As shown, the liquid ejection device delivery system 100 includes: the liquid ejection device 11; and a server device 80 having a receiving unit 80a for receiving a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head sent from the control unit 70. Thus, the user can replace the liquid ejection head 54 with a new one when a liquid ejection head 54 fails.

[0229] exist Fig.10 In step S505 shown, the control unit 70 prohibits the use of the liquid ejection device 11 after sending the delivery request of the new liquid ejection head to the server device 80. Thus, although it is possible to prevent the liquid ejection head 54 with a bad condition from continuing to print, the downtime of the liquid ejection device 11 occurs before the new liquid ejection head 54 is delivered. However, even if the liquid ejection head 54 has a bad condition related to ejection, the user sometimes wants to print printed materials. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 releases the prohibition on the use of the liquid ejection device 11 after sending the delivery request of the new liquid ejection head, subject to the request from the user. Thus, even if the liquid ejection head 54 has a bad condition related to ejection, printing can be continued as usual according to the user's request until the new liquid ejection head 54 is delivered.

[0230] When a new liquid ejection head 54 is delivered to the user, the user starts the operation of replacing the defective liquid ejection head 54 with the delivered new liquid ejection head 54 .

[0231] First, before the user removes the defective liquid ejection head 54 installed in the liquid ejection device 11 from the liquid ejection device 11, the user executes the liquid removal operation in the liquid ejection head 54 through the control unit 70. For example, the user operates the operation unit 25 to cause the control unit 70 to display the liquid ejection head replacement process on the display unit 26. Then, the user presses a button on the operation unit 25 indicated on the display unit 26 as a button for starting the liquid removal operation, causing the control unit 70 to execute the liquid removal operation. Figure 5 That is, the control unit 70 starts the liquid ejection head replacement process, which is a process for removing the installed liquid ejection head 54 with a defective condition from the liquid ejection device 11 and installing a delivered new liquid ejection head 54. First, the user presses a button to perform the liquid removal action.

[0232] like Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the first liquid removal operation performed in the liquid ejection head replacement process includes a process of closing the supply flow path for supplying liquid L to the liquid ejection head 54 by the opening and closing mechanism. In the present embodiment, the process is a closing process of closing the first liquid supply flow path 75 by the first opening and closing valve 75b. In step S102, the control unit 70 executes the process. By closing the supply flow path for supplying liquid L to the liquid ejection head 54, it is possible to suppress leakage of liquid L when the liquid ejection head 54 in a defective state installed in the liquid ejection device 11 is removed from the liquid ejection device 11.

[0233] When the control unit 70 ends Figure 5 In the liquid removal operation shown in FIG. 1 , the user removes the defective liquid ejection head 54 installed in the liquid ejection device 11 from the liquid ejection device 11 and installs the delivered new liquid ejection head 54 in the liquid ejection device 11. For example, the control unit 70 displays on the display unit 26 Figure 5 The liquid removal operation shown is completed, and a message prompting the user to remove the attached defective liquid ejection head 54 from the liquid ejection device 11 and to attach a delivered new liquid ejection head 54 is displayed on the display unit 26 .

[0234] By opening Figure 1 The upper cover 13 shown in the figure is used to expose the carriage unit 50. When recording is not performed on the medium M, the carriage unit 50 is located Figure 2 The initial position HP shown in FIG. 1 is such that when the upper cover 13 is opened, the user can access the Figure 3 The user performs the removal operation of the liquid ejection head 54 from the carriage unit 50 and the installation operation of the delivered new liquid ejection head 54, and closes the upper cover 13 to complete the replacement operation of the liquid ejection head 54. That is, the user can perform the removal operation and the installation operation of the liquid ejection head 54 without removing the housing 12 from the liquid ejection device 11.

[0235] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, Figure 5 In step S107 of the liquid removal operation shown, the control unit 70 moves the cap 73 to a retracted position away from the liquid ejection head 54 in the −Z direction. This allows the user to remove the liquid ejection head 54 without the cap 73 contacting the liquid ejection head 54.

[0236] The user installs the delivered new liquid ejection head 54 on the liquid ejection device 11, and when the control unit 70 confirms that the upper cover 13 is closed using a cover opening and closing sensor (not shown), the control unit 70 executes Fig. 9As described above, this routine is executed when the power of the liquid ejection device 11 is turned on by operating the power switch 25a and the liquid ejection device 11 is initialized immediately after the liquid ejection device 11 is initialized, or when the liquid ejection head 54 is mounted on the carriage unit 50 in the powered-on state.

[0237] As Fig. 9 In the first process of the “determination process of the defect related to the ejection” shown in FIG. Fig.11 When the delivered new liquid ejection head 54 is installed, the history of the bad condition related to ejection is reset, the flag of the bad condition related to ejection is initialized, the message displayed on the display unit 26 disappears, and the prohibition of the use of the liquid ejection device 11 is lifted when it is prohibited to use. Then, the control unit 70 executes in parallel Fig. 9 That is, the liquid ejection device 11 is in a state where the monitoring unit 55 monitors the ejection failure and detects the user operation from the operation unit 25 in parallel.

[0238] When the user completes the replacement operation of replacing the liquid ejection head with a new one, the user presses a button on the operation unit 25 indicated on the display unit 26 as a button for completing the replacement operation, and notifies the control unit 70 of the completion of the replacement operation. It should be noted that when a request for delivery of a new liquid container is sent in addition to a request for delivery of a new liquid ejection head, the user presses a button for completing the replacement operation after replacing both the new liquid ejection head 54 and the new liquid container 28, and notifies the control unit 70 of the completion of the replacement operation. In this way, both the liquid ejection head 54 and the liquid L, which may be the main causes of the defective condition related to the ejection, can be replaced.

[0239] When the control unit 70 is notified of the completion of the replacement operation by the user's operation, the control unit 70 executes Figure 6 In this embodiment, the liquid filling action is shown. Figure 6 In step S201 of the liquid filling operation shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 70 moves the cover unit 73 in the retracted position to the Figure 4 Thus, once the liquid ejection head 54 is installed, the liquid ejection head 54 can be immediately capped by the cap portion 73 .

[0240] After the liquid filling operation, the control unit 70 automatically performs a maintenance process using the maintenance unit 71. Finally, the control unit 70 displays on the display unit 26 that the liquid ejection head replacement process is completed, and ends the liquid ejection head replacement process. Thus, the user can start printing immediately after the liquid ejection head replacement process.

[0241] As described above, when the liquid ejection head replacement process is completed, the liquid ejection device 11 performs the monitoring of the ejection failure of the new liquid ejection head 54 after replacement by the monitoring unit 55 and the detection of the user operation from the operation unit 25 after replacement in parallel through the control unit 70. Therefore, in the liquid ejection device 11, even if the ejection-related failure occurs again, the user can request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement.

[0242] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0243] (1) The liquid ejection device 11 includes: a liquid ejection head 54 which is detachably mounted in the liquid ejection device 11 and ejects the liquid L; and a control unit 70 which can send a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head to a server device 80 via a network NW. Therefore, a user can request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement when necessary. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a malfunction of the liquid ejection head 54 occurs, downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement can be reduced.

[0244] (2) The liquid ejection device 11 further includes a detection unit 70a for detecting a defect related to ejection. Therefore, when a defect related to ejection occurs, it is possible to request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a defect occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, it is possible to reduce downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement.

[0245] (3) When the detection unit 70a detects a bad condition related to the ejection, the control unit 70 automatically sends a delivery request. Therefore, the user can save the time of requesting the delivery. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a bad condition occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement can be reduced.

[0246] (4) The control unit 70 starts a confirmation process including a request for delivery of a new liquid ejection head when the detection unit 70a detects a malfunction related to ejection. Therefore, when a malfunction occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement can be requested. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a malfunction occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement can be reduced.

[0247] (5) The detection unit 70a detects that the automatic maintenance has been repeatedly performed for a predetermined number of times or more as a defect related to the ejection. Therefore, in the case of an ejection defect that cannot be recovered even after the automatic maintenance has been repeatedly performed for a predetermined number of times, it is possible to request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a defect occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement can be reduced.

[0248] (6) The detection unit 70a detects that the user has repeatedly performed maintenance for more than a specified number of times as a bad condition related to the ejection. Therefore, when a bad condition occurs that cannot be restored even after the user has repeatedly performed maintenance for more than a specified number of times, it is possible to request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement. In addition, even if a bad condition occurs in the liquid ejection head 54 that is not detected by the monitoring unit 55, the detection unit 70a will determine that a bad condition related to the ejection has occurred, and thus it is possible to request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a bad condition occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement on hand can be reduced.

[0249] (7) The liquid ejection device 11 further includes an operation unit 25 as an example of an input unit for allowing the user to input that a malfunction related to ejection has occurred. Therefore, when the user determines that a malfunction has occurred in the liquid ejection head 54, the liquid ejection device 11 can perform appropriate processing. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a malfunction has occurred in the liquid ejection head 54, downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement can be reduced.

[0250] (8) When the user inputs that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred through the operation unit 25 as an example of an input unit, the control unit 70 causes the maintenance unit 71 to perform the maintenance one or more times. Therefore, when there is an input from the user that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred, it is possible to confirm again whether the bad condition has been restored by maintenance. Thus, when the bad condition has been restored by maintenance, the user can continue to use the installed liquid ejection head 54, and therefore, in the liquid ejection device 11, it is possible to reduce downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement.

[0251] (9) When the user inputs that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred through the operation unit 25 as an example of an input unit, the control unit 70 starts a confirmation process including a request for delivery of a new liquid ejection head. Therefore, when there is an input from the user that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred, processing corresponding to the situation at that time can be performed. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a bad condition occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement can be reduced.

[0252] (10) The control unit 70 starts a confirmation process corresponding to the implementation status of the maintenance before the input is made using the operation unit 25 as an example of the input unit. Therefore, when there is an input from the user that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred, processing corresponding to the implementation status of the previous maintenance can be performed. As a result, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a bad condition occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement can be reduced.

[0253] (11) When a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head is issued, the control unit 70 prohibits the use of the liquid ejection device 11. This prevents the liquid ejection head 54 having an ejection malfunction from continuing to print in the liquid ejection device 11.

