Recording apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

There is room for research in terms of the continuity of printing by a recording device in an emergency. The recording device and the control method thereof of the present invention solve the above-described problem. The recording device of the present invention is provided with: an ejection section (6) that ejects liquid (19) toward a medium (7); a supply section (21) that supplies liquid from a liquid storage section (20) to the ejection section; a first detection section (23) that detects a case where the liquid amount of liquid inside the liquid storage section or inside the supply section is lower than a predetermined amount (Pa); and a control section (22) that controls the ejection section. The control section can execute a first mode (25) that limits the discharge of liquid toward the medium by the ejection section when the first detection section detects a case where the liquid amount of liquid is lower than the prescribed amount, and a second mode (26) that does not limit the discharge of liquid toward the medium by the ejection section until the ejection section becomes unable to eject liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a recording device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] As an example of prior art for such a device, the device described in Patent Document 1 can be cited.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink supply unit is detected to be zero by a detection unit, continues printing instead of printing with ink of other colors.

[0004] However, even when the remaining ink level in the ink supply section is zero, ink residue often remains downstream of the section where the remaining ink level has been measured, compared to the section in the counter. From the viewpoint of ensuring printing continuity in emergency situations, there is room for further research.

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-107367. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, the recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized by being a recording apparatus that ejects liquid into a medium for recording, and comprising: an ejection section that ejects the liquid into the medium; a supply section that supplies the liquid from a liquid receiving section to the ejection section; a first detection section that detects when the amount of liquid inside the liquid receiving section or the supply section is lower than a predetermined amount; and a control section that controls the ejection section, the control section being capable of executing a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being a mode in which the ejection of the liquid into the medium by the ejection section is restricted when the first detection section detects that the amount of liquid is lower than the predetermined amount, and the second mode being a mode in which the ejection of the liquid into the medium by the ejection section is not restricted until the ejection section becomes unable to eject the liquid.

[0007] Furthermore, the control method for the recording device according to the present invention is characterized in that the recording device comprises: an ejection section that ejects liquid to a medium; a supply section that supplies liquid from a liquid receiving section to the ejection section; and a first detection section that detects when the amount of liquid inside the liquid receiving section or the supply section is lower than a predetermined amount. The recording device ejects the liquid to the medium to perform recording. In the control method for the recording device, a first mode and a second mode can be executed. The first mode is a mode in which the ejection of liquid from the ejection section to the medium is restricted when the first detection section detects that the amount of liquid is lower than the predetermined amount. The second mode is a mode in which the ejection of liquid from the ejection section to the medium is not restricted until the ejection section becomes unable to eject the liquid. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the recording device according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the control unit in Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a flowchart explaining the control process of the control unit in Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the recording device according to Embodiment 2.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the control unit in Embodiment 2.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart explaining the control process of the control unit in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in summary.

[0015] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the recording device according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it is a recording device for recording by spraying liquid onto a medium, comprising: a spraying section that sprays the liquid onto the medium; a supply section that supplies the liquid from a liquid receiving section to the spraying section; a first detection section that detects that the amount of liquid inside the liquid receiving section or the supply section is lower than a predetermined amount; and a control section that controls the spraying section, the control section being capable of executing a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being a mode in which the spraying of the liquid onto the medium by the spraying section is restricted when the first detection section detects that the amount of liquid is lower than the predetermined amount, and the second mode being a mode in which the spraying of the liquid onto the medium by the spraying section is not restricted until the spraying section becomes unable to spray the liquid.

[0016] Here, "the specified amount" in "the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume is lower than the specified amount" refers to the remaining amount of liquid that is preset in a way that prevents the machine from running dry. In the dry state, that is, when the liquid volume decreases to the point that the ejector can no longer eject the liquid, the risk of the ejector malfunctioning increases, so such a "specified amount" is preset.

[0017] Furthermore, the phrase "restricting the ejection of the liquid into the medium by the ejector" means informing the user that the liquid needs to be replenished, and setting it to a state where it cannot be ejected until it becomes an empty spray state if it is not replenished thereafter.

[0018] According to this method, the control unit is normally capable of executing the first mode. In the first mode, when the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume is lower than a predetermined amount, the ejection of the liquid into the medium by the ejection unit is restricted. Normally, by restricting the ejection of the liquid when it is lower than the predetermined amount, the risk of malfunction of the ejection unit can be reduced.

[0019] On the other hand, the control unit can execute the second mode. In this second mode, the ejection of the liquid into the medium by the ejector unit is not restricted until the ejector unit becomes unable to eject the liquid. That is, the second mode is a mode that allows printing to continue even in emergencies or when the risk of ejector unit failure is tolerated, until a dry-print state is reached. Therefore, by setting the second mode in emergencies, printing continuity can be improved.

