Liquid discharge apparatus, and control method of liquid discharge apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of liquid ejection device and the control method of liquid ejection device.Liquid ejection device has: liquid ejection unit, it sprays liquid to medium;Recycling unit, as waste liquid, the liquid being sprayed from liquid ejection unit is recycled;Mounting portion, which can be installed and dismounted by waste liquid storage body, the waste liquid storage body can be received by the waste liquid being recycled by recycling unit;Waste liquid flow channel, which makes waste liquid flow to waste liquid storage body;Control unit, which controls the delivery of waste liquid to waste liquid storage body, liquid ejection unit can spray recording liquid, processing liquid and cleaning liquid, which can clean liquid ejection unit, on the medium to implement recording, the processing liquid has reactivity with recording liquid and implements processing on the medium, the control unit does not discharge processing liquid to waste liquid storage body in the case of recording liquid being stored in waste liquid storage body, and does not discharge recording liquid to waste liquid storage body in the case of processing liquid being stored in waste liquid storage body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid ejection device for spraying liquid into a medium. Furthermore, this invention relates to a control method for the liquid ejection device. Background Technology

[0002] The inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to the paper being transported. The liquid supplied by the liquid supply unit includes colored ink and a pretreatment liquid supplied to the paper before the colored ink is supplied.

[0003] Therefore, the liquid supply unit has a head for ejecting colored ink and a head for ejecting pretreatment liquid. The pretreatment liquid is set to white ink. The head for ejecting the pretreatment liquid is disposed adjacent to the head for ejecting the colored ink on the upstream side in the paper transport direction.

[0004] Typically, in inkjet recording devices, ink is sometimes ejected from the head and recycled to a waste liquid tank as waste liquid during maintenance or other processes. In such a structure, if the ink and processing liquid mix in the waste liquid tank, adverse conditions such as liquid solidification may occur.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-188699 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The liquid ejection device of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is characterized by comprising: a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid to a medium; a recovery section that recovers the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section as waste liquid; an installation section that allows for the assembly and disassembly of a waste liquid collection body capable of collecting the waste liquid recovered by the recovery section; a waste liquid flow channel that allows the waste liquid to flow into the waste liquid collection body; and a control section that controls the delivery of the waste liquid into the waste liquid collection body. The ejector section is capable of ejecting recording fluid, processing fluid, and cleaning fluid. The recording fluid is a liquid used for recording on a medium. The processing fluid is a liquid that reacts with the recording fluid and processes the medium. The cleaning fluid is capable of cleaning the liquid ejector section. The control unit does not discharge the processing fluid into the waste liquid collection body when the recording fluid is present in the waste liquid collection body, and also does not discharge the recording fluid into the waste liquid collection body when the processing fluid is present in the waste liquid collection body.

[0007] Furthermore, the control method for the liquid ejection device of the present invention is characterized in that the liquid ejection device comprises: a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid to a medium; a recovery section that recovers the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section as waste liquid; an installation section that is detachable from a waste liquid collection body that can collect the waste liquid recovered by the recovery section; a waste liquid flow channel that allows the waste liquid to flow into the waste liquid collection body; and a control section that controls the delivery of the waste liquid into the waste liquid collection body. The outlet can spray recording fluid, processing fluid, and cleaning fluid. The recording fluid is a liquid used for recording on a medium. The processing fluid is a liquid that reacts with the recording fluid and processes the medium. The cleaning fluid can clean the liquid outlet. In the control method of the liquid spraying device, the processing fluid is not discharged into the waste liquid collection body when the recording fluid is contained therein, and the recording fluid is not discharged into the waste liquid collection body when the processing fluid is contained therein. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A diagram showing the medium transport path of a liquid ejection device.

[0009] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the medium transport path of a liquid ejection system.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the control system of a liquid ejection device.

[0011] Figure 4 A diagram schematically illustrating the flow path of a liquid.

[0012] Figure 5 A table showing the relationship between the liquid box mounted on the box mounting section and the liquid ejection pattern.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the controls related to the installation of the liquid cartridge relative to the mounting section.

[0014] Figure 7 A flowchart of the process for setting the representation mode.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the cleaning process.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the box.

[0017] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating the flow path when using multiple waste liquid collection bodies.

[0018] Figure 11 This diagram schematically illustrates the structure of a switching unit that switches the flow destination of waste liquid from a shared waste liquid flow channel.

[0019] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates a structure capable of mounting a large-capacity waste liquid collection unit on a first mounting section and a second mounting section.

[0020] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating other embodiments of the flow channel.

[0021] Figure 14 This diagram schematically illustrates the structure of the flow channel selection section.

[0022] Figure 15 A table showing the relationship between the selection of the flow channel and the liquid ejection pattern.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of the process for determining the representation pattern. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in summary.

[0025] The liquid ejection device according to the first method is characterized by comprising: a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid to a medium; a recovery section that recovers the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section as waste liquid; an installation section that allows for the assembly and disassembly of a waste liquid collection body, the waste liquid collection body being capable of collecting the waste liquid recovered through the recovery section; a waste liquid flow channel that allows the waste liquid to flow into the waste liquid collection body; and a control section that controls the delivery of the waste liquid into the waste liquid collection body. It is capable of spraying recording fluid, processing fluid, and cleaning fluid, wherein the recording fluid is a liquid used for recording on a medium, the processing fluid is a liquid that reacts with the recording fluid and processes the medium, the cleaning fluid is capable of cleaning the liquid spraying part, and the control unit does not discharge the processing fluid into the waste liquid collection body when the recording fluid is contained therein, and also does not discharge the recording fluid into the waste liquid collection body when the processing fluid is contained therein.

[0026] According to this method, since the control unit does not discharge the processing liquid into the waste liquid storage body when the recording liquid is contained in the waste liquid storage body, and does not discharge the recording liquid into the waste liquid storage body when the processing liquid is contained in the waste liquid storage body, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the recording liquid and the processing liquid in the waste liquid storage body.

[0027] The second method is subordinate to the first method, characterized in that the control unit can switch between a recording mode, a processing mode, and a cleaning mode, wherein the recording mode is a mode in which recording is performed on the medium using the recording liquid, the processing mode is a mode in which the medium is processed using the processing liquid, and the cleaning mode is a mode in which the waste liquid flow channel is cleaned using the cleaning liquid. Furthermore, the control unit causes the replacement of the waste liquid collection body before switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other.

[0028] According to this method, through various modes, appropriate recording, processing, and cleaning can be performed.

[0029] Furthermore, since the control unit initiates the replacement of the waste liquid collection container by switching modes, it is possible to more reliably control the mixing of the recording liquid and the processing liquid in the waste liquid collection container.

[0030] Furthermore, in this specification, "the control unit prompts the replacement of the waste liquid collection body" means that the control unit prompts the replacement of the waste liquid collection body for the user. For example, if the liquid dispensing device is equipped with a display unit that displays various information, the control unit can display a message prompting the replacement of the waste liquid collection body on that display unit. Additionally, if the liquid dispensing device is capable of communicating with an external device, and that external device is equipped with a display unit that displays various information, the control unit can display a message prompting the replacement of the waste liquid collection body on that display unit.

[0031] The third method is subordinate to the second method, characterized in that the control unit switches to the cleaning mode before switching from one mode to another, namely the recording mode and the processing mode, and switches from one mode to another after the cleaning of the waste liquid channel is completed, when the waste liquid collection body is replaced.

[0032] According to this method, by inserting a cleaning process into the waste liquid channel before switching from one recording mode to the other, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the recording liquid and the processing liquid in the waste liquid channel.

[0033] The fourth method is subordinate to the first method, characterized in that the control unit is able to store the type of waste liquid discharged into the waste liquid collection body installed on the mounting unit in a storage medium.

[0034] According to this method, since the control unit can store the type of waste liquid discharged into the waste liquid collection body installed on the mounting unit in a storage medium, it is possible to more reliably suppress the mixing of the recording liquid and the processing liquid in the waste liquid collection body.

[0035] Furthermore, this method is not limited to the first method mentioned above; it may also be subordinate to the second or third method mentioned above.

[0036] The fifth method is subordinate to the first method, characterized in that the waste liquid collection body is designated as the first waste liquid collection body, the mounting part is designated as the first mounting part, and the waste liquid flow channel is designated as the first waste liquid flow channel. The liquid ejection device further comprises: a second mounting part, which is detachable from the second waste liquid collection body, the second waste liquid collection body being capable of collecting the waste liquid recovered by the recovery part; a second waste liquid flow channel, which allows the waste liquid to flow to the second waste liquid collection body; a common waste liquid flow channel, which allows the waste liquid to flow from the recovery part to the first waste liquid flow channel and the second waste liquid flow channel; a switching part, which switches the flow destination of the waste liquid from the common waste liquid flow channel to either the first waste liquid flow channel or the second waste liquid flow channel; the control part does not discharge the processing liquid into the second waste liquid collection body when the recording liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection body, and does not discharge the recording liquid into the second waste liquid collection body when the processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection body.

[0037] According to this method, since the control unit does not discharge the processing liquid into the second waste liquid reservoir when the recording liquid is contained in the second waste liquid reservoir, and does not discharge the recording liquid into the second waste liquid reservoir when the processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid reservoir, the mixing of the recording liquid and the processing liquid in the second waste liquid reservoir can be suppressed.

[0038] Furthermore, this method is not limited to the first method mentioned above, but can also belong to any one of the second to fourth methods mentioned above.

[0039] The sixth method is a method subordinate to the fifth method, characterized in that the control unit discharges the recording liquid into the first waste liquid collection body and discharges the treatment liquid into the second waste liquid collection body.

[0040] According to this method, since the first waste liquid collection body is used as the discharge destination of the recording liquid and the second waste liquid collection body is used as the discharge destination of the treatment liquid, the recording liquid and the treatment liquid can be discharged without the user having to perform special replacement operations.

[0041] The seventh method is subordinate to the sixth method, characterized in that the control unit discharges the recording liquid into the first waste liquid collection body when the recording liquid is contained in the first waste liquid collection body or when the waste liquid is not contained in the first waste liquid collection body, and discharges the treatment liquid into the second waste liquid collection body when the treatment liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection body or when the waste liquid is not contained in the second waste liquid collection body.

[0042] According to this method, by discharging the recording liquid into the first waste liquid reservoir when the waste liquid is not contained therein, the first waste liquid reservoir can be designated as the discharge destination for the recording liquid. Furthermore, by discharging the treatment liquid into the second waste liquid reservoir when the waste liquid is not contained therein, the second waste liquid reservoir can be designated as the discharge destination for the treatment liquid.

[0043] The eighth method is subordinate to the fifth method, characterized in that the liquid ejection unit sets the processing liquid as the first processing liquid and can also eject a second processing liquid, the second processing liquid being a liquid that reacts with the recording liquid and the processing liquid, and performs processing on the medium; the control unit, when the recording liquid is contained in the first waste liquid collection body and the first processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection body, does not discharge the second processing liquid into either the first waste liquid collection body or the second waste liquid collection body, and prompts the replacement of either the first waste liquid collection body or the second waste liquid collection body; and, when the first processing liquid is contained in the first waste liquid collection body and the second processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection body, does not discharge the recording liquid into either the first waste liquid collection body or the second waste liquid collection body, and prompts the replacement of either the first waste liquid collection body or the second waste liquid collection body.

[0044] According to this method, by prompting the replacement of the first waste liquid container or the second waste liquid container when there is no suitable destination for the waste liquid, it is possible to suppress the mixing of multiple types of waste liquid in the first waste liquid container or the second waste liquid container.

[0045] Furthermore, this method is not limited to the fifth method mentioned above; it may also be subordinate to the sixth or seventh method mentioned above.

[0046] The ninth method is a method subordinate to the fifth method, characterized in that the control unit can switch between a recording mode, a processing mode, and a cleaning mode, wherein the recording mode is a mode in which recording is performed on the medium using the recording liquid, the processing mode is a mode in which the medium is processed using the processing liquid, and the cleaning mode is a mode in which the first waste liquid channel or the second waste liquid channel is cleaned using the cleaning liquid, and the control unit switches the switching unit before switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other.