[0254] (12) Based on a request from the user, the control unit 70 releases the prohibition on the use of the liquid ejection device 11 after the delivery request of the new liquid ejection head is sent. Therefore, even if the liquid ejection head 54 has a malfunction, printing can be continued as usual according to the user's request until the new liquid ejection head 54 is delivered. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a malfunction occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement can be reduced.

[0255] (13) The control unit 70 can implement a process for installing the delivered new liquid ejection head 54, i.e., a liquid ejection head replacement process, and the liquid ejection head replacement process includes a maintenance step performed by the maintenance unit 71. Therefore, printing can be started immediately after the liquid ejection head replacement process. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a malfunction of the liquid ejection head 54 occurs, downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement can be reduced.

[0256] (14) The liquid ejection device 11 includes a first liquid supply flow path 75 as an example of a supply flow path for supplying the liquid L from the liquid container 28 to the liquid ejection head 54, and a first opening and closing valve 75b as an example of an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the first liquid supply flow path 75. The liquid ejection head replacement process includes a closing step of closing the first liquid supply flow path 75 using the first opening and closing valve 75b. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, liquid leakage can be suppressed when the liquid ejection head 54 is replaced.

[0257] (15) The liquid ejection head 54 is configured to eject the liquid L contained in the liquid container 28. When the detection unit 70a detects a defect related to ejection, the control unit 70 can send a request for delivery of a new liquid ejection head in addition to a request for delivery of a new liquid container. Therefore, delivery of both the liquid ejection head 54 and the liquid L, which may be the main cause of the defect related to ejection, can be requested.

[0258] (16) When a new liquid ejection head delivery request is made, if there is a liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold value among the plurality of liquid containers 28 containing the liquid L supplied to the liquid ejection head 54, the control unit 70 sends a new liquid container delivery request in addition to sending a new liquid ejection head delivery request. In this way, it is possible to request delivery of the liquid container whose remaining amount is small at the time of delivery of the new liquid ejection head.

[0259] (17) The delivery system 100 of the liquid ejection device 11 includes: the liquid ejection device 11; and a server device 80 having a receiving unit 80a, the receiving unit 80a receiving a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head transmitted from the control unit 70. Therefore, when a liquid ejection head 54 fails, it can be replaced with a new liquid ejection head 54. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a malfunction occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement can be reduced.

[0260] Second embodiment

[0261] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the first embodiment, the user replaces the liquid container 28. In the second embodiment, the liquid container 28 is fixed to the liquid ejection device 11, and the user replenishes the liquid such as ink from the replenishment container to the supply port of the liquid container 28, which is different from the first embodiment described above. In other respects, the second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures, thereby omitting repeated descriptions.

[0262] Regarding the structure of the liquid ejection device

[0263] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid supply unit 27 has a cover 27b that can be opened and closed upward. The multiple liquid containers 28 contained in the liquid supply unit 27 have supply ports (not shown) on the upper part that can replenish the liquid L. The user exposes the supply port by opening the cover 27b. For example, the liquid ejection device 11 is configured so that when the user observes the window 27a and finds that the amount of liquid is reduced, the user opens the cover 27b and replenishes the liquid such as ink from the multiple replenishment containers (not shown) to the supply port of the liquid container 28. The multiple replenishment containers are, for example, ink bottles that contain black, cyan, magenta and yellow inks of different colors. It should be noted that the liquid ejection head 54 is configured to eject the liquid L contained in the liquid container 28, and the liquid container 28 can replenish the liquid L in the replenishment container.

[0264] About the structure of the distribution system

[0265] like Figure 8 As shown, the delivery system 100 delivers a replacement liquid ejection head 54 to a user who uses the liquid ejection device 11, which replaces the liquid ejection head 54 that needs to be replaced in the liquid ejection device 11. At this time, the control unit 70 may also cause the transmission unit 60 to transmit a delivery request for a new replenishment container for replenishment via the network NW. That is, the server device 80 may also arrange for the delivery of a new replenishment container when receiving a request signal for requesting the delivery of a new replenishment container for replenishment sent from the liquid ejection device 11.

[0266] In addition, even if the control unit 70 does not detect a bad condition related to the ejection, the delivery system 100 can deliver a replacement liquid ejection head 54 to the user who uses the liquid ejection device 11 according to an instruction from the user of the operation unit 25. In addition, according to an instruction from the user of the operation unit 25, the delivery system 100 can deliver a new replenishment container for replenishment to the user who uses the liquid ejection device 11.

[0267] About the confirmation process

[0268] In the present embodiment, when there is a liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold value among the liquid containers 28 , the control unit 70 transmits a delivery request for a new replenishment container to the server device 80 for the liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than the predetermined threshold value.

[0269] Reference Fig.12 The flowchart shown here describes only the steps in which the processing of the control unit 70 differs from that of the first embodiment in the subroutine of the confirmation flow.

[0270] In step S506a, the control unit 70 displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 26 for whether to deliver a new replenishment container for the liquid container 28 provided in the liquid ejection device 11. For example, the control unit 70 displays a message "Do you request to deliver a new replenishment container for all liquid containers at the same time as delivering a new liquid ejection head?" on the display unit 26, and requests the user to input a selection of "yes" or "no" using the operation unit 25. Then, the control unit 70 determines whether a delivery request for a new replenishment container for all liquid containers 28 is selected using the operation unit 25. When a delivery request for a new replenishment container for all liquid containers 28 is selected, the determination result of step S506a is "yes", and the process is transferred to step S507a. When a delivery request for a new replenishment container for all liquid containers 28 is not selected, the determination result of step S506a is "no", and the process is transferred to step S509. It should be noted that the control unit 70 may not perform the processing of step S506a, but transfer to step S509 after executing step S505.

[0271] Sometimes, nozzle check printing is performed in the liquid ejection device 11, and the user confirms the result of the nozzle check printing, thereby allowing the user to determine which liquid container 28 from which the nozzle ejecting the liquid is supplied has a bad condition. For example, when a bad ejection occurs in yellow ink, there may be a problem with the yellow ink. In this case, it is desirable to deliver a new replenishment container for the liquid container 28 that contains the yellow ink that has a bad ejection. That is, in step S506a, the control unit 70 may also display a screen on the display unit 26 for selecting which new replenishment container to deliver for the liquid container 28 provided in the liquid ejection device 11, and the control unit 70 allows the user to select which new replenishment container to deliver.

[0272] In step S507a, if Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 70 causes the transmission unit 60 to transmit a delivery request for a new replenishment container for the liquid container 28 to the server device 80 via the network NW. When the detection unit 70a detects a defect related to the ejection, the control unit 70 can transmit a delivery request for a new replenishment container in addition to a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head. The server device 80 receives the transmission content from the transmission unit 60 through the receiving unit 80a, and accepts the delivery request for a new replenishment container for the liquid container 28.

[0273] The control unit 70 may send a delivery request for a new replenishing container for all liquid containers 28 to the server device 80 as in the present embodiment, or may send a delivery request for a new replenishing container only for the liquid containers 28 selected by the user.

[0274] In step S508, the control unit 70 ends the delivery process. For example, when the delivery of a new liquid ejection head 54 and a new supplementary container for all liquid containers 28 is requested, the control unit 70 displays a message "The delivery of a new liquid ejection head and a new supplementary container for all liquid containers is requested." on the display unit 26 and ends the delivery process. Then, the control unit 70 ends the subroutine of the confirmation process.

[0275] In step S509, the control unit 70 determines whether there is a liquid container 28 with a remaining amount less than a predetermined threshold value among the liquid containers 28 provided in the liquid ejection device 11. For example, the liquid ejection device 11 has a plurality of liquid remaining amount sensors (not shown) in the liquid supply unit 27 for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid L in each liquid container 28. The liquid remaining amount sensor including a light projecting element and a light receiving element detects the remaining amount of the liquid L based on the intensity of the reflected light, and the intensity of the reflected light varies according to the remaining amount of the liquid L contained in each liquid container 28. The control unit 70 determines whether there is a liquid container 28 with a remaining amount of the liquid L contained in the liquid container 28 less than a predetermined threshold value based on the signal input from the liquid remaining amount sensor. For example, the threshold value is a value determined based on the number of days until the liquid container 28 is delivered and the amount of the liquid L consumed in one day in the liquid ejection device 11. If there is a liquid container 28 with a remaining amount less than the predetermined threshold value, the determination result of step S509 is "yes", and the process moves to step S510a. When there is no liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than the predetermined threshold, the determination result of step S509 is "No", and the process proceeds to step S508.

[0276] In step S510a, the control unit 70 causes the transmission unit 60 to transmit a delivery request for a new replenishing container for the liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold value to the server device 80 via the network NW. When the detection unit 70a detects a fault condition, the control unit 70 can transmit a delivery request for a new replenishing container corresponding to the liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than the predetermined threshold value in addition to the delivery request for a new liquid ejection head. That is, when a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head is made, if there is a liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than the predetermined threshold value among the plurality of liquid containers 28 containing the liquid L supplied to the liquid ejection head 54, the control unit 70 transmits a delivery request for a new replenishing container in addition to the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head. The server device 80 receives the transmission content from the transmission unit 60 through the receiving unit 80a, and accepts the delivery request for a new replenishing container.

[0277] It should be noted that, when the user has already made a new replenishment container delivery request, it is not necessary to make a new replenishment container delivery request. In addition, when there are a plurality of liquid containers 28 whose remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 70 may also automatically send a plurality of new replenishment container delivery requests corresponding to the plurality of liquid containers 28 to the server device 80.

[0278] In step S508, the control unit 70 ends the delivery process. For example, when the delivery of a new liquid ejection head 54 and a new replenishment container for yellow ink is requested, the control unit 70 displays a message "The delivery of a new liquid ejection head and a new replenishment container for yellow ink is requested." on the display unit 26 and ends the delivery process. Then, the control unit 70 ends the subroutine of the confirmation process.

[0279] The operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0280] Regarding the operation of the second embodiment, description overlapping with that of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0281] like Fig.12 As shown, the control unit 70 confirms the user's selection of the delivery request for all new replenishment containers in steps S506a to S507a, and when the delivery request for new replenishment containers for all liquid containers 28 is selected, the control unit 70 sends the delivery request for the new replenishment containers to the server device 80. When the delivery request for new replenishment containers for all liquid containers 28 is not selected, the control unit 70 sends the delivery request for the new replenishment container corresponding to the liquid container 28 with a remaining amount less than the prescribed threshold to the server device 80 in steps S509 to S510a.

[0282] Thus, the user can request delivery of both the liquid ejection head 54 and the liquid L, which may be the main causes of the malfunction related to ejection, and further, the user can request delivery of a new replenishment container at the same time as delivery of a new liquid ejection head.

[0283] When the user completes the replacement operation of replacing the liquid ejection head with a new one, the user presses a button on the operation unit 25 indicated on the display unit 26 as a button for completing the replacement operation, and notifies the control unit 70 of the completion of the replacement operation. It should be noted that when a delivery request for a new replenishment container is sent in addition to a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head, after the user performs the replacement operation of replacing the liquid ejection head with a new one and the injection operation of injecting liquid from the new replenishment container into the liquid container 28, the user presses a button for completing the replacement operation, and notifies the control unit 70 of the completion of the replacement operation. In this way, the user can replace both the liquid ejection head 54 and the liquid L, which may be the main causes of the defective condition related to the ejection.

[0284] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0285] In the liquid ejection device 11, the same effects as (1) to (14) in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0286] (15) The liquid ejection head 54 is configured to eject the liquid L contained in the liquid container 28. When the detection unit 70a detects a defect related to ejection, the control unit 70 can send a request for delivery of a new liquid ejection head in addition to a request for delivery of a new refill container. Thus, in the liquid ejection device 11, when a defect occurs in the liquid ejection head 54, it is possible to reduce downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head 54 for replacement, and it is possible to request delivery of both the liquid ejection head 54 and the liquid L, which may be the main causes of the defect related to ejection.

[0287] (16) When a new liquid ejection head delivery request is made, if there is a liquid container 28 whose remaining amount is less than a predetermined threshold value among the plurality of liquid containers 28 containing the liquid L supplied to the liquid ejection head 54, the control unit 70 sends a new replenishment container delivery request in addition to the new liquid ejection head delivery request. In this way, the delivery of the replenishment container with a small remaining amount can be requested at the same time as the new liquid ejection head is delivered.

[0288] In the liquid ejection head delivery system 100, the same effect as (17) in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0289] This embodiment can be implemented by being modified as follows. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the range that there is no technical contradiction.

[0290] The liquid ejection device 11 is not limited to the off-frame type as in the present embodiment in which the replaceable liquid container 28 is provided at a position separated from the carriage unit 50, and may be an on-frame type in which the replaceable liquid container 28 is provided on the carriage unit 50. In the case where the liquid ejection device 11 is of the on-frame type, a structure in which the liquid ejection head 54 can be replaced without providing the first on-off valve 75b, the first atmosphere communication path 76, and the first atmosphere opening valve 76a may be adopted. In addition, in the case where the liquid ejection device 11 is of the off-frame type, the first atmosphere communication path 76 and the first atmosphere opening valve 76a may not be provided, and the first on-off valve 75b may be replaced by a pressure regulating valve that opens when a predetermined negative pressure is reached on the downstream side thereof.

[0291] When the liquid ejection device 11 is of an off-frame type as in the present embodiment, the liquid ejection head 54 may also be formed as a head unit integrally with a storage portion for storing the liquid L supplied to the liquid ejection head 54. In addition, when the liquid ejection device 11 is of an on-frame type, in order to continuously supply liquid from the liquid container 28 to the liquid ejection head 54, the head unit may also be formed as a head unit integrally with a storage portion for storing the liquid L supplied to the liquid ejection head 54. In the case where the head unit is formed as a whole with the storage portion, delivery is performed in units of head units. In addition, in this case, a new liquid ejection head unit in a state where the storage portion is filled with liquid L may also be delivered. The delivered new liquid ejection head unit is already filled with liquid L. Therefore, after the liquid ejection head unit is replaced, it is not necessary to perform a liquid filling operation for the liquid ejection head 54. The user can use the liquid ejection device 11 immediately after the liquid ejection head unit is replaced.

[0292] The liquid container 28 may also be provided outside the housing 12 .

[0293] Although four kinds of liquids L are used in the liquid ejecting device 11 of the present embodiment, any kind of liquids L may be used in the liquid ejecting device 11. In addition, only one kind of liquid L may be used in the liquid ejecting device 11.

[0294] In this embodiment, the liquid ejection head 54 has a monitoring unit 55, but the monitoring unit 55 may be provided at a position other than the liquid ejection head 54. In this embodiment, since a method of obtaining residual vibration information of a liquid chamber in the liquid ejection head 54 is adopted to determine whether ejection is normal, the liquid ejection head 54 has a monitoring unit 55, but when the liquid ejection device 11 adopts other monitoring methods, the monitoring unit 55 is preferably provided at a position suitable for the monitoring method.

[0295] In the present embodiment, automatic maintenance is performed based on the notification from the monitoring unit 55 after a print job is completed. However, the control unit 70 may display a message on the display unit 26 based on the notification from the monitoring unit 55 after a print job is completed, so that the user can perform manual maintenance through the operation unit 25.

[0296] In the present embodiment, automatic maintenance is performed based on the result notified from the monitoring unit 55 after one print job is completed, but automatic maintenance may be performed based on the result notified from the monitoring unit 55 every time printing of one page of one print job is completed. In this case, the detection unit 70a may determine that a defect related to discharge has occurred when it detects that the operation of performing automatic maintenance after printing of one page of one print job is repeated multiple times.

[0297] Even if maintenance is not repeatedly performed more than a predetermined number of times, the detection unit 70a may determine that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred when the detection unit 70a detects that the action of performing maintenance has been performed more than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. When maintenance is not repeated more than a predetermined number of times, if maintenance has been performed more than a predetermined number of times recently, there is a high possibility that a bad condition has occurred in the liquid ejection head 54. For example, when the detection unit 70a detects that the action of performing maintenance has been performed more than a predetermined number of times within a period of 24 hours, the detection unit 70a may determine that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred.

[0298] The above-mentioned prescribed period may not be a time period. For example, it may be a period from when the power switch 25a is turned on to when the power switch 25a is turned off. In addition, when the detection unit 70a detects that the maintenance operation has been performed more than a prescribed number of times within the prescribed number of sheets printed recently, the detection unit 70a may determine that a defect related to ejection has occurred.

[0299] The liquid ejection head 54 may not include the IC chip 56 or a storage unit replacing the IC chip 56. In this case, the history information of the bad condition related to ejection is stored only in the memory of the control unit 70. Therefore, when the liquid ejection head replacement process is executed, the control unit 70 may unconditionally determine that a new liquid ejection head 54 is installed when the liquid ejection head 54 is installed, and reset the history information of the bad condition related to ejection stored in the memory of the control unit 70, so as to initialize the flag of the bad condition related to ejection.

[0300] The IC chip 56 of the liquid ejection head 54 may be a read-only IC chip. In this case, only the model information is stored in the IC chip 56. Based on the model information, the control unit 70 can determine whether the liquid ejection head 54 is new when it is installed.

[0301] The historical information of the bad condition related to the ejection may not be stored in the memory of the IC chip 56 or the control unit 70. It is also possible to determine whether it is a bad condition related to the ejection based on whether automatic maintenance or manual maintenance is performed immediately before the bad condition related to the ejection occurs. In addition, it is also possible to store only the number of automatic maintenance or manual maintenance in the memory of the control unit 70, and reset the number of automatic maintenance or manual maintenance when the power switch 25a is turned off.

[0302] The history information of the bad condition related to ejection stored in the IC chip 56 may be only information on whether or not the bad condition related to ejection has occurred. For example, "0" may be written in the history information of the bad condition related to ejection of the new liquid ejection head 54, and when the detection unit 70a detects the bad condition related to ejection, the control unit 70 rewrites the "0" of the history information of the bad condition related to ejection in the IC chip 56 of the installed liquid ejection head 54 to 1. Then, the control unit 70 may also Fig.11 In step S606, it is determined based on the history information of the ejection-related fault in the IC chip 56 whether the liquid ejection head 54 has experienced the ejection-related fault.

[0303] The historical information of the bad condition related to the ejection may also include other information. For example, the historical information of the bad condition related to the ejection may also include the number of times the bad condition related to the ejection has been input. Therefore, when the number of times the bad condition related to the ejection has been input exceeds a predetermined number, the liquid ejection device 11 is not understood and the use prohibition is removed.

[0304] The maintenance history information stored in the memory of the IC chip 56 or the control unit 70 as history information of malfunctions related to ejection may include information on the date and time when the maintenance was performed and information on the number of sheets printed since the liquid ejection head 54 was used when the maintenance was performed.

[0305] Alternatively, when there is an input from the user indicating that a defect related to ejection has occurred or an input requesting the delivery of a new liquid ejection head, if maintenance has not been performed before the input, the control unit 70 automatically executes the maintenance process and allows the user to select "restored" or "not restored" at the end of the maintenance process. Fig.10 In step S502, the control unit 70 may also confirm whether maintenance has been performed before input, and transfer to step S511 when the determination result is "No". In addition, in step S514, if "Not restored" is selected, the control unit 70 may also transfer to the delivery process of step S503.

[0306] When there is an input from the user indicating that a problem related to ejection has occurred or an input requesting delivery of a new liquid ejection head, if maintenance has not been performed before the input, the process may be transferred to the maintenance process in the confirmation process. Fig.10 In step S502, the control unit 70 may also confirm whether maintenance has been performed before input. When the determination result is "No", in step S511, the control unit 70 starts the maintenance process as manual maintenance. Then, if the maintenance process is executed to the end, "Restored" or "Not restored" may be selected. Then, if "Not restored" is selected, the control unit 70 may also transfer to the delivery process of step S503.

[0307] Alternatively, when there is an input from the user indicating that a defective condition related to ejection has occurred or an input requesting the delivery of a new liquid ejection head, the control unit 70 may confirm with the user whether maintenance has been performed, and if maintenance has not been performed, the process may be transferred to the maintenance process, and at the end of the maintenance process, the user may select "restored" or "not restored". If "not restored" is selected, the control unit 70 may transfer to the delivery process. That is, the control unit 70 may Fig.10 Step S502 is a step of confirming to the user whether maintenance has been performed before input. It should be noted that this maintenance can be automatic maintenance or manual maintenance.

[0308] When a new liquid ejection head 54 is delivered, a liquid container 28 for initial filling or a replenishment container may also be delivered together.

[0309] The control unit 70 may make a notification prompting replacement of the liquid ejecting head with a new one after a delivery request for a new liquid ejecting head is made until the replacement of the liquid ejecting head 54 is completed.

[0310] The control unit 70 may make a notification prompting replacement of the liquid ejection head with a new one only when the user performs a certain operation through the operation unit 25 after a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head is made.

[0311] The liquid ejection device 11 or the server device 80 may store the period from when the malfunction of the liquid ejection head 54 is detected to when the liquid ejection head 54 is replaced with a new one. This period is a period in which printing cannot be performed in a correct state, and thus a service such as a refund, a gift, or a change of plan content may be provided to the user for a period corresponding to the stored period.

[0312] Even if a malfunction of the liquid ejection head 54 is detected, if the user does not choose to replace the liquid ejection head with a new one, a corresponding service such as a refund, a gift, or a change in plan content may be provided.

[0313] In order to recycle the liquid ejection heads 54, a system for collecting the old liquid ejection heads 54 after replacement may be constructed. For example, the user puts the old liquid ejection heads 54 into a box previously packed with new liquid ejection heads 54 and sends them back. For example, a box for collecting the old liquid ejection heads 54 is delivered to the user in advance, and the user puts the old liquid ejection heads 54 into the box in advance. When the new liquid ejection heads 54 are delivered, the delivery personnel collect the box. For example, the user takes the old liquid ejection heads 54 to the nearest home appliance store.

[0314] The predetermined number of times of maintenance performed by the user for immediately shifting to the delivery process may be different between when an input indicating that a problem related to discharge has occurred is input to the input unit and when a delivery request is input to the input unit.

[0315] The predetermined threshold value of the remaining amount of the liquid container 28 may be different for each user or each liquid ejection device used by the user, depending on the number of days until a new liquid container 28 or a new refill container is delivered to the user, the frequency of using the liquid L in the liquid ejection device 11, etc. When the liquid ejection device 11 has a plurality of types of liquid containers 28, the predetermined threshold value may be different for each liquid container 28.

[0316] When the user requests delivery, the control unit 70 may shift to the delivery process regardless of the number of maintenance times. In other words, the process may shift to the delivery process immediately without performing automatic maintenance.

[0317] The process can also be structured as follows: Fig.12 When the user determines that the ejection defect has been slightly recovered from the results of the automatic maintenance and nozzle check printing of steps S511 to S513, the user can cause the control unit 70 to perform automatic maintenance again. The ejection defect may be recovered through multiple automatic maintenance.

[0318] In the delivery process, the process may be configured so that the control unit 70 can send all the delivery requests for new liquid containers and new replenishment containers issued by the user to the server device 80 even when the delivery request for a new liquid ejection head issued by the user is not selected.

[0319] The liquid ejection device 11 may also be provided with a mode in which almost all of the liquid L in the liquid ejection device 11 from the liquid container 28 to the liquid ejection head 54 is discharged from the liquid flow path in the liquid ejection device 11. When the main cause of the bad condition related to ejection is the liquid L, by executing this mode, most of the liquid L that will be the main cause of the bad condition related to ejection is discharged from the liquid flow path in the liquid ejection device 11. Thereafter, the control unit 70 installs a new liquid container 28 or replenishes the liquid L from a new replenishment container, so that the new liquid L flows into the liquid flow path in the liquid ejection device 11, thereby being able to restore the bad condition related to ejection in the liquid ejection device 11.

[0320] Third embodiment

[0321] A third embodiment of a liquid ejecting device and a delivery system including the liquid ejecting device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejecting device is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink, an example of liquid, onto a medium such as paper to perform printing.

[0322] like Fig.13 As shown, the delivery system 111 includes a liquid ejecting device 112 that ejects liquid to perform printing, and a server 113 that can communicate with the liquid ejecting device 112. The delivery system 111 may include a plurality of liquid ejecting devices 112 connected to one server 113.

[0323] The liquid ejection device 112 includes a control unit 114 capable of communicating with the server 113 via the network NT. The control unit 114 is composed of a processing circuit including a computer and a memory, for example, and executes various processes executed in the liquid ejection device 112 according to a program stored in the memory.

[0324] In the drawings, it is assumed that the liquid ejection device 112 is placed on a horizontal plane, the Z axis represents the direction of gravity, and the X axis and the Y axis represent the direction along the horizontal plane. The X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0325] The liquid ejection device 112 may also include: a printing unit 117 that prints on a medium 116; and a reading unit 118 that reads an image of a document (not shown). The liquid ejection device 112 may also include: a medium storage unit 119 that can store a plurality of media 116; and a discharge unit 120 to which the printed media 116 are discharged. The liquid ejection device 112 may also include: an operation unit 121 that includes buttons and the like for performing various operations of the liquid ejection device 112; and a display unit 122 that displays information. The display unit 122 may also be a touch panel.

[0326] The liquid ejection device 112 includes a liquid ejection head 124 that ejects liquid to a medium 116 for printing, and a liquid container 125 that contains liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 124. The liquid ejection device 112 may also include a liquid supply flow path 126 that supplies liquid from the liquid container 125 to the liquid ejection head 124, and a carriage 127 that movably holds the liquid ejection head 124. A portion of the liquid supply flow path 126 may also be formed of, for example, a tube that deforms to follow the moving carriage 127.

[0327] The liquid ejection device 112 may also include: a housing 130 having a window 129 formed therein for exposing a portion of the liquid container 125 to the outside; and a housing cover 131 disposed above the liquid container 125. The housing cover 131 is disposed so as to be movable to the outside. Fig.13 The closed position shown and Fig.14 Shown in open position.

[0328] The liquid ejection device 112 may also include a plurality of liquid containers 125 fixed in a housing 130. The housing 130 of this embodiment contains four liquid containers 125, and four windows 129 corresponding to the liquid containers 125 are formed on the housing 130. When the liquid container 125 is formed of a transparent or translucent material such as resin, the liquid level of the contained liquid can be visually confirmed from the window 129. A scale 133 may also be provided on the liquid container 125 at a position exposed from the window 129.

[0329] like Fig.14 As shown, the liquid ejection device 112 may also include: a holding portion 135 that holds the plurality of liquid containers 125 in a state of being arranged in the X-axis direction; and a remaining amount detection portion 136 that detects the amount of liquid contained in the liquid container 125. The remaining amount detection portion 136 may also use, for example, a reflective optical sensor, a transmissive optical sensor, an electrode pin, an electrostatic capacitance sensor, and the like.

[0330] The liquid container 125 has a storage chamber 138 for storing liquid and an injection port 140 for replenishing the liquid from a replenishment container 139 to the storage chamber 138. The liquid container 125 may also have a cylindrical portion 141 having an opening of the injection port 140. The retaining portion 135 of this embodiment is provided with a plug cover 142 for blocking the injection port 140. The plug cover 142 is provided so as to be able to close the plug cover 140. Fig.15 The closed position shown is similar to the open injection port 140. Fig.14 The liquid container 125 is replenished with liquid by inserting the replenishment container 139 into the cylinder 141 in a state where the housing cover 131 is in the open position and the plug cover 142 is in the replenishment position.

[0331] When the liquid ejection device 112 is capable of color printing, the plurality of liquid containers 125 contain different types of liquids, respectively. For example, the four liquid containers 125 contain liquids of corresponding colors among black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively.

[0332] like Fig.15 As shown, the liquid ejection device 112 of this embodiment is equipped with an injection mask 144 covering a plurality of injection ports 140, and is dedicated to monochrome printing. The injection mask 144 covers the injection ports 140 of the liquid containers 125 for the colors corresponding to cyan, magenta, and yellow. One liquid container 125 having an injection port 140 not covered by the injection mask 144 contains, for example, black liquid.

[0333] like Fig.16 As shown, the injection cover 144 includes: a hook 145 that engages with the holding portion 135 ; a cover 146 that covers the cylinder portion 141 ; and a positioning portion 147 for positioning the injection cover 144 relative to the holding portion 135 .

[0334] like Fig.17 As shown, the holding portion 135 has a plurality of through holes 149 for the barrel 141 to pass through. The injection mask 144 is mounted on the holding portion 135 by hooking the hook 145 on the edge of the through hole 149. The holding portion 135 is fixed to the plurality of liquid containers 125 in a state where the injection mask 144 is mounted, and the injection mask 144 is restricted from moving in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by fitting the cover 146 into the front end of the barrel 141.

[0335] Next, refer to Fig.18 , Fig.19 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a replenishment routine executed by the control unit 114. The control unit 114 executes the replenishment routine when the power of the liquid ejection device 112 is turned on.

[0336] like Fig.18 As shown, in step S1101, the control unit 114 determines whether the replenishment flag is on. If the replenishment flag is off, step S1101 is "No", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1104. If the replenishment flag is on, step S1101 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1102. In step S1102, the control unit 114 determines whether it is a replenishment time to replenish the liquid container 125 with liquid.

[0337] If the remaining amount of liquid contained in the liquid container 125 is greater than the remaining amount threshold value based on the detection result of the remaining amount detection unit 136, the control unit 114 determines that it is not time to replenish the liquid container 125, and the step S1102 is "No". The control unit 114 waits until the replenishment time comes.

[0338] When the remaining amount is equal to or less than the remaining amount threshold, the control unit 114 determines that it is a replenishment opportunity, and step S1102 is “Yes.” The control unit 114 shifts the process to step S1103. In step S1103, the control unit 114 turns on the replenishment flag.

[0339] In step S1104, the control unit 114 checks the delivery status of the new replenishment container 139 with the server 113. In step S1105, the control unit 114 determines whether the new replenishment container 139 has been issued. If the new replenishment container 139 has been issued, step S1105 is "yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1106.

[0340] In step S1106, the control unit 114 determines whether the new replenishment container 139 has arrived at the user. If the control unit 114 receives a delivery completion notification sent from the server 113, the control unit 114 determines that the new replenishment container 139 has arrived, and the step S1106 is "yes". The control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1107.

[0341] In step S1107, the control unit 114 prohibits printing. In step S1108, the control unit 114 displays a prompt to replenish liquid on the display unit 122. In step S1109, the control unit 114 determines whether the replenishment to the liquid container 125 is completed. In the case where the replenishment is not completed, step S1109 is "No", and the control unit 114 waits until the replenishment is completed. When the replenishment is completed, step S1109 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the processing to step S1110. In step S1110, the control unit 114 turns off the replenishment flag and transfers the processing to step S1102.

[0342] In step S1105, if a new replenishment container 139 has not been sent, step S1105 returns "No". The control unit 114 moves the process to step S1111. In step S1111, the control unit 114 requests the server 113 to send a new replenishment container 139, and moves the process to step S1112.

[0343] In step S1106, when the control unit 114 has not received the delivery completion notification, the control unit 114 determines that the new replenishment container 139 has not arrived, and step S1106 is “No.” The control unit 114 shifts the process to step S1112.

[0344] In step S1112, the control unit 114 displays a warning for continuing printing on the display unit 122. In step S1113, the control unit 114 displays the expected arrival date of the new replenishment container 139 on the display unit 122. In step S1114, the control unit 114 displays a screen on the display unit 122 that allows selection of continuing printing.

[0345] In step S1115, the control unit 114 determines whether to continue printing. If the user does not choose to continue printing, step S1115 is "No", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1107. If the user chooses to continue printing, step S1115 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1201.

[0346] like Fig.19 As shown, in step S1201, the control unit 114 determines whether the delivery completion notification sent from the server 113 is received. If the delivery completion notification is not received, step S1201 is "No". The control unit 114 transfers the processing to step S1202. In step S1202, the control unit 114 determines whether a prescribed period has passed since the replenishment timing has been reached. If the prescribed period has passed, step S1202 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the processing to step S1203.

[0347] In step S1203, the control unit 114 prohibits printing. In step S1204, the control unit 114 determines whether a delivery completion notification sent from the server 113 is received. If the delivery completion notification is not received, step S1204 is "No", and the control unit 114 waits until the delivery completion notification is received. If the delivery completion notification is received, step S1204 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1108.

[0348] In step S1202, if the predetermined period has not elapsed, step S1202 is "NO", and control unit 114 shifts the process to step S1205. In step S1205, control unit 114 displays a warning according to the consumption of the liquid on display unit 122, and shifts the process to step S1201.

[0349] In step S1201, when the delivery completion notification is received, step S1201 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 shifts the process to step S1206. In step S1206, the control unit 114 displays a prompt to replenish the liquid on the display unit 122.

[0350] In step S1207, the control unit 114 determines whether the liquid container 125 has been completely replenished with liquid. If the replenishment is completed, step S1207 returns "yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1208. In step S1208, the control unit 114 turns off the replenishment flag and transfers the process to step S1102.

[0351] In step S1207, if the replenishment is not completed, step S1207 is "No", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1209. In step S1209, if the prescribed period has passed since the replenishment timing was reached, step S1209 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1107. If the prescribed period has not passed since the replenishment timing was reached, step S1209 is "No", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1210. In step S1210, the control unit 114 displays a notice corresponding to the consumption of the liquid on the display unit 122, and transfers the process to step S1206.

[0352] The operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0353] The control unit 114 checks with the server 113 the delivery status of the new replenishment container 139 at the replenishment timing when the liquid container 125 needs to be replenished with liquid.

[0354] like Fig. 20 As shown, at the replenishment timing, when the new replenishment container 139 has been issued and has arrived, the control unit 114 may prohibit printing and display a replenishment prompt screen prompting replenishment of liquid on the display unit 122. Alternatively, when the user operates the operation unit 121 and inputs information that the replenishment is completed, the control unit 114 determines that the replenishment of the liquid is completed. Alternatively, when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the liquid container 125 becomes greater than the remaining amount threshold, the control unit 114 determines that the replenishment is completed.

[0355] like Fig.21 As shown, at the replenishment timing, when a new replenishment container 139 is not sent, the display unit 122 may display a transmission confirmation screen for confirming the sending of the new replenishment container 139. When the user operates the operation unit 121 and selects the sending of the new replenishment container 139, the control unit 114 makes a transmission request to the server 113. When the sending of the new replenishment container 139 is not selected, the control unit 114 prohibits printing until the replenishment of the liquid to the liquid container 125 is completed or the sending of the new replenishment container 139 is selected.

[0356] like Fig. 22As shown, the control unit 114 that has made a request to send the replenishment container 139 displays a continue selection screen on the display unit 122, so that the control unit 114 sets the state in which the user can choose to temporarily continue printing after giving a warning. The continue selection screen may also include a warning when continuing printing is selected and the scheduled arrival date of the new replenishment container 139. That is, the control unit 114 may also cause the display unit 122 to display the scheduled arrival date of the new replenishment container 139. The control unit 114 temporarily continues printing when the user selects to continue. The control unit 114 prohibits printing when the user selects to stop.

[0357] like Fig. 22 As shown, at the replenishment timing, when the new replenishment container 139 has been issued but has not arrived, the control unit 114 may display a continuation selection screen on the display unit 122. That is, the control unit 114 sets a state in which temporary continuation of printing can be selected after giving a warning.

[0358] like Fig.14 As shown, the liquid level of the liquid container 125 at the replenishment time is at the lowest scale 133, and liquid remains. At the replenishment time, if the printing is temporarily continued, the liquid ejection device 112 prints with the liquid remaining in the liquid container 125.

[0359] In a state where printing can be temporarily continued, the control unit 114 may also change the content of the notice according to the amount of liquid consumed after the replenishment opportunity. For example, the control unit 114 may also change the color and sentence of the notice as the amount of consumption increases, so that the degree of attention gradually increases. Specifically, in the case where the liquid in the liquid container 125 becomes empty and air may enter the liquid supply flow path 126, the control unit 114 may also increase the degree of attention. In the case where the liquid in the liquid supply flow path 126 also becomes empty and air may enter the liquid ejection head 124, the control unit 114 may further increase the degree of attention. The control unit 114 may also increase the degree of attention each time a printing job is executed.

[0360] When the new replenishment container 139 arrives at the user, the server 113 sends a delivery completion notification to the liquid ejection device 112. When receiving the delivery completion notification of the new replenishment container 139 from the server 113 while printing can be temporarily continued, the control unit 114 may also display a prompt to replenish liquid on the display unit 122 until the liquid container 125 is replenished with liquid. Specifically, the control unit 114 Fig. 20 The supplementary reminder screen shown is displayed on the display unit 122 .

[0361] The control unit 114 may also prohibit printing if the period of time during which the liquid is not replenished exceeds a predetermined period after receiving the delivery completion notification from the server 113. The predetermined period may be set to the end of the printing job being executed, or may be set to the period during which a predetermined amount of liquid is consumed, for example, when the delivery completion notification is received during printing.

[0362] When the printing is continued at the replenishment timing and the printing is executed, when the liquid is replenished in the liquid container 125, the control unit 114 fills the liquid into the liquid supply flow path 126 and the liquid ejection head 124. The filling of the liquid may be performed by, for example, a cleaning process in which negative pressure or pressurization is applied to the liquid in the liquid ejection head 124 to forcibly discharge the liquid from a nozzle not shown.

[0363] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0364] (1) At the replenishment timing when the liquid container 125 needs to be replenished with liquid, a small amount of liquid remains in the liquid container 125, the liquid supply channel 126 connecting the liquid container 125 and the liquid ejection head 124, and the liquid ejection head 124. However, if this liquid is used for printing, air may enter the liquid supply channel 126 and the liquid ejection head 124, and then it is necessary to perform an operation of filling the liquid supply channel 126 and the liquid ejection head 124 with liquid. In this regard, the control unit 114 confirms the delivery status of the new replenishment container 139 with the server 113 at the replenishment timing, and in the case where the replenishment container 139 has been sent but has not arrived, it is set to a state where the user can choose to temporarily continue printing after reminding the user. Therefore, the user can confirm the delivery status of the new replenishment container 139 at the replenishment timing, and can temporarily continue printing even if the new replenishment container 139 has not arrived. Therefore, the possibility of a period in which printing must be interrupted can be reduced.

[0365] (2) When the new replenishment container 139 has not been sent at the replenishment timing, the control unit 114 sends a request to the server 113. Therefore, the user can save the trouble of arranging a new replenishment container 139.

[0366] (3) The control unit 114 causes the display unit 122 to display the scheduled arrival date of the new replenishment container 139. Therefore, the user can determine whether to continue printing temporarily or wait for the new replenishment container 139 to arrive, using the scheduled arrival date.

[0367] (4) For example, when printing is continued until the liquid in the liquid ejection head 124 is empty, ejection failure may occur even after the liquid is filled into the liquid ejection head 124. In this regard, when the control unit 114 receives a notification of the completion of delivery of a new replenishment container 139 from the server 113, the display unit 122 continues to display a prompt to replenish the liquid until the liquid container 125 is replenished with the liquid. Therefore, the possibility of the liquid in the liquid ejection head 124 being empty can be reduced.

[0368] (5) After receiving the delivery completion notification of the new replenishment container 139, the control unit 114 prohibits printing if the period of time during which liquid replenishment is not performed exceeds a predetermined period. When the control unit 114 receives the delivery completion notification from the server 113, the new replenishment container 139 has been delivered to the user, and the user is in a state where liquid can be replenished from the replenishment container 139 to the liquid container 125. Therefore, the possibility of continuing printing without replenishing liquid after the arrival of the replenishment container 139 can be reduced.

[0369] (6) When the printing is temporarily continued at the replenishment timing, the more the consumption of liquid increases, the higher the possibility that the liquid in the liquid ejection head 124 becomes empty. In this regard, the control unit 114 changes the content of the notice according to the consumption of liquid. Therefore, the user can know the possibility that the liquid in the liquid ejection head 124 becomes empty.

[0370] (7) When a new replenishment container 139 has been issued and arrived at the replenishment timing, the control unit 114 prohibits printing and displays a prompt to replenish liquid on the display unit 122. Therefore, the possibility of continuing printing without replenishing liquid can be reduced.

[0371] Fourth embodiment

[0372] Next, a fourth embodiment of a liquid ejection device and a distribution system having the liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the liquid container can be loaded and unloaded. In addition, other aspects are substantially the same as the third embodiment, and therefore, the same symbols are used for the same structures, thereby omitting repeated descriptions.

[0373] like Fig.23As shown, the distribution system 111 includes a liquid ejection device 112 and a server 113 capable of communicating with the liquid ejection device 112. The liquid ejection device 112 includes: a liquid ejection head 124 that ejects liquid onto a medium 116 for printing; and a control unit 114 that can communicate with the server 113 via a network NT. The liquid ejection device 112 includes a mounting portion 152, and a box 151 is mounted on the mounting portion 152 in a detachable manner. The box 151 contains liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head 124 and is an example of a liquid container. The mounting portion 152 may also include: a supply needle 153 that constitutes a part of the liquid supply flow path 126; and an electrical connection portion 154 that is electrically connected to the control unit 114.

[0374] The cartridge 151 may also include a storage medium 156 that stores information related to the cartridge 151. The storage medium 156 is, for example, an IC chip. The storage medium 156 may also store the type of liquid contained in the cartridge 151, the amount of liquid contained, an identifier of the cartridge 151, and the like. The control unit 114 may also calculate the amount of liquid contained in the cartridge 151 based on the information stored in the storage medium 156, and rewrite the information stored in the storage medium 156.

[0375] In the cartridge 151 mounted on the mounting portion 152, the storage medium 156 is electrically connected to the electrical connection portion 154, and the stored liquid can be discharged through the supply needle 153. The liquid stored in the cartridge 151 is supplied to the liquid ejection head 124 through the supply needle 153 and the liquid supply flow path 126.

[0376] The control unit 114 is connected to the storage medium 156 via the electrical connection unit 154 and can read information stored in the storage medium 156 or write information to the storage medium 156. The electrical connection unit 154 can be a connector that can communicate by contacting the storage medium 156, or a transceiver that reads and writes information to the storage medium 156 wirelessly.

[0377] Next, refer to Fig.24 , Fig.25 The flowchart shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a replacement routine executed by the control unit 114. The control unit 114 executes the replacement routine when the power of the liquid ejecting device 112 is turned on.

[0378] like Fig.24 As shown, in step S1301, the control unit 114 determines whether the replacement flag is on. When the replacement flag is off, step S1301 is "No", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1304. When the replacement flag is on, step S1301 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1302. In step S1302, the control unit 114 determines whether it is the replacement time to replace the cartridge 151.

[0379] When the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the cartridge 151 is larger than the remaining amount threshold, the control unit 114 determines that it is not the time to replace the cartridge 151, and the answer in step S1302 is “No.” The control unit 114 waits until the replacement timing arrives.

[0380] When the remaining amount is equal to or less than the remaining amount threshold, the control unit 114 determines that it is a replacement time, and step S1302 is “Yes.” The control unit 114 shifts the process to step S1303. In step S1303, the control unit 114 turns on the replacement flag.

[0381] In step S1304, the control unit 114 checks the delivery status of the new box 151 with the server 113. In step S1305, the control unit 114 determines whether the new box 151 has been shipped. If the new box 151 has been shipped, step S1305 returns "yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1306.

[0382] In step S1306, the control unit 114 determines whether the new box 151 has arrived at the user. If the control unit 114 receives a delivery completion notification sent from the server 113, the control unit 114 determines that the new box 151 has arrived, and the step S1306 is "Yes". The control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1307.

[0383] In step S1307, the control unit 114 prohibits printing. In step S1308, the control unit 114 displays a prompt to replace the cartridge 151 on the display unit 122. In step S1309, the control unit 114 determines whether the replacement of the cartridge 151 has been completed. If the replacement is not completed, step S1309 is "No", and the control unit 114 waits until the replacement is completed. When the replacement is completed, step S1309 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the processing to step S1310. In step S1310, the control unit 114 turns off the replacement flag and transfers the processing to step S1302.

[0384] In step S1305, if the new cartridge 151 has not been transmitted, step S1305 returns "No". The control unit 114 shifts the process to step S1311. In step S1311, the control unit 114 requests the server 113 to transmit the new cartridge 151, and shifts the process to step S1312.

[0385] In step S1306 , when the control unit 114 has not received the delivery completion notification, the control unit 114 determines that the new box 151 has not arrived, and the decision in step S1306 is “No.” The control unit 114 shifts the process to step S1312 .

[0386] In step S1312, the control unit 114 displays a warning for continuing printing on the display unit 122. In step S1313, the control unit 114 displays the expected arrival date of the new cartridge 151 on the display unit 122. In step S1314, the control unit 114 displays a screen on the display unit 122 that allows selection of continuing printing.

[0387] In step S1315, the control unit 114 determines whether to continue printing. If the user does not choose to continue printing, step S1315 is "No", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1307. If the user chooses to continue printing, step S1315 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1401.

[0388] like Fig.25 As shown, in step S1401, the control unit 114 determines whether the delivery completion notification sent from the server 113 is received. If the delivery completion notification is not received, step S1401 is "No". The control unit 114 transfers the processing to step S1402. In step S1402, the control unit 114 determines whether a prescribed period has passed since the replacement timing has arrived. If the prescribed period has passed, step S1402 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the processing to step S1403.

[0389] In step S1403, the control unit 114 prohibits printing. In step S1404, the control unit 114 determines whether a delivery completion notification sent from the server 113 is received. If the delivery completion notification is not received, step S1404 is "No", and the control unit 114 waits until the delivery completion notification is received. If the delivery completion notification is received, step S1404 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1308.

[0390] In step S1402, if the predetermined period has not elapsed, step S1402 is "NO", and the control unit 114 shifts the process to step S1405. In step S1405, the control unit 114 displays a warning according to the consumption of the liquid on the display unit 122, and shifts the process to step S1401.

[0391] In step S1401 , when the delivery completion notification is received, step S1401 is “YES” and the control unit 114 shifts the process to step S1406 . In step S1406 , the control unit 114 displays a message on the display unit 122 prompting the user to replace the cartridge 151 .

[0392] In step S1407, the control unit 114 determines whether the replacement of the cartridge 151 is completed. If the replacement is completed, step S1407 returns "Yes", and the control unit 114 moves the process to step S1408. In step S1408, the control unit 114 turns off the replacement flag and moves the process to step S1302.

[0393] In step S1407, if the replacement is not completed, step S1407 is "No", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1409. In step S1409, if the prescribed period has passed since the replacement timing has been reached, step S1409 is "Yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1307. If the prescribed period has not passed since the replacement timing has been reached, step S1409 is "No", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1410. In step S1410, the control unit 114 displays a notice corresponding to the consumption of the liquid on the display unit 122, and transfers the process to step S1406.

[0394] The operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0395] The control unit 114 checks the delivery status of the new cartridge 151 with the server 113 at the replacement timing when the cartridge 151 needs to be replaced.

[0396] like Fig.26 As shown, at the replacement timing, when a new cartridge 151 has been issued and has arrived, the control unit 114 may prohibit printing and display a replacement prompting screen prompting replacement of the cartridge 151 on the display unit 122. When the user operates the operation unit 121 and inputs information that the replacement is completed, the control unit 114 may determine that the replacement of the cartridge 151 is completed. The control unit 114 may also determine that the replacement is completed based on information stored in the storage medium 156.

[0397] like Fig. 27 As shown, at the replacement timing, when the new cartridge 151 is not sent, the display unit 122 may display a sending confirmation screen for confirming the sending of the new cartridge 151. When the user operates the operation unit 121 and selects the sending of the new cartridge 151, the control unit 114 makes a sending request to the server 113. When the sending of the new cartridge 151 is not selected, the control unit 114 prohibits printing until the replacement of the cartridge 151 is completed or the sending of the new cartridge 151 is selected.

[0398] like Fig.28As shown, the control unit 114 that has requested the transmission of the new cartridge 151 displays a continue selection screen on the display unit 122, thereby setting a state in which the user can select to temporarily continue printing after being reminded. The continue selection screen may also include a note when continuing printing is selected and the scheduled arrival date of the new cartridge 151. That is, the control unit 114 may also cause the display unit 122 to display the scheduled arrival date of the new cartridge 151. The control unit 114 temporarily continues printing when the user selects to continue. The control unit 114 prohibits printing when the user selects to stop.

[0399] like Fig.28 As shown, at the time of replacement, when the new cartridge 151 has been sent out but has not arrived, the control unit 114 may also display a continuation selection screen on the display unit 122. That is, the control unit 114 sets a state where the printing can be temporarily continued after the reminder. At the time of replacement, if the printing is temporarily continued, the liquid ejection device 112 uses the liquid remaining in the cartridge 151 to perform printing.

[0400] In the state that printing can be temporarily continued, the control unit 114 can also change the content of the warning according to the consumption of the liquid consumed after the replacement timing. For example, the control unit 114 can also change the color and text of the warning as the consumption increases, so that the degree of the warning gradually increases.

[0401] For example, in the cartridge 151 where the liquid surface of the contained liquid contacts the air, air may enter the liquid supply flow path 126 and the liquid ejection head 124, similarly to the liquid container 125. Therefore, the degree of caution may be increased similarly to the third embodiment.

[0402] The box 151 may also contain liquid in a flexible storage bag. The storage bag is flattened as the liquid is supplied. As the amount of liquid contained in the storage bag decreases, it becomes difficult to be flattened and it becomes difficult to supply the liquid. Therefore, there is a case where the speed at which the liquid can be supplied is slower as the remaining amount of the box 151 decreases. In a case where the consumption rate of the liquid consumed by printing is faster than the supply rate of the liquid from the box 151, air may invade from the nozzles not shown in the figure, resulting in poor ejection. Therefore, the control unit 114 may also increase the degree of attention in a manner that the consumption rate is slower as the consumption amount increases and the remaining amount decreases.

[0403] When the new cartridge 151 arrives at the user, the server 113 sends a delivery completion notification to the liquid ejection device 112. When receiving the delivery completion notification of the new cartridge 151 from the server 113 while printing can be continued temporarily, the control unit 114 may also display a prompt to replace the liquid on the display unit 122 until the liquid in the cartridge 151 is replaced. Specifically, the control unit 114 Fig.26The replacement prompt screen shown is displayed on the display unit 122 .

[0404] The control unit 114 may also prohibit printing if the period without liquid replacement exceeds a predetermined period after receiving a delivery completion notification from the server 113. The predetermined period may be set to, for example, until the printing job being executed is completed, or may be set to a period during which a predetermined amount of liquid is consumed, if a delivery completion notification is received during printing.

[0405] When the replacement timing selects to continue printing and printing is executed, when the cartridge 151 is replaced, the control unit 114 cleans the liquid ejection head 124 to forcibly discharge the liquid from the nozzles.

[0406] The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0407] (8) At the time of replacement of the cartridge 151, a small amount of liquid remains in the cartridge 151, the liquid supply passage 126 connecting the cartridge 151 and the liquid ejection head 124, and the liquid ejection head 124. However, if the liquid is used for printing, air may enter the liquid supply passage 126 and the liquid ejection head 124, and then the liquid supply passage 126 and the liquid ejection head 124 need to be filled with liquid. In this regard, the control unit 114 confirms the delivery status of the new cartridge 151 with the server 113 at the time of replacement, and sets the state in which the printing can be temporarily continued after the cartridge 151 has been sent out but has not arrived, after a reminder. Therefore, the user can confirm the delivery status of the new cartridge 151 at the time of replacement, and can temporarily continue printing even if the new cartridge 151 has not arrived. Therefore, the possibility of a period in which printing must be interrupted can be reduced.

[0408] (9) When the new cartridge 151 has not been delivered at the replacement timing, the control unit 114 issues a delivery request to the server 113. Therefore, the user can save the trouble of arranging a new cartridge 151.

[0409] (10) The control unit 114 causes the display unit 122 to display the scheduled arrival date of the new cartridge 151. Therefore, the user can determine whether to continue printing temporarily or wait for the arrival of the new cartridge 151, using the scheduled arrival date.

[0410] (11) When receiving notification of delivery completion of a new cartridge 151 from the server 113, the control unit 114 continues to display a replacement prompt on the display unit 122 until the cartridge 151 is replaced. Therefore, the possibility that the liquid in the liquid ejection head 124 becomes empty can be reduced.

[0411] (12) After receiving the delivery completion notification of the new cartridge 151, the control unit 114 prohibits printing if the period of time during which the cartridge 151 is not replaced with the new cartridge 151 exceeds a predetermined period. When the control unit 114 receives the delivery completion notification from the server 113, the new cartridge 151 has been delivered to the user, and the user is in a state where the cartridge 151 can be replaced. Therefore, the possibility of continuing printing without replacing the cartridge 151 after the new cartridge 151 arrives can be reduced.

[0412] (13) When the replacement timing selects to continue printing temporarily, the more the consumption of liquid increases, the higher the possibility that the liquid in the liquid ejection head 124 becomes empty. In this regard, the control unit 114 changes the content of the notice according to the consumption of liquid. Therefore, the user can know the possibility that the liquid in the liquid ejection head 124 becomes empty.

[0413] (14) When a new cartridge 151 has been issued and arrived at the replacement timing, the control unit 114 prohibits printing and displays a prompt for replacement on the display unit 122. Therefore, the possibility of continuing printing without replacing the cartridge 151 with a new one can be reduced.

[0414] This embodiment can be implemented by being modified as follows. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the range that there is no technical contradiction.

[0415] ·like Fig.29 As shown in the flowchart, you can also Fig.18 , Fig.19 In the replenishment routine shown, steps S1206 to S1210 are omitted. That is, in step S1201, when a delivery completion notification is received, step S1201 is "yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the process to step S1107. In a state where printing can be temporarily continued, when a delivery completion notification of a new replenishment container 139 is received from the server 113, the control unit 114 may immediately prohibit printing and display a replenishment prompt on the display unit 122 until the liquid container 125 is replenished with liquid. In this way, the possibility of the liquid in the liquid ejection head 124 becoming empty can be reduced.

[0416] ·like Fig.30 As shown in the flowchart, you can also Fig.24 , Fig.25In the replacement routine shown, steps S1406 to S1410 are omitted. That is, in step S1401, when a delivery completion notification is received, step S1401 is "yes", and the control unit 114 transfers the processing to step S1307. In a state where printing can be temporarily continued, when a delivery completion notification of a new cartridge 151 is received from the server 113, the control unit 114 may immediately prohibit printing and display a prompt for replacement on the display unit 122 until the cartridge 151 is replaced with a new one. In this way, the possibility of the liquid in the liquid ejection head 124 becoming empty can be reduced.

[0417] A label indicating the type of liquid contained may be provided on the holding portion 135. A label may be provided corresponding to each liquid container 125. The injection cover 144 may cover the injection port 140 of the unused liquid container 125 and the label corresponding to the unused liquid container 125.

[0418] The liquid ejection device 112 may contain different types of liquids in the plurality of liquid containers 125. In this case, the control unit 114 may set the state in which the printing can be temporarily continued after giving a warning at the replenishment timing of any of the liquid containers 125.

[0419] A plurality of cartridges 151 may be mounted on the mounting portion 152. In this case, the control portion 114 may set the state in which the user can select to temporarily continue printing after giving a warning at the timing of replacing any of the cartridges 151.

[0420] The liquid ejection device 112 may include a mounting detection unit that detects that the cartridge 151 has been mounted on the mounting portion 152. The control unit 114 may determine whether to replace the cartridge 151 based on the detection result of the mounting detection unit.

[0421] The control unit 114 may also make the printing speed slower than that of normal printing when the temporary printable state is selected at the replenishment timing or replacement timing. For example, the control unit 114 may make the moving speed of the carriage 127 slower than that of normal printing when the temporary printable state is selected. In the case where the liquid ejection head 124 is a line head provided across the width direction of the medium 116, the conveying speed of the medium 116 may be slower than that of normal printing when the temporary printable state is selected. The control unit 114 may also reduce the amount of liquid ejected per unit time by the liquid ejection head 124.

[0422] The control unit 114 may also change the content of the notice when the state in which temporary printing is possible is selected according to the data to be printed at the replenishment timing or replacement timing. For example, the control unit 114 may also call out a stronger notice when the printing rate is high than when the printing rate is low. The control unit 114 may also call out a stronger notice when the size of the medium 116 to be printed is large than when it is small. The control unit 114 may also call out a stronger notice when the number of media 116 to be printed is large than when it is small.

[0423] When the replenishment timing is earlier than the arrival of the replenishment container 139, or when the replacement timing is earlier than the arrival of the cartridge 151, the server 113 may store the period of advance. In the case of a subscription-type liquid ejection device 112 that generates fees based on the period of use, the period from the arrival of the replenishment timing until the arrival of the replenishment container 139, and the period from the arrival of the replacement timing until the arrival of the cartridge 151 are periods during which printing cannot be performed in a correct state. Therefore, the delivery system 111 may also provide services such as refunds, gifts, and changes in plan content to the user based on the period stored in the server 113.

[0424] The liquid ejection device 112 may also include a prediction unit that predicts the replenishment timing based on the amount of liquid consumed per predetermined period and the amount of liquid filled in the replenishment container 139. The liquid ejection device 112 may also include a transmission request unit that sends a request to the server 113 for the replenishment container 139 earlier than the replenishment timing estimated by the prediction unit by the delivery period required for the delivery of the replenishment container 139. The prediction unit may also make corrections so that the next replenishment timing becomes earlier and the transmission request is advanced when the new replenishment container 139 does not arrive at the replenishment timing.

[0425] The liquid ejection device 112 may also include a prediction unit that predicts the replacement timing based on the amount of liquid consumed per predetermined period and the amount of liquid previously contained in the new cartridge 151. The liquid ejection device 112 may also include a transmission request unit that sends a request to the server 113 for the cartridge 151 earlier than the replacement timing estimated by the prediction unit by a delivery period required for the delivery of the cartridge 151. The prediction unit may also make corrections so that the next replacement timing becomes earlier and advance the transmission request when the new cartridge 151 does not arrive at the replacement timing.

[0426] The control unit 114 may display a warning regardless of the amount of liquid consumed in a state where printing can be temporarily continued.

[0427] The control unit 114 may set the state in which the printing can be continued even if the period without replenishment or replacement exceeds a predetermined period after receiving the delivery completion notification.

[0428] When receiving a delivery completion notification from the server 113 while printing can be temporarily continued, the control unit 114 may continuously display a message prompting replenishment or replacement, may display the message intermittently, or may display the message temporarily.

[0429] The control unit 114 may not cause the display unit 122 to display the expected arrival date of the new replenishment container 139 or the new cartridge 151. The control unit 114 may notify the expected arrival date by voice, for example.

[0430] The control unit 114 may also automatically request the replenishment container 139 or the cartridge 151 to be sent, without depending on the user's operation, when the replenishment container 139 or the cartridge 151 is not sent at the replenishment timing or the replacement timing. The control unit 114 may also request the replenishment container 139 or the cartridge 151 to be sent at a timing different from the replenishment timing or the replacement timing. The control unit 114 may also confirm the delivery status of the replenishment container 139 or the cartridge 151 regardless of the replenishment timing or the replacement timing.

[0431] The liquid ejection device 112 may also be a liquid ejection device that ejects or sprays other liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid that is ejected from the liquid ejection device as a tiny amount of droplets also includes the state of granular, tear-like, and thread-like trailing. The liquid mentioned here can be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid can be any material in the state when the substance is in the liquid phase, including high or low viscosity liquid bodies, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, metal melts and other fluid bodies. Liquids include not only liquids as a state of matter, but also substances formed by dissolving, dispersing or mixing particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments and metal particles in solvents. As representative examples of liquids, inks and liquid crystals described in the above embodiments can be cited. Here, inks include general aqueous inks and oily inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. As a specific example of a liquid ejection device, there is a device that ejects a liquid containing electrode materials, colorants, and other materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects biological organic matter used to manufacture biochips, a device that is used as a precision pipette and ejects liquid as a sample, a printing and dyeing device, a micro-dispenser, and the like. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that uses a needle tip to eject lubricating oil to precision machinery such as clocks and cameras, and a device that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curing resin onto a substrate in order to form a tiny hemispherical lens, an optical lens, and the like used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects an etching liquid such as an acid or an alkali in order to etch a substrate.

[0432] Hereinafter, technical concepts and operational effects grasped from the above-described embodiments and modified examples will be described.

[0433] (A) A liquid ejecting device includes: a liquid ejecting head that is detachably mounted in the liquid ejecting device and ejects liquid; and a control unit that can send a delivery request for a new liquid ejecting head to a server device via a network.

[0434] According to this structure, it is possible to request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement when necessary. Thus, in the liquid ejection device, when a malfunction of the liquid ejection head occurs, it is possible to reduce downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head for replacement.

[0435] (B) The liquid ejection device may further include a detection unit that detects a malfunction related to the ejection, and when the detection unit detects the malfunction, the control unit may issue a delivery request for the new liquid ejection head.

[0436] According to this structure, when a defect related to ejection occurs, it is possible to request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement. Thus, in the liquid ejection device, when a defect occurs in the liquid ejection head, it is possible to reduce the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head for replacement.

[0437] (C) In the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, when the detection unit detects the malfunction, the control unit may start a confirmation process including a delivery request for the new liquid ejection head.

[0438] According to this structure, when a malfunction related to the liquid ejection head occurs, the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement can be requested according to the state of the malfunction of the liquid ejection head. Thus, in the liquid ejection device, when a malfunction of the liquid ejection head occurs, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head for replacement can be reduced.

[0439] (D) In ​​the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, it is also possible to have a maintenance unit for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head, and the detection unit has a function of detecting poor ejection of the liquid ejection head. When the detection unit detects the poor ejection, the control unit performs automatic maintenance to enable the maintenance unit to automatically perform the maintenance, and the detection unit detects that the automatic maintenance has been repeatedly performed for more than a specified number of times as the poor condition.

[0440] According to this structure, in the case of poor discharge that cannot be restored even after repeated automatic maintenance for more than a predetermined number of times, it is possible to request the delivery of a new liquid discharge head for replacement. Thus, in the liquid discharge device, when a poor condition of the liquid discharge head occurs, it is possible to reduce the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid discharge head for replacement.

[0441] (E) The above-mentioned liquid ejection device may include a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the liquid ejection head, and the detection unit may detect, as the malfunction, that the maintenance is repeatedly performed by a user a predetermined number of times or more.

[0442] According to this structure, when a bad condition occurs that cannot be restored even after repeated user maintenance for more than a predetermined number of times, it is possible to request the delivery of a new liquid ejection head for replacement. Thus, in the liquid ejection device, when a bad condition occurs in the liquid ejection head, it is possible to reduce the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head for replacement.

[0443] (F) The above-mentioned liquid ejection device may further include an input unit that allows a user to input that the above-mentioned malfunction has occurred.

[0444] According to this structure, when the user determines that the liquid ejection head has a malfunction, appropriate processing can be performed. Thus, in the liquid ejection device, when a malfunction of the liquid ejection head occurs, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head for replacement can be reduced.

[0445] (G) In the above liquid ejection device, when the user inputs through the input unit that the malfunction has occurred, the control unit may start a confirmation flow including a delivery request for the new liquid ejection head.

[0446] According to this structure, when there is an input from the user that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred, processing corresponding to the condition at that time can be performed. Thus, in the liquid ejection device, when a bad condition of the liquid ejection head has occurred, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head for replacement can be reduced.

[0447] (H) The liquid ejection device may further include a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the liquid ejection head, and the control unit may start the confirmation process according to a status of the maintenance performed before the input is made by the input unit.

[0448] According to this structure, when there is an input from the user that a bad condition related to ejection has occurred, processing corresponding to the implementation status of the previous maintenance can be performed. Thus, in the liquid ejection device, when a bad condition of the liquid ejection head occurs, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head for replacement can be reduced.

[0449] (I) In the above-mentioned liquid ejecting device, the control unit may prohibit use of the liquid ejecting device when a delivery request for the new liquid ejecting head is transmitted.

[0450] According to this configuration, in the liquid ejection device, it is possible to prevent the liquid ejection head having a defect related to ejection from continuing to print.

[0451] (J) In the above-mentioned liquid ejecting device, the control unit may release the prohibition of use of the liquid ejecting device after the delivery request of the new liquid ejecting head is transmitted, under the condition of a request from a user.

[0452] According to this structure, even if the liquid ejection head has a bad condition, printing can be continued as usual according to the user's request until a new liquid ejection head is delivered. Thus, in the liquid ejection device, when a bad condition of the liquid ejection head occurs, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head for replacement can be reduced.

[0453] (K) In the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, it may be that when a delivery request for the new liquid ejection head is made, if there is a liquid container having a remaining amount lower than a specified threshold value among the plurality of liquid containers containing liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head, the control unit may send a delivery request for the new liquid container in addition to sending the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head.

[0454] According to this configuration, in the liquid ejection device, it is possible to request the delivery of a liquid container having a small remaining amount at the delivery timing of the liquid ejection head.

[0455] (L) In the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, it may be that a plurality of liquid containers are contained, each of which contains the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head, and the liquid container has a supply port for replenishing the liquid contained in the replenishment container. When a delivery request for the new liquid ejection head is made, if there is a liquid container with a remaining amount lower than a specified threshold among the plurality of liquid containers containing the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head, the control unit sends a delivery request for a new replenishment container in addition to sending the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head.

[0456] According to this configuration, in the liquid ejection device, it is possible to request delivery of a replenishment container for replenishing a liquid container having a small remaining amount of liquid at the delivery timing of the liquid ejection head.

[0457] (M) It may also be that the above-mentioned liquid ejection device includes a liquid container, which contains the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head, and the liquid container has: a storage chamber, which contains the liquid; and an injection port, which is used to replenish the liquid from a replenishment container to the storage chamber, and when it is necessary to replenish the liquid to the liquid container, the control unit confirms the delivery status of the new replenishment container with the server, and when the new replenishment container has been issued but has not arrived, it is set to a state in which it is possible to choose to temporarily continue printing based on a reminder.

[0458] According to this configuration, the control unit confirms the delivery status of the new replenishment container with the server at the replenishment timing, and in the case where the replenishment container has been sent but has not arrived, the control unit sets the state in which the user can choose to temporarily continue printing after being reminded. Therefore, the user can confirm the delivery status of the new replenishment container at the replenishment timing, and can temporarily continue printing even if the new replenishment container has not arrived. Therefore, the possibility of a period in which printing must be interrupted can be reduced.

[0459] (N) The distribution system of the liquid ejection head comprises the above-mentioned liquid ejection device and a server device, wherein the above-mentioned liquid ejection device comprises: a liquid ejection head which is installed in a detachable manner and ejects liquid; and a control unit which can send a distribution request for a new liquid ejection head to the server device via a network, and the server device comprises a receiving unit which receives the distribution request for the new liquid ejection head sent from the control unit.

[0460] According to this structure, when the liquid ejection head fails, it can be replaced with a new head. Thus, in the liquid ejection device, when a malfunction occurs in the liquid ejection head, the downtime caused by the user not having a new liquid ejection head for replacement can be reduced.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, It is characterized in that have: a liquid ejection head installed in the liquid ejection device in a detachable manner, and the liquid ejection head ejects liquid; and The control unit can send a delivery request for a new liquid ejection head to the server device via the network. After sending the delivery request of the new liquid ejection head, the control unit allows the liquid ejection device to be continued to be used, subject to an instruction from the user. The liquid ejection device further includes a detection unit configured to detect an abnormality related to the ejection. When the detection unit detects the malfunction, the control unit may send a request for delivery of the new liquid ejection head. The liquid ejection device further includes an input unit, wherein the input unit allows a user to input that the malfunction has occurred. When the user inputs, using the input unit, that the malfunction has occurred, the control unit starts a confirmation flow including a request for delivery of the new liquid ejection head.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that When the detection unit detects the malfunction, the control unit starts a confirmation process including a delivery request for the new liquid ejection head.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The liquid ejection device includes a maintenance unit for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head. The detection unit has a function of detecting a discharge failure of the liquid discharge head. When the detection unit detects the ejection failure, the control unit performs automatic maintenance to cause the maintenance unit to automatically perform the maintenance. The detection unit detects, as the failure condition, that the automatic maintenance has been repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times or more.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The liquid ejection device includes a maintenance unit for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head. The detection unit detects, as the failure condition, that the maintenance is repeatedly performed by the user a predetermined number of times or more.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The liquid ejection device further includes a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the liquid ejection head, and the control unit activates the confirmation flow according to a status of the maintenance performed before the input is performed by the input unit.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that When a delivery request for the new liquid ejection head is made, if there is a liquid container among the multiple liquid containers that contain liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head and the remaining amount is lower than a specified threshold, the control unit sends a delivery request for the new liquid container in addition to sending the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head.

7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The liquid ejection device contains a plurality of liquid containers, each of which contains the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head. The liquid container has a supply port for replenishing the liquid contained in the replenishing container. When a delivery request for the new liquid ejection head is made, if there is a liquid container among the plurality of liquid containers that contain liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head and the remaining amount of the liquid container is lower than a specified threshold, the control unit sends a delivery request for a new replenishment container in addition to sending the delivery request for the new liquid ejection head.

8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The liquid ejection device includes a liquid container that contains the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head. The liquid container has: a containing chamber, containing the liquid; as well as an injection port for replenishing the liquid from a replenishing container into the containing chamber, When the liquid container needs to be replenished with the liquid, the control unit confirms the delivery status of the new replenishment container with the server. In the case where the new replenishment container has been issued but has not arrived, the control unit sets the state in which printing can be temporarily continued after reminding the user.

9. A liquid dispensing system, It is characterized in that A liquid ejection device and a server device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The server device includes a receiving unit configured to receive a delivery request for the new liquid ejection head transmitted from the control unit.

Images