[0020] The recording device according to the second aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that the ejector is capable of ejecting liquids of multiple colors, and in the second mode, when the ejector becomes unable to eject the first color of the liquid among the multiple colors, the control unit causes the ejector to eject a second color of liquid to the medium instead of the first color of liquid.

[0021] According to this method, the control unit is configured such that, in the second mode, if the ejector becomes unable to eject the first color of the multi-colored liquid, it causes the ejector to eject a second color of liquid instead of the first color. That is, if the ejector cannot eject the first color of the multi-colored liquid, the second color liquid continues to be ejected from the ejector until a no-load state is reached. If a third color liquid is present, and the second color liquid also becomes a no-load state, the third color liquid continues to be ejected from the ejector until a no-load state is reached.

[0022] In other words, it is configured to use up the various colored liquids one by one until the dry-run state is reached. Therefore, since all the colored liquids are used up until the dry-run state is reached, the continuity of printing can be improved, especially in emergency situations.

[0023] The recording device according to the third aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that, in the second mode, when the ejector is capable of ejecting liquids of multiple colors, the control unit, instead of ejecting the first color liquid, causes the ejector to eject liquids of the second and third colors to the medium in the second mode.

[0024] According to this method, the control unit is configured such that, in the second mode, if the ejector cannot eject the first color of the multi-colored liquid, it causes the ejector to eject the second and third color liquids to the medium instead of the first color liquid. If a fourth color liquid is present, and the second color liquid also becomes a no-fire state, the third and fourth color liquids can continue to be ejected from the ejector to the medium. If the second and third color liquids also become a no-fire state, the fourth color liquid can continue to be ejected from the ejector until it becomes a no-fire state.

[0025] Therefore, since all the liquids of various colors are used up until the machine is in dry running mode, the printing continuity can be improved in emergency situations.

[0026] Furthermore, even if the second color liquid is set to be a color with low visual discernibility relative to the background color of the medium, i.e., a color that is difficult to observe, the decrease in visual discernibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color because both the second and third color liquids are sprayed from the ejector into the medium. In other words, since the second and third color liquids are mixed on the medium, the decrease in visual discernibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the situation where a specific color decreases first.

[0027] The recording device involved in the fourth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that the ejector is capable of ejecting liquids of multiple colors, and in the second mode, when the first detection unit detects that the amount of the first color liquid among the multiple colors of liquids is lower than the predetermined amount, the control unit causes the ejector to eject a second color liquid into the medium instead of the first color liquid.

[0028] According to this method, the control unit, in the second mode, if the first detection unit detects that the volume of the first color liquid among multiple colored liquids is lower than a predetermined amount, causes the ejector to eject a second color liquid instead of the first color liquid. If a third color liquid is present, and the volume of the second color liquid is detected to be lower than the predetermined amount, the third color liquid is ejected from the ejector.

[0029] Furthermore, since the ejector sprays the second-colored liquid onto the medium while the first-colored liquid remains, the risk of ejector malfunction is reduced compared to the case where the first-colored liquid is exhausted and the ejector enters a dry-running state before being replaced with the second-colored liquid. In other words, since the timing of ejection can be delayed until the first-colored liquid reaches a dry-running state after detecting that the amount of the first-colored liquid is below the predetermined amount, the risk of ejector malfunction is reduced.

[0030] The recording device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is subordinate to the first aspect, characterized in that the ejector is capable of ejecting liquids of multiple colors, and the control unit, in the second mode, when the first detection unit detects that the amount of the first color liquid among the multiple colors of liquids is lower than the predetermined amount, causes the ejector to eject liquids of the second color liquid and the third color liquid to the medium instead of the first color liquid.

[0031] According to this method, the control unit, in the second mode, if the first detection unit detects that the volume of the first-colored liquid among multiple colored liquids is lower than a predetermined amount, causes the ejector to eject the second-colored liquid and the third-colored liquid into the medium instead of the first-colored liquid. If a fourth-colored liquid is present, the third-colored liquid and the fourth-colored liquid can also be ejected from the ejector if the volume of the second-colored liquid is detected to be lower than the predetermined amount.

[0032] Furthermore, since the ejector sprays the second and third colored liquids onto the medium while the first colored liquid remains, the risk of ejector malfunction is reduced compared to the case where the first colored liquid is exhausted and the ejector is in a dry-running state before being replaced with the second colored liquid. In other words, since the timing of ejection can be delayed until the first colored liquid reaches a dry-running state after detecting that the amount of the first colored liquid is below the predetermined amount, the risk of ejector malfunction is reduced.

[0033] Furthermore, even if the second color liquid is set to be a color with low visual discernibility relative to the background color of the medium, i.e., a color that is difficult to observe, the decrease in visual discernibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color because both the second and third color liquids are sprayed from the ejector into the medium. In other words, since the second and third color liquids are mixed on the medium, the decrease in visual discernibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the situation where a specific color decreases first.

[0034] The recording device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that the ejector is capable of ejecting liquids of multiple colors, and in the second mode, when the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is lower than the predetermined amount, and the ejector becomes unable to eject the first color of liquid, the control unit causes the ejector to eject a second color of liquid to the medium instead of the first color of liquid.

[0035] According to this method, in the second mode, when the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is below the predetermined amount, the control unit sprays the first color of liquid until the spraying unit can no longer spray. That is, the first color of liquid will not be sprayed until the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is below the predetermined amount. This reduces the risk of malfunction of the spraying unit.

[0036] Furthermore, if the spray nozzle becomes discolored and unable to spray the first-color liquid, a second-color liquid is sprayed onto the medium instead of the first-color liquid. If a third-color liquid is present, and the second-color liquid becomes dry, the third-color liquid continues to be sprayed from the spray nozzle until the dry-running state is reached.

[0037] Therefore, by using up all the liquids of various colors until the print runs dry, the continuity of printing can be improved in emergency situations.

[0038] The recording device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that the ejector is capable of ejecting liquids of multiple colors, and in the second mode, when the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is lower than the predetermined amount and the ejector becomes unable to eject the first color of liquid, the control unit causes the ejector to eject the second color of liquid and the third color of liquid to the medium instead of the first color of liquid.

[0039] According to this method, in two modes, when the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is below the predetermined amount, the first color of liquid is sprayed until the spraying unit becomes unable to spray. That is, the first color of liquid will not be sprayed until the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is below the predetermined amount, thus preventing the spraying unit from reaching the empty spray state. This reduces the risk of malfunction of the spraying unit.

[0040] Furthermore, if the ejector cannot eject the first color liquid, the ejector can eject the second and third color liquids onto the medium instead of the first color liquid. If a fourth color liquid is present, the third and fourth color liquids can be ejected onto the medium while the second color liquid is in a dry-running state. If the second and third color liquids are in a dry-running state, the fourth color liquid can continue to be ejected from the ejector until the dry-running state is reached. Therefore, since all the liquids of various colors are used up until the dry-running state is reached, printing continuity can be improved in emergency situations.

[0041] Furthermore, even if the second color liquid is set to be a color with low visual discernibility relative to the background color of the medium, i.e., a color that is difficult to observe, the decrease in visual discernibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color because both the second and third color liquids are sprayed from the ejector into the medium. In other words, since the second and third color liquids are mixed on the medium, the decrease in visual discernibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the situation where a specific color decreases first.

[0042] The recording device involved in the eighth aspect of the present invention is a method subordinate to the third aspect, characterized in that the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the medium color than the brightness of the first color and the brightness of the third color.

[0043] In addition, this method can also be subordinate to the fifth or seventh method.

[0044] According to this method, since the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the medium's color than the brightness of the first color and the brightness of the third color, the second-colored liquid alone has lower visual certainty relative to the background color of the medium. Nevertheless, since the second-colored liquid and the third-colored liquid are sprayed from the ejector into the medium, i.e., they become mixed on the medium, the decrease in visual certainty can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color.

[0045] The recording device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that the ejector is capable of ejecting liquids of multiple colors, and the control unit, in the second mode, replaces the first color liquid among the multiple colors of liquids to cause the ejector to eject a second color liquid and another color liquid to the medium, wherein the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the color of the medium than the brightness of each of the other colors.

[0046] According to this method, since the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the medium's color than the individual brightness of all other colors, the second-colored liquid alone has lower visual certainty relative to the background color of the medium. It is configured such that, in the second mode, the control unit, instead of the first-colored liquid among the multiple-colored liquids—that is, regardless of the remaining amount of the first-colored liquid—causes the ejector to eject the second-colored liquid and another-colored liquid onto the medium.

[0047] Therefore, since the second-color liquid, which has lower visual confirmability, is preferentially used in combination with other colors, it avoids the situation where the liquid of the difficult-to-observe color, i.e., the liquid of lower visual confirmability, is left until the dry-running state is reached. Thus, the liquid of the color with lower visual confirmability can also be used up in a state where visual confirmability is ensured by combining with the other-color liquids until the dry-running state is reached.

[0048] The recording device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that the ejector is capable of ejecting liquids of multiple colors, and in the second mode, when the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is lower than the predetermined amount, the control unit causes the ejector to eject a second color liquid and another color liquid from the multiple colors of liquid onto the medium, wherein the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the color of the medium than the brightness of each of the other colors.

[0049] In addition, this method can also be subordinate to the seventh method.

[0050] According to this method, in the second mode, when the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is below the predetermined amount, the ejector unit ejects a second-colored liquid and another-colored liquid from the multi-colored liquid mixture into the medium. That is, the ejection of the second-colored liquid and the other-colored liquid, up to the point of reaching the empty spray state, will not occur until the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is below the predetermined amount. This reduces the risk of malfunction of the ejector unit.

[0051] Furthermore, when it is detected that the liquid volume of all colors is below the predetermined amount, the ejector sprays a second-colored liquid and another-colored liquid from the multi-colored liquids onto the medium. Further, the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the medium's color than the brightness of any of the other colors. In other words, the second-colored liquid has the lowest visual visibility relative to the background color of the medium. However, the second-colored liquid is sprayed together with the other-colored liquid. Therefore, since the second-colored liquid, which has lower visual visibility, is preferentially used in combination with other colors, it is possible to avoid the situation where the difficult-to-observe, i.e., liquid with lower visual visibility, is left until the process reaches the dry-fire state. Thus, the liquid with lower visual visibility can also be used up until the dry-fire state is reached, while ensuring visual visibility through combination with the other colors.

[0052] The recording device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is a method subordinate to the first aspect, characterized in that the ejector is capable of ejecting liquids of multiple colors, and in the second mode, the control unit, instead of the first color liquid among the multiple colors, causes the ejector to eject a second color liquid and a third color liquid onto the medium, wherein the first color liquid is black. Alternatively, this method may also be subordinate to the fifth or ninth aspect.

[0053] According to this method, in the second mode, the control unit causes the ejector to spray a second-colored liquid and a third-colored liquid onto the medium instead of the first-colored liquid among multiple colored liquids. Further, the first-colored liquid is black. That is, the control unit causes the ejector to spray a mixture of the second-colored liquid and the third-colored liquid instead of black liquid. This suppresses the consumption of black liquid. In emergency printing, the medium used is anticipated to be of a color other than black, particularly white. Therefore, black liquid, which has high visual clarity compared to these media, can be used effectively. Furthermore, even without using black liquid, prints with good visual clarity can be obtained.

[0054] The recording device according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is a type subordinate to the first aspect, characterized in that it has a storage unit, and the control unit stores in the storage unit the condition that the ejection unit is unable to eject the liquid in the second mode.

[0055] Alternatively, this method can also belong to any one of the methods from the second to the eleventh method.

[0056] According to this method, the control unit is configured to store in the storage unit a situation where the ejector is unable to eject the liquid in the second mode. Therefore, since the situation of the dry-firing state occurring in the second mode is stored in the storage unit, it can be effectively utilized in after-sales service.

[0057] The recording device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect to the first aspect, characterized in that the supply unit has a retention section for storing the liquid from the liquid receiving section, and the first detection unit detects when the liquid volume in the retention section is lower than the predetermined amount.

[0058] Alternatively, this method can also belong to any one of the methods from the second to the twelfth method.

[0059] According to this method, the supply unit has a storage section for storing the liquid from the liquid storage section. Furthermore, the first detection unit detects when the liquid level in the storage section is lower than a predetermined amount. That is, because the liquid level in the storage section is detected to be lower than the predetermined amount, the liquid in the liquid storage section, such as the ink cartridge, can be used to the maximum extent. On the other hand, although in the first mode, the liquid from the first detection unit to the ejection section is not ejected, in the second mode, it can be ejected.

[0060] The recording device according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that the supply unit has a storage unit for storing the liquid from the liquid storage unit, the recording device further includes a waste liquid recovery unit, the waste liquid recovery unit recovers the waste liquid discharged from the ejection unit and stores the waste liquid in the waste liquid storage unit, and the control unit, in the second mode, returns the waste liquid recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit to the storage unit.

[0061] Alternatively, this method can also belong to any one of the methods from the second to the thirteenth.

[0062] According to this method, the control unit, in the second mode, returns the waste liquid recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit to the storage unit. Therefore, since the waste liquid is returned to the storage unit, the necessity to monitor the capacity of the waste liquid collection unit is reduced. Furthermore, since the amount of liquid such as ink used in printing can be increased, the continuity of printing can be improved more effectively.

[0063] The recording device according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that it further comprises: a waste liquid recovery unit that recovers the waste liquid discharged from the ejection unit and stores the waste liquid in a waste liquid storage unit; a third detection unit that detects if the liquid volume in the waste liquid storage unit exceeds the allowable amount, and the control unit, in the second mode, continues to eject the liquid by the ejection unit even if the third detection unit detects that the liquid volume in the waste liquid storage unit exceeds the allowable amount.

[0064] Alternatively, this method can also belong to any one of the methods from the second to the fourteenth.

[0065] According to this method, the control unit is configured such that, in the second mode, even if the third detection unit detects that the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection unit exceeds the allowable amount, the liquid ejection performed by the ejection unit continues. Therefore, even if the waste liquid collection unit becomes full, the leaked waste liquid will not immediately flow out of the recording device, thus improving printing continuity by continuing printing in this state during emergencies.

[0066] The recording device according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect to the fifteenth aspect, characterized in that it further comprises: a housing that constitutes the exterior of the recording device; a fourth detection unit that detects the waste liquid leaking to the outside of the housing, and the control unit, in the second mode, stopping the ejection of the liquid by the ejection unit when the fourth detection unit detects the waste liquid.

[0067] According to this method, the system is further configured to include a fourth detection unit that detects the waste liquid leaking to the outside of the housing. In the second mode, if the fourth detection unit detects the waste liquid, the control unit stops the ejection of the liquid by the ejection unit. Therefore, in the event of a leak of waste liquid to the outside of the housing (i.e., outside the machine), printing is stopped by stopping the ejection of the liquid, thereby suppressing the occurrence of adverse conditions outside the machine.

[0068] The recording device according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a subordinate aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that it further comprises: a waste liquid recovery unit that recovers the waste liquid discharged from the ejection unit and stores the waste liquid in a waste liquid storage unit; a third detection unit that detects if the liquid volume in the waste liquid storage unit exceeds a permissible amount; and a second waste liquid storage unit capable of storing the waste liquid, wherein, in the second mode, the control unit, when the third detection unit detects that the liquid volume in the waste liquid storage unit exceeds the permissible amount, stores the waste liquid recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit in the second waste liquid storage unit.

[0069] Alternatively, this method can also belong to any one of the methods from the second to the sixteenth method.

[0070] According to this method, in the second mode, if the third detection unit detects that the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection unit exceeds the allowable amount, the control unit collects the waste liquid recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit into the second waste liquid collection unit. Therefore, even if the waste liquid collection unit becomes full, printing can continue by circulating the waste liquid to the prepared second waste liquid collection unit, thus delaying leakage to the outside of the machine.

[0071] The recording device according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a type subordinate to the first aspect, characterized in that it further includes a plug for receiving power supply, and the control unit is capable of executing the first mode when the plug is being supplied with power from a commercial power source, and executing the second mode when the plug is being supplied with power from a battery.

[0072] Alternatively, this method can also belong to any one of the methods from the second to the seventeenth.

[0073] According to this method, the control unit is configured to execute the first mode when the plug is being supplied with power from a commercial power source, and to execute the second mode when the plug is being supplied with power from a battery. Therefore, by setting the first mode to be executed during normal use with commercial power and the second mode to be executed when power is being supplied from a battery, the possibility of mistakenly executing the second mode under normal circumstances can be reduced.

[0074] The control method for a recording device according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the recording device comprises: an ejection section that ejects liquid into a medium; a supply section that supplies liquid from a liquid receiving section to the ejection section; and a first detection section that detects that the amount of liquid inside the liquid receiving section or the supply section is lower than a predetermined amount. The recording device ejects the liquid into the medium to perform recording. In the control method for the recording device, a first mode and a second mode can be executed. The first mode is a mode in which the ejection of liquid into the medium by the ejection section is restricted when the first detection section detects that the amount of liquid is lower than the predetermined amount. The second mode is a mode in which the ejection of liquid into the medium by the ejection section is not restricted until the ejection section becomes unable to eject the liquid.

[0075] According to this method, the same effect as that achieved by the first method can be obtained.

[0076] Implementation

[0077] The following is based on Figures 1 to 6 The recording apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0078] In the following description, as shown in the accompanying figures, the three mutually orthogonal axes are designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The arrows on the three axes (X, Y, Z) indicate the positive (+) direction and the negative (-) direction, respectively. The Z-axis corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction of gravity; the +Z direction indicates vertically upward, and the -Z direction indicates vertically downward. The X-axis and Y-axis correspond to the horizontal direction. The +Y direction indicates the forward direction of the recording device, and the -Y direction indicates the rearward direction of the recording device. The +X direction indicates the rightward direction of the recording device, and the -X direction indicates the leftward direction of the recording device.

[0079] Overall overview of the recording device As an example, the recording device 1 in this embodiment is an inkjet printer that records by spraying ink, which is a liquid, onto a medium 7 such as paper.

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the recording device 1 includes a media receiving section 4, a conveying path 5, and an ejection section 6. The media receiving section 4 receives the media 7. The media 7 is picked up from the media receiving section 4 by the pickup roller 8 and sent out onto the conveying path 5.

[0081] On the conveying path 5, conveying rollers 9, 10, 11, and 12 are arranged to impart conveying force to the medium 7. The medium 7 conveyed on the conveying path 5 is recorded in the recording execution area 13 of the ejection section 6. In the recording execution area 13, a belt unit 14 is arranged.

[0082] In this embodiment, the ejection section 6 includes a head 16 capable of ejecting ink 19 as liquid 19 from the nozzle 15 toward the medium 7 in the form of droplets, and a cover 18 covering the nozzle surface 17 of the head 16. Here, the head 16 is a strip-shaped head that is elongated in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The head 16 can eject liquid 19 toward the medium 7 to perform recording at the recording execution position ( Figure 1 The position of the nozzle surface 17 covered by the cover 18 is the maintenance position. Figure 4 The cover 18 can also be displaced between the maintenance positions. Figure 4 (location) and record execution location ( Figure 1 Displacement between positions.

[0083] Implementation Method 1 First, based on Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The structure of the recording device 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0084] The recording device 1 according to this embodiment includes: an ejection section 6 that ejects liquid 19 to a medium 7; a supply section 21 that supplies liquid 19 from a liquid receiving section 20 to the ejection section 6; and a control section 22 that controls the ejection section 6. Further, the recording device 1 includes a first detection section 23 (…). Figure 2 The first detection unit 23 detects when the liquid volume 19 inside the liquid collection unit 20 or the supply unit 21 is lower than a specified amount Pa.

[0085] The specified amount Pa refers to the remaining amount of liquid 19 that is preset so as not to enter the dry state, because when the amount of liquid 19 decreases to the point that the ejector 6 cannot eject liquid 19, in other words, when it enters the dry state, the risk of the ejector 6 malfunctioning will increase.

[0086] In this embodiment, the detection of a value below a predetermined amount Pa performed by the first detection unit 23 is configured to directly detect the storage section 24 of the liquid 19 stored in the liquid receiving section 20. Figure 1 The remaining amount in the liquid collection section 20 is detected. The storage section 24 is connected to the supply section 21. In addition, the detection of the amount below the specified amount Pa performed by the first detection section 23 can be performed by directly detecting the remaining amount in the liquid collection section 20 or the supply section 21, or by counting the number of droplets ejected from each nozzle 15 and calculating based on the count value.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 22 has a first mode 25 and a second mode 26, and is configured to execute each mode 25 and 26 independently. In the first mode 25, when the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid volume of the liquid 19 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejection of the liquid 19 into the medium 7 by the ejection unit 6 is restricted. In the second mode 26, the ejection of the liquid 19 into the medium 7 by the ejection unit 6 is not restricted until the ejection unit 6 can no longer eject the liquid 19.

[0088] The “restriction” in “restricting the ejection of liquid 19 into medium 7 by ejection unit 6” means informing the user that the liquid 19 needs to be replenished, and setting it to be non-ejectable if it is not replenished thereafter.

[0089] Mode 25 is the control mode used for recording actions in normal situations that are not in an emergency. "Normal recording actions" refers to the actions performed normally during recording in normal situations that are not in an emergency, such as a disaster, if it is an inkjet printer.

[0090] Specifically, if it's the first 16, then as follows: Figure 1As shown, it performs the recording action by ejecting ink onto medium 7 based on the recorded data. When the first 16 is not in use, as... Figure 4 As shown, this includes actions such as covering the nozzle surface 17 with the cover 18 to prevent the ink from drying, and rinsing or cleaning the nozzle 15.

[0091] Furthermore, the above-mentioned limitation applies when the volume of liquid 19 is lower than the specified amount Pa.

[0092] The second mode 26 is the control mode used for recording actions during emergencies such as disasters. The control unit 22 is configured to execute the second mode 26 by receiving information during an emergency. The information during an emergency can be received based on user input, public information such as emergency earthquake reports or evacuation information, or judgments based on detection results from sensors, etc.

[0093] In the second mode 26, the second detection unit 27 detects the situation where the ejector 6 fails to eject liquid 19. Here, the second detection unit 27 uses a structure that directly detects the presence or absence of droplets ejected from the nozzle 15 using a sensor (not shown).

[0094] Alternatively, the second detection unit 27 may determine the ink ejection state by judging the characteristics of the piezoelectric element signal immediately after the ink is ejected, as described in paragraphs 0036 and 0063 of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-24273, thereby determining the situation of the dry-jet state.

[0095] The control unit 22 includes a CPU, a flash ROM, and RAM. The CPU performs various calculations according to the program stored in the flash ROM, thereby controlling the overall operation of the recording device 1. The flash ROM, as an example of a storage unit, is a non-volatile memory capable of being read and written. Various types of information are temporarily stored in the RAM, which is also an example of a storage unit.

[0096] In this embodiment, the control unit 22 executes various actions, such as the conveying action performed by the conveying rollers 9, 10, 11, 12 and the belt unit 14, and the ejection of droplets into the medium 7 performed by the ejection unit 6, as well as the recording and execution action.

[0097] In this embodiment, the ejector 6 can eject liquids 19 of various colors.

[0098] like Figure 1As shown, the liquid storage unit 20 includes four parts: a first liquid storage unit 201, a second liquid storage unit 202, a third liquid storage unit 203, and a fourth liquid storage unit 204. The first liquid storage unit 201 stores liquid 191 of a first color. The second liquid storage unit 202 stores liquid 192 of a second color. The third liquid storage unit 203 stores liquid 193 of a third color. The fourth liquid storage unit 204 stores liquid 194 of a fourth color.

[0099] Here, the first colored liquid 191 is black. The second colored liquid 192 is yellow. The third colored liquid 193 is magenta. The fourth colored liquid 194 is cyan.

[0100] This is an example, and the first color liquid 191 can also be any of the other three colors instead of black. The same applies to the second color liquid 192, the third color liquid 193, and the fourth color liquid 194. Furthermore, the multiple colors are not limited to the four colors mentioned above, and can also be colors other than black, yellow, red, and blue.

[0101] The four colored liquids, namely liquid 191 (first color), liquid 192 (second color), liquid 193 (third color), and liquid 194 (fourth color), are individually supplied to the ejection section 6 via the supply unit 21 from the respective liquid collection units 201, 202, 203, and 204, and then via the storage units 24, namely the first storage unit 241, the second storage unit 242, the third storage unit 243, and the fourth storage unit 244. The supply unit 21 may also include a pump (not shown) as a liquid delivery unit, through which the various liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 are delivered to the ejection section 6.

[0102] The ejection unit 6 is individually equipped with a first nozzle 151 for ejecting liquid 191 of a first color, a second nozzle 152 for ejecting liquid 192 of a second color, a third nozzle 153 for ejecting liquid 193 of a third color, and a fourth nozzle 154 for ejecting liquid 194 of a fourth color.

[0103] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the second mode 26 has a monochrome recording mode 28 and a mixed color recording mode 29.

[0104] Monochrome recording mode 28 has monochrome first mode 30, monochrome second mode 31 and monochrome third mode 32. Color mixing recording mode 29 has color mixing first mode 33, color mixing second mode 34, color mixing third mode 35, color mixing fourth mode 36, color mixing fifth mode 37 and color mixing sixth mode 38.

[0105] These various modes 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 are configured such that they can be executed by the user selecting any one of them from an operation panel (figure omitted). In this embodiment, monochrome first mode 30 is executed by default. However, a specific mode can be executed automatically, or a specific mode can be automatically selected based on specific conditions.

[0106] The following explains these various patterns 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38.

[0107] Monochrome first mode The single-color first mode 30 is configured such that, when the ejector 6 is unable to eject the first color liquid 191 among the multiple colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194, the ejector 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 to the medium 7 instead of the first color liquid 191. That is, the following control is performed.

[0108] (1) When the control unit 22 receives information that an emergency is in progress, it is set to monochrome first mode 30.

[0109] (2) Next, when the recording data is received, the first color liquid 191 of the four colors of liquid is ejected from the ejection section 6 to perform the recording.

[0110] (3) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the first color liquid 191 has become an empty spray state, the spraying unit 6 sprays out another second color liquid 192 instead of the first color liquid 191.

[0111] (4) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the second color liquid 192 has become an empty spray state, the spraying unit 6 sprays out another third color liquid 193 instead of the second color liquid 192.

[0112] (5) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the third color liquid 193 has become an empty spray state, the spraying unit 6 sprays out the remaining fourth color liquid 194 instead of the third color liquid 193.

[0113] (6) When the fourth color liquid 194 is in the dry state, liquid 19 cannot be sprayed, thus ending the recording action.

[0114] Monochrome Second Mode The single-color second mode 31 is configured such that, when the first detection unit 23 detects that the volume of the first-color liquid 191 among the multiple-color liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejector unit 6 ejects the second-color liquid 192 into the medium 7 instead of the first-color liquid 191. That is, the following control is performed.

[0115] (1) When the control unit 22 receives information that an emergency is in progress, it is set to monochrome second mode 31.

[0116] (2) Next, when the recording data is received, the first color liquid 191 of the four colors of liquid is ejected from the ejection section 6 to perform the recording.

[0117] (3) Next, when the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid volume of the first color liquid 191 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejection unit 6 ejects another second color liquid 192 instead of the first color liquid 191 which has a predetermined amount Pa of residual liquid.

[0118] (4) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the second color liquid 192 has become an empty spray state, the spraying unit 6 sprays out another third color liquid 193 instead of the second color liquid 192.

[0119] (5) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the third color liquid 193 has become a dry state, the ejector unit 6 ejects another fourth color liquid 194 instead of the third color liquid 193.

[0120] (6) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the fourth color liquid 194 has become a dry state, the ejection unit 6 ejects the first color liquid 191 instead of the fourth color liquid 194.

[0121] (7) When the first color liquid 191 is in the dry state, the liquid 19 cannot be sprayed, thus ending the recording action.

[0122] Monochrome Third Mode The single-color third mode 32 is configured such that the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, and further, if the ejector unit 6 is unable to eject the first color liquid 191, it causes the ejector unit 6 to eject the second color liquid 192 instead of the first color liquid 191. That is, the following control is performed.

[0123] (1) When the control unit 22 receives information that an emergency is in progress, it is set to monochrome third mode 32.

[0124] (2) Next, when the recording data is received, the four colors of liquid are sprayed out of the spraying unit 6 one by one to perform the recording. That is, the spraying unit 6 sprays out only one color of liquid 19 among the four colors of liquid, and when the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid volume is lower than the specified amount Pa, the spraying unit 6 is repeatedly sprayed out only the other color of liquid 19.

[0125] (3) When the first detection unit 23 detects a situation where the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejection unit 6 ejects only the first color liquid 191 of the four colors of liquid.

[0126] (4) Next, when the second detection unit 27 detects that the first color liquid 191 has become a dry state, the ejection unit 6 ejects another second color liquid 192 instead of the first color liquid 191.

[0127] (5) Next, when the second detection unit 27 detects that the second color liquid 192 has become a dry state, the ejection unit 6 ejects another third color liquid 193 instead of the second color liquid 192.

[0128] (6) Next, when the second detection unit 27 detects that the third color liquid 193 has become a dry state, the ejection unit 6 ejects another fourth color liquid 194 instead of the third color liquid 193.

[0129] (7) When the fourth color liquid 194 is in the dry state, the liquid 19 cannot be sprayed, thus ending the recording action.

[0130] Mixing mode 1 The first color mixing mode 33 is configured such that, when the ejector 6 is unable to eject the first color liquid 191 from among the multiple colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194, the ejector 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 to the medium 7 instead of the first color liquid 191. That is, the following control is performed.

[0131] (1) When the control unit 22 receives information that an emergency is in progress, it is set to the first mixed color mode 33.

[0132] (2) Next, when the recording data is received, the first color liquid 191 of the four colors of liquid is ejected from the ejection section 6 to perform the recording.

[0133] (3) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the first color liquid 191 has become dry, the ejection unit 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 instead of the first color liquid 191. Recording is performed by mixing the two colors on the medium 7.

[0134] (4) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 have become dry, the ejection unit 6 ejects the fourth color liquid 194 instead of the two colors of liquid 192 and 193.

[0135] (5) When the fourth color liquid 194 is in the dry state, liquid 19 cannot be sprayed, thus ending the recording action.

[0136] When the brightness of the color of medium 7 is close to that of the color of liquid 19, the visual verifiability of the recorded results is likely to decrease.

[0137] Even in this case, instead of using a liquid of a color that is easy to reduce visual clarity in a single color, it is used as a mixed color by combining it with other colored liquids, thereby improving visual clarity compared to using it in a single color.

[0138] In this embodiment, the color of the liquid used for mixing is determined based on the color of the medium 7. That is, it is configured such that a combination of colors for mixing can be set from a user-defined operation panel or similar source based on the color of the medium 7.

[0139] Specifically, in the above (3) of the color mixing mode 33, the brightness of the second color is set to be closer to the brightness of the color of the medium 7 than the brightness of the first color and the brightness of the third color.

[0140] Second mode of color mixing The second color mixing mode 34 is configured such that, when the first detection unit 23 detects that the volume of the first color liquid 191 among the multiple colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejector unit 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 into the medium 7 instead of the first color liquid 191. That is, the following control is performed.

[0141] (1) When the control unit 22 receives information that an emergency is in progress, it is set to the second color mixing mode 34.

[0142] (2) Next, when the recording data is received, the first color liquid 191 of the four colors of liquid is ejected from the ejection section 6 to perform the recording.

[0143] (3) Next, when the first detection unit 23 detects that the volume of the first-colored liquid 191 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejection unit 6 ejects the second-colored liquid 192 and the third-colored liquid 193 instead of the first-colored liquid 191 which has a residual liquid state of a predetermined amount Pa. Recording is performed on the medium 7 using a mixed color method of the two colors.

[0144] (4) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 have become dry, the ejection unit 6 ejects the fourth color liquid 194 instead of the two colors of liquid 192 and 193.

[0145] (5) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the fourth color liquid 194 has become a dry state, the ejection unit 6 ejects the first color liquid 191 instead of the fourth color liquid 194.

[0146] (6) When the first color liquid 191 is in the dry state, the liquid 19 cannot be sprayed, thus ