Control method of liquid discharge apparatus and liquid discharge apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control method of a liquid ejecting apparatus and a liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head, a mounting unit, and an operation section including a display section. The mounting unit has a first mounting portion mounting a first liquid storage portion storing a first liquid, and a second mounting portion mounting a second liquid storage portion storing a second liquid having a lower sedimentation property than the first liquid. The control method includes: when an instruction to execute a replacement mode is given, displaying information urging removal of the first liquid storage portion from the first mounting portion; displaying information urging an intention to mount, to the first mounting portion, another second liquid storage portion different from the second liquid storage portion mounted to the second mounting portion; and when the other second liquid storage portion is mounted to the first mounting portion, supplying the second liquid to a plurality of nozzles ejecting the first liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control method for a liquid ejection device having a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid, and to a liquid ejection device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a recording device such as an inkjet printer (an example of a liquid ejection device) which has a recording head (an example of a liquid ejection head) that ejects droplets onto a medium such as paper and causes the droplets to adhere to the medium to form a printed image. In this recording device, the liquid ejection head has a nozzle that ejects liquids such as ink.

[0003] The recording device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to replace the ink with a clogging prevention liquid in order to prevent the device from being left in a state filled with ink that causes clogging of a specific nozzle for an extended period of time.

[0004] In detail, the recording head has specific nozzles that are selectively filled with image forming fluid such as ink and clogging prevention fluid to prevent nozzle clogging. The control unit of the recording device controls the switching from a first filling state in which the specific nozzles are filled with image forming fluid to a second filling state in which the specific nozzles are filled with clogging prevention fluid, based on predetermined conditions.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-107398

[0006] However, in addition to liquids such as ink used in printing, a dedicated liquid (clogging prevention liquid) is also needed to prevent clogging. For example, in addition to liquid containers for containing liquids such as ink, a dedicated liquid container for containing clogging prevention liquid is also required. Therefore, there are issues regarding the cost of preparing the dedicated liquid container and the space required to store it.

[0007] Therefore, since special liquids are required in addition to those used in printing, a control method and liquid ejection device that can eliminate cost and space issues are desired. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a control method for a liquid ejection device that solves the above-mentioned problems, the liquid ejection device includes: a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles, and printing a medium by ejecting liquid from the nozzles; an mounting unit capable of mounting a plurality of liquid reservoirs, the plurality of liquid reservoirs storing liquid supplied to the plurality of nozzles; and an operation unit including a display unit. The mounting unit includes: a first mounting unit for mounting a first liquid reservoir, the first liquid reservoir storing a first liquid with settling properties; and a second mounting unit for mounting a second liquid reservoir, the second liquid reservoir storing a second liquid with less settling properties than the first liquid. The control method for the liquid ejection device includes: when a replacement mode is executed via an operation instruction from the operation unit, displaying on the display unit an indication that the first liquid reservoir should be removed from the first mounting unit; displaying on the display unit an indication that another second liquid reservoir, different from the second liquid reservoir installed on the second mounting unit, should be installed on the first mounting unit; and when the other second liquid reservoir is installed on the first mounting unit, supplying the second liquid to the plurality of nozzles that eject the first liquid.

[0009] A liquid ejection device for solving the above problems includes: a liquid ejection head having multiple nozzles, and printing a medium by ejecting liquid from the nozzles; an mounting unit capable of mounting multiple liquid reservoirs that store liquid supplied to the multiple nozzles; an operation unit including a display unit; and a control unit. The mounting unit includes: a first mounting unit for mounting a first liquid reservoir that stores a first liquid with settling properties; and a second mounting unit for mounting a second liquid reservoir that stores a second liquid with less settling properties than the first liquid. When a replacement mode is executed via an operation instruction from the operation unit, the control unit enables the display unit to display information indicating an intention to remove the first liquid reservoir from the first mounting unit and information indicating an intention to install a different second liquid reservoir (different from the second liquid reservoir installed on the second mounting unit) on the first mounting unit. When the other second liquid reservoir is installed on the first mounting unit, the control unit supplies the second liquid to the multiple nozzles that eject the first liquid. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the liquid ejection device in the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a top view of the liquid ejection device, including the moving mechanism.

[0012] Figure 3This is a side view of the carriage that carries the mounting unit.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram showing the carriage that carries the mounting unit.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a front view schematic diagram showing the carriage equipped with the mounting unit.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a front view diagram showing the disassembly and assembly of the liquid storage section relative to the installation unit.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the liquid ejector head.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a side sectional view showing the structure of the wiping unit.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a liquid ejection device.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a flowchart representing the liquid management routine.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of an installation unit showing a situation where the supply channel connected to the first nozzle is filled with the first liquid.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the input screen for selecting the replacement mode displayed on the display unit.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a display unit that indicates the intention to urge the removal of the first liquid storage section.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a top view diagram showing the removal of the first liquid storage section.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a display unit that shows information indicating the need to install a second liquid storage unit.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a top view showing the installation of the second liquid reservoir onto the first mounting section.

[0026] Figure 17 This is a top view schematic diagram showing the installation unit where the second liquid storage section is installed on the first installation section.

[0027] Figure 18 This is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of an installation unit showing a situation where the first liquid in the supply channel connected to the first nozzle is replaced with the second liquid.

[0028] Figure 19 This is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of the installation unit showing the situation where the supply channel connected to the first nozzle is filled with the second liquid.

[0029] Figure 20 This is a flowchart representing the replacement processing routine.

[0030] Figure 21 It means and Figure 20 Flowcharts for different replacement processing routines.

[0031] Figure 22 It means and Figure 21 Flowcharts for different replacement processing routines.

[0032] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram showing the input screen for selecting the replacement mode displayed on the display unit.

[0033] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of a display unit that indicates a message urging the installation of the first liquid storage unit into the first installation section.

[0034] Figure 25 This is a top view showing the situation where the second liquid reservoir is removed from the first mounting section.

[0035] Figure 26 This is a top view showing the installation of the first liquid reservoir onto the first mounting section.

[0036] Figure 27 This is a top view schematic diagram showing the installation unit where the first liquid storage section is installed in the first mounting section.

[0037] Figure 28 This is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of an installation unit showing a situation where the second liquid in the supply channel connected to the first nozzle is replaced with the first liquid.

[0038] Figure 29 This is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of the installation unit showing the situation where the supply channel connected to the first nozzle is filled with the first liquid.

[0039] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating the liquid management routine in the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 31 This is a schematic diagram of a display unit that shows information indicating the need to install and discharge containers.

[0041] Figure 32 This is a top view showing the installation of the discharge container on the first mounting section.

[0042] Figure 33This is a top view schematic diagram showing the installation unit where the discharge container is installed in the first installation section.

[0043] Figure 34 This is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of an installation unit showing the situation where the first liquid in the supply channel connected to the first nozzle is replaced with air.

[0044] Figure 35 This is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of the installation unit showing the situation where the supply channel connected to the first nozzle is replaced by air.

[0045] Figure 36 This is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of the installation unit showing the situation where the air in the supply channel connected to the first nozzle is replaced by the second liquid.

[0046] Figure 37 This is a flowchart representing the replacement processing routine.

[0047] Figure 38 It means and Figure 37 Flowcharts for different replacement processing routines.

[0048] Figure 39 It means and Figure 38 Flowcharts for different replacement processing routines.

[0049] Figure 40 This is a schematic diagram of a display unit that indicates a message urging the installation of a discharge container in the first installation section.

[0050] Figure 41 This is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of an installation unit showing a situation where the second liquid in the supply channel connected to the first nozzle is replaced with air.

[0051] Figure 42 This is a schematic diagram of a display unit that indicates a message urging the removal of the discharge container from the first installation section.

[0052] Figure 43 This is a schematic diagram of a display unit that indicates a message urging the installation of the first liquid storage unit into the first installation section.

[0053] Figure 44 This is a main cross-sectional schematic diagram of the installation unit showing the situation where the air in the supply channel connected to the first nozzle is replaced with the first liquid.

[0054] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0055] 11…Liquid ejection device, 12…House, 13…Control unit, 15…Support unit, 16…Media, 17…Slide carriage, 18…Mounting unit, 19…Liquid reservoir, 19A…First liquid reservoir, 19B…Second liquid reservoir, 20…Pump, 21…Liquid ejection head, 21A…Nozzle face, 22…Wiping part, 22A…House, 23…Wiper, 24…Cover mechanism, 24A…Main body, 25…Cover, 27…Main body 30…operating section, 31…display section, 32…power switch, 33…operating button, 34…moving mechanism, 35…horizontal axis, 36…vertical axis, 37…conveying section, 40…nozzle, 41…first nozzle, 42…second nozzle, 43…first nozzle array, 44…second nozzle array, 46…first storage element, 47…second storage element, 48…supply section, 49…pin hole, 51…first mounting section, 52…second mounting section 53…First connecting part, 54…Second connecting part, 55…Supply needle, 56…Positioning pin, 57…Locking mechanism, 58…Locking component, 59…Supply channel, 60…Liquid bag, 61…Bag body, 62…Supply component, 65…Discharge container, 71…Unwinding part, 72…Rewinding part, 73…Unwinding shaft, 74…Rewinding shaft, 75…First guide roller, 76…Second guide roller, 77…Third guide roller, 78…Press roller, 79…Rewinding motor, 81…Replacement indicator button, 82…Replacement indicator button, 83…Confirmation button, 84…Cancel button, 110…Computer, 111…First counter, 112…Second counter, 113…Storage unit, PR…Program, DI…Display information, L1…First liquid, L2…Second liquid, AG…Air, Dx…Scanning direction, Dy…Sub-scanning direction, Ds…Feed direction, Dr…Return direction. Detailed Implementation

[0056] (First Implementation)

[0057] Hereinafter, the liquid ejection device and its control method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink, as a liquid, onto media such as paper, fabric, vinyl, plastic parts, and metal parts for printing. In the drawings, it is assumed that the liquid ejection device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, with the Z-axis representing the direction of gravity and the X and Y axes representing the directions along the horizontal plane. The X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other.

[0058] <Composition of the liquid ejection device 11>

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 may also include a housing 12 and a control unit 13. The housing 12 houses various components of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0060] The control unit 13 uniformly controls the driving of each mechanism in the liquid ejection device 11 and controls the various actions performed by the liquid ejection device 11.

[0061] The liquid ejection device 11 may also include a support portion 15. The support portion 15 is configured to support a medium 16. The support portion 15, for example, supports a medium 16.

[0062] The liquid ejection device 11 may also include a carriage 17, a mounting unit 18, a liquid reservoir 19, a pump 20, and a liquid ejection head 21. Furthermore, the liquid ejection device 11 may also include a wiping section 22 and a cover mechanism 24 on the outer side of the printing area, which is the area where the liquid ejection head 21 moves when ejecting liquid to the medium 16. The wiping section 22 and the cover mechanism 24 are used to maintain the liquid ejection head 21. The wiping section 22 includes a wiper 23. The cover mechanism 24 may also include a cover 25 and a pump 20.

[0063] The wiping section 22 includes a wiper 23 for wiping the nozzle surface 21A of the liquid spray head 21. The cover mechanism 24 is positioned in the standby position when the liquid spray head 21 is not printing. Figure 1 The initial position, indicated by the double-dotted line, is the position opposite to the liquid nozzle 21. The cover mechanism 24 has a main body 24A that can lift and support the cover 25. The cover 25 moves between a retracted position, in which the liquid nozzle 21 is in the initial position, retracting from the nozzle surface 21A, and a sealed position, in which it contacts the nozzle surface 21A.

[0064] The cap 25 can also be used at the liquid nozzle 21 from the nozzle 40 (see reference). Figure 2 One of the maintenance procedures for draining liquid is to clean the liquid discharged from nozzle 40. The location for containing the liquid can also be between the retracted position and the capped position.

[0065] The carriage 17 can also movably hold the mounting unit 18, the liquid reservoir 19, the pump 20, and the liquid nozzle 21. That is, the liquid reservoir 19, the pump 20, and the liquid nozzle 21 can also be mounted on the carriage 17.

[0066] The liquid reservoir 19 stores the liquid supplied to the liquid nozzle 21. (See also mounting unit 18) Figure 3 The device is configured to accommodate multiple liquid reservoirs 19. Liquid stored in the liquid reservoirs 19 is supplied to multiple nozzles 40 (see reference 21) of the liquid ejector head. Figure 2 In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the mounting unit 18 can also be configured in a predetermined position within the housing 12. That is, it can be either a rack-mounted type where multiple liquid reservoirs 19 are detachably mounted on the carriage 17, or a rack-mounted type where multiple liquid reservoirs 19 are detachably configured in a predetermined position within the housing 12.

[0067] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes an operation unit 30 that is operated when an operator issues an instruction to the liquid dispensing device 11. The operation unit 30 includes a display unit 31. The operation unit 30 includes a power switch 32 and an operation button 33. The operation unit 30 may be, for example, an operation panel. The display unit 31 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 31 may also be a touch panel. In this case, the touch operation function of the display unit 31 may also form part of the operation function of the operation unit 30 together with the operation button 33. In this case, it may also be configured without the operation button 33. In addition, the power switch 32 may also be provided in a part other than the operation unit 30, such as the surface of the housing 12. The operation unit 30 may be an operation panel that is angle-adjustable relative to the housing 12, or it may be fixed to the housing 12.

[0068] Pump 20 can supply pressurized liquid to liquid nozzle 21 by sending liquid from liquid reservoir 19 toward liquid nozzle 21. Pump 20 can also perform pressurized discharge by pressurizing the liquid in liquid nozzle 21 and discharging liquid from nozzle 40 of liquid nozzle 21. In addition, as a configuration for pressurized discharge, a flow control valve (not shown) can be provided downstream of pump 20. Alternatively, pressurized liquid can be accumulated in the flow channel between pump 20 and flow control valve by closing the flow control valve in the middle of the supply channel, and then pressurized liquid can be discharged from nozzle 40 by quickly opening the flow control valve. In addition, if liquid reservoir 19 is configured to house a liquid bag (not shown) containing (reserving) liquid, pump 20 can be configured to supply air into the housing of liquid reservoir 19 and pressurize the liquid bag using air pressure to supply liquid to nozzle 40 and discharge liquid from nozzle 40. In addition, a cleaning pump 20 that forcibly discharges liquid from nozzle 40 constitutes a maintenance unit 27.

[0069] The wiping unit 22 is configured to wipe the nozzle surface 21A of the nozzle 40 opening of the liquid spray head 21. The wiping unit 22 may, for example, be a cloth wiping unit comprising a cloth as a wiping device 23. The wiping unit 22 wipes the nozzle surface 21A by sliding the wiping device 23 on the nozzle surface 21A. The wiping unit 22 is not limited to a configuration where a cloth is used as the wiping device 23; for example, a scraper may be used as the wiping component. The scraper may be made of an elastic component such as rubber or an elastomer, and wipes the nozzle surface 21A by moving relative to it. Furthermore, a detailed configuration of the wiping unit 22, which is a cloth wiping unit, will be described later.

[0070] To prevent the liquid inside the nozzle 40 from thickening or drying, the capping mechanism 24 uses a cap 25 to seal the liquid nozzle 21. When the liquid nozzle 21 is not printing, the cap 25 seals the liquid nozzle 21 by covering the nozzle surface 21A in a manner that surrounds the nozzle 40. In addition, the capping mechanism 24 is used to contain the liquid discharged from the nozzle 40 of the liquid nozzle 21 during cleaning.

[0071] Cleaning is performed at the position where the liquid nozzle 21 is opposite the cover 25, and the liquid discharged from the nozzle 40 during cleaning is collected in the cover 25. The cover 25 is connected to a waste liquid reservoir (not shown) via a discharge channel. The cover mechanism 24 may also be provided. Figure 1 Pump 20 is shown under a double-dotted line. In this case, pump 20 is a suction pump. Pump 20 is located midway in the discharge channel (not shown) connecting cover 25 and waste liquid reservoir. Pump 20 can also be driven to clean the liquid nozzle 21 via cover mechanism 24. During cleaning, by driving pump 20 with the cover closed, the substantially sealed space surrounded by cover 25 and nozzle surface 21A becomes negative pressure, thereby forcibly discharging liquid from nozzle 40. Furthermore, pump 20 and cover mechanism 24 constitute maintenance section 27. Additionally, by driving pump 20, liquid (waste liquid) within cover 25 is recovered to waste liquid reservoir via discharge channel using suction.

[0072] Thus, the maintenance unit 27 includes a pump 20 that forcibly discharges liquid from the nozzle 40 of the liquid ejector head 21. The pump 20 includes a supply channel 59 (see reference) that connects the liquid reservoir 19 to the nozzle 40 of the liquid ejector head 21. Figure 11 The function of the pump 20 is to forcibly discharge the liquid in the reservoir 19 from the nozzle 40. The pump 20 can be either a pressure pump that forcibly discharges the liquid from the nozzle 40 by pressurizing the liquid in the direction from the liquid reservoir 19 toward the nozzle 40, or a suction pump that forcibly discharges the liquid from the nozzle 40 by drawing liquid from the nozzle 40.

[0073] In this embodiment, the pump 20 constituting the maintenance unit 27 is used not only for cleaning but also for supplying the liquid to the supply channel 59 (see reference 1) between the liquid reservoir 19 and the nozzle 40. Figure 11 The liquid in the container is replaced with another liquid. Further details regarding this liquid replacement will be described later.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 may also include a moving mechanism 34. The moving mechanism 34 may also include a horizontal axis 35 and a vertical axis 36. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 34 includes a pair of vertical axes 36.

[0075] The horizontal axis 35 can also extend along the scanning direction Dx. A pair of vertical axes 36 can also be arranged parallel to each other, extending along the sub-scanning direction Dy. In this embodiment, the scanning direction Dx is parallel to the X-axis. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction Dy is perpendicular to the X-axis and parallel to the Y-axis.

[0076] The moving mechanism 34 causes the carriage 17 to reciprocate along the horizontal axis 35. The moving mechanism 34 also causes the horizontal axis 35 supporting the carriage 17 to reciprocate along the vertical axis 36. Therefore, the moving mechanism 34 enables the liquid ejector head 21 mounted on the carriage 17 to move in the scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy. The liquid ejector head 21 can move relative to the wiping part 22 in the scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0077] The moving mechanism 34 can also move the liquid ejector head 21 simultaneously in the scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy. That is, the moving mechanism 34 can also move the liquid ejector head 21 at an angle relative to the scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy in a manner that is along the horizontal plane.

[0078] The liquid ejection device 11 records an image on the medium 16 by scanning the carriage 17 relative to the medium 16. In this embodiment, the carriage 17 is configured to move in a direction intersecting the scanning direction while scanning relative to the medium 16. That is, the liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment is a so-called landscape printer.

[0079] The support portion 15 can be configured to not move in the sub-scanning direction Dy or in a direction opposite to the sub-scanning direction Dy, or it can be configured to move.

[0080] The liquid ejection device 11 may also include a conveying section 37 for conveying the medium 16 (see reference). Figure 9 The medium 16 can be transported via the transport unit 37 during printing, or it can be transported via the transport unit 37 at the end of each printing cycle to transfer it to the next printing. In the former case, the movement of the medium 16 in the sub-scanning direction Dy during printing can also be achieved by using the movement of the support unit 15 and the transport unit 37 to transport the medium 16.

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid ejector head 21 is configured to eject liquid. The liquid ejector head 21 has a plurality of nozzles 40. The liquid ejector head 21 prints onto the medium 16 by ejecting liquid from the nozzles 40. The liquid ejector head 21 ejects liquid while moving relative to the medium 16 supported on the support portion 15, thereby printing an image onto the medium 16.

[0082] like Figure 2As shown, the wiping section 22 may also be located adjacent to the support section 15. The wiping section 22 may also be configured to collect liquid as waste liquid from the liquid nozzle 21. Waste liquid refers to liquid that does not contribute to the printing of an image onto the medium 16. Waste liquid is generated, for example, through maintenance of the liquid nozzle 21. The wiping section 22 may also collect the waste liquid by using a wiper 23 to contain the liquid discharged from the liquid nozzle 21 located directly above. Thus, the containment and collection of liquid discharged from the nozzle 40 can be performed by the wiping section 22 instead of the cover mechanism 24, or shared with the cover mechanism 24.

[0083] Maintenance of the liquid that is discharged from the nozzle 40 by the liquid nozzle 21 can include, for example, rinsing, cleaning, pressurizing discharge, wiping.

[0084] Flushing refers to the action of properly ejecting liquid from the nozzle 40 to prevent clogging. Flushing is performed, for example, before, during, and after recording. During flushing, the liquid nozzle 21 ejects liquid from all nozzles 40 toward the wiping section 22.

[0085] Cleaning refers to the action of forcibly expelling liquid from the nozzle 40 to remove foreign objects, air bubbles, etc., from the liquid nozzle 21. In this embodiment, the liquid in the liquid nozzle 21 can also be pressurized by the pump 20 mounted on the carriage 17 to perform cleaning by forcibly expelling the liquid from the nozzle 40. Alternatively, pressurized discharge can be performed as a simple cleaning with a small discharge volume. Pressurized discharge can be performed, for example, before or after printing. Pressurized discharge can also be performed periodically during standby when printing is not in progress.

[0086] Wiping refers to the action of wiping the nozzle surface 21A of the liquid nozzle 21 to remove liquid adhering to it. Wiping is performed, for example, after cleaning. After cleaning, there is a possibility that droplets formed during liquid discharge may adhere to the nozzle surface 21A, or that a meniscus of appropriate shape may not form within the nozzle 40. By performing wiping, the liquid adhering to the nozzle surface 21A is removed, and a meniscus of appropriate shape is formed within the nozzle 40.

[0087] <Composition of Installation Unit 18>

[0088] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 5 The configuration of the mounting unit 18 and the liquid storage section 19 will be described. Furthermore, in Figures 3 to 5 The example described here is a frame-mounted type where the mounting unit 18 is mounted on the carriage 17, but it could also be a type that is not mounted on the carriage. Figure 2 The mounting unit 18 is shown by the double-dotted line. The off-frame mounting unit 18 has a configuration that is roughly the same as the on-frame type.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the mounting unit 18 has multiple mounting portions 51, 52 on which multiple liquid storage portions 19 are detachably mounted. Specifically, the mounting unit 18 has a first mounting portion 51 and a second mounting portion 52. The first mounting portion 51 is used to store a first liquid L1 with settling properties (see reference 1). Figure 11 The first liquid storage section 19A and the second mounting section 52 are used to install and store a second liquid L2 with a smaller settling property than the first liquid L1 (refer to...). Figure 19 The second liquid storage section 19B. In this embodiment, as... Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the mounting unit 18 includes one first mounting portion 51 and multiple (e.g., five) second mounting portions 52. Furthermore, the number of each of the first mounting portions 51 and the second mounting portions 52 can be appropriately varied, as long as there is one or more of each. For example, the number of first mounting portions 51 and the number of second mounting portions 52 can be the same, or the number of first mounting portions 51 can be greater than the number of second mounting portions 52. For example, there can be multiple first mounting portions 51 and one second mounting portion 52.

[0090] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, liquid storage sections 19A and 19B have storage elements 46 and 47, a supply section 48, and a pin hole 49 on their mounting surfaces, which are mounted on mounting sections 51 and 52. Specifically, the first liquid storage section 19A has a first storage element 46, a supply section 48, and a pin hole 49 on its mounting surface. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the second liquid reservoir 19B has a second storage element 47, a supply section 48, and a pin hole 49 on its mounting surface.

[0091] Mounting portions 51 and 52 have connecting portions 53 and 54 that can be connected to storage elements 46 and 47, a supply pin 55 that can be connected to a supply portion 48, and a positioning pin 56 that can be inserted into a pin hole 49. That is, the first mounting portion 51 has a first connecting portion 53 that can be connected to the first storage element 46, a supply pin 55 that can be connected to the supply portion 48, and a positioning pin 56 that can be inserted into a pin hole 49. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the second mounting part 52 has a second connecting part 54 that can be connected to the second storage element 47, a supply pin 55 that can be connected to the supply part 48, and a positioning pin 56 that can be inserted into the pin hole 49.

[0092] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, by mounting the first liquid reservoir 19A to the first mounting portion 51, the first storage element 46 is electrically connected to the first connecting portion 53. Additionally, as... Figure 4As shown, the second liquid reservoir 19B is installed on the second mounting portion 52, and the second storage element 47 is electrically connected to the second connecting portion 54.

[0093] like Figure 6 As shown, the liquid storage section 19, for example, houses a liquid bag 60. The liquid bag 60 has a bag body 61 and a supply member 62, which is fixed in a liquid-tight state to an opening located at one end of the bag body 61. The supply member 62 has a supply section 48 for supplying the liquid stored in the bag body 61.

[0094] <Composition of Locking Mechanism 57>

[0095] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the mounting unit 18 includes a locking mechanism 57 that locks multiple liquid reservoirs 19 mounted on each mounting section 51, 52 into a non-removable state. The locking mechanism 57 can lock each liquid reservoir 19 mounted on the mounting sections 51, 52 into a non-removable state individually, or it can lock multiple liquid reservoirs 19 together into a non-removable state. The locking mechanism 57 includes a locking member 58 on each mounting section 51, 52. The locking member 58 is configured to move to a restricted position and a restricted release position. The restricted position restricts movement of the liquid reservoir 19 in the removal direction, and the restricted release position allows movement of the liquid reservoir 19 in the removal direction. The locking mechanism 57 includes an electric motor as a drive source capable of electrically moving the locking member 58. The rotational force of the electric motor is transmitted to the locking member 58 via a cam mechanism (not shown). When the electric motor rotates forward, the locking member 58 moves from the restricted release position to the restricted position. Conversely, when the electric motor rotates in reverse, the locking member 58 moves from the restricted position to the restricted release position. The control unit 13 can select the liquid reservoir 19 that the operator should remove and selectively unlock it by individually controlling multiple locking components 58.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, the liquid ejector head 21 has a nozzle surface 21A. Multiple nozzle rows 43 and 44 are formed on the nozzle surface 21A by a plurality of nozzles 40. In this embodiment, one first nozzle row 43 and five second nozzle rows 44 are formed on the nozzle surface 21A. The nozzle rows 43 and 44 are each formed by a plurality of nozzles 40 arranged along the sub-scanning direction Dy. Furthermore, the total number of nozzle rows 43 and 44 is not limited to six rows; it can be any number of two or more rows, for example, four, five, seven, eight, or ten or more rows.

[0097] Multiple nozzle rows 43 and 44 extend along the sub-scanning direction Dy and are formed at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction Dx. The multiple nozzle rows 43 and 44 can be formed at equal intervals in the scanning direction Dx, or they can be formed at different intervals.

[0098] For example, the liquid ejector head 21 can also eject white ink from a first nozzle row 43. It can also eject five different colors of ink, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and transparent, from five second nozzle rows 44.

[0099] In this embodiment, white ink is the first liquid L1, and the other colored inks—cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and transparent—are the second liquids L2. The first liquid L1 has a higher settling property than the second liquid L2. In other words, the second liquid L2 has a lower settling property than the first liquid L1 or no settling property.

[0100] The first nozzle array 43 consists of a plurality of first nozzles 41 arranged along the sub-scanning direction Dy at a predetermined nozzle spacing. The first nozzles 41 are nozzles 40 that eject white ink as a first liquid L1 during printing. The second nozzle array 44 consists of a plurality of second nozzles 42 arranged along the sub-scanning direction Dy at a predetermined nozzle spacing. The second nozzles 42 are nozzles 40 that eject a second liquid L2 during printing. The plurality of (e.g., five) second nozzle arrays 44 eject various inks, including cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and transparent inks.

[0101] The first nozzle 41 ejects a first liquid L1 supplied from the first liquid reservoir 19A mounted on the first mounting portion 51. The second nozzle 42 ejects a second liquid L2 supplied from the second liquid reservoir 19B mounted on the second mounting portion 52. Furthermore, the combination of the number of the first nozzle array 43 and the second nozzle array 44 can be appropriately varied according to the combination of the number of the first mounting portions 51 and the second mounting portions 52.

[0102] <Composition of wiping section 22>

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown, the wiping unit 22 may also include a housing 22A, a wiper 23, an unwinding section 71, and a winding section 72. The unwinding section 71 has an unwinding shaft 73. The winding section 72 has a winding shaft 74. The wiping unit 22 may also include a first guide roller 75, a second guide roller 76, a third guide roller 77, and a pressing roller 78. The wiping unit 22 includes a winding motor 79 that drives the winding shaft 74.

[0104] The first guide roller 75, the second guide roller 76, the pressing roller 78, and the third guide roller 77 are arranged sequentially from the upstream side of the feed direction Ds. The unwinding shaft 73, the take-up shaft 74, the first guide rollers 75 to 77, and the pressing roller 78 are rotatably supported on the housing 22A with their respective axes of rotation parallel. The first guide rollers 75 to 77 guide the wound wiper 23 respectively, thereby... Figure 8The path shown guides the wiper 23. The pressing roller 78 presses the wiper 23 against the liquid nozzle 21. The pressing roller 78 is, for example, forced upward by a spring (not shown).

[0105] The unwinding section 71 rotatably holds the unused wiper 23 wound into a roll. The unwinding section 71 unwinds and feeds out the strip-shaped wiper 23 by rotating the unwinding shaft 73. The winding section 72 winds the wiper 23 into a roll by rotating the winding shaft 74.

[0106] The take-up motor 79 synchronously rotates the unwinding shaft 73 and the take-up shaft 74 in both forward and reverse directions. It is capable of feeding the wiper 23 from the unwinding section 71 toward the take-up section 72 in the feed direction Ds and feeding the wiper 23 from the take-up section 72 toward the unwinding section 71 in the return direction Dr.

[0107] The pressing roller 78 presses the wiper 23 onto the nozzle surface 21A. In this embodiment, the liquid nozzle 21 wipes the nozzle surface 21A by moving downstream relative to the wiping section 22 in the sub-scanning direction Dy while the wiper 23 is pressed onto the nozzle surface 21A. The wiping section 22 wipes the nozzle surface 21A of the liquid nozzle 21 using the portion of the wiper 23 that is pressed by the pressing roller 78.

[0108] <Regarding liquid substitution>

[0109] The liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment uses a first liquid L1 with a higher settling property than the second liquid L2. If the liquid ejection operation is not performed for a long time, pigments or other colorants may settle in the first liquid L1 within the supply channel 59 connecting the liquid reservoir 19 and the nozzle 40. In this case, the first liquid L1 may settle to a degree that adversely affects the liquid ejection operation. Examples of adverse effects include starting printing in a state where, even after preparation, the settling pigments are not sufficiently dispersed, or this leads to printing defects at the beginning of printing, or the printing resulting in a slightly different hue from the original color.

[0110] The liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment has the function of replacing the first liquid L1 with the second liquid L2 when the liquid ejection operation is not performed for a long time. The replacement from the first liquid L1 to the second liquid L2 is performed in a replacement mode. The replacement mode is the mode selected when the liquid ejection operation is not performed for a long time.

[0111] In the replacement mode, the liquid in the supply channel 59 is replaced from the first liquid L1 to the second liquid L2. When this liquid replacement operation is performed, the power can also be directly disconnected in the replacement mode. After the power is switched from the off state to the on state for the next liquid ejection operation, the re-replacement mode is entered, thereby replacing the liquid in the supply channel 59 from the second liquid L2 back to the first liquid L1. Here, re-replacement refers to the reverse replacement relationship, whereby the second liquid L2, which was replaced by the first liquid L1 in the replacement mode, is restored to its original state as the first liquid L1, and vice versa.

[0112] exist Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the example shown, the mounting unit 18 has a first mounting portion 51 capable of mounting a first liquid reservoir 19A and a second mounting portion 52 capable of mounting a second liquid reservoir 19B. The first mounting portion 51 and the second mounting portion 52 are structurally identical, and are distinguished based on whether the liquid reservoir 19 installed is the first liquid reservoir 19A or the second liquid reservoir 19B.

[0113] When the liquid ejection device 11 is not used for an extended period, the first liquid L1 may settle. The first liquid L1 contains pigments and other colorants that have settling properties. When the colorants settle, the first liquid L1 may exhibit an inappropriate color that differs from its original color, or the concentration of pigments and other colorants in the first liquid L1 ejected from the first nozzle 41 may become diluted. Furthermore, when the colorants settle, the settled pigments and other colorants can cause the flowability of the first liquid L1 in the supply channel 59 to deteriorate, and the supply channel 59 may even become partially blocked by the settled colorants. In addition, it can sometimes be difficult to remove the settled colorants. Therefore, when the liquid ejection device 11 is used again after the power switch 32 is turned on, the first liquid L1 may not be ejected properly from the first nozzle 41, potentially resulting in printing defects.

[0114] To restore the liquid ejection device 11 to a usable state, it is sometimes necessary to clean or replace the device, the liquid nozzle, the supply channel 59, or the supply pipe. Therefore, conventionally, when the liquid ejection device 11 is not used for a long time, a special replacement fluid (special fluid) is filled into the supply channel 59 from the first liquid reservoir 19A to the nozzle 40 to replace the first liquid L1 in the supply channel 59 with a replacement fluid (anti-clogging fluid). Moreover, when the liquid ejection device 11 is used again, the special replacement fluid in the supply channel 59 is replaced with the original first liquid L1 to restart the printing process.

[0115] However, the dedicated replacement fluid must be prepared separately from the liquid storage unit 19. That is, a dedicated replacement fluid storage unit needs to be purchased and stored separately from the liquid storage units 19A and 19B used for storing ink and other printing liquids. Furthermore, an additional storage space is required for the replacement fluid storage unit, and it needs to be managed separately to prevent incorrect installation with the printing liquid storage units 19A and 19B. Additionally, if the dedicated replacement fluid storage unit is unavailable, replacement work cannot be performed until it is obtained, and during this period, it may be necessary to take measures such as idling printing using the liquid ejection device 11 to prevent sedimentation of the first liquid L1.

[0116] Therefore, in this embodiment, a second liquid L2 with lower settling properties than the first liquid L1 is used instead of a dedicated replacement liquid. The second liquid storage section 19B, which stores the second liquid L2 with lower or no settling properties than the first liquid L1, has various types corresponding to the type of the second liquid L2. In this embodiment, the first liquid L1 is white ink. White ink contains titanium dioxide particles as pigment. Alternatively, the pigment may be contained in fine capsules. Furthermore, the dispersion medium for the pigment is primarily water. In the case of white ink, the specific gravity of pigments and other colorants is much higher than that of water compared to inks of other colors. Therefore, the settling properties of white ink are higher than those of inks of other colors. Furthermore, the dispersion medium for the first liquid L1 and the second liquid L2 may also be a liquid other than water.

[0117] The second liquid L2 can be, for example, an ink containing pigments other than white as colorants. Examples include cyan, magenta, and yellow inks. The colorant in the second liquid L2 can be a pigment or a dye. Alternatively, in this embodiment, a transparent ink is used as the second liquid L2. Transparent ink is transparent and does not contain colorants. Transparent ink does not settle. Therefore, when it replaces the first liquid L1, color mixing is less likely to occur. By using transparent ink, the effect of color mixing can be reduced compared to using colored ink as the second liquid L2. Therefore, transparent ink is used as a substitute ink. In this case, even if a small amount of second liquid L2 remains in the first liquid L1 after it is replaced again, and even if the color (white) of the first liquid L1 becomes lighter, there is no need to worry about color mixing. Therefore, in this embodiment, a transparent ink is used as the second liquid L2 that replaces the first liquid L1. Furthermore, the second liquid L2 that replaces the first liquid L1 can also be a colored ink such as yellow, cyan, or magenta. Even with colored inks, the pigments are difficult to settle or do not settle, thus preventing the shrinkage or blockage of the flow channel cross-sectional area of ​​the supply channel 59, which is a problem in sedimenting liquids such as the first liquid L1, and consequently the blockage of the first nozzle 41.

[0118] like Figure 11 As shown, in the first mounting portion 51 where the first liquid reservoir 19A is installed, the supply channel 59, which communicates with the supply needle 55, is filled with the first liquid L1 to the first nozzle 41. If the liquid dispensing device 11 is not used for a long time, pigments and other colorants in the first liquid L1 will settle. Therefore, in the liquid dispensing device 11 of this embodiment, a replacement mode is provided for use when it is not used for a long time. In the replacement mode, such as Figure 18 As shown, the first liquid reservoir 19A installed in the first mounting section 51 is reinstalled as the second liquid reservoir 19B. By feeding the second liquid L2 from the upstream of the supply channel 59, the first liquid L1 in the supply channel 59 is squeezed out from the first nozzle 41. In this way, the first liquid L1 in the supply channel 59 and the first nozzle 41 is replaced by the second liquid L2. Since the settling property of the second liquid L2 is lower than that of the first liquid L1, it is difficult for it to settle even if the liquid ejection device 11 is not used for a long time.

[0119] Furthermore, when the liquid ejection device 11 is restarted after a long period of inactivity, it is necessary to replace the second liquid L2 in the supply channel 59 of the first mounting section 51 and the first nozzle 41 to the first liquid L1. Therefore, a replacement mode is provided in the liquid ejection device 11. In the replacement mode, such as Figure 28 As shown, a first liquid reservoir 19A is installed in the first mounting portion 51. By feeding the first liquid L1 from the upstream of the supply channel 59, the second liquid L2 in the supply channel 59 is expelled from the first nozzle 41. Thus, as... Figure 29 As shown, the second liquid L2 in the supply channel 59 and the first nozzle 41 is replaced with the first liquid L1.

[0120] Here, the mounting unit 18 is designed such that each mounting portion 51, 52 can only accommodate the correct liquid reservoirs 19A, 19B. On both the mounting portions 51, 52 and the liquid reservoirs 19A, 19B, there are concave and convex shapes that fit together if the mounting combination is correct, and cannot fit together if the mounting combination is incorrect. In this embodiment, in the replacement mode, the second liquid reservoir 19B needs to be installed on the first mounting portion 51.

[0121] Therefore, in this embodiment, the shape is designed so that a second liquid reservoir 19B storing transparent ink can be installed on the first mounting portion 51, which houses the first liquid reservoir 19A (which is white ink). Conversely, it is a structure that cannot be installed. That is, the first liquid reservoir 19A storing white ink cannot be installed on the second mounting portion 52. In other words, the shape is designed so that the second liquid reservoir 19B can be installed on the first mounting portion 51, which houses the first liquid reservoir 19A. Here, the shape design refers to forming a second uneven shape on the mounting surface of the second liquid reservoir 19B, while a first uneven shape is also formed on the first mounting portion 51. The second uneven shape formed on the mounting surface of the second liquid reservoir 19B fits into the first uneven shape formed on the first mounting portion 51. Therefore, the second liquid reservoir 19B can be installed on the first mounting portion 51. On the other hand, the first uneven shape formed on the mounting surface of the first liquid reservoir 19A is a shape that cannot fit into the second uneven shape formed on the second mounting portion 52. Therefore, the first liquid reservoir 19A cannot be installed on the second mounting portion 52.

[0122] <Electrical Configuration of Liquid Ejection Device 11>

[0123] Next, refer to Figure 9 The electrical configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. The liquid ejection device 11 receives, for example, printing data PD from a host device (not shown). The printing data PD includes printing condition information and image data. The control unit 13 is electrically connected to the operation unit 30, the first connection unit 53, and the second connection unit 54. The control unit 13 is electrically connected to the display unit 31, the power switch 32, and the operation button 33 that constitute the operation unit 30.

[0124] In addition, the control unit 13 is electrically connected to the liquid nozzle 21, the moving mechanism 34, the conveying unit 37, the maintenance unit 27, the wiping unit 22, and the locking mechanism 57.

[0125] The control unit 13 controls the printing process by controlling the liquid ejection head 21, thereby controlling the ejection of liquids such as ink from the nozzle 40. The control unit 13 controls the movement of the carriage 17 in the scanning direction Dx and the sub-scanning direction Dy by controlling the moving mechanism 34. The control unit 13 controls the transport unit 37 to transport the medium 16 along the sub-scanning direction Dy during or between printing operations. The transport unit 37 can also be configured such that by moving the support unit 15 in a direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction Dy, the medium 16 supported on the support unit 15 moves relative to the liquid ejection head 21 in the sub-scanning direction Dy.

[0126] When the designated period is reached, the control unit 13 controls the maintenance unit 27. Specifically, the control unit 13 controls the pump 20 included in the maintenance unit 27 to discharge liquid from the nozzle 40 of the liquid outlet head 21. At this time, the control unit 13 moves the cover 25 constituting the maintenance unit 27 to a position where liquid is discharged from the nozzle 40, for example, a sealed position. Furthermore, the pump 20 can be either a pressure pump or a suction pump.

[0127] Furthermore, the control unit 13 controls the wiping unit 22 to perform wiping control of the nozzle surface 21A using the wiper 23. The control unit 13 wipes the nozzle surface 21A using the wiper 23 after liquid is discharged from the nozzle 40. Additionally, the control unit 13 controls the locking mechanism 57. The control unit 13 performs a locking action that moves the locking member 58 constituting the locking mechanism 57 to the locked position and a locking release action that moves the locking member 58 to the unlocked position. The configuration can allow individual control of the multiple locking members 58 constituting the locking mechanism 57, but it can also allow simultaneous control of the multiple locking members 58.

[0128] Additionally, the control unit 13 includes a computer 110. The computer 110 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and memory (not shown). The control unit 13 controls the delivery of the medium 16 in the liquid dispensing device 11 and the printing operation from the liquid dispensing head 21 onto the medium 16. Specifically, the control unit 13 is not limited to software processing for all processes it executes. For example, the control unit 13 may also include dedicated hardware circuitry (e.g., application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) for hardware processing of at least a portion of the processes it executes. That is, the control unit 13 can be configured as a circuitry including one or more processors operating according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits executing at least a portion of various processes, or combinations thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM, which store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, or computer-readable medium, includes all usable media accessible to the general-purpose or special-purpose computer 110.

[0129] The computer 110 includes a first counter 111, a second counter 112, and a storage unit 113. In replacement mode, the first counter 111 counts a value corresponding to the amount of liquid discharged from the first nozzle 41. That is, in replacement mode, the first counter 111 counts a value corresponding to the amount of liquid flowing in the supply channel 59. Similarly, in re-replacement mode, the second counter 112 counts a value corresponding to the amount of liquid discharged from the first nozzle 41. That is, in re-replacement mode, the second counter 112 counts a value corresponding to the amount of liquid flowing in the supply channel 59.

[0130] Storage unit 113 stores program PR. Program PR contains... Figure 10 The flowchart shows the procedure for the liquid management routine. Additionally, the procedure is PR'd to include... Figures 20 to 22 At least one of the procedures in the replacement processing routine shown.

[0131] In this embodiment, when the liquid dispensing device 11 is not used for an extended period, the control unit 13 guides the operator to perform the work by displaying information on the display unit 31 when replacing the first liquid L1 with the second liquid L2. The control unit 13 displays information related to the work steps required for the operator to replace the liquid in replacement mode on the display unit 31. Additionally, the control unit 13 displays information related to the work steps required for the operator to replace the liquid in re-replacement mode on the display unit 31.

[0132] <Function of the First Embodiment>

[0133] Next, the function of the liquid ejection device 11 will be explained.

[0134] The computer 110, which constitutes the control unit 13 of the liquid ejection device 11, executes during power-on. Figure 10 The liquid management routine shown is used to manage the liquid in the supply system. In this embodiment, the control unit 13 has a normal mode for when printing is possible and a replacement mode for when printing is not performed for an extended period. The operator instructs the replacement mode when the liquid dispensing device 11 is not used for an extended period.

[0135] The following is for reference Figure 10 The liquid management routines are described. Furthermore, when describing the liquid management routines, refer to... Figures 11 to 19 Please provide an explanation.

[0136] The liquid reservoir 19 installed in the mounting unit 18 is locked by the locking mechanism 57. Therefore, the operator cannot replace or remove the liquid reservoir 19 relative to the mounting units 51 and 52. When the control unit 13 determines that it is permissible to replace or remove the liquid reservoir 19, the locking mechanism 57 is released. As a result, the operator can replace the liquid reservoir 19, etc.

[0137] During periods when printing is likely to be used, the liquid ejector 11 is set to the normal mode. On the other hand, when the liquid ejector 11 is not used for extended periods, the operator operates the control unit 30 to indicate a replacement mode. That is, the operator uses the operation button 33 or the touch panel function of the display unit 31 to indicate a replacement. For example, the operator operates the control unit 30 to cause the display unit 31 to show... Figure 12 The input screen shown. Figure 12 As shown, the input screen includes a replacement indicator button 81, a re-replacement indicator button 82, a confirmation button 83, and a cancel button 84. The operator selects the replacement indicator button 81 through the operation unit 30. When a replacement instruction is received, the control unit 13 switches from the normal mode to the replacement mode. In this replacement mode, the control unit 13 performs a liquid replacement process, replacing the first liquid L1 in the supply channel 59 from the first mounting section 51 to the first nozzle 41 with the second liquid L2.

[0138] First, in step S11, the computer 110 determines whether a replacement mode has been indicated. The operator executes the replacement mode via operation instructions from the operation unit 30 during liquid replacement processing. If a replacement mode is indicated, the computer 110 proceeds to step S15. If no replacement mode is indicated, it proceeds to step S12.

[0139] When the decision is negative in step S11, normal mode processing is performed in steps S12 to S14. On the other hand, when the decision is positive in step S11, computer 110 executes replacement mode in steps S15 to S22. First, the normal mode will be explained.

[0140] In step S12, the computer 110 determines whether the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connection part 53. If the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connection part 53, the process proceeds to step S13. If the first storage element 46 is not connected to the first connection part 53, the process ends due to an abnormality such as improper installation of the first liquid reservoir 19A. In this case, an abnormality handling routine (not shown) is activated, and display information urging the improper installation and connection of the first liquid reservoir 19A is displayed on the display unit.

[0141] In step S13, the computer 110 determines whether the second storage element 47 is connected to the second connection part 54. If the second storage element 47 is connected to the second connection part 54, the process proceeds to step S14. If the second storage element 47 is not connected to the second connection part 54, the process ends due to an abnormality such as improper installation of the second liquid reservoir 19B. In this case, an abnormality handling routine (not shown) is activated, and display information urging improper installation and connection of the second liquid reservoir 19B is displayed on the display unit.

[0142] In step S14, the computer 110 performs the actions of supplying the first liquid L1 to the first nozzle 41 and the second liquid L2 to the second nozzle 42. That is, each liquid is supplied to the corresponding nozzle 40 so that the liquid ejector head 21 can perform printing. In this case, if each liquid has already been supplied to the corresponding nozzle 40, the liquid supply action is not performed. In other words, step S14 is the process of supplying liquid when it is needed to supply liquid to the corresponding nozzle 40, so unnecessary liquid supply actions are not performed.

[0143] In the next step S15, the computer 110 displays a message urging the removal of the first liquid reservoir 19A from the first mounting section 51. For example... Figure 13 As shown, on the display unit 31, a message such as "Please remove the first liquid reservoir from the first mounting section" is displayed as display information DI. At this time, the computer 110 controls the locking mechanism 57 to move the locking member 58 to the unlocked position, thereby allowing the operator to remove the first liquid reservoir 19A. Figure 14 As shown, the operator removes the first liquid storage section 19A from the first installation section 51.

[0144] In step S16, the computer 110 displays display information DI on the display unit 31, urging the installation of the other second liquid reservoir 19B onto the first mounting unit 51. For example... Figure 15 As shown, on the display unit 31, a message such as "Please install the second liquid reservoir on the first mounting unit" is displayed as display information DI. Figure 16 As shown, the operator installs another second liquid reservoir 19B into the first mounting section 51. The result is as follows: Figure 17As shown, the operator installs the second liquid reservoir 19B into the first mounting section 51. Here, "other second liquid reservoir 19B" refers to a second liquid reservoir 19B that is different from the second liquid reservoir 19B installed in the second mounting section 52. For example, a prepared second liquid reservoir 19B can be used as another second liquid reservoir 19B. In this embodiment, the second liquid reservoir 19B storing transparent ink as the second liquid L2 is used as another second liquid reservoir 19B. This is because even if a small amount of the second liquid L2 remains in the first liquid L1 during replacement, it will not significantly affect the color of the first liquid L1. Alternatively, as another second liquid reservoir 19B, a second liquid reservoir 19B storing any one of cyan, magenta, yellow, or black ink can also be used as the second liquid reservoir 19B for the second liquid L2.

[0145] In the next step S17, the computer 110 determines whether the second storage element 47 is connected to the first connection part 53. If the second storage element 47 is connected to the first connection part 53, the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if the second storage element 47 is not connected to the first connection part 53, the process returns to step S15, and the operation of installing the second liquid reservoir 19B onto the first mounting part 51 is repeated. That is, when the first mounting part 51 is not equipped with the required second liquid reservoir 19B but with an incorrect second liquid reservoir 19B, the operator is prompted to repeat the operation of installing the second liquid reservoir 19B onto the first mounting part 51. Furthermore, if the correct connection cannot be confirmed after repeating the operation a predetermined number of times, the routine can be terminated.

[0146] In the next step S18, the computer 110 determines whether the second storage element 47 is connected to the second connection part 54. If the second storage element 47 is connected to the second connection part 54, the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if the second storage element 47 is not connected to the second connection part 54, the process ends. That is, even if the second liquid reservoir 19B is installed on the first mounting part 51, the process ends if a component other than the second liquid reservoir 19B is installed on the second mounting part, or if the second liquid reservoir 19B is not installed correctly. In this case, the computer 110 starts an exception handling routine (not shown) and displays information (not shown) on the display unit 31 urging the correct installation of the second liquid reservoir 19B on the second mounting part. Furthermore, when an operation signal indicating that the second liquid reservoir 19B has been installed on the second mounting part is input, the process returns to the aforementioned step S18.

[0147] In the next step S19, the computer 110 supplies the second liquid L2 to the first nozzle 41. That is, the second liquid L2 is supplied to the nozzle 41 (first nozzle 41) that ejects the first liquid L1. Specifically, the first liquid L1 is discharged from the first nozzle 41 by pressurization or suction by driving the pump 20. In the case of pressurization, the second liquid L2 is pressurized and supplied to the first nozzle 41 from the second liquid reservoir 19B. On the other hand, in the case of suction, the first liquid L1 is discharged by suction from the first nozzle 41, thereby introducing the second liquid L2 from the second liquid reservoir 19B into the supply channel 59 by suction.

[0148] like Figure 18 As shown, by supplying the second liquid L2 from the second liquid reservoir 19B toward the liquid ejection head 21, the first liquid L1 is discharged from the first nozzle 41 by being squeezed out through the second liquid L2 supplied from upstream in the supply channel 59 from the second liquid reservoir 19B to the first nozzle 41. Thus, as... Figure 19 As shown, a second liquid L2 is filled in the supply channel 59, which communicates with the first nozzle 41. If the second liquid L2 is, for example, a transparent ink, both the supply channel 59 and the first nozzle 41 are filled with transparent ink. In this way, the first liquid L1 is replaced by the second liquid L2. Therefore, even if the liquid ejection device 11 is not used for a long period of time, the pigments or other colorants in the ink will not settle in the first nozzle 41 and the supply channel 59.

[0149] In the next step S20, the computer 110 determines whether a power-off operation has been performed in replacement mode. When the replacement from the first liquid L1 to the second liquid L2 is completed, the operator cuts off the power to the liquid dispensing device 11 by operating the power switch 32. At this time, the liquid dispensing device 11 is in replacement mode. Therefore, when the operation signal of the power switch 32 is input, the computer 110 determines that a power-off operation has been performed in replacement mode.

[0150] In the next step S21, the computer 110 stores information indicating the meaning of the replacement pattern. Specifically, the computer 110 writes the information indicating the replacement pattern into a designated storage area of ​​the storage unit 113. Furthermore, the storage unit 113 includes, for example, a rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, which stores information even when the power is off.

[0151] In the next step S22, the computer 110 performs a power disconnection process. That is, the computer 110 cuts off the power supply to the liquid ejection device 11 by switching the switching element of the power supply device (not shown) to the off position.

[0152] Thus, the liquid ejection device 11 is not used for a long time. Therefore, since the first nozzle 41 that ejects the first liquid L1 and the supply channel 59 connected to the first nozzle 41 are filled with the second liquid L2, no sedimentation occurs. In particular, when the replaced second liquid L2 is a transparent ink, since it is an ink without pigment, almost no sedimentation occurs.

[0153] Then, when the liquid dispensing device 11, which has not been used for a long time, is used again, a replacement is performed. The replacement is to restore the second liquid L2 in the supply channel 59, which is connected to the first nozzle 41, to the first liquid L1. During the replacement, the control unit 13 guides the operator on the actions to be taken.

[0154] Next, refer to Figures 20 to 22 The replacement process is explained.

[0155] There are three methods for re-replacement processing. First, when the power supply to the liquid dispensing device 11 is disconnected in replacement mode, re-replacement processing is performed based on the condition that the power supply to the liquid dispensing device 11 switches from a disconnected state to a connected state. In this case, it is determined whether the switch from power disconnection to power connection is in replacement mode; if it is, re-replacement processing is performed. For example, Figure 20 Steps S31 and S32 in the process are equivalent to determining whether the switch from power off to power on is in replacement mode. In this case, if it is replacement mode in step S32, then a replacement process is performed.

[0156] Second, a replacement process is performed when the operator inputs a replacement request by operating the operation unit 30. For example, the operator operates the operation unit 30, such as... Figure 23 The display unit 31 shows an input screen, and a replacement is indicated by selecting the replacement indicator button 82 on the input screen. For example, Figure 21 The processing in step S41 is equivalent to determining whether a replacement was input. In this case, if a replacement was input in step S41, then a replacement process is performed.

[0157] Third, a replacement operation is performed when an instruction to use the first liquid L1 for printing is received after the power supply to the liquid dispensing device 11 has switched from the off state to the on state. For example, Figure 22 Steps S51 and S52 in the process are equivalent to determining whether there is an indication to use the first liquid L1 for printing when switching from power off to power on. In this case, if there is an indication to use the first liquid L1 for printing in step S52, a replacement process is performed.

[0158] The conditions for initiating replacement differ in these three methods. Even though the conditions differ, the replacement process performed when the conditions are met is the same. In any of these methods, the control unit 13 performs... Figure 20 The replacement process is shown in steps S33 to S37.

[0159] The following is for reference Figure 20 The replacement processing routine, which performs a replacement process when the first condition is met, is explained here.

[0160] First, in step S31, the computer 110 determines whether the power has changed from off to on. If the power has changed from off to on, the process proceeds to step S32; otherwise, if the power has not changed from off to on (e.g., including cases where the power is currently on), the routine ends.

[0161] In step S32, the computer 110 determines whether it is in replacement mode. The computer 110 determines whether it is in replacement mode based on the storage information read from a designated storage area of ​​the storage unit 113. That is, the computer 110 determines whether it is in replacement mode based on the storage information written to the designated storage area of ​​the storage unit 113 when it was in replacement mode during the last power-off.

[0162] In the next step S33, the computer 110 determines whether the first liquid reservoir 19A is installed on the first mounting part 51. If the first liquid reservoir 19A is installed on the first mounting part 51, the process proceeds to step S35; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0163] In step S34, the computer 110 causes the display unit 31 to display information urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir 19A onto the first mounting unit 51. For example, as Figure 24 As shown, the computer 110 displays a message DI on the display unit 31 stating "Please install the first liquid reservoir in the first mounting section." The operator who sees this message DI... Figure 25 After the second liquid reservoir 19B is removed from the first mounting section 51, as shown, Figure 26 The first liquid reservoir 19A is installed into the first mounting section 51 as shown. When... Figure 27 As shown, when the first liquid storage section 19A is installed into the first mounting section 51 and the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connecting section 53, the operator... Figure 24 The operation confirmation button 83 is shown in the display unit 31.

[0164] In step S35, the computer 110 determines whether the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connection portion 53. If the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connection portion 53, the process proceeds to step S36; otherwise, it returns to step S33. In this case, since the determination is negative in step S33, the process in step S34 is performed. For example, as... Figure 24 As shown, the computer 110 causes the display unit 31 to display the message DI again, which reads "Please install the first liquid storage unit in the first mounting unit".

[0165] In step S36, the computer 110 determines whether the second storage element 47 is connected to the second connection part 54. If the second storage element 47 is connected to the second connection part 54, the process proceeds to step S37; otherwise, the process ends. In other words, even if the first liquid reservoir 19A is installed on the first mounting part 51, if a component other than the second liquid reservoir 19B is installed on the second mounting part, or if the second liquid reservoir 19B is improperly installed, the process ends. In this case, the computer 110 initiates an exception handling routine (not shown) and displays information on the display unit 31 urging the correct installation of the second liquid reservoir 19B on the second mounting part (illustration omitted). Furthermore, when an operation signal indicating that the second liquid reservoir 19B has been installed on the second mounting part is input, the process returns to the aforementioned step S36.

[0166] In the next step S37, the computer 110 supplies the first liquid L1 to the first nozzle 41. That is, the first liquid L1 is supplied to the nozzle 41 (first nozzle 41) from which the first liquid L1 is ejected. Specifically, the first liquid L1 is supplied to the first nozzle 41 by pressurization or suction by driving the pump 20. In the case of pressurization, the first liquid L1 is pressurized and supplied to the first nozzle 41 from the first liquid reservoir 19A. On the other hand, in the case of suction, the first liquid L1 is introduced from the first liquid reservoir 19A into the supply channel 59 by suction, by suction discharging the second liquid L2 from the first nozzle 41.

[0167] like Figure 28 As shown, by supplying a first liquid L1 from the first liquid reservoir 19A toward the liquid ejector head 21, the second liquid L2 is discharged from the supply channel 59 by being extruded from the first nozzle 41 by the first liquid L1 supplied from upstream. Thus, as... Figure 29As shown, the supply channel 59, which communicates with the first nozzle 41, is filled with a first liquid L1. Through this replacement, the second liquid L2 is replaced with the first liquid L1. In the case that the first liquid L1 is, for example, white ink, both the supply channel 59 and the first nozzle 41 are filled with white ink. Therefore, the liquid ejection device 11 can use white ink for printing.

[0168] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown, in the routine that performs replacement processing when the second determination condition is met, the processing is performed as follows. For example, the operator causes the display unit 31 to display... Figure 23 The input screen is shown, and by operating the operation unit 30, the user selects the replacement indicator button 82 on this input screen. This instructs the user to replace the item again. For example, Figure 21 Step S41 in the process is equivalent to determining whether a replacement has been input. In step S41, when the computer 110 determines that a replacement has been input, in step S42, the computer 110 performs a replacement process. This replacement process is related to... Figure 20 The processes in steps S33 to S37 are the same.

[0169] Furthermore, such as Figure 22 As shown, in the routine that performs replacement processing when the third condition is met, the processing is as follows. For example, in Figure 22 In step S51, the computer 110 determines whether the liquid ejection device 11 has switched from power off to power on. If it has switched from power off to power on, the process proceeds to step S52; otherwise, it proceeds to step S53.

[0170] In step S52, the computer 110 determines whether there is an instruction to use the first liquid L1 for printing. If there is an instruction to use the first liquid L1 for printing, the process proceeds to step S53; otherwise, the routine ends.

[0171] In step S53, the computer 110 performs a replacement process. Thus, when an indication to print using the first liquid L1 is present when switching from power off to power on, the computer 110 performs a replacement process. This replacement process is related to... Figure 20 The processes in steps S33 to S37 are the same.

[0172] <Effects of the First Implementation>

[0173] According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0174] (1) The device comprises: a liquid ejection head 21 having a plurality of nozzles 41, 42, and printing on a medium 16 by ejecting liquid from the nozzles 41, 42; an mounting unit 18 capable of mounting a plurality of liquid reservoirs 19A, 19B for storing liquid supplied to the plurality of nozzles 41, 42; and an operation unit 30 including a display unit 31. The mounting unit 18 comprises: a first mounting unit 51 for mounting a first liquid reservoir 19A for storing a first liquid L1 having settling properties; and a second mounting unit 52 for mounting a second liquid reservoir 19B for storing a second liquid L2 having settling properties less than the first liquid L1. The control method of the liquid ejection device 11 includes the following (1a) to (1c). (1a) When the operation of the operation unit 30 instructs the execution of a replacement mode, the display unit 31 displays a display message indicating that the first liquid reservoir 19A should be removed from the first mounting unit 51 (step S15). (1b) Display information is shown on the display unit 31 indicating that a different second liquid reservoir 19B than the second liquid reservoir 19B installed on the second mounting unit 52 should be installed on the first mounting unit 51 (step S16). (1c) When another second liquid reservoir 19B is installed on the first mounting unit 51, the second liquid L2 is supplied to the plurality of nozzles 41 that eject the first liquid L1 (step S19).

[0175] According to this method, in the replacement mode selected when liquid ejection is not performed for a long time, by replacing the sedimentation of the first liquid L1 with a second liquid L2 (another liquid used in printing) that has a lower sedimentation rate than the first liquid L1, the cost and space required for preparing a dedicated replacement liquid can be reduced, and nozzle 41 clogging or poor ejection can be suppressed. Furthermore, when liquid ejection is not performed for a long time, there are situations such as storage or transportation of the device or liquid ejection head 21, and when the ejection of the liquid ejection head 21 stops.

[0176] (2) The first liquid reservoir 19A has a first storage element 46 for storing information about the first liquid reservoir 19A. The second liquid reservoir 19B has a second storage element 47 for storing information about the second liquid reservoir 19B. The first mounting portion 51 has a first connection portion 53 electrically connected to the first storage element 46. The second mounting portion 52 has a second connection portion 54 electrically connected to the second storage element 47. In the control method of the liquid dispensing device 11, under normal conditions, it is determined that operation is possible when the first storage element 46 of the first liquid reservoir 19A is connected to the first connection portion 53 and the second storage element 47 of the second liquid reservoir 19B is connected to the second connection portion 54. In the alternative mode, it is determined that operation is possible when the second storage element 47 of the second liquid reservoir 19B is connected to the first connection portion 53 and the second storage element 47 of the second liquid reservoir 19B is connected to the second connection portion 54. According to this method, by allowing the second liquid L2 installed in the second liquid reservoir 19B of the first mounting part 51 to be used only in the replacement mode, it is possible to prevent the second liquid L2 from being misused in normal operation.

[0177] (3) The control method for the liquid dispensing device 11 includes the following steps (3a) to (3c). (3a) When the power supply to the liquid dispensing device 11 is disconnected in the replacement mode, after the power supply to the liquid dispensing device 11 is switched from the disconnected state to the on state, it is determined whether the first liquid reservoir 19A is installed in the first mounting part 51 (steps S31 to S33). (3b) When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir 19A is not installed in the first mounting part 51, a display message urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir 19A in the first mounting part 51 is displayed on the display part 31 (step S34). (3c) When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir 19A is installed in the first mounting part 51, the first liquid L1 is supplied to the plurality of nozzles 41 that dispense the first liquid L1 (steps S35 and S37). According to this method, when the operation of the liquid dispensing device 11 is resumed, the operation of refilling the first liquid L1 is automatically performed, thereby shortening the time and improving workability.

[0178] (4) The control method for the liquid dispensing device 11 includes the following (4a) to (4c). (4a) When the replacement mode is executed via the operation instruction of the operation unit 30, it is determined whether the first liquid reservoir 19A is installed on the first mounting unit 51 (steps S41, S33). (4b) When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir 19A is not installed on the first mounting unit 51, a display message urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir 19A on the first mounting unit 51 is displayed on the display unit 31 (step S34). (4c) When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir 19A is installed on the first mounting unit 51, the first liquid L1 is supplied to the plurality of nozzles 41 that dispense the first liquid L1 (steps S35, S37). According to this method, by performing the refilling operation only when the replacement mode is selected, the replacement state can be maintained and nozzle clogging can be prevented.

[0179] (5) The control method for the liquid ejection device 11 includes the following (5a) to (5c). (5a) When the power supply of the liquid ejection device 11 is switched from the off state to the on state, and the first liquid L1 is used in printing, it is determined whether the first liquid reservoir 19A is installed in the first mounting part 51. (5b) When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir 19A is not installed in the first mounting part 51, a display message urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir 19A in the first mounting part 51 is displayed on the display part 31. (5d) When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir 19A is installed in the first mounting part 51, the first liquid L1 is supplied to the plurality of nozzles 41 that eject the first liquid L1. According to this method, by maintaining the replacement state until the first liquid L1 is used, nozzle clogging or poor ejection can be prevented. In addition, when the first liquid L1 is used in printing, the time is shortened by automatically performing the refilling of the first liquid L1, and workability can be improved.

[0180] (6) The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid ejection head 21, a mounting unit 18, an operation unit 30 including a display unit 31, and a control unit 13. The liquid ejection head 21 has a plurality of nozzles 41, 42, and prints on the medium 16 by ejecting liquid from the nozzles 41, 42. The mounting unit 18 is configured to mount a plurality of liquid storage sections 19A, 19B. The liquid storage sections 19A, 19B store the liquid supplied to the plurality of nozzles 41, 42. The mounting unit 18 has: a first mounting section 51 for mounting and storing a first liquid storage section 19A that stores a first liquid L1 with settling properties; and a second mounting section 52 for mounting and storing a second liquid storage section 19B that stores a second liquid L2 with settling properties less than the first liquid L1. When the control unit 13 instructs the execution of the replacement mode via the operation unit 30, it can display on the display unit 31 a message urging the removal of the first liquid reservoir 19A from the first mounting unit 51, and a message urging the installation of another second liquid reservoir 19B, different from the second liquid reservoir 19B installed on the second mounting unit 52, on the first mounting unit 51. When another second liquid reservoir 19B is installed on the first mounting unit 51, the second liquid L2 is supplied to the plurality of nozzles 41 that eject the first liquid L1. With this configuration, the same effect as the control method of the liquid ejection device 11 described in (1) above can be obtained.

[0181] (7) In the liquid ejection device 11, the second liquid L2 is transparent ink. According to this configuration, by replacing it with non-settling transparent ink, color mixing can be prevented, and nozzle clogging or poor ejection can be prevented.

[0182] (Second Implementation)

[0183] Next, refer to Figures 30 to 44 The second embodiment will be described. In this second embodiment, the replacement between the first liquid L1 and the second liquid L2 is achieved by replacing air. Therefore, in order to replace the first liquid L1 with air, an exhaust container 65 capable of supplying air is installed on the first mounting part 51.

[0184] In the first embodiment, by pushing the second liquid L2 from the upstream side of the supply channel 59, the first liquid L1 in the supply channel 59 is squeezed out from the first nozzle 41 and discharged. Thus, the first liquid L1 in the supply channel 59 and the first nozzle 41 is replaced with the second liquid L2. According to the method of this first embodiment, since air replacement is not involved, the total replacement time can be shortened. However, during replacement, a portion of the first liquid L1 and the second liquid L2 may mix. To suppress the problem caused by this mixing, in the second embodiment, as... Figure 34As shown, the first liquid L1 in the supply channel 59 is replaced with air by air AG extrusion. After this air replacement, as... Figure 36 As shown, the air AG in the supply channel 59 is replaced by the second liquid L2 by squeezing out the second liquid L2. Thus, according to the control method of the second embodiment, the mixing of the first liquid L1 and the second liquid L2 is suppressed by the intermediate air replacement.

[0185] The discharge container 65 is a dummy container installed to discharge the first liquid L1 in the supply channel 59 from the first nozzle 41 by squeezing air in from the supply needle 55 upstream of the supply channel 59. The discharge container 65 is an empty container for squeezing in air. The discharge container 65 can also be in the form of a box, such as a liquid discharge box. The discharge container 65 is used in replacement mode and re-replacement mode.

[0186] In the second embodiment, the program PR stored in the storage unit 113 by the computer 110 constituting the control unit 13 includes Figure 30 The procedure shown is for the liquid management routine. Figure 37 The procedure shown is the replacement processing routine.

[0187] The following describes the liquid management routine and the replacement processing routine executed by the computer 110 of the control unit 13. First, refer to... Figures 30 to 36 The liquid management routine will be described. Furthermore, for processes identical to those in the first embodiment, descriptions will be simplified or omitted, with a focus on the different processes being described in particular.

[0188] During periods when printing is likely to be used, the liquid ejection device 11 is set to the normal mode. On the other hand, when the liquid ejection device 11 is not used for extended periods, the operator operates the operation unit 30 to indicate a replacement mode. That is, the operator uses the operation button 33 or the touch panel function of the display unit 31 to indicate a replacement. For example, the operator operates the operation unit 30, such as... Figure 12 The display unit 31 shows the input screen. The operator selects the replacement indicator button 81 by operating the operation unit 30. When a replacement is indicated, the control unit 13 switches from the normal mode to the replacement mode. In this replacement mode, the control unit 13 performs a liquid replacement process by replacing the first liquid L1 in the supply channel 59 from the first mounting part 51 to the first nozzle 41 with the second liquid L2 via air replacement.

[0189] like Figure 30As shown, in step S61, the computer 110 determines whether there is an indication of a replacement mode. In the normal mode where no replacement mode is indicated, steps S62 to S64 are executed. The processes of steps S62 to S64 are the same as those of steps S12 to S14 in the first embodiment.

[0190] When the replacement mode is indicated in step S61, the computer 110 proceeds to step S65.

[0191] In step S65, the computer 110 displays information urging the removal of the first liquid reservoir 19A from the first mounting section 51. For example, as... Figure 13 As shown, the computer 110 displays a message such as "Please remove the first liquid reservoir from the first mounting section" as display information DI on the display unit 31. At this time, the computer 110 controls the locking mechanism 57 to move the locking member 58 to the unlocked position, thereby creating a state where the operator can remove the first liquid reservoir 19A. Figure 14 As shown, the operator removes the first liquid storage section 19A from the first installation section 51.

[0192] In the next step S66, the computer 110 displays information on the display unit 31 indicating that it is urging the installation of the discharge container 65. For example... Figure 31 As shown, the computer 110 displays a message such as "Please install the discharge container in the first mounting section" as display information DI on the display unit 31. Figure 32 As shown, the operator installs the discharge container 65 into the first installation section 51. When... Figure 33 As shown, when the discharge container 65 is installed into the first mounting part 51 and the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connecting part 53, the operator... Figure 31 The operation confirmation button 83 is displayed on the input screen shown in the display unit 31.

[0193] In the next step S67, the computer 110 discharges the first liquid L1 from the first nozzle 41. That is, air is supplied to the nozzle 41 (first nozzle 41) from which the first liquid L1 is ejected. Specifically, the first liquid L1 is discharged from the first nozzle 41 by pressurization or suction by driving the pump 20. In the case of pressurization, air is supplied to the first nozzle 41 by pressurization from the discharge container 65. On the other hand, in the case of suction, the first liquid L1 is discharged by suction from the first nozzle 41, thereby introducing air from the discharge container 65 into the supply channel 59 by suction.

[0194] like Figure 34As shown, by supplying air AG from the discharge container 65 to the liquid nozzle 21, the first liquid L1 is discharged from the first nozzle 41 by extrusion through the upstream air AG in the supply channel 59 from the discharge container 65 to the first nozzle 41. Thus, as... Figure 35 As shown, air AG is filled in the supply channel 59 and the first nozzle 41, which are connected to the first nozzle 41.

[0195] In step S68, the computer 110 displays on the display unit 31 a message urging the installation of another second liquid reservoir 19B onto the first mounting unit 51. For example... Figure 15 As shown, on the display unit 31, a message such as "Please install the second liquid reservoir on the first mounting unit" is displayed as display information DI. Figure 16 As shown, the operator installs another second liquid reservoir 19B into the first mounting section 51. The result is as follows: Figure 17 As shown, a second liquid reservoir 19B is installed in the first mounting portion 51. Here, "other second liquid reservoir 19B" refers to a second liquid reservoir 19B different from the second liquid reservoir 19B installed in the second mounting portion 52. For example, a prepared second liquid reservoir 19B can be used as another second liquid reservoir 19B. In this embodiment, a second liquid reservoir 19B storing transparent ink as the second liquid L2 is used as another second liquid reservoir 19B. This is because even if a small amount of the second liquid L2 remains in the first liquid L1 and causes color mixing, it does not significantly affect the color of the first liquid L1. Furthermore, as another second liquid reservoir 19B, a second liquid reservoir 19B storing any one of the following inks as the second liquid L2 can also be used.

[0196] In the next step S69, the computer 110 determines whether the second storage element 47 is connected to the first connection part 53. If the second storage element 47 is connected to the first connection part 53, the process proceeds to step S70. On the other hand, if the second storage element 47 is not connected to the first connection part 53, the process returns to step S68, and the operation of installing the second liquid reservoir 19B onto the first mounting part 51 is repeated. That is, when the correct second liquid reservoir 19B is installed instead of the required second liquid reservoir 19B on the first mounting part 51, the operator is prompted to repeat the operation of installing the second liquid reservoir 19B onto the first mounting part 51. Furthermore, if the correct connection cannot be confirmed after repeating the operation a predetermined number of times, the routine can be terminated.

[0197] In the next step S70, the computer 110 determines whether the second storage element 47 is connected to the second connection part 54. If the second storage element 47 is connected to the second connection part 54, the process proceeds to step S71. On the other hand, if the second storage element 47 is not connected to the second connection part 54, the routine ends. That is, even if the second liquid reservoir 19B is installed on the first mounting part 51, the process ends if a component other than the second liquid reservoir 19B is installed on the second mounting part, or if the second liquid reservoir 19B is not installed correctly. In this case, the computer 110 starts an exception handling routine (not shown) and displays information on the display part 31 urging the correct installation of the second liquid reservoir 19B on the second mounting part. The operator operates the confirmation button 83 when installing the second liquid reservoir 19B on the second mounting part 52. The computer 110 performs the determination in step S70 again, and if the result of the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S71.

[0198] In the next step S71, the computer 110 supplies the second liquid L2 to the first nozzle 41. That is, the second liquid L2 is supplied to the nozzle 41 (first nozzle 41) that ejects the first liquid L1. Figure 36 As shown, by supplying a second liquid L2 from the second liquid reservoir 19B toward the liquid ejector head 21, air AG is expelled from the first nozzle 41 by the second liquid L2 supplied from upstream in the supply channel 59 from the second liquid reservoir 19B to the first nozzle 41. Thus, as... Figure 19 As shown, a second liquid L2 is filled in the supply channel 59, which communicates with the first nozzle 41. If the second liquid L2 is, for example, a transparent ink, both the supply channel 59 and the first nozzle 41 are filled with transparent ink. In this way, the first liquid L1 is replaced by the second liquid L2. Therefore, even if the liquid ejection device 11 is not used for a long period of time, the pigments or other colorants in the ink will not settle in the first nozzle 41 and the supply channel 59.

[0199] The following steps S72 to S74 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Figure 10The processes in steps S20 to S22 are the same. That is, when the replacement from the first liquid L1 to the second liquid L2 is completed, the operator operates the power switch 32 to cut off the power to the liquid dispensing device 11. At this time, the liquid dispensing device 11 is in replacement mode. Therefore, when the operation signal of the power switch 32 is input, the computer 110 determines that a power-off operation has been performed in replacement mode (a positive determination in step S72). Then, the computer 110 stores information indicating the replacement mode (step S73). Specifically, the computer 110 writes information indicating the replacement mode into a designated storage area of ​​the storage unit 113. Furthermore, the computer 110 performs a power-off process (step S74).

[0200] Thus, the liquid ejection device 11 is not used for extended periods. Therefore, no pigment or other colorant sedimentation occurs in the first nozzle 41 that ejects the first liquid L1 and in the supply channel 59 connected to the first nozzle 41. In particular, when the replaced second liquid L2 is a transparent ink, since it is an ink that does not contain colorant, no sedimentation occurs at all.

[0201] Then, when the liquid ejection device 11, which has not been used for a long time, is used again, a replacement is performed. The replacement is to restore the second liquid L2 in the supply channel 59, which is connected to the first nozzle 41, to the first liquid L1.

[0202] In the second embodiment, the replacement processing routine also includes three methods depending on the conditions under which the replacement processing begins. First, when the power supply to the liquid dispensing device 11 is disconnected in replacement mode, the replacement processing is performed based on the condition that the power supply to the liquid dispensing device 11 changes from a disconnected state to an on state. In this case, it is determined whether the change from power disconnection to power on is in replacement mode; if it is, the replacement processing is performed. For example, Figure 37 The processes in steps S81 and S82 are equivalent to determining whether the switch from power off to power on is in replacement mode. In this case, if it is replacement mode in step S82, the re-replacement process shown in steps S83 to S90 is performed.

[0203] Second, a replacement process is performed when the operator inputs a replacement request by operating the operation unit 30. For example, the operator operates the operation unit 30, such as... Figure 23 The display unit 31 shows an input screen, and a replacement is indicated by selecting the replacement indicator button 82 on the input screen. For example, Figure 38 The processing in step S91 is equivalent to determining whether a replacement was input. In this case, if a replacement was input in step S91, then a replacement process is performed.

[0204] Third, a replacement operation is performed when an instruction to use the first liquid L1 for printing is received after the power supply to the liquid dispensing device 11 has switched from the off state to the on state. For example, Figure 39 Steps S101 and S102 are equivalent to determining whether there is an indication to use the first liquid L1 for printing when switching from power off to power on. In this case, if there is an indication to use the first liquid L1 for printing in step S102, a replacement process is performed.

[0205] The conditions for initiating replacement differ in these three methods. Even though the conditions differ, the replacement process performed when the conditions are met is the same. In any of these methods, the control unit 13 performs... Figure 37 The replacement process is shown in each of steps S83 to S90.

[0206] The following is for reference Figure 37 The replacement processing routine, which performs a replacement process when the first condition is met, is explained here.

[0207] First, in step S81, the computer 110 determines whether the power has changed from off to on. If the power has changed from off to on, the process proceeds to step S82; otherwise, if the power has not changed from off to on (e.g., including cases where the power is currently on), the routine ends.

[0208] In step S82, the computer 110 determines whether it is in replacement mode. The computer 110 determines whether it is in replacement mode based on the storage information read from a designated storage area of ​​the storage unit 113. That is, the computer 110 determines whether it is in replacement mode based on the storage information written to the designated storage area of ​​the storage unit 113 when it was in replacement mode during the last power-off.

[0209] In the next step S83, the computer 110 determines whether a discharge container 65 is installed in the first mounting part 51. If a discharge container 65 is installed in the first mounting part 51, the process proceeds to step S85; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S84.

[0210] In the next step S84, the computer 110 causes the display unit 31 to display display information DI urging the installation of the discharge container 65 onto the first mounting unit 51. For example, as... Figure 40 As shown, the computer 110 displays a message DI on the display unit 31 stating "Please install the discharge container in the first installation section." The operator who sees this message DI... Figure 25 After the second liquid reservoir 19B is removed from the first mounting section 51, as shown, Figure 32The discharge container 65 is installed into the first mounting section 51 as shown. When... Figure 33 As shown, when the discharge container 65 is installed into the first mounting part 51 and the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connecting part 53, the operator... Figure 40 The operation confirmation button 83 is shown in the display unit 31.

[0211] In the next step S85, the computer 110 discharges the second liquid L2 from the first nozzle 41. That is, air AG is supplied to the first nozzle 41. Specifically, the second liquid L2 is discharged from the first nozzle 41 by pressurization or suction by driving the pump 20. In the case of pressurization, air is pressurized and supplied to the first nozzle 41 from the discharge container 65. As a result, the second liquid L2 is squeezed out by air AG. On the other hand, in the case of suction, the second liquid L2 is discharged by suction from the first nozzle 41, thereby introducing air from the discharge container 65 into the supply channel 59 by suction.

[0212] like Figure 34 As shown, by supplying air AG from the discharge container 65 to the liquid nozzle 21, the first liquid L1 is discharged from the first nozzle 41 by extrusion through the upstream air AG in the supply channel 59 from the discharge container 65 to the first nozzle 41. Thus, as... Figure 35 As shown, air AG is filled in the supply channel 59 and the first nozzle 41, which are connected to the first nozzle 41.

[0213] In the next step S86, the computer 110 causes the display unit 31 to display display information DI urging the removal of the discharge container 65 from the first mounting unit 51. For example, as... Figure 42 As shown, the computer 110 displays a message DI on the display unit 31 stating "Please remove the discharge container from the first mounting section." After seeing this message DI, the operator removes the discharge container 65 from the first mounting section 51, as follows... Figure 26 The first liquid reservoir 19A is installed into the first mounting section 51 as shown. When... Figure 27 As shown, when the first liquid storage section 19A is installed into the first mounting section 51 and the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connecting section 53, the operator... Figure 42 The operation confirmation button 83 is displayed on the input screen shown in the display unit 31.

[0214] In the next step S87, the computer 110 displays on the display unit 31 a message urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir 19A onto the first mounting unit 51. For example, as... Figure 43 As shown, the computer 110 causes the display unit 31 to display a message DI such as "Please install the first liquid reservoir in the first mounting section". Figure 26 As shown, the operator who sees the display information DI installs the first liquid reservoir 19A onto the first mounting section 51. When... Figure 27 As shown, when the first liquid storage section 19A is installed into the first mounting section 51 and the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connecting section 53, the operator... Figure 43 The operation confirmation button 83 is displayed on the input screen shown in the display unit 31.

[0215] In step S88, the computer 110 determines whether the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connection part 53. If the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connection part 53, the process proceeds to step S89; otherwise, it returns to step S87. Furthermore, in step S87, the computer 110 again displays on the display unit 31 a message urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir 19A onto the first mounting part 51. Moreover, when the operator inputs... Figure 43 When the operation signal of the operation confirmation button 83 is received on the input screen displayed on the display unit 31, in step S88, the computer 110 determines whether the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connection unit 53. If the first storage element 46 is connected to the first connection unit 53, the computer 110 proceeds to step S89.

[0216] In step S89, the computer 110 determines whether the second storage element 47 is connected to the second connection part 54. If the second storage element 47 is connected to the second connection part 54, the process proceeds to step S90; otherwise, the routine ends. This step S89 is the same as in the first embodiment. Figure 20 The same process is performed in step S36 as shown, and the same process is performed when negating the decision.

[0217] In step S90, the computer 110 supplies the first liquid L1 to the first nozzle 41. That is, the first liquid L1 is supplied to the nozzle 41 (first nozzle 41) from which the first liquid L1 is ejected. Specifically, the first liquid L1 is supplied to the first nozzle 41 by pressurization or suction, driven by the pump 20. In the case of pressurization, the first liquid L1 is supplied to the first nozzle 41 by pressurization from the first liquid reservoir 19A. On the other hand, in the case of suction, air is drawn out from the first nozzle 41, thereby introducing the first liquid L1 from the first liquid reservoir 19A into the supply channel 59 by suction.

[0218] like Figure 44As shown, by supplying a first liquid L1 from the first liquid reservoir 19A toward the liquid ejector head 21, air AG is expelled from the first nozzle 41 by the first liquid L1 supplied from upstream in the supply channel 59 from the first liquid reservoir 19A to the first nozzle 41. Thus, as... Figure 29 As shown, a first liquid L1 is filled in the supply channel 59, which communicates with the first nozzle 41. If the first liquid L1 is, for example, white ink, white ink is filled in both the supply channel 59 and the first nozzle 41. This replacement results in the liquid ejection device 11 being able to print using white ink.

[0219] In addition, such as Figure 38 As shown, in the routine that performs replacement processing when the second determination condition is met, the processing is performed as follows. For example, the operator causes the display unit 31 to display... Figure 23 The input screen is shown, and by operating the operation unit 30, the user selects the replacement indicator button 82 on this input screen. This instructs the user to replace the item again. For example, Figure 38 Step S91 in the process is equivalent to determining whether a replacement has been input. In step S91, if it is determined that a replacement has been input, the computer 110 proceeds to step S92. In step S92, the computer 110 performs the replacement process. This replacement process is related to... Figure 37 The processes in steps S83 to S90 are the same.

[0220] Furthermore, such as Figure 39 As shown, in the routine that performs replacement processing when the third condition is met, the processing is as follows. For example, in Figure 39 In step S101, the computer 110 determines whether the liquid ejection device 11 has switched from power off to power on. If it has switched from power off to power on, the process proceeds to step S102; otherwise, the process ends.

[0221] In step S102, the computer 110 determines whether there is an instruction to use the first liquid L1 for printing. If there is an instruction to use the first liquid L1 for printing, the process proceeds to step S103; otherwise, the routine ends.

[0222] In step S103, the computer 110 performs a replacement process. Thus, when an indication to print using the first liquid L1 is present when switching from power off to power on, the computer 110 performs the replacement process. This replacement process is related to... Figure 37 The processes in steps S83 to S90 are the same.

[0223] <Effects of the Second Implementation>

[0224] According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0225] (8) The control method for the liquid ejection device 11 includes the following (8a) and (8b). (8a) In the replacement mode, before the display unit 31 displays a message urging the installation of another second liquid reservoir 19B to the first mounting unit 51 (step S68), the display unit 31 displays a message urging the installation of a discharge container 65 to the first mounting unit 51 (step S65). (8b) After the discharge container 65 is installed to the first mounting unit 51, the first liquid L1 is discharged from the plurality of nozzles 41 that eject the first liquid L1 (step S67). According to this method, by discharging the first liquid L1 and replacing it with air before replacing the liquid reservoirs 19A and 19B, the filling of the second liquid L2 can be carried out smoothly.

[0226] (9) The control method for the liquid dispensing device 11 includes the following (9a) to (9c). (9a) When the power supply to the liquid dispensing device 11 is disconnected in the replacement mode, after the power supply to the liquid dispensing device 11 is switched from the disconnected state to the on state (step S81), it is determined whether a discharge container 65 is installed on the first mounting part 51 (step S83). (9b) When the discharge container 65 is not installed on the first mounting part 51, display information DI urging the installation of the discharge container 65 on the display part 31 is displayed (step S84). (9c) When it is determined that the discharge container 65 is installed on the first mounting part 51, the second liquid L2 is discharged from the plurality of nozzles 41 that dispense the first liquid L1 (step S85). According to this method, when the operation of the liquid dispensing device 11 is resumed, the operation of refilling the first liquid L1 is automatically performed, thereby shortening the time and improving workability.

[0227] (10) The control method for the liquid dispensing device 11 includes the following (10a) to (10c). (10a) When the replacement mode is executed via the operation instruction of the operation unit 30 (step S91), it is determined whether the discharge container 65 is installed on the first mounting unit 51 (step S83). (10b) When the discharge container 65 is not installed on the first mounting unit 51, a display message urging the installation of the discharge container 65 on the display unit 31 is displayed (step S84). (10c) When it is determined that the discharge container 65 is installed on the first mounting unit 51, the second liquid L2 is discharged from the plurality of nozzles 41 that dispense the first liquid L1 (step S85). According to this method, by performing the refilling operation only when the replacement mode is selected, the replacement state can be maintained and nozzle clogging can be prevented.

[0228] (11) The control method for the liquid ejection device 11 includes the following (11a) to (11c). (11a) When the power supply of the liquid ejection device 11 is switched from the off state to the on state, and the first liquid L1 is used in printing, it is determined whether a discharge container 65 is installed in the first mounting part 51 (steps S101, S102, S83). (11b) When the discharge container 65 is not installed in the first mounting part 51, a display message urging the installation of the discharge container 65 in the first mounting part 51 is displayed on the display part 31 (step S84). (11c) When it is determined that the discharge container 65 is installed in the first mounting part 51, the second liquid L2 is discharged from the plurality of nozzles 41 that eject the first liquid L1 (step S85). According to this method, by maintaining the replacement state until the first liquid L1 is used, nozzle clogging or poor ejection can be prevented. In addition, when the first liquid L1 is used in printing, the time is shortened by automatically refilling the first liquid L1, and workability can be improved.

[0229] <Example of Change>

[0230] This implementation method can be modified and implemented as follows. This implementation method and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0231] • The first liquid L1 is not limited to white ink; it can be any first liquid L1 with a higher settling property than the second liquid L2. The second liquid L2 is not limited to transparent ink; it can be any ink with a lower settling property than the first liquid L1 or an ink that does not set.

[0232] ·exist Figure 10 In this process, the display information on the display unit that urges the removal of the first liquid reservoir from the first mounting unit (step S15) and the display information on the display unit that urges the installation of the second liquid reservoir that is not installed in the second mounting unit to the first mounting unit (step S16) can be displayed simultaneously or at different times.

[0233] • The replacement mode can also be selected when it is determined that the operator has not used the device for a long time. If the replacement mode is not processed when the power of the device is disconnected, a confirmation screen can be displayed on the display unit 31 to indicate whether replacement is not necessary.

[0234] • Alternatively, after the replacement from the first liquid L1 to the second liquid L2 is completed, a display message can be shown urging the removal of the second liquid storage unit 19B and the reinstallation of the first liquid storage unit 19A or the discharge container 65. Alternatively, only the locking mechanism 57 can be released from the first mounting part 51 without displaying the message urging the removal of the second liquid storage unit 19B. In this case, the operator can choose whether to replace the second liquid storage unit 19B. Furthermore, after detecting that the operator has removed the second liquid storage unit 19B, a display message can be shown urging the reinstallation of the first liquid storage unit 19A or the discharge container 65. Additionally, the power can be disconnected while the second liquid storage unit 19B remains installed.

[0235] • Any discharge method in the embodiments described herein is a method that can discharge the first liquid L1 from the nozzle 41, such as pressurized cleaning or suction cleaning.

[0236] • Can also be implemented in combination Figure 10 The liquid management routines shown are Figure 37 The replacement processing routine is shown. Alternatively, it can be implemented in combination. Figure 30 The liquid management routines shown are Figure 20 The replacement processing routine is shown.

[0237] In the second embodiment, the discharge container 65 may be omitted. That is, it is not limited to a box-like form such as the discharge container 65. For example, a shell portion without a box may be installed, and a virtual supply component with a storage element, a supply section, and a storage element and supply section in a pin hole may be installed. As long as the storage element and the supply section can be connected, the first liquid L1 in the supply flow path 59 from the supply section through the supply needle to the first nozzle 41, or the second liquid L2 in the supply flow path 59 up to the first nozzle 41, can be replaced with air. Furthermore, the storage element may also be omitted. In this case, the operator can notify the control unit 13 via the operation of the operation unit 30 that the virtual supply component has been installed in the first mounting section 51.

[0238] • In the second embodiment, the reason for installing the discharge container 65 (discharge box) on the first mounting part 51 after the first liquid L1 is replaced with the second liquid L2 may also be that it is a specification that cannot operate if the mounting parts 51 and 52 are not fully equipped with the box.

[0239] In the second embodiment, if the liquid storage section 19 is configured without the storage element 46, the dummy discharge container 65 can also be omitted. That is, the liquid in the supply channel 59 can be replaced by air even when nothing is installed on the first mounting section 51.

[0240] The transparent ink used as the second liquid L2 can also be of the type that cures after printing. For example, transparent inks containing UV-curable or heat-curable resins can be cited. In this case, after the transparent ink is sprayed onto the medium 16, it is irradiated with ultraviolet light to cure the ink. Alternatively, after the transparent ink is sprayed onto the medium 16, it is heat-treated to cure the ink. Furthermore, the transparent ink may not contain a curing resin.

[0241] • The wiper 23 of the wiping section 22 is not limited to a cloth wiper, but can also be a wiping pad.

[0242] • The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a printing and dyeing device that prints on a medium by ejecting liquids such as ink onto a fabric, which is an example of a medium.

[0243] • The liquid ejection device 11 may also be an inkjet printer that has a feed section capable of mounting a roll of medium 16 wound with a strip of paper or the like and printing on the roll of paper.

[0244] • The liquid ejector head 21 has a built-in ejection drive element for ejecting liquids such as ink from the nozzle 40, which can be any of the following drive methods: piezoelectric, electrostatic, bubble-based, etc.

[0245] • The liquid ejection device 11 is not limited to a landscape printer, but can also be a serial printer, a line printer or a page printer.

[0246] • The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a multifunction printer with an image reading unit, such as a scanner.

[0247] • Medium 16 may also be a sheet or film of paper or plastic, a sheet or film of metal, a medium containing paper and plastic, a laminate containing metal and plastic, etc.

[0248] The liquid ejection device 11 is not limited to a printing apparatus that ejects ink as an example of a liquid. The liquid ejection device 11 can also eject other liquids besides ink. The state of a liquid ejected from the liquid ejection device 11 as droplets includes granular, teardrop-like, and thread-like tail states. The liquid referred to here is any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device 11. For example, a liquid can be any substance in its liquid phase state, including liquids with high or low viscosity, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and fluids such as liquid metals (molten metal). 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 or metal particles in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks or liquid crystals described in the above embodiments. Here, ink includes general water-based inks, oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of the liquid ejection device 11 include devices that eject liquids containing electrode materials, pigments, or other materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescent) displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a device for ejecting biological organic matter used in the manufacture of biochips, a device for ejecting liquids as samples using a precision pipette, a dyeing and printing device, a micro-dispenser, etc. The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a device for ejecting lubricating oil from a needle tip into precision machinery such as watches or cameras, or a device for ejecting transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curable resins onto a substrate to form micro-hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication components. The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a device for ejecting etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates. Furthermore, when the liquid ejection device is not used for extended periods, a second liquid reservoir 19B can be installed on the first mounting section instead of the first liquid reservoir 19A.

[0249] The following describes the technical ideas and effects that can be derived from the described embodiments and variations.

[0250] (A) A control method for a liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection device comprising: a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles for printing a medium by ejecting liquid from the nozzles; an mounting unit capable of mounting a plurality of liquid reservoirs for storing liquid supplied to the plurality of nozzles; and an operation unit including a display unit, the mounting unit comprising: a first mounting unit for mounting a first liquid reservoir storing a first liquid having settling properties; and a second mounting unit for mounting a second liquid reservoir storing a second liquid having less settling properties than the first liquid, the control method comprising: when a replacement mode is executed via an operation instruction of the operation unit, displaying on the display unit an indication that the first liquid reservoir should be removed from the first mounting unit; displaying on the display unit an indication that the installation of a second liquid reservoir different from the second liquid reservoir installed on the second mounting unit should be made on the first mounting unit; and when the other second liquid reservoir is installed on the first mounting unit, supplying the second liquid to the plurality of nozzles ejecting the first liquid.

[0251] According to this method, in the replacement mode selected when liquid ejection is not performed for a long time, by replacing the first liquid (which has lower settling properties than the first liquid, and is used in other printing processes) with a second liquid (which has lower settling properties than the first liquid), the cost and space required for preparing the special liquid can be reduced, and nozzle clogging or poor ejection can be suppressed. Furthermore, when liquid ejection is not performed for a long time, there are considerations such as storage and transportation of the device or liquid ejection head, and when liquid ejection from the head stops.

[0252] (B) In the control method of the liquid ejection device described in (A) above, it may also include: in the replacement mode, before the display unit displays display information urging the installation of the other second liquid reservoir to the first mounting unit, displaying display information urging the installation of the discharge container to the first mounting unit; and after the discharge container is installed to the first mounting unit, discharging the first liquid from the plurality of nozzles that eject the first liquid. According to this method, by discharging the first liquid and replacing it with air before replacing the liquid reservoir, the filling of the second liquid can be performed smoothly.

[0253] (C) In the control method of the liquid ejection device described in (A) or (B) above, it may also be that: the first liquid reservoir has a first storage element storing information of the first liquid reservoir, the second liquid reservoir has a second storage element storing information of the second liquid reservoir, the first mounting portion has a first connection portion electrically connected to the first storage element, and the second mounting portion has a second connection portion electrically connected to the second storage element. The control method includes: under normal conditions, determining that operation is possible when the first storage element of the first liquid reservoir is connected to the first connection portion and the second storage element of the second liquid reservoir is connected to the second connection portion; and in the replacement mode, determining that operation is possible when the second storage element of the second liquid reservoir is connected to the first connection portion and the second storage element of the second liquid reservoir is connected to the second connection portion. According to this method, by allowing the second liquid in the second liquid reservoir installed in the first mounting portion to be used only in the replacement mode, it is possible to prevent the misuse of the second liquid under normal conditions.

[0254] (D) The control method for the liquid ejection device described in (A) above may also include: when the power supply to the liquid ejection device is disconnected in the replacement mode, after the power supply to the liquid ejection device switches from a disconnected state to an on state, determining whether the first liquid reservoir is installed in the first mounting part; when it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is not installed in the first mounting part, displaying information on the display part urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir in the first mounting part; and when it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is installed in the first mounting part, supplying the first liquid to the plurality of nozzles that eject the first liquid. According to this method, when the operation of the liquid ejection device resumes, the action of refilling the first liquid is automatically performed, thereby shortening the time and improving workability.

[0255] (E) The control method for the liquid ejection device described in (A) above may also include: when the power supply to the liquid ejection device is disconnected in the replacement mode, after the power supply to the liquid ejection device switches from a disconnected state to an on state, determining whether a discharge container is installed at the first mounting part; when the discharge container is not installed at the first mounting part, displaying information on the display part urging the installation of the discharge container at the first mounting part; and when it is determined that the discharge container is installed at the first mounting part, discharging the second liquid from the plurality of nozzles that eject the first liquid. According to this method, when the operation of the liquid ejection device resumes, the action of refilling the first liquid is automatically performed, thereby shortening the time and improving workability.

[0256] (F) The control method for the liquid ejection device described in (A) above may also include: when a replacement mode is executed via an operation instruction from the operation unit, determining whether the first liquid reservoir is installed on the first mounting unit; when it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is not installed on the first mounting unit, displaying information on the display unit urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir on the first mounting unit; and when it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is installed on the first mounting unit, supplying the first liquid to the plurality of nozzles that eject the first liquid. According to this method, by performing the refilling operation only when the replacement mode is selected, the replacement state can be maintained and nozzle clogging can be prevented.

[0257] (G) The control method for the liquid ejection device described in (A) above may also include: when a replacement mode is executed via an operation instruction from the operation unit, determining whether a discharge container is installed on the first mounting part; when the discharge container is not installed on the first mounting part, displaying information on the display unit urging the installation of the discharge container on the first mounting part; and when it is determined that the discharge container is installed on the first mounting part, discharging the second liquid from the plurality of nozzles that eject the first liquid. According to this method, by performing the refilling operation only when the replacement mode is selected, the replacement state can be maintained and nozzle clogging can be prevented.

[0258] (H) The control method for the liquid ejection device described in (A) above may also include: when the power supply of the liquid ejection device is switched from an off state to an on state, and the first liquid is used in printing, determining whether the first liquid reservoir is installed at the first mounting part; when it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is not installed at the first mounting part, displaying information on the display part urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir at the first mounting part; and when it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is installed at the first mounting part, supplying the first liquid to the plurality of nozzles that eject the first liquid. According to this method, by maintaining the replacement state until the first liquid is used, nozzle clogging or poor ejection can be prevented. In addition, when the first liquid is used in printing, by automatically performing the refilling of the first liquid, the time is shortened, and workability can be improved.

[0259] (I) The control method for the liquid ejection device described in (A) above may also include: when the power supply of the liquid ejection device is switched from an off state to an on state, and the first liquid is used in printing, determining whether a discharge container is installed at the first mounting part; when the discharge container is not installed at the first mounting part, displaying information on the display part urging the installation of the discharge container at the first mounting part; and when it is determined that the discharge container is installed at the first mounting part, discharging the second liquid from the plurality of nozzles that eject the first liquid. According to this method, by maintaining the replacement state until the first liquid is used, nozzle clogging or poor ejection can be prevented. In addition, when the first liquid is used in printing, by automatically performing the refilling of the first liquid, the time is shortened, and workability can be improved.

[0260] (J) A liquid ejection device comprising: a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles, and printing a medium by ejecting liquid from the nozzles; an mounting unit capable of mounting a plurality of liquid reservoirs storing liquid supplied to the plurality of nozzles; an operation unit including a display unit; and a control unit, the mounting unit comprising: a first mounting unit for mounting a first liquid reservoir storing a first liquid having settling properties; and a second mounting unit for mounting a second liquid reservoir storing a second liquid having less settling properties than the first liquid; wherein, when a replacement mode (selected when the liquid ejection operation is not used for a long time) is executed via an operation instruction from the operation unit, the control unit is capable of causing the display unit to display information indicating an intention to remove the first liquid reservoir from the first mounting unit, and information indicating an intention to install another second liquid reservoir different from the second liquid reservoir installed on the second mounting unit on the first mounting unit; and when the other second liquid reservoir is installed on the first mounting unit, the control unit causes the second liquid to be supplied to the plurality of nozzles ejecting the first liquid. According to this configuration, the same effect as the control method of the liquid ejection device described in (A) above can be obtained.

[0261] (K) In the liquid ejection device described in (J) above, the second liquid may also be a transparent ink. According to this configuration, by replacing it with a non-settling transparent ink, color mixing can be prevented, and nozzle clogging or poor ejection can be prevented.

Claims

1. A control method for a liquid ejection device, characterized in that, The liquid ejection device includes: A liquid ejector head has multiple nozzles and prints on a medium by ejecting liquid from the nozzles; The mounting unit is capable of mounting multiple liquid reservoirs, which store liquid supplied to the multiple nozzles; and The operation unit includes a display unit. The installation unit has: The first installation section installs the first liquid storage section, which stores a first liquid with settling properties. as well as The second mounting section installs a second liquid storage section, which stores a second liquid with a lower settling property than the first liquid. The control method for the liquid ejection device includes: When the replacement mode is executed via the operation instruction of the operation unit, The display unit shows a message urging the removal of the first liquid reservoir from the first mounting section; The display unit displays information indicating that it is urging the installation of a second liquid reservoir that is different from the second liquid reservoir installed on the second mounting unit to the first mounting unit; as well as When the other second liquid reservoir is installed in the first mounting portion, the second liquid is supplied to the plurality of nozzles that eject the first liquid.

2. The control method for the liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the replacement mode, Before displaying the information on the display unit urging the installation of the other second liquid reservoir to the first mounting unit, the following is included: The display unit shows a message urging the installation of the discharge container onto the first mounting unit; and After the discharge container is installed on the first mounting part, the first liquid is discharged from the plurality of nozzles that spray out the first liquid.

3. The control method for the liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid reservoir has a first storage element for storing information about the first liquid reservoir. The second liquid reservoir has a second storage element for storing information about the second liquid reservoir. The first mounting portion has a first connection portion electrically connected to the first storage element, and the second mounting portion has a second connection portion electrically connected to the second storage element. The control method of the liquid ejection device includes: Under normal circumstances, it is determined that operation is possible when the first storage element of the first liquid reservoir is connected to the first connecting portion, and the second storage element of the second liquid reservoir is connected to the second connecting portion. In the replacement mode, it is determined that operation is possible when the second storage element of the second liquid reservoir is connected to the first connecting part and the second storage element of the second liquid reservoir is connected to the second connecting part.

4. The control method for the liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: When the power supply of the liquid ejection device is disconnected in the replacement mode, after the power supply of the liquid ejection device is switched from the disconnected state to the connected state, it is determined whether the first liquid storage part is installed in the first mounting part. When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is not installed in the first mounting part, a display message is displayed on the display part urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir in the first mounting part; as well as When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is installed in the first mounting part, the first liquid is supplied to the plurality of nozzles that spray the first liquid.

5. The control method for the liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: When the power supply to the liquid ejection device is disconnected in the replacement mode, after the power supply to the liquid ejection device is switched from the disconnected state to the connected state, it is determined whether a discharge container is installed in the first mounting part. When the discharge container is not installed in the first mounting part, the display part displays a message urging the installation of the discharge container in the first mounting part. as well as When it is determined that the discharge container is installed in the first mounting part, the second liquid is discharged from the plurality of nozzles that spray out the first liquid.

6. The control method for the liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: When the replacement mode is executed via the operation instruction of the operation unit, it is determined whether the first liquid storage unit is installed in the first mounting unit; When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is not installed in the first mounting part, a display message is displayed on the display part urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir in the first mounting part; as well as When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is installed in the first mounting part, the first liquid is supplied to the plurality of nozzles that spray the first liquid.

7. The control method for the liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: When the replacement mode is executed via the operation instruction of the operation unit, it is determined whether a discharge container is installed in the first installation unit; When the discharge container is not installed in the first mounting part, the display part displays a message urging the installation of the discharge container in the first mounting part. as well as When it is determined that the discharge container is installed in the first mounting part, the second liquid is discharged from the plurality of nozzles that spray out the first liquid.

8. The control method for the liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: When the power supply of the liquid ejection device is switched from the off state to the on state, and the first liquid is used in the printing, it is determined whether the first liquid storage part is installed in the first mounting part. When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is not installed in the first mounting part, a display message is displayed on the display part urging the installation of the first liquid reservoir in the first mounting part; as well as When it is determined that the first liquid reservoir is installed in the first mounting part, the first liquid is supplied to the plurality of nozzles that spray the first liquid.

9. The control method for the liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: When the power supply of the liquid ejection device is switched from the off state to the on state, and the first liquid is used in the printing, it is determined whether a discharge container is installed in the first mounting part. When the discharge container is not installed in the first mounting part, the display part displays a message urging the installation of the discharge container in the first mounting part. as well as When it is determined that the discharge container is installed in the first mounting part, the second liquid is discharged from the plurality of nozzles that spray out the first liquid.

10. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: A liquid ejector head has multiple nozzles and prints on a medium by ejecting liquid from the nozzles; The mounting unit is capable of mounting multiple liquid reservoirs, which store liquid supplied to multiple nozzles; The operating unit includes a display unit; and Control Department The installation unit has: The first installation section installs the first liquid storage section, which stores a first liquid with settling properties. as well as The second mounting section installs a second liquid storage section, which stores a second liquid with a lower settling property than the first liquid. When the replacement mode is executed via the operation instruction of the operation unit, The control unit can cause the display unit to display information indicating an intention to remove the first liquid reservoir from the first mounting unit, and information indicating an intention to install a second liquid reservoir, different from the second liquid reservoir installed in the second mounting unit, into the first mounting unit. When the other second liquid reservoir is installed in the first mounting part, the control part supplies the second liquid to the plurality of nozzles that eject the first liquid.

11. The liquid ejection device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second liquid is a transparent ink.

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