[0047] According to this method, through various modes, appropriate recording, processing, and cleaning can be performed.

[0048] Furthermore, since the control unit switches the switching unit based on the mode switching, it is possible to suppress the mixing of multiple types of waste liquid in the first waste liquid container or the second waste liquid container.

[0049] Furthermore, this method is not limited to the fifth method mentioned above, but can also belong to any one of the sixth to eighth methods mentioned above.

[0050] The tenth method is a method subordinate to the fifth method, characterized in that the control unit is able to control the amount of waste liquid contained in the first waste liquid container and the amount of waste liquid contained in the second waste liquid container, and further, the control unit discharges the cleaning liquid into the waste liquid container with a smaller amount of waste liquid contained in the first waste liquid container and the second waste liquid container.

[0051] According to this method, since the control unit discharges the cleaning liquid into the waste liquid reservoir containing a smaller amount of waste liquid between the first waste liquid reservoir and the second waste liquid reservoir, the replacement frequency of the waste liquid reservoir can be suppressed.

[0052] Furthermore, this method is not limited to the fifth method mentioned above, but can also belong to any one of the sixth to ninth methods mentioned above.

[0053] The eleventh method is a method subordinate to the fifth method, characterized in that the control unit discharges the same type of waste liquid into the first waste liquid collection body and the second waste liquid collection body.

[0054] According to this method, since the control unit discharges the same type of waste liquid into the first waste liquid collection body and the second waste liquid collection body, the replacement frequency of the waste liquid collection body can be suppressed when the same type of waste liquid is discharged.

[0055] Furthermore, this method is not limited to the fifth method mentioned above, but can also be subordinate to any one of the sixth to tenth methods mentioned above.

[0056] The twelfth method is a subordinate method to the fifth method, characterized in that a large-capacity waste liquid collection body that can be installed using the space of both the first mounting part and the second mounting part can be installed on the first mounting part and the second mounting part, and the control unit discharges the same type of waste liquid into the large-capacity waste liquid collection body.

[0057] According to this method, since a large-capacity waste liquid collection body that can be installed using both the first mounting part and the second mounting part can be installed on both the first mounting part and the second mounting part, and the control unit discharges the same type of waste liquid into the large-capacity waste liquid collection body, the replacement frequency of the waste liquid collection body can be suppressed when the same type of waste liquid is discharged.

[0058] Furthermore, this method is not limited to the fifth method mentioned above, but can also be subordinate to any one of the sixth to tenth methods mentioned above.

[0059] The control method for the liquid ejection device according to the thirteenth method is characterized in that the liquid ejection device comprises: a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid to a medium; a recovery section that recovers the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section as waste liquid; an installation section that allows for the assembly and disassembly of a waste liquid collection body, the waste liquid collection body being capable of collecting the waste liquid recovered by the recovery section; a waste liquid flow channel that allows the waste liquid to flow into the waste liquid collection body; and a control section that controls the delivery of the waste liquid into the waste liquid collection body. The ejector section is capable of ejecting recording fluid, processing fluid, and cleaning fluid. The recording fluid is a liquid used for recording on a medium. The processing fluid is a liquid that reacts with the recording fluid and processes the medium. The cleaning fluid is capable of cleaning the liquid ejector section. In the control method of the liquid ejector device, the processing fluid is not discharged into the waste liquid collection body when the recording fluid is contained therein, and the recording fluid is not discharged into the waste liquid collection body when the processing fluid is contained therein.

[0060] According to this method, since the control method does not discharge the treatment liquid into the waste liquid storage body when the recording liquid is contained in the waste liquid storage body, and does not discharge the recording liquid into the waste liquid storage body when the treatment liquid is contained in the waste liquid storage body, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the recording liquid and the treatment liquid in the waste liquid storage body.

[0061] The fourteenth method is subordinate to the thirteenth method, characterized in that the waste liquid collection body is designated as a first waste liquid collection body, the mounting part is designated as a first mounting part, and the waste liquid flow channel is designated as a first waste liquid flow channel. The liquid ejection device includes: a second mounting part capable of detaching and assembling a second waste liquid collection body, the second waste liquid collection body being capable of collecting the waste liquid recovered by the recovery part; a second waste liquid flow channel for allowing the waste liquid to flow to the second waste liquid collection body; a common waste liquid flow channel for allowing the waste liquid to flow from the recovery part to both the first waste liquid flow channel and the second waste liquid flow channel; and a switching part for switching the flow destination of the waste liquid from the common waste liquid flow channel to either the first waste liquid flow channel or the second waste liquid flow channel. In the control method, when the recording liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection body, the processing liquid is not discharged into the second waste liquid collection body, and when the processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection body, the recording liquid is not discharged into the second waste liquid collection body.

[0062] According to this method, since the control method does not discharge the processing liquid into the second waste liquid reservoir when the recording liquid is contained in the second waste liquid reservoir, and does not discharge the recording liquid into the second waste liquid reservoir when the processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid reservoir, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the recording liquid and the processing liquid in the second waste liquid reservoir.

[0063] The fifteenth method is a subordinate method to the fourteenth method, characterized in that the same type of waste liquid is discharged into the first waste liquid collection body and the second waste liquid collection body.

[0064] According to this method, since the control method discharges the same type of waste liquid into the first waste liquid container and the second waste liquid container, it is possible to suppress the replacement frequency of the waste liquid container while discharging the same type of waste liquid.

[0065] The present invention will now be described in detail.

[0066] The XYZ coordinate system shown in the accompanying drawings is an orthogonal coordinate system, and the direction in which the arrow points is the + direction, and the opposite direction is the - direction. The Y-axis direction is the direction that intersects the conveying direction of the medium, that is, the width direction of the medium, and is also the depth direction of the device. In this embodiment, the side in the +Y direction among the sides surrounding the main body 2 of the liquid ejection device 1 is the back side, and the side in the -Y direction is the front side.

[0067] The X-axis direction is the width direction of the device, and when viewed from the operator of the liquid ejection device 1, the +X direction is on the left and the -X direction is on the right. Furthermore, the -X direction is the medium delivery direction from each medium cartridge described later. Additionally, the +X direction is the medium transport direction at the position opposite the liquid ejection section 12.

[0068] The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, i.e., the height direction of the device. The +Z direction is the upward direction and the -Z direction is the downward direction.

[0069] In the following text, the direction in which the medium is transported will sometimes be referred to as "downstream," and its opposite direction as "upstream." In the accompanying drawings, dashed lines represent the medium transport path. In the liquid ejection device 1, the medium is transported along the medium transport path represented by the dashed lines.

[0070] Structure of the liquid ejection device In this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 1 is an inkjet printer that performs recording by ejecting ink, an example of a liquid, onto a medium represented by recording paper. Further, reference will be made later. Figure 2 The liquid ejection system 100 described is a system having multiple liquid ejection devices 1.

[0071] Furthermore, although the terms "recording" and "printing" are used in this specification, they have the same meaning in that they refer to forming an image on a medium by spraying liquid onto the medium. Therefore, "recording" can be replaced with "printing" or "image forming," and vice versa.

[0072] The liquid ejection device 1 has a plurality of media cartridges in the lower part of the device body 2, which includes the liquid ejection section 12 described later, along the vertical direction. Specifically, it includes a first media cartridge 3, a second media cartridge 4, a third media cartridge 5, and a fourth media cartridge 6. Hereinafter, these media cartridges will be referred to simply as media cartridges without distinction.

[0073] Each media cartridge is equipped with a pickup roller that feeds the collected media P in the -X direction. Symbols 21, 22, 23, and 24 indicate the pickup rollers provided for each media cartridge. In addition, the structure for contacting the collected media with the pickup roller can be either a structure in which the pickup roller moves forward and backward relative to the media, or a structure in which the media is lifted upward by a lifting plate provided on each media cartridge.

[0074] In addition, each media cartridge is provided with a pair of feed rollers to further feed the media delivered by the pick-up rollers downstream. Symbols 25, 26, 27, and 28 indicate the pairs of feed rollers provided for each media cartridge.

[0075] In addition, unless otherwise specified below, a "roller pair" is defined as consisting of a drive roller driven by a power source such as a motor and a driven roller that rotates in contact with the drive roller.

[0076] The medium from the first medium cartridge 3 is fed to the conveyor roller pair 34 by the feed force from conveyor roller pairs 29 and 33. The medium from the second medium cartridge 4 is fed to the conveyor roller pair 34 by the feed force from conveyor roller pairs 30, 29, and 33. The medium from the third medium cartridge 5 is fed to the conveyor roller pair 34 by the feed force from conveyor roller pairs 31, 30, 29, and 33. The medium from the fourth medium cartridge 6 is fed to the conveyor roller pair 34 by the feed force from conveyor roller pairs 32, 31, 30, 29, and 33. The symbol T1 indicates the conveying path of the medium from each medium cartridge to the conveyor roller pair 34.

[0077] The medium, which receives a feeding force from the conveyor roller pair 34, is fed between the liquid ejection section 12 and the conveyor belt 66, that is, to the liquid ejection position opposite to the liquid ejection section 12. The conveyor roller pair 34 constitutes a conveying section for conveying the medium between the liquid ejection section 12 and the conveyor belt 66.

[0078] The liquid ejection section 12 ejects liquid onto the surface of the medium. In this embodiment, the liquid ejection section 12 is a linear head with a plurality of liquid ejection nozzles 13 arranged across the entire area in the width direction of the medium. However, the liquid ejection section 12 may also be an ink ejection head mounted on a carriage and ejecting liquid while moving along the width direction of the medium.

[0079] The liquid ejection section 12 in this embodiment uses a piezoelectric element, which is a piezoelectric element whose volume changes when a voltage is applied. Furthermore, by controlling the drive waveform of the piezoelectric element, the movement of the curved liquid surface of the nozzle 13 can be controlled, and the size and ejection speed of the ejected droplets can be controlled.

[0080] In this embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 13 include nozzles capable of ejecting yellow ink, nozzles capable of ejecting magenta ink, nozzles capable of ejecting blue-green ink, and nozzles capable of ejecting black ink. The various colored inks are examples of recording fluids used for recording on a medium. Furthermore, although details will be described later, cleaning fluid can be ejected from the nozzles ejecting various colored inks, and processing fluids, such as pre-processing fluids and post-processing fluids, can also be ejected.

[0081] Next, the conveyor belt 66 is a seamless belt wound around the drive roller 67 and the driven roller 68, and is rotated by a motor (not shown) driven by the drive roller 67. The medium is conveyed past the position opposite to the liquid ejection section 12 while being adsorbed onto the surface of the conveyor belt 66. The drive roller 67, the driven roller 68, and the conveyor belt 66 constitute a belt unit 65. The belt unit 65 has the drive roller 67 as a rotating axis, and is configured to rotate via a power source (not shown), thereby rotating the medium. Figure 1 The system can switch between a state that allows the medium to be transported and a state that allows it to retreat from the liquid ejection section 12 (not shown).

[0082] The medium, sprayed with liquid from the liquid ejection section 12, is fed towards either the conveyor roller pair 36 or the conveyor roller pair 40 via the conveyor roller pair 35 located downstream of the conveyor belt 66. Therefore, a path switching baffle (not shown) is provided near the downstream of the conveyor roller pair 35.

[0083] The medium is fed from the conveyor roller pair 35 toward the conveyor roller pair 36 without causing the medium surface to flip and the liquid to be sprayed back onto the medium. Discharge paths T4 and T5 can be selected as downstream from the conveyor roller pair 36. Therefore, a path switching baffle (not shown) is provided near the downstream end of the conveyor roller pair 36.

[0084] When discharge path T4 is selected, the medium passes through discharge path T4 and is discharged to discharge tray 8. Conveyor roller pair 38 and conveyor roller pair 39 are provided on discharge path T4.

[0085] When discharge path T5 is selected, the medium passes through discharge path T5 and is discharged from discharge section K3 of device body 2 in the +X direction. A pair of conveying rollers 44 is provided on discharge path T5.

[0086] When the surface of the medium is flipped and liquid is sprayed onto the medium again, the medium is fed from the conveyor roller pair 35 toward the conveyor roller pair 40 and enters the turning path T2. Then, the rotation direction of the conveyor roller pair 40 is switched, thereby turning the medium and entering the flipping path T3, and feeding it toward the conveyor roller pair 34 through the conveyor roller pairs 41, 42, and 43.

[0087] The liquid ejection device 1 has a receiving portion K1 on its side in the -X direction for receiving the medium. The receiving portion K1 is positioned at a height corresponding to the position between the liquid ejection portion 12 and the belt unit 65 in the height direction of the device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the receiving portion K1 and the discharge portion K3 are at approximately the same height.

[0088] The medium received from the receiving part K1 is fed to the conveying roller pair 34 via the conveying roller pair 45. The symbol T6 represents the conveying path of the medium received from the receiving part K1. The receiving part K1 can also serve as a feed port for feeding medium placed in a mounting part (not shown) located on the side in the -X direction.

[0089] Next, 200 refers to a box mounting section equipped with a liquid receiving section (described later), which receives liquid sprayed from the liquid spraying section 12. The liquid sprayed from the liquid spraying section 12 is supplied from the box mounting section 200 to the liquid spraying section 12 via the flow channel described later.

[0090] Symbol 9 represents a cover unit with a cap 9a that presses down on the liquid ejection section 12. Cap 9a is an example of a recovery unit that recycles the ink ejected from the liquid ejection section 12 as waste liquid. The cover unit 9 is designed to be able to be in a separated position (see reference 12). Figure 1 The liquid ejection section 12 is set to be displaced between the cover 9a and the capping position (not shown), wherein the separation position is the position where the cover 9a is separated from the liquid ejection section 12 by a power source (not shown) controlled by the control unit 80 described later, and the capping position is the position where the cover 9a caps the nozzle surface 12a of the liquid ejection section 12.

[0091] The liquid ejection device 1 is configured as described above, thereby serving as an example of... Figure 2 The system is formed by connecting the components as shown. Figure 2 The liquid ejection system 100 shown includes a first liquid ejection device 1A and a second liquid ejection device 1B. Both the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B are reference devices. Figure 1 The liquid ejection device 1 has been described. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 In order to avoid complicating the accompanying drawings, the rollers and symbols shown are not identical to those in the original drawings. Figure 1 Compared to the previous version, it is shown in reduced proportions.

[0092] The first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B are mechanically connected by a connecting part (not shown) and electrically connected by a connector (not shown). Thus, the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B can communicate with each other and work together to eject liquid into a medium.

[0093] In the liquid ejection system 100, after the medium is ejected as liquid through the first liquid ejection device 1A, it is fed into the second liquid ejection device 1B and ejected as liquid through the second liquid ejection device 1B. As an example, in the first liquid ejection device 1A, a pretreatment liquid (described later) is ejected onto the medium, and in the second liquid ejection device 1B, ink is ejected onto the medium. However, this is not a limitation; ink may be ejected onto the medium in the first liquid ejection device 1A, and a posttreatment liquid may be ejected onto the medium in the second liquid ejection device 1B. Alternatively, ink may be ejected onto the medium from both the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B. Alternatively, treatment liquid may be ejected onto the medium from both the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B.

[0094] exist Figure 2 In the diagram, the thick solid line represents the medium transport path during such liquid ejection. The medium, indicated by symbol P, is fed from any of the medium cartridges of the first liquid ejection device 1A, sprayed onto the first surface, flipped, and then sprayed onto the second surface. It is then fed into the second liquid ejection device 1B, sprayed onto the second surface, flipped, sprayed onto the first surface, and then discharged onto the discharge tray 8.

[0095] However, the destination of the media discharge is not limited to this; it can also pass through the discharge path T5 and be discharged from the discharge section K3. In this case, it can also be discharged to a paper tray (not shown) installed on the side of the second liquid dispensing device 1B in the +X direction. The discharge tray (not shown) can also be configured to be detachable from the second liquid dispensing device 1B. Furthermore, the media discharged from the discharge section K3 can be transferred to a processing device (not shown) disposed in the +X direction of the second liquid dispensing device 1B, or to a relay conveying device (not shown) for relaying media to the processing device, etc. The processing device can also perform binding processing, perforation processing, saddle stitching processing, folding processing, drying processing, etc.

[0096] According to such a liquid ejection system 100, it is possible to perform the ejection of ink and processing liquid to the medium using a single liquid ejection device 1. Thus, a dedicated liquid ejection device for ejecting the processing liquid is no longer needed, and the use of two liquid ejection devices can be increased, thereby improving user convenience.

[0097] Furthermore, although the liquid ejection system 100 connects to two liquid ejection devices, it can also connect to three or more liquid ejection devices. For example, when three liquid ejection devices are connected, liquid can be ejected in the order of pre-processing, recording, and post-processing.

[0098] The following is for reference Figure 3 Let's explain the control unit 80.

[0099] The control unit 80 performs various controls on the liquid ejection device 1. Additionally, in Figure 3 The diagrams mainly illustrate the structures needed for the subsequent explanations, and diagrams of other structures are omitted.

[0100] The control unit 80 controls the feeding mechanism 90, the conveying mechanism 91, the liquid ejection unit 12, the pump 18, and the box mounting unit 200.

[0101] The feeding mechanism 90 includes the pickup rollers 21, 22, 23, 24 described above, the feed roller pairs 25, 26, 27, 28, and the motors (not shown) that drive these rollers.

[0102] The conveying mechanism 91 includes the conveying roller pairs 29 to 45 described above, motors (not shown) that drive these rollers, multiple path switching baffles that switch the feed destination of the medium described above, and drive sources such as solenoids that drive these path switching baffles.

[0103] Furthermore, as an example, the motors (not shown) constituting the feeding mechanism 90 and the conveying mechanism 91 are DC motors. Additionally, each of these motors is equipped with a rotary encoder (not shown), which the control unit 80 uses to detect the rotation direction, rotation amount, and rotation speed of each motor. That is, the control unit 80 can detect the drive direction, drive amount, and drive speed of each roller described above.

[0104] A liquid receiving section can be installed on the cartridge mounting section 200, the liquid receiving section containing liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section 12. Although the installation of the liquid receiving section relative to the cartridge mounting section 200 will be described in detail later, the types of liquid include at least recording fluids for recording on a medium and processing fluids for processing the medium. Furthermore, the types of liquid also include those for flow channels Fr (see reference). Figure 4 The cleaning fluid used for cleaning, wherein the flow channel Fr is the flow channel through which the liquid contained in the liquid collection part is sprayed out from the liquid spray part 12 and flows to the waste liquid collection body 17 described later.

[0105] Ink containing color materials is an example of a recording liquid. Furthermore, examples of processing liquids include pretreatment liquids and posttreatment liquids. Hereinafter, the liquid storage unit containing ink is referred to as an "ink cartridge" in this embodiment. Furthermore, the liquid storage unit containing processing liquid is referred to as a "processing liquid cartridge" in this embodiment. The processing liquid cartridge can be a "pretreatment liquid cartridge" containing pretreatment liquid and a "posttreatment liquid cartridge" containing posttreatment liquid. Furthermore, the liquid storage unit containing cleaning liquid is referred to as a "cleaning liquid cartridge" in this embodiment. In addition, when differentiating between different cartridges, they are sometimes simply referred to as "cartridges". Furthermore, the term "liquid storage unit" is sometimes used instead of "cartridge".

[0106] The ink cartridge is an example of a recording fluid storage unit that houses recording fluid. Furthermore, the processing fluid cartridge is an example of a processing fluid storage unit that houses processing fluid used to treat media. Additionally, the cleaning fluid cartridge houses a flow channel Fr (see reference). Figure 4 An example of a cleaning solution storage unit for cleaning solutions used in cleaning.

[0107] Here, refer to Figure 4 Let's explain the flow channel Fr. Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates the liquid flow path, which includes flow paths Fr1, Fr2, Fr3, and Fr4. Fr1 is the section within the housing mounting section 200. Fr2 is the section formed by pipes 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d connecting the housing mounting section 200 and the liquid ejection section 12. Fr3 is the section within the liquid ejection section 12, including the nozzle 13. Fr4 is the section from the cover 9a to the waste liquid collection body 17. Flow path Fr4 is an example of a waste liquid flow path. Furthermore, in the following text, pipes 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are collectively referred to as pipe 14 without distinction.

[0108] With the cleaning fluid box installed on the box mounting part 200, the flow channel Fr can be cleaned by spraying cleaning fluid from the nozzle 13 and running the pump 18.

[0109] Furthermore, the box mounting section 200 according to this embodiment includes a first mounting section 211, a second mounting section 212, a third mounting section 213, and a fourth mounting section 214 for mounting boxes. That is, the box mounting section 200 according to this embodiment can accommodate the assembly and disassembly of multiple boxes.

[0110] A liquid supply needle 15 is provided at the bottom of each storage section. The liquid supply needle 15 is located at one end of the tube 14. A liquid supply section 310 is provided on the box. When each box is installed on the box mounting section, the liquid supply needle 15 enters the liquid supply section 310, thereby supplying liquid from the box.

[0111] Furthermore, a pipe 19 is connected to one end of the cover 9a that caps the liquid ejection section 12. The other end of the pipe 19 enters the waste liquid collection body 17, thereby the liquid ejected into the cover 9a is collected as waste liquid by the waste liquid collection body 17. Reference numeral 18 represents a pump that creates negative pressure inside the cover 9a. By operating the pump 18 while the cover 9a caps the liquid ejection section 12, liquid is drawn from the nozzle 13 and fed into the waste liquid collection body 17. Alternatively, even when the cover 9a is separated from the liquid ejection section 12, the pump 18 is operated to feed the liquid accumulated in the cover 9a into the waste liquid collection body 17. The control unit 80 controls the delivery of waste liquid into the waste liquid collection body 17.

[0112] The waste liquid collection body 17 can be disassembled and assembled relative to the mounting part 16.

[0113] In addition, the waste liquid collected in the waste liquid collection body 17 is not only the waste liquid recovered by the cover 9a, but also, for example, the waste liquid that is discarded onto the media support (not shown) when the structure is provided for borderless printing.

[0114] As mentioned above, since the flow channel Fr in the liquid ejection device 1 can be cleaned, the mixing of different types of liquids can be suppressed, thus achieving good results.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a cleaning fluid box containing cleaning fluid for cleaning the flow channel Fr can be installed on the box mounting section 200, the flow channel Fr can be easily cleaned. Cleaning the flow channel Fr helps to suppress the mixing of different types of liquids, thereby achieving good results.

[0116] exist Figure 3 , Figure 4 As an example, ink cartridges are installed in the example. Specifically, an ink cartridge 301 for storing black ink is installed on the first mounting section 211. An ink cartridge 302 for storing magenta ink is installed on the second mounting section 212. An ink cartridge 303 for storing turquoise ink is installed on the third mounting section 213. An ink cartridge 304 for storing yellow ink is installed on the fourth mounting section 214.

[0117] Additionally, ink cartridges may sometimes be referred to without using symbols in the following text. Specifically, black ink cartridge 301 may be referred to as "ink cartridge (BK)", magenta ink cartridge 302 as "ink cartridge (M)", blue-green ink cartridge 303 as "ink cartridge (C)" and yellow ink cartridge 304 as "ink cartridge (Y)".

[0118] In addition, Figure 4 In the diagram, symbol 321 represents the pretreatment fluid container, symbol 322 represents the posttreatment fluid container, and symbol 323 represents the cleaning fluid container.

[0119] Each storage compartment can be equipped with a pretreatment liquid container 321, a posttreatment liquid container 322, and a cleaning liquid container 323, which can replace the ink container.

[0120] Additionally, in the following text, sometimes the pretreatment liquid box 321, posttreatment liquid box 322, and cleaning liquid box 323 will be referred to by their names only, without the symbols.

[0121] like Figure 3 As shown, each ink cartridge, specifically the liquid storage section, is equipped with an example of an information holding unit that stores information such as the type and remaining quantity of the liquid. Reference numeral 305 is the ink cartridge 301 with a black ink cartridge, and reference numeral 306 is the ink cartridge 302 with a magenta ink cartridge. Reference numeral 307 is the ink cartridge 303 with a blue-green ink cartridge, and reference numeral 308 is the ink cartridge 304 with a yellow ink cartridge. Each ink cartridge's ink cartridge holds information such as whether the liquid is ink, the ink color, and the remaining quantity.

[0122] Additionally, the box IC is also located on the processing fluid box and cleaning fluid box described later. Hereinafter, the box IC located on each box will sometimes be referred to simply as box IC without distinction.

[0123] The housing mounting section 200 is provided with contacts that can make electrical contact with the housing IC. Symbol 201 is a contact provided on the first mounting section 211, symbol 202 is a contact provided on the second mounting section 212, symbol 203 is a contact provided on the third mounting section 213, and symbol 204 is a contact provided on the fourth mounting section 214.

[0124] The control unit 80 reads information from the cartridge IC to detect information such as the type and remaining amount of liquid. Furthermore, when liquid is consumed, the control unit 80 updates the remaining amount information of the cartridge IC based on the consumption. Additionally, by reading the information from the cartridge IC at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined intervals, the control unit 80 can detect when a cartridge has been replaced.

[0125] Next, a waste liquid collection unit IC230 is provided in the waste liquid collection unit 17 as an example of an information holding unit that holds information related to the waste liquid collection unit 17. A contact capable of electrically contacting the waste liquid collection unit IC230 is provided on the mounting part 16 on which the waste liquid collection unit 17 is mounted. Reference numeral 220 indicates a contact provided on the mounting part 16 on which the waste liquid collection unit 17 is mounted.

[0126] The control unit 80 can obtain information related to the waste liquid collection unit 17 by reading the information from the waste liquid collection unit IC230. Furthermore, the control unit 80 can write information related to the waste liquid collection unit 17 into the waste liquid collection unit IC230. In addition, the control unit 80 can detect when the waste liquid collection unit 17 has been replaced by reading the information from the waste liquid collection unit IC230 at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined intervals.

[0127] As an example, information relating to the waste liquid collection container 17 may include at least one of the following: individual identification information of the waste liquid collection container 17, whether it contains waste liquid, the type of waste liquid contained, and the amount of waste liquid contained.

[0128] In addition, information related to the waste liquid collection body 17 can be stored in the non-volatile memory 83 of the control unit 80 in association with the individual identification information of the waste liquid collection body 17.

[0129] Next, the control unit 80 includes a CPU 81 that executes computer programs, or in other words, software execution processes, a volatile memory 82, and a non-volatile memory 83. The CPU 81 performs various necessary operations to execute the program 84 stored in the non-volatile memory 83. The volatile memory 82 is used as a temporary data storage area. The non-volatile memory 83 stores the program 84 and control parameters 85 required to execute the program 84. The program 84 contains a program for executing various processes described later, and the control parameters 85 contain parameters for executing the program 84. The various processes described later are implemented by the control unit 80 executing the program 84.

[0130] Furthermore, the control unit 80 can receive various operation settings from the operation panel 86 provided on the liquid dispensing device 1, which are performed by the user. The operation panel 86 includes a touch panel (not shown), a power button, and other setting buttons.

[0131] Treatment fluid and cleaning fluid The following is an explanation of the treatment fluid and cleaning fluid.

[0132] At least one ink cartridge and one processing fluid cartridge can be selectively mounted on the cartridge mounting section 200 of the liquid dispensing device 1. Additionally, a cleaning fluid cartridge may also be mounted. Therefore, the shapes and sizes of the frames for the ink cartridge, processing fluid cartridge, and cleaning fluid cartridge are substantially the same.

[0133] For example, when an ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 200, the liquid ejection device 1 can eject ink onto the medium to perform recording. Furthermore, for example, when a processing fluid cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 200, the liquid ejection device 1 can perform pre-treatment or post-treatment on the medium depending on the type of processing fluid. Furthermore, for example, when a cleaning fluid cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 200, the liquid ejection device 1 can clean the flow channel Fr.

[0134] Furthermore, although details will be explained in the text, when multiple cartridges can be installed on the cartridge mounting section 200, cartridges containing ink and cleaning fluid can be mixed, or cartridges containing processing fluid and cleaning fluid can be mixed. However, it is preferable to exclude the case where cartridges containing ink and processing fluid are mixed.

[0135] The pretreatment solution, which improves recording quality by inhibiting ink bleeding by spraying it onto the medium before ink ejection, can appropriately employ well-known pretreatment solutions. As an example, a pretreatment solution containing coagulants such as polyvalent metal salts and using pure water as a solvent can be used. Of course, such a pretreatment solution is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0136] Furthermore, the coagulant reacts with color materials contained in the ink, pigment dispersions that may be contained in the ink, and resins, causing the color materials to agglomerate. Additionally, the coagulant reacts with pigment dispersions and / or resins that may be present in the ink composition, thereby increasing the viscosity of the ink composition. Therefore, since the pretreatment solution mixes with the ink in the liquid flow channel Fr, resulting in poor ejection, a cleaning process is required when changing from the ink cartridge to the pretreatment solution cartridge, or from the pretreatment solution cartridge to the ink cartridge. Of course, even with a pretreatment solution that does not contain a coagulant, for example, if white ink is used as the pretreatment solution, the desired processing result cannot be obtained due to mixing with other colored inks; therefore, a cleaning process is required when changing from the ink cartridge to the pretreatment solution cartridge, or from the pretreatment solution cartridge to the ink cartridge.

[0137] Furthermore, the post-processing fluid, as a processing fluid that improves the water resistance, light resistance, gas resistance, abrasion resistance, gloss, and color development of the recorded image by spraying it onto the ink-sprayed medium and covering the recording surface with a protective layer composed of a coating film, can appropriately employ processing fluids that have been known to date. While examples of post-processing fluids include those containing water-soluble resins or water-soluble emulsions using pure water as a solvent, this is not a limitation. Additionally, regarding the post-processing fluid, since there is a possibility of ink thickening due to mixing with the ink (for example), a cleaning process is required when changing from the ink cartridge to the processing fluid cartridge, or vice versa.

[0138] Any cleaning fluid can be used as long as it can clean the nozzle 13 and the flow channel Fr. As an example, a cleaning fluid with pure water as the main component and containing surfactants, viscosity modifiers, and defoamers can be used. Of course, this is just an example and is not a limitation.

[0139] Controls related to the installation of the liquid collection section Next, the control implemented by the control unit 80 of the liquid dispensing device 1, particularly the control related to the installation of the liquid receiving unit, i.e., the box, relative to the box mounting unit 200, will be explained.

[0140] First, refer to Figure 5 The liquid dispensing mode of the liquid dispensing device 1 will now be described. The liquid dispensing device 1 according to this embodiment can operate according to the type of box mounted on the box mounting section 200. Figure 5 Any of the liquid ejection patterns shown. In Figure 5 In this text, "ink" refers to the ink cartridge, "pretreatment liquid" refers to the pretreatment liquid cartridge, "posttreatment liquid" refers to the posttreatment liquid cartridge, and "cleaning liquid" refers to the cleaning liquid cartridge.

[0141] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "liquid ejection mode" refers to the state of the liquid ejection device 1 corresponding to the type of box installed on the box mounting section 200. Moreover, the execution of the liquid ejection mode refers to the actual implementation of the processing corresponding to that liquid ejection mode. For example, the execution of the ink mode refers to ejecting ink from the medium, the execution of the processing mode refers to ejecting processing liquid from the medium, and the execution of the cleaning mode refers to cleaning the flow channel Fr.

[0142] In this embodiment, any one of the following cartridges can be installed on the first mounting part 211: ink cartridge (BK), pretreatment fluid cartridge, posttreatment fluid cartridge, and cleaning fluid cartridge.

[0143] Furthermore, any one of the following cartridges can be installed on the second mounting section 212: ink cartridge (M), pretreatment liquid cartridge, posttreatment liquid cartridge, and cleaning liquid cartridge.

[0144] Furthermore, any one of the following can be installed on the third mounting section 213: ink cartridge (C), pretreatment liquid cartridge, posttreatment liquid cartridge, and cleaning liquid cartridge.

[0145] Furthermore, any one of the following cartridges can be installed on the fourth mounting section 214: ink cartridge (Y), pretreatment liquid cartridge, posttreatment liquid cartridge, and cleaning liquid cartridge.

[0146] The relationship between the types of boxes installed on each storage section and the liquid spraying pattern is as follows: Figure 15 As shown. In this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 1 can execute any of the following modes: ink mode (full color), ink mode (monochrome), pre-processing mode, pre-processing mode (high speed), post-processing mode, post-processing mode (high speed), and cleaning mode. However, it is not necessary to be able to execute all of these modes. Furthermore, modes other than those described above may also be available.

[0147] The ink mode (full color) and ink mode (monochrome) are examples of recording modes performed on a medium using ink, which is an example of a recording fluid. Furthermore, the pre-processing mode, pre-processing mode (high speed), post-processing mode, and post-processing mode (high speed) are examples of processing modes performed on a medium using a processing fluid. Additionally, the cleaning mode is a mode performed when the flow channel Fr is cleaned using a cleaning fluid.

[0148] The control method implemented by the control unit 80 for the liquid ejection device 1 includes executing the above-described modes.

[0149] Through the above modes, appropriate recording, processing, and cleaning can be performed.

[0150] Furthermore, a certain type of box must be installed in each storage section. This is because if boxes are not installed in all storage sections, for example, when creating negative pressure inside the cover 9a to draw liquid from the nozzle 13, the negative pressure will not be properly formed, and drawing may not be possible. Therefore, for example in ink mode (monochrome), pretreatment mode, and posttreatment mode, the required box is installed on the first mounting section 211, and the cleaning fluid box is installed on the other storage sections. In addition to ink mode (monochrome), it is also possible to set up a mode in which ink boxes are installed on storage sections of any color, and cleaning fluid boxes are installed on other storage sections. With this installation method, compared to the case where ink boxes or cleaning fluid boxes are installed on storage sections other than the first mounting section 211, and only the box in the first mounting section 211 is used, the liquid consumption cost can be suppressed. This is because, in most cases, cleaning fluid is cheaper than ink or processing fluid, and even when liquid is ejected using only the cartridge of the first mounting section 211, the liquid in the cartridges of other storage sections is consumed during maintenance of the liquid ejection section 12. Therefore, through these methods, the liquid ejection device 1 can be customized to meet the user's desired printing results while controlling costs.

[0151] Next, the processing implemented by the control unit 80 will be explained.

[0152] Figure 6 The main process for controlling the installation of the liquid storage unit, i.e., the box, relative to the box mounting unit 200.

[0153] When the device is powered on, the control unit 80 performs a power-on process (step S11). Here, power-on is not limited to the situation where the power button (not shown) on the operation panel 86 is pressed, but also includes the situation where the device resumes from power-saving mode. This power-on process is a typical printer initialization process, including, for example, initial detection of movable parts and reset actions.

[0154] Next, the control unit 80 performs mode setting processing (step S12). The mode here is for reference. Figure 5 The liquid dispensing pattern described herein. In this pattern setting process, it is confirmed whether the box installed on the box mounting section 200 matches the liquid dispensing pattern known to the control unit 80, and if not, necessary predetermined processing is performed. That is, since there is a possibility that the box installed on the box mounting section 200 may be replaced by the user when the power is off, this confirmation is performed in the pattern setting process.

[0155] The following is for reference Figure 7 This section explains the mode setting process.

[0156] The control unit 80 acquires the current mode (step S31). The current mode is stored in the non-volatile memory 83 (see reference). Figure 3 Next, the control unit 80 obtains information about the box installed on the box mounting unit 200 from the box IC (step S32), and determines whether it is consistent with the current mode (step S33).

[0157] The result is that if it matches the current mode ("Yes" in step S33), then return to the previous state. Figure 6 The main process. On the other hand, if it is inconsistent with the current mode ("No" in step S33), it is determined whether a replacement has been performed between the ink cartridge and the processing liquid cartridge (step S34).

[0158] If no replacement is performed between the ink cartridge and the processing liquid cartridge (No in step S34), the liquid ejection mode is reset according to the type of cartridge installed (step S35). Resetting the liquid ejection mode includes saving information related to the changed liquid ejection mode in non-volatile memory 83 (see reference). Figure 3 The processing in ).

[0159] If an ink cartridge and a processing fluid cartridge are replaced ("Yes" in step S34), an alarm will be issued on the operation panel 86, and a user interface will be displayed prompting the user to select either cartridge replacement or cleaning process (step S36). Hereinafter, the term "user interface" will be abbreviated as "UI".

[0160] In the UI described above, as an example, a message could be included such as "A cartridge replacement that needs cleaning has been detected. Please select: Replace the cartridge after cleaning, or set it to replace the cartridge that does not need cleaning."

[0161] In other words, if a processing fluid cartridge is installed on a storage unit that has previously housed an ink cartridge, or vice versa, the ink and processing fluid may mix, potentially causing the liquid to thicken and block the flow channel Fr. Therefore, in this situation, instead of filling the flow channel Fr with new liquid, a UI displaying an alarm as described above is displayed to the user.

[0162] In this situation, the user's course of action would be either to perform a cartridge replacement according to the original plan after cleaning, or to perform a cartridge replacement that does not require cleaning. Examples of cartridge replacement that does not require cleaning include replacing an ink cartridge with a cleaning fluid cartridge, or replacing a processing fluid cartridge with a cleaning fluid cartridge. Of course, cartridge replacement that does not require cleaning also includes replacing the cartridge with its original type.

[0163] If the user selects (step S37) to replace the box after cleaning, the control unit 80 performs the cleaning process (step S38), and then displays a replacement request for the box to be replaced on the operation panel 86 (step S39).

[0164] In addition, if the user selects (step S37) to replace the box that does not need to be cleaned, then proceed to step S40.

[0165] Regardless of the user's choice, after the user replaces the box, they will press the "Replacement Complete" button displayed on the UI of the operation panel 86. Upon receiving this operation, the control unit 80 obtains the box IC information of the box installed on the box mounting unit 200 (step S40). If the installed box is appropriate ("Yes" in step S41), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0166] If the installed box is inappropriate ("No" in step S41), then an error is set. An appropriate installed box means... Figure 15 Any of the combinations of boxes shown. Furthermore, as a particular example of inappropriate box installation, the simultaneous installation of an ink cartridge and a processing fluid cartridge can be cited.

[0167] In step S35, as described above, the liquid dispensing mode is reset according to the type of box being installed.

[0168] Additionally, refer to Figure 8 The cleaning process in step S38 will now be explained. During the cleaning process, the control unit 80 displays a UI on the operation panel 86 prompting the installation of the cleaning fluid cartridge (step S51). When the user presses the "Replacement Complete" button displayed on the UI on the operation panel 86 after installing the cleaning fluid cartridge, the control unit 80 obtains information about the cartridge IC of the cartridge installed on the cartridge mounting section 200 (step S52). As a result, if the installed cartridge is appropriate ("Yes" in step S53), the liquid spray mode is reset, that is, the liquid spray mode is set to the cleaning mode (step S54), and cleaning of the flow channel Fr is performed (step S55). Here, "appropriate installed cartridge" refers to the case where a cleaning fluid cartridge is installed on the cartridge mounting section 200.

[0169] The cleaning of the flow channel Fr involves either spraying cleaning fluid from nozzle 13 onto cap 9a or drawing cleaning fluid from nozzle 13 by creating negative pressure on cap 9a, or operating pump 18. This process can also utilize the same maintenance process used to prevent clogging of the liquid ejection section 12 when the ink cartridge is installed, specifically a rinsing process or a nozzle suction process. Alternatively, it can utilize the process of initial ink filling. Furthermore, a process dedicated to cleaning fluid can also be used. Moreover, these processes can be repeated, thereby enabling more reliable cleaning.

[0170] Alternatively, if the installed box is inappropriate ("No" in step S53), return to step S51.

[0171] Steps S56, S57 and S58 will be explained again later.

[0172] The above describes the mode setting process. Now, let's return to... Figure 6 The steps after step S13 in the main process will be explained.

[0173] When the mode setting process in step S12 is completed, the control unit 80 adopts the printing standby mode (step S13). The printing standby mode is a mode that waits for user operation.

[0174] In contrast, when there is no user operation ("None" in step S14) and the power-saving mode transition time is reached ("Yes" in step S18), the control unit 80 performs power-saving mode transition processing (step S19). As a result, the liquid dispensing device 1 enters a power-saving state where power is supplied only to the necessary parts.

[0175] In power-saving mode, when a power-saving mode deactivation event occurs ("Yes" in step S20) such as the user touching the operation panel 86 or pressing the power button (not shown), the system returns to step S11. Furthermore, when a user issues a printing request in power-saving mode, after performing the power-on process (step S11), the control unit 80 executes steps from step S15 onwards, which will be described later.

[0176] Next, if a user operation occurs while the printing standby mode is in progress ("Yes" in step S14), and the operation is a power-off operation, the control unit 80 performs a power-off process (step S21) and ends the process.

[0177] When the user's action is a printing request, that is, when the control unit 80 receives the printing task data, the process proceeds to step S15 and performs box determination processing. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 9 This section explains the judgment and processing of this box.

[0178] First, the control unit 80 determines whether the current liquid ejection pattern matches the liquid ejection pattern in the printing task data (step S71). If they match ("Yes" in step S71), the process returns to the main flow.

[0179] If the current liquid ejection pattern is inconsistent with the liquid ejection pattern in the printing task data ("No" in step S71), the printing task is stopped, an alarm is issued on the operation panel 86, and a UI is displayed to the user, prompting them to perform either a cartridge replacement or task cancellation (step S72). As an example, the UI may include a message such as "The installed cartridge is not suitable. Please select: Replace the cartridge, or stop printing."

[0180] If the user selects (step S73) to cancel the task, the process returns to step S13 of the main flow.

[0181] If the user selects (step S73) box replacement and it is a replacement that requires cleaning the flow channel Fr, proceed to step S74 and perform the cleaning process for the flow channel Fr. This cleaning process is similar to the reference... Figure 8 The process described is the same. When the cleaning process is completed, the control unit 80 displays a request on the operation panel 86 to replace the cartridge with one that matches the liquid ejection pattern of the printed task data (step S75).

[0182] After the user replaces the cartridge, they press the "Replacement Complete" button, which is displayed on the UI of the operation panel 86, for example. Upon receiving this operation, the control unit 80 obtains the cartridge IC information of the cartridge installed on the cartridge mounting unit 200 (step S76). If the installed cartridge is compatible with the liquid ejection mode of the printed work data ("Yes" in step S77), the liquid ejection mode is reset (step S78), and the process returns to the main flow.

[0183] If the installed box is inappropriate (No in step S77), then return to step S75.

[0184] Additionally, if the user selects (step S73) box replacement and it is a replacement that does not require cleaning the flow channel Fr, the process proceeds to step S75 without performing a cleaning process.

[0185] When returning to Figure 6 During the main process, the control unit 80 executes printing (step S16) and returns to the printing standby mode.

[0186] Next, in Figure 6In the main process, if the user operation in step S14 is cleaning, the process proceeds to step S17 and performs cleaning of the flow channel Fr. This cleaning process is similar to the reference... Figure 8 The processing described is the same.

[0187] As explained above, when the control unit 80 or the control method implemented by the control unit 80 switches from one recording mode to the other processing mode, it inserts the cleaning of the flow channel Fr implemented by the cleaning mode. Figure 7 Step S38 Figure 9 Step S74).

[0188] This allows for the suppression of ink and processing liquid mixing, resulting in good outcomes.

[0189] Furthermore, the control unit 80, or the control method implemented by the control unit 80, detects a switch from one recording mode to the other based on the received task data. Figure 9 Step S71), and insert the cleaning of the flow channel Fr implemented by the cleaning mode ( Figure 9 Step S74).

[0190] This also helps to address situations where users send task data without being aware of the current mode.

[0191] In addition, the control unit 80 can also detect the installation of the cartridge to the cartridge mounting unit 200, and based on this detection, detect the switching from one recording mode and processing mode to the other, and insert the cleaning of the flow channel Fr implemented by the cleaning mode.

[0192] For example, in printing standby mode ( Figure 6 In step S13), the control unit 80 may also acquire cartridge information at predetermined intervals, and in the case of cartridge replacement that is equivalent to switching from one recording mode to the other processing mode, a cleaning process is performed (see [reference]). Figure 8 ).

[0193] This improves usability compared to situations where users perform the cleaning process themselves.

[0194] Additionally, if a cleaning fluid cartridge is detected, flow channel cleaning can be performed without user confirmation. Figure 8 Step S55).

[0195] Furthermore, the control unit 80 can detect the switch from one recording mode to the other based on input from the operation panel 86, which processes user operation settings, and perform cleaning of the flow path Fr as implemented by the cleaning mode. As an example, input from the operation panel 86 can include instructions for printing, pre-processing, or post-processing performed in conjunction with the copying function. This improves usability compared to when the user manually performs the cleaning mode.

[0196] Furthermore, the part that accepts user operation settings is not limited to the operation panel 86 of the liquid dispensing device 1, but can also be an external device connected to the liquid dispensing device 1, such as a computer.

[0197] Furthermore, the ink cartridge, processing fluid cartridge, and cleaning fluid cartridge each have a cartridge IC, which is an information holding unit that holds liquid information and is accessible to the control unit 80. Then, when the device is powered on, the control unit 80 accesses the cartridge IC (…). Figure 7 Step S32), and compare it with the liquid information from the last access to the box IC ( Figure 7 Step S33), and in the case of replacing one ink cartridge and processing liquid cartridge from the other (in Figure 7 In step S34, if "Yes" is selected, an alarm will be issued. Figure 7 Step S36).

[0198] This allows for the suppression of ink and processing liquid mixing, resulting in good outcomes.

[0199] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cleaning mode is a mode in which the flow channel Fr is cleaned by using a cleaning fluid and the cover 9a. This allows for easy cleaning of the flow channel Fr. Additionally, the cover 9a can also be cleaned simultaneously.

[0200] In addition, the liquid ejection device 1 also includes a waste liquid collection body 17 for storing waste liquid generated in the cover 9a (see reference). Figure 4 The cleaning fluid used in the cleaning mode is discharged into the waste fluid collection body 17.

[0201] Furthermore, the control unit 80 restricts the installation of the cartridge used in the other mode onto the cartridge mounting unit 200 when cleaning is not completed in either the recording mode or the processing mode. This is provided as an example. Figure 7 Step S36 Figure 9 The process is implemented through steps S72 to S74. This allows for the suppression of ink and processing liquid mixing.

[0202] In addition, strictly speaking, the limitation here is not a limitation on the installation of the box itself, but refers to the situation where the improper installation state of the box cannot be sustained. However, the installation of the box itself can also be limited.

[0203] Furthermore, the cartridge mounting section 200 can mount a first ink cartridge containing ink of a first color and a second ink cartridge containing ink of a second color different from the first color. In this embodiment, the first color is any one of black, magenta, turquoise, and yellow, and the second color refers to any other color.

[0204] However, it is not limited to this; the cartridge mounting section 200 may also be able to mount only one color of ink cartridge, such as a black ink cartridge.

[0205] Alternatively, only one box can be installed on the box mounting section 200.

[0206] Furthermore, the cartridge mounting section 200 has a first mounting area for mounting the first ink cartridge and a second mounting area for mounting the second ink cartridge. The first mounting area is at least one of the first mounting section 211, the second mounting section 212, the third mounting section 213, and the fourth mounting section 214, and the second mounting area is at least one of the other storage sections. The first and second mounting areas described below are also in the same manner.

[0207] Here, the control unit 80 can also perform error handling when a processing liquid cartridge is installed in one of the first mounting area and the second mounting area, and an ink cartridge is installed in the other. As an example, this error handling is performed when... Figure 7 Error handling branched out based on "No" in step S41.

[0208] The specific handling for this error can also be described below. For example, in Figure 7 If the user selects a cartridge replacement that does not require cleaning in step S37, the current mode is set to processing mode. Furthermore, if a processing fluid cartridge is installed in the first installation area and an ink cartridge is installed in the second installation area (i.e., if step S41 is "No"), the UI of the operation panel 86 can be used to initiate the installation of either the cleaning fluid cartridge or the processing fluid cartridge in the second installation area.

[0209] That is, the control method implemented by the control unit 80 can also include: determining the type of liquid receiving unit installed in the first installation area and the second installation area; and, if the current mode is the processing mode and a processing liquid cartridge is installed in the first installation area and an ink cartridge is installed in the second installation area, prompting the installation of a cleaning liquid cartridge or a processing liquid cartridge in the second installation area. However, prompting the installation of the processing liquid cartridge in the second installation area is preferably limited to the case where the cleaning of the flow channel Fr is completed.

[0210] By setting it in this way, it is possible to suppress the mixing of ink and processing liquid.

[0211] Furthermore, treatment fluid tanks and cleaning fluid tanks can be installed in both the first and second installation areas. Figure 5 For example, if the first mounting area is set as the first mounting part 211 and the second mounting area is set as the second mounting part 212, then the processing fluid box and the cleaning fluid box can be installed on the first mounting part 211 and the second mounting part 212.

[0212] Therefore, multiple treatment fluid cartridges can be used. For example, different types of treatment fluid cartridges can be installed on the first mounting part 211 and the second mounting part 212 respectively and used separately. Furthermore, by simultaneously spraying the same type of treatment fluid from the first mounting part 211 and the second mounting part 212, the throughput when spraying treatment fluid to the medium can be increased. Figure 5 The pre-processing mode (high-speed) and post-processing mode (high-speed) are examples of modes that can achieve such effects. Specifically, there is a situation where the nozzles that spray processing liquid supplied from the processing liquid cartridge mounted on the first mounting part 211 and the nozzles that spray processing liquid supplied from the processing liquid cartridge mounted on the second mounting part 212 are configured such that their spray areas overlap. In this case, by spraying processing liquid from both nozzles, high-speed processing can be achieved even with the same spray interval. This trend becomes more pronounced in the case of serial printing.

[0213] Furthermore, it is not limited to liquids that will not have adverse effects even if mixed with each other. Figure 5 For example, different boxes can also be installed on the box mounting section 200.

[0214] Furthermore, when boxes of the same type of liquid are installed in multiple locations, the frequency of box replacement can be reduced by prioritizing the use of boxes with more remaining liquid.

[0215] Regarding the control related to the installation of the liquid collection section as described above, the following variations can be adopted.

[0216] In this embodiment, the liquid ejection section 12 is a linear nozzle. However, as described above, it could also be an ink ejection head where the liquid ejection section 12 is mounted on a carriage so that it ejects liquid while moving along the width of the medium. In this case, the cartridge mounting section 200 could be mounted on the carriage or fixedly mounted outside the carriage.

[0217] While the liquid container is a box in this embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, it could also be a liquid storage bag for storing liquids. Furthermore, the storage unit could also be configured as a liquid container, and could be of the type that replenishes liquid to the container.

[0218] When cleaning the flow channel Fr, although in the above embodiment the cleaning fluid box is installed on each storage part of the box mounting part 200, for example, a liquid supply part 310 (see reference 310) can also be installed. Figure 4 The adapter (not shown) is installed on the storage unit, and the cleaning fluid is supplied to the adapter from the cleaning fluid storage unit containing the cleaning fluid through the ink tube.

[0219] • In the case of using a liquid ejection device 1, one possible method is to pre-treat the medium via a pre-treatment mode, then install the ink cartridge after cleaning, and perform recording on the medium. In this case, the pre-treatment liquid can be applied to the entire surface of the medium or limited to the area where recording is performed. Furthermore, when applying the pre-treatment liquid to the area where recording is performed, the size of the area can be the same as the size of the area where recording is performed, or it can be applied to an area slightly larger than the area where recording is performed. In the processing mode, the user can preset either to perform coating of the entire surface or coating limited to the recording area.

[0220] Furthermore, when the media is pre-treated in the pre-treatment mode, the ejection accuracy may be lower than that when recording is performed with ink. Therefore, it is also preferable to set the media transport speed to a higher speed compared to the case of recording with ink when the media is pre-treated in the pre-treatment mode.

[0221] • The task data may not include information about the liquid ejection pattern. For example, the liquid ejection pattern is a pattern set in the liquid ejection device 1, and the liquid ejection device 1 prints the image data included in the task data based on the set liquid ejection pattern. In this case, the box determination process S15 may not be performed.

[0222] Controls related to the discharge of waste liquid into waste liquid collection bodies Next, the control related to the discharge of waste liquid into the waste liquid collection body 17 will be explained.

[0223] In this embodiment, the control unit 80, or the control method implemented by the control unit 80, prevents the discharge of processing liquid into the waste liquid collection body 17 when ink is contained therein, and prevents the discharge of ink into the waste liquid collection body 17 when processing liquid is contained therein. This suppresses the mixing of ink and processing liquid in the waste liquid collection body 17.

[0224] Reference Figure 8 Steps S56 to S58 will be used to describe the control of such a control unit 80. After the flow channel Fr is cleaned (step S55), the control unit 80 displays a replacement request for the waste liquid collection body 17 on the operation panel 86 (step S56).

[0225] At this point, the UI of the operation panel 86 can include, as an example, a message such as "Please replace the waste liquid container with a new waste liquid container".

[0226] That is, according to Figure 8 The process involves storing ink and cleaning fluid, or processing fluid and cleaning fluid, in the waste liquid collection 17 before replacement. Since cleaning the flow channel Fr involves switching from ink mode to processing mode, or vice versa, if the waste liquid collection 17 is not replaced, the ink and processing fluid will mix together inside the waste liquid collection 17.

[0227] Therefore, after the flow channel Fr is cleaned (step S55), the control unit 80 prompts the user to replace the waste liquid collection body 17.

[0228] After replacing the waste liquid collection unit 17, the user presses the "Replacement Complete" button, for example, displayed on the UI of the operation panel 86. Upon receiving this operation, the control unit 80 obtains information about the waste liquid collection unit IC230 (step S57). If the installed waste liquid collection unit 17 is a new waste liquid collection unit ("Yes" in step S58), the process ends.

[0229] Figure 8 The cleaning process shown is Figure 7 The steps S38 shown or Figure 9 The content of step S74 shown is that the control unit 80 causes the waste liquid collection unit 17 to be replaced before switching from one recording mode to the other processing mode. As a result, the mixing of ink and processing liquid in the waste liquid collection unit 17 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0230] Furthermore, the control unit 80 switches to cleaning mode before switching from one mode to another, and switches from one mode to another after the cleaning of the flow channel Fr is completed, when the waste liquid collection body 17 is replaced. This allows for the suppression of ink mixing with the processing liquid in the flow channel Fr.

[0231] The control unit 80 can store the type of waste liquid discharged into the waste liquid collection unit 17 installed on the mounting unit 16 in a waste liquid collection unit IC230 or a non-volatile memory 83, which serves as an example of a storage medium. This allows for more reliable suppression of ink and processing liquid mixing in the waste liquid collection unit 17.

[0232] Furthermore, by being designed to store the types of waste liquid contained in the waste liquid collection body 17, it is possible to suppress the mixing of ink and processing liquid, and also to reinstall the waste liquid collection body 17 after it has been removed from the mounting part 16.

[0233] Furthermore, although in the above embodiment, the installed waste liquid collection body 17 is replaced after the cleaning process is completed (steps S56 to S58), the replacement of the waste liquid collection body 17 can also be performed before the cleaning process. That is, steps S56 to S58 can also be performed before step S55.

[0234] However, when the waste liquid collection body 17 is not a waste liquid collection body that is repeatedly disassembled and reassembled, and the waste liquid collection body 17 before replacement is not full, it is preferable to discharge waste liquid into the waste liquid collection body 17 before replacement in order to effectively utilize the capacity of the waste liquid collection body 17.

[0235] In addition, information about the waste liquid collection body 17 can be obtained each time waste liquid is discharged, specifically each time the pump 18 is driven, and each time information is obtained, it is determined whether the waste liquid to be discharged is compatible with the currently installed waste liquid collection body 17.

[0236] Furthermore, although in the above embodiment, information about the waste liquid collection unit 17 is obtained through the waste liquid collection unit IC230 (step S57), and a determination is made based on this result as to whether the waste liquid collection unit 17 has been replaced (step S58), the determination can also be made by opening and closing a cover (not shown) used for disassembling and assembling the waste liquid collection unit 17, instead of step S57. That is, it can also be determined that the waste liquid collection unit 17 has been replaced if the opening and closing cover is detected to have been opened and closed. In this case, it is not necessary to install the waste liquid collection unit IC230. Alternatively, instead of step S57, a message "Has the waste liquid collection unit been replaced?" can be displayed on the UI of the operation panel 86, and the waste liquid collection unit 17 can be determined to have been replaced based on the user pressing "Yes". In this case, it is also not necessary to install the waste liquid collection unit IC230.

[0237] Furthermore, although the control unit 80 implements control to prevent the ink from mixing with the processing liquid in the above embodiment, it can also be controlled by having the ink and processing liquid mix via the cleaning liquid to prevent reactions such as hardening. Additionally, if different types of processing liquids mix and cause reactions such as hardening, the control unit 80 can also implement control to prevent different types of processing liquids from mixing with each other.

[0238] Next, refer to Figure 10 Let's illustrate an example of using multiple waste liquid collection containers. Figure 10 In the structure shown, a first waste liquid collection body 17A is provided on the first mounting part 16A, and a second waste liquid collection body 17B is provided on the second mounting part 16B. Reference numeral 240 represents a switching part that switches the flow destination of the waste liquid. The switching part 240 is connected to the first waste liquid collection body 17A via a pipe 251, and the switching part 240 is connected to the second waste liquid collection body 17B via a pipe 252. The pipe 251 forms a first waste liquid flow channel that allows waste liquid to flow to the first waste liquid collection body 17A, and the pipe 252 forms a second waste liquid flow channel that allows waste liquid to flow to the second waste liquid collection body 17B.

[0239] Pipe 19 forms a common waste liquid flow channel that allows waste liquid to flow from cover 9a to the first waste liquid flow channel and the second waste liquid flow channel.

[0240] The switching unit 240 can employ a known valve, for example, such as Figure 11 As shown, valves 242A and 242B are provided on the housing 241. These valves can be, for example, solenoid valves. For each valve, a solid line indicates the closed state, and a double-dotted line indicates the open state.

[0241] When valve 242A is opened and valve 242B is closed, the waste liquid flows to the first waste liquid collection body 17A. When valve 242A is closed and valve 242B is opened, the waste liquid flows to the second waste liquid collection body 17B.

[0242] The switching unit 240 can be controlled by the control unit 80. Furthermore, the control unit 80, or the control method implemented by the control unit 80, prevents the discharge of processing liquid into the first waste liquid collection unit 17A when ink is contained therein, and also prevents the discharge of ink into the first waste liquid collection unit 17A when processing liquid is contained therein. Similarly, the control unit 80 prevents the discharge of processing liquid into the second waste liquid collection unit 17B when ink is contained therein, and also prevents the discharge of ink into the second waste liquid collection unit 17B when processing liquid is contained therein.

[0243] Therefore, in both the first waste liquid receiver 17A and the second waste liquid receiver 17B, the mixing of ink and processing liquid can be suppressed.

[0244] Furthermore, when switching the discharge destination, it is preferable to drain the liquid inside the switching section 240, and after emptying the inside of the switching section 240, to introduce the next liquid to be discharged into the switching section 240. This suppresses the mixing of different liquids inside the switching section 240.

[0245] Next, in this structure, the control unit 80, or the control method implemented by the control unit 80, can discharge ink to the first waste liquid collection body 17A and discharge processing liquid to the second waste liquid collection body 17B. Thus, by discharging different liquids to the first waste liquid collection body 17A and the second waste liquid collection body 17B, ink and processing liquid can be discharged without the user needing to perform special replacement work. Alternatively, the control unit 80 can also discharge processing liquid to the first waste liquid collection body 17A and ink to the second waste liquid collection body 17B.

[0246] Furthermore, in this case, the control unit 80 can be configured to discharge ink into the first waste liquid collection unit 17A when ink is contained in the first waste liquid collection unit 17A, or when no waste liquid is contained in the first waste liquid collection unit 17A, and to discharge processing liquid into the second waste liquid collection unit 17B when processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection unit 17B, or when no waste liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection unit 17B. In this way, the purpose of each waste liquid collection unit can be set.

[0247] Next, the liquid ejection section 12 can eject a first processing liquid and a second processing liquid as processing liquids. The first processing liquid and the second processing liquid are liquids with reactive properties such as hardening through mixing, and for example, one is a pre-processing liquid and the other is a post-processing liquid.

[0248] Alternatively, the control unit 80 may be configured such that, when ink is contained in the first waste liquid collection body 17A and the first processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection body 17B, it does not discharge the second processing liquid into either the first waste liquid collection body 17A or the second waste liquid collection body 17B, and prompts the replacement of either the first waste liquid collection body 17A or the second waste liquid collection body 17B.

[0249] Alternatively, the control unit 80 may be configured such that, when the first processing liquid is contained in the first waste liquid reservoir 17A and the second processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid reservoir 17B, it does not discharge ink to either the first waste liquid reservoir 17A or the second waste liquid reservoir 17B, and prompts the replacement of either the first waste liquid reservoir 17A or the second waste liquid reservoir 17B.

[0250] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the mixing of multiple types of waste liquid in the first waste liquid collection body 17A or the second waste liquid collection body 17B.

[0251] Next, in a structure capable of housing multiple waste liquid collection units, the control unit 80 may switch the switching unit 240 before switching from one recording mode to the other processing mode. In this way, since the control unit 80 switches the switching unit based on mode switching, the mixing of multiple types of waste liquid in the first waste liquid collection unit 17A or the second waste liquid collection unit 17B can be suppressed.

[0252] Furthermore, in a structure with multiple waste liquid collection bodies, the control unit 80 can also be configured to monitor the amount of waste liquid collected in the first waste liquid collection body 17A and the amount of waste liquid collected in the second waste liquid collection body 17B, and discharge cleaning fluid to the waste liquid collection body with a smaller amount of waste liquid collected in the first waste liquid collection body 17A and the second waste liquid collection body 17B. This allows for the suppression of the replacement frequency of the waste liquid collection bodies.

[0253] Alternatively, the control unit 80 can discharge cleaning fluid into a waste liquid collection body suitable for the current liquid ejection mode, in which case the number of switching operations of the switching unit 240 can be suppressed.

[0254] Furthermore, if the waste liquid absorbent contains absorbent material to absorb the waste liquid, the cleaning liquid can be preferentially discharged to the side of the absorbent material where the waste liquid is prone to clogging. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid can be discharged to the side where waste liquid that is prone to evaporation is collected.

[0255] Furthermore, in a structure capable of housing multiple waste liquid collection units, the control unit 80 or the control method implemented through the control unit 80 can discharge the same type of waste liquid into both the first waste liquid collection unit 17A and the second waste liquid collection unit 17B. This allows for the suppression of the replacement frequency of the waste liquid collection units when discharging the same type of waste liquid. Additionally, in this case, it is possible to either start using one of the first waste liquid collection unit 17A or the second waste liquid collection unit 17B and then use the other when it is full, or to discharge waste liquid equally into both.

[0256] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the structure can also be configured such that a large-capacity waste liquid container 17C, which can be installed using the space of both the first mounting part 16A and the second mounting part 16B, is mounted on both the first mounting part 16A and the second mounting part. In this case, the control unit 80 or a control method implemented by the control unit 80 discharges the same type of waste liquid into the large-capacity waste liquid container 17C. With this structure, the replacement frequency of the waste liquid container can be suppressed. In addition, the internal space of the large-capacity waste liquid container 17C can also be separated by a wall.

[0257] Other implementations of flow channels Next, other implementations of the flow channel will be described.

[0258] The flow channel described above can also be like... Figure 13 It is constructed as shown. The flow channel FR includes flow channel FR1, flow channel FR2, flow channel FR3, and flow channel FR4. Flow channel FR1 is the section within the box mounting section 200. Flow channel FR2 is the section between the box mounting section 200 and the switching section 270 described later. Flow channel FR3 is the section between the switching section 270 and the nozzle 13. Flow channel FR4 is the section from the cover 9a to the waste liquid collection body 17. Flow channel FR4 is an example of a waste liquid flow channel.

[0259] With the cleaning fluid box installed on the box mounting part 200, the flow channel FR can be cleaned by spraying cleaning fluid from the nozzle 13 and operating the pump 18. Hereinafter, the term "flow channel cleaning" or "cleaning treatment" refers to the cleaning of the flow channel FR.

[0260] Furthermore, the box mounting section 200 according to this embodiment has multiple storage sections for storing boxes. Specifically, the box mounting section 200 has black storage section RBK, magenta storage section RM, blue-green storage section RC, yellow storage section RY, processing fluid storage section RCP, and cleaning fluid storage section RW.

[0261] That is, the box mounting unit 200 according to this embodiment can assemble and disassemble multiple boxes.

[0262] The flow channel FR includes a plurality of supply flow channels that allow liquid to flow from each receiving section to the liquid ejection section 12, and a common flow channel that is connected to at least one of the plurality of supply flow channels and allows liquid to flow to the liquid ejection section 12.

[0263] In this embodiment, flow channel FR2 includes multiple supply flow channels, and flow channel FR3 includes multiple common flow channels. As an example, each flow channel is formed via a pipe. Figure 13 In order to avoid complicating the illustration, a portion of the pipe is simply depicted using solid lines, single-dot lines, and dashed lines.

[0264] Flow channel FR2, namely multiple supply channels, includes black supply channel SBK, magenta supply channel SM, blue-green supply channel SC, yellow supply channel SY, treatment fluid supply channel SCP, and cleaning fluid supply channel SW. Each supply channel is a channel from each receiving section to the switching section 270.

[0265] The black supply channel SBK is connected to the black channel selection section VBK, which will be described later. The magenta supply channel SM is connected to the magenta channel selection section VM, which will be described later. The turquoise supply channel SBC is connected to the turquoise channel selection section VC, which will be described later. The yellow supply channel SY is connected to the yellow channel selection section VY, which will be described later.

[0266] In contrast, the treatment fluid supply channel SCP and the cleaning fluid supply channel SW are connected to all channel selection sections. Specifically, the treatment fluid supply channel SCP branches into four channels, and the intervals from each branch to each channel selection section are indicated by dashed lines. Similarly, the cleaning fluid supply channel SW branches into four channels, and the intervals from each branch to each channel selection section are indicated by dashed lines.

[0267] The nozzles 13 provided in the liquid ejection section 12 include a black nozzle 13BK corresponding to black ink, a magenta nozzle 13M corresponding to magenta ink, a turquoise nozzle 13C corresponding to turquoise ink, and a yellow nozzle 13Y corresponding to yellow ink.

[0268] The flow channel FR3 refers to multiple shared flow channels, including the black shared flow channel TBK, the magenta shared flow channel TM, the blue-green shared flow channel TC, and the yellow shared flow channel TY.

[0269] Each common flow channel is provided with a flow channel selection unit. A black flow channel selection unit VBK is provided for the black common flow channel TBK. A magenta flow channel selection unit VM is provided for the magenta common flow channel TM. A blue-green flow channel selection unit VC is provided for the blue-green common flow channel TC. A yellow flow channel selection unit VY is provided for the yellow common flow channel TY. These flow channel selection units constitute a switching unit 270.

[0270] Each flow selection section is connected to a supply channel of a corresponding color, and also to a treatment fluid supply channel SCP and a cleaning fluid supply channel SW. That is, in this embodiment, three supply channels are connected to one flow selection section.

[0271] Each flow channel selection section has the same structure and can use known valves. For example, Figure 14 As shown, valves h1, h2, and h3 are provided on the housing f1. Valves h1, h2, and h3 are examples of a first switching valve, a second switching valve, and a third switching valve, respectively. These valves can be, for example, constructed from solenoid valves. For each valve, a solid line represents the closed state, and a double-dotted line represents the open state. Valve j1 is a valve that opens and closes the atmospheric vent g1.

[0272] The symbol Sx represents any of the supply channels (SBK, SM, SC, SY) described above. Furthermore, the symbol Tx represents any of the common channels (TBK, TM, TC, TY) described above.

[0273] When valve h1 is opened and other valves are closed, the supply channel Sx is connected to the common channel Tx. When valve h2 is opened and other valves are closed, the treatment fluid supply channel SCP is connected to the common channel Tx. When valve h3 is opened and other valves are closed, the cleaning fluid supply channel SW is connected to the common channel Tx.

[0274] The opening and closing of each of the above valves is controlled by the control unit 80.

[0275] like Figure 15 As shown, the above structure allows for adjustment based on the selection state of each flow channel selection section. Figure 5 The same liquid ejection pattern is set. The liquid ejection pattern varies depending on the selected supply channel.

[0276] In this embodiment, the black flow channel selection unit VBK can select any one of the black supply flow channel SBK, the treatment fluid supply flow channel SCP, and the cleaning fluid supply flow channel SW and connect it to the black common flow channel TBK. Furthermore, the magenta flow channel selection unit VM can select any one of the magenta supply flow channel SM, the treatment fluid supply flow channel SCP, and the cleaning fluid supply flow channel SW and connect it to the magenta common flow channel TM. Additionally, the blue-green flow channel selection unit VC can select any one of the blue-green supply flow channel SC, the treatment fluid supply flow channel SCP, and the cleaning fluid supply flow channel SW and connect it to the blue-green common flow channel TC. Furthermore, the yellow flow channel selection unit VY can select any one of the yellow supply flow channel SY, the treatment fluid supply flow channel SCP, and the cleaning fluid supply flow channel SW and connect it to the yellow common flow channel TY.

[0277] exist Figure 15 In the text, the symbols SBK, SM, SC, SY, SCP, and SW, indicated by parentheses, represent the supply channels described above.

[0278] Furthermore, in the cartridge mounting section 200, it is not necessary to install cartridges on all mounting sections; only the cartridges required for the liquid ejection mode need to be installed. For example, in the case of implementing the ink mode (full color), it is not necessary to install the processing fluid cartridge CP and the cleaning fluid cartridge CW. Alternatively, ink cartridges C can be installed on one or both of the processing fluid storage section RCP and the cleaning fluid storage section RW. This allows for the large-capacity installation of any one or two of the four-color ink cartridges C.

[0279] In addition, although Figure 15 In the example, in ink mode (monochrome), the cleaning fluid supply channel SW is selected for all channel selections except for the black channel selection section VBK. However, it is also possible not to select any supply channel; that is, it is also possible to... Figure 14 All valves h1, h2, h3, and j1 shown are closed. Similarly, in the processing mode, although the cleaning fluid supply channel SW can be selected in all channel selection sections except for the black channel selection section VBK, it is also possible not to select any supply channel.

[0280] Alternatively, the cleaning fluid reservoir CW can be installed on both the processing fluid reservoir RCP and the cleaning fluid reservoir RW, or the processing fluid reservoir CP can be installed. By configuring it in this way, the capacity of either the cleaning fluid reservoir CW or the processing fluid reservoir CP can be increased.

[0281] In such a structure, instead Figure 6 The box determination process (step S15) adopts Figure 16 The pattern determination and processing shown is of a better choice.

[0282] exist Figure 16 In this process, the control unit 80 determines whether the current liquid ejection pattern is consistent with the liquid ejection pattern of the printing task data (step S301). If they are consistent ("yes" in step S301), the process returns to the main flow.

[0283] If the current liquid ejection pattern is inconsistent with the liquid ejection pattern of the printed task data (No in step S301), the control unit 80 determines whether flow channel cleaning is required (step S302).

[0284] Here, the need for flow channel cleaning ("Yes" in step S302) refers to a situation where ink and processing liquid are mixed together in the flow channel, for example... Figure 15 The situation of switching between ink mode (monochrome) or ink mode (full color) and processing mode or processing mode (high speed).

[0285] In this case, since the flow channels need to be cleaned, the control unit 80 selects the cleaning fluid supply flow channel SW in the flow channel selection unit and connects the cleaning fluid supply flow channel SW to each common flow channel (step S303). Additionally, if there are flow channels that do not require cleaning, the valve in the flow channel selection unit ( Figure 14 Valves h1, h2, h3, and j1 can also be completely closed. For example, when... Figure 15 When switching from ink mode (monochrome) to processing mode, the individual flow selection sections of the magenta flow selection section VM, the cyan flow selection section VC, and the yellow flow selection section VY, as well as their downstream common flow channels, do not require cleaning. Therefore, the valves of such flow selection sections can be completely closed.

[0286] Next, the control unit 80 performs flow channel cleaning (step S304). This flow channel cleaning includes filling the flow channel with cleaning fluid, spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cover 9a, and recovering the cleaning fluid sprayed onto the cover 9a. Filling the flow channel with liquid (in this case, cleaning fluid) is performed by operating the pump 18 while the liquid spraying section 12 is capped using the cover 9a. Furthermore, recovering the cleaning fluid sprayed onto the cover 9a is performed by operating the pump 18. Regarding the discharge of waste liquid into the waste liquid collection body 17, the control unit 80 does not discharge processing fluid into the waste liquid collection body 17 if ink is present in it, as described above, and does not discharge ink into the waste liquid collection body 17 if processing fluid is present in it. This suppresses the mixing of ink and processing fluid in the waste liquid collection body 17.

[0287] Furthermore, the filling of liquid into the flow channel or the ejection of liquid into the cover 9a can be performed using the same maintenance process as that used to prevent clogging of the liquid ejection section 12, specifically a rinsing process and a nozzle suction process. Alternatively, the initial ink filling process can be used directly. Alternatively, a dedicated process can be used. Moreover, these processes can be repeated, thereby enabling reliable cleaning.

[0288] When the flow channel cleaning is completed, the control unit 80 selects a predetermined supply flow channel in each flow channel selection unit (step S305) and performs flow channel filling (step S306). For example, after cleaning is completed, it switches to... Figure 6 In the case of ink mode (monochrome), in step S305, the black supply channel SBK is selected in the black channel selection section VBK. As described above, the channel filling in step S306 is performed by operating the pump 18 while the liquid ejection section 12 is capped using the cap 9a.

[0289] Then, the control unit 80 resets the liquid ejection pattern (step S307). Additionally, the control unit 80 saves the set liquid ejection pattern in the non-volatile memory 83 (see reference). Figure 3 )middle.

[0290] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments or variations described above, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims, and these modifications are obviously included within the scope of the present invention.

[0291] Symbol Explanation 1…Liquid ejection device; 1A…First liquid ejection device; 1B…Second liquid ejection device; 2…Main body of the device; 3…First media box; 4…Second media box; 5…Third media box; 6…Fourth media box; 8…Discharge tray; 9…Cover unit; 9a…Cover; 10…Ink collection section; 12…Liquid ejection section; 13…Nozzle; 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d…Tubes; 15…Liquid supply needle; 16, 16A, 16B…Mounting section; 17…Waste liquid collection body; 17A…First waste liquid collection body; 17B…Second waste liquid collection body; 17C…Large capacity waste liquid collection body; 18…Pump; 19…Tubes; 21, 22, 23, 24…Pickup rollers; 25, 26… 27, 28… Feed roller pairs; 29 to 45… Conveyor roller pairs; 65… Belt unit; 66… Conveyor belt; 67… Drive roller; 68… Driven roller; 80… Control unit; 81… CPU; 82… Volatile memory; 83… Non-volatile memory; 84… Program; 85… Control parameters; 86… Operation panel; 90… Feeding mechanism; 91… Conveying mechanism; 100… Liquid ejection system; 200… Box mounting unit; 201, 202, 203, 204… Contacts; 211… First mounting unit; 212… Second mounting unit; 213… Third mounting unit; 214… Fourth mounting unit; 220… Contact; 230… Waste liquid collection IC; 240… Switching unit; 241… Housing ; 242A, 242B… Valves; 251, 252… Pipes; 261, 262, 263, 264… Flow channel branches; 270… Switching section; 271… First flow channel selection section; 272… Second flow channel selection section; 273… Third flow channel selection section; 274… Fourth flow channel selection section; 301, 302, 303, 304… Ink cartridges; 305, 306, 307, 308… IC cartridges; 310… Liquid supply section; 321… Pretreatment liquid cartridge; 322… Posttreatment liquid cartridge; 323… Cleaning liquid cartridge; Fr… Flow channel; FR, FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4… Flow channel; f1… Housing; h1, h2, h3, j1… Valves; g1… Atmospheric opening Release hole; CP…processing fluid tank, CW…cleaning fluid tank; RBK…black storage section; RM…magenta storage section; RC…blue-green storage section; RY…yellow storage section; RCP…processing fluid storage section; RW…cleaning fluid storage section; SBK…black supply channel; SM…magenta supply channel; SC…blue-green supply channel; SY…yellow supply channel; SCP…processing fluid supply channel; SW…cleaning fluid supply channel; VBK…black channel selection section; VM…magenta channel selection section; VC…blue-green channel selection section; VY…yellow channel selection section; TBK…black common channel; TM…magenta common channel; TC…blue-green common channel; TY…yellow common channel.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The liquid ejection section sprays liquid toward the medium; The recovery unit recovers the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit as waste liquid. The installation section allows for the assembly and disassembly of the waste liquid collection body, which is capable of collecting the waste liquid recovered through the recycling section. Waste liquid flow channel, which allows the waste liquid to flow into the waste liquid collection body; The control unit controls the delivery of the waste liquid to the waste liquid collection body. The liquid ejection section is capable of ejecting recording fluid, processing fluid, and cleaning fluid, wherein... The recording fluid is a liquid used for recording on a medium. The processing solution is a liquid that reacts with the recording solution and is used to treat the medium. The cleaning fluid can clean the liquid spray section. The control unit does not discharge the processing liquid into the waste liquid collection body when the recording liquid is contained therein, and also does not discharge the recording liquid into the waste liquid collection body when the processing liquid is contained therein.

2. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit can switch between recording mode, processing mode, and cleaning mode. The recording mode is for recording data onto the medium using the recording liquid; the processing mode is for processing the medium using the processing liquid; and the cleaning mode is for cleaning the waste liquid flow channel using the cleaning liquid. Furthermore, the control unit prompts the replacement of the waste liquid collection body before switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other.

3. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Before switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other, the control unit switches to the cleaning mode, and after the cleaning of the waste liquid channel is completed, when the waste liquid collection body is replaced, it switches from the one mode to the other mode.

4. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is capable of storing the type of waste liquid discharged into the waste liquid collection body installed on the mounting unit in a storage medium.

5. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The waste liquid receiving body is designated as a first waste liquid receiving body, the mounting part is designated as a first mounting part, and the waste liquid flow channel is designated as a first waste liquid flow channel. The liquid ejection device also includes: The second mounting part is detachable from the second waste liquid collection body, which is capable of collecting the waste liquid recovered by the recovery part. The second waste liquid flow channel allows the waste liquid to flow into the second waste liquid collection body; A common waste liquid flow channel is provided, which allows the waste liquid to flow from the recovery section to the first waste liquid flow channel and the second waste liquid flow channel; The switching unit switches the flow destination of the waste liquid from the shared waste liquid channel to either the first waste liquid channel or the second waste liquid channel. The control unit does not discharge the processing liquid into the second waste liquid reservoir when the recording liquid is contained in the second waste liquid reservoir, and also does not discharge the recording liquid into the second waste liquid reservoir when the processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid reservoir.

6. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit discharges the recording liquid into the first waste liquid collection body and the treatment liquid into the second waste liquid collection body.

7. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit discharges the recording liquid into the first waste liquid collection body when the recording liquid is contained in the first waste liquid collection body, or when the waste liquid is not contained in the first waste liquid collection body; and discharges the treatment liquid into the second waste liquid collection body when the treatment liquid is contained in the second waste liquid collection body, or when the waste liquid is not contained in the second waste liquid collection body.

8. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid ejection unit designates the processing liquid as a first processing liquid and can also eject a second processing liquid, which is a liquid reactive with both the recording liquid and the processing liquid, and processes the medium. When the recording liquid is contained in the first waste liquid container and the first processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid container, the control unit does not discharge the second processing liquid into either the first waste liquid container or the second waste liquid container, and prompts the replacement of either the first waste liquid container or the second waste liquid container.

9. The liquid ejection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit can switch between recording mode, processing mode, and cleaning mode. The recording mode is for recording data onto the medium using the recording liquid; the processing mode is for processing the medium using the processing liquid; and the cleaning mode is for cleaning the first waste liquid channel or the second waste liquid channel using the cleaning liquid. Furthermore, the control unit switches the switching unit before switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other.

10. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit is able to monitor the amount of waste liquid contained in the first waste liquid container and the amount of waste liquid contained in the second waste liquid container. Furthermore, the control unit discharges the cleaning solution into the waste liquid collection body containing a smaller amount of waste liquid between the first waste liquid collection body and the second waste liquid collection body.

11. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit discharges the same type of waste liquid into both the first waste liquid collection body and the second waste liquid collection body.

12. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, A large-capacity waste liquid collection unit that can be installed using the space between the first mounting part and the second mounting part can be installed on both the first mounting part and the second mounting part. The control unit discharges the same type of waste liquid into the large-capacity waste liquid collection body.

13. A control method for a liquid ejection device, characterized in that, The liquid ejection device includes: The liquid ejection section sprays liquid toward the medium; The recovery unit recovers the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit as waste liquid. The installation section allows for the assembly and disassembly of the waste liquid collection body, which is capable of collecting the waste liquid recovered through the recycling section. Waste liquid flow channel, which allows the waste liquid to flow into the waste liquid collection body; The control unit controls the delivery of the waste liquid to the waste liquid collection body. The liquid ejection section is capable of ejecting recording fluid, processing fluid, and cleaning fluid, wherein... The recording fluid is a liquid used for recording on a medium. The processing liquid is a liquid that reacts with the recording liquid, and it is used to treat the medium. The cleaning fluid can clean the liquid spray section. In the control method of liquid ejection device When the recording liquid is contained in the waste liquid collection container, the treatment liquid is not discharged into the waste liquid collection container. Furthermore, the recording liquid is not discharged into the waste liquid collection body when the treatment liquid is contained therein.

14. The control method for the liquid ejection device as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The waste liquid receiving body is designated as a first waste liquid receiving body, the mounting part is designated as a first mounting part, and the waste liquid flow channel is designated as a first waste liquid flow channel. The liquid ejection device includes: The second mounting part is capable of assembling and disassembling the second waste liquid collection body, which is capable of collecting the waste liquid recovered by the recovery part. The second waste liquid flow channel allows the waste liquid to flow into the second waste liquid collection body; A common waste liquid flow channel is provided, which allows the waste liquid to flow from the recovery section to the first waste liquid flow channel and the second waste liquid flow channel; The switching unit switches the flow destination of the waste liquid from the shared waste liquid channel to either the first waste liquid channel or the second waste liquid channel. In the control method, When the recording liquid is contained in the second waste liquid container, the processing liquid is not discharged into the second waste liquid container, and when the processing liquid is contained in the second waste liquid container, the recording liquid is not discharged into the second waste liquid container.

15. The control method for the liquid ejection device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The same type of waste liquid is discharged into both the first waste liquid collection body and the second waste liquid collection body.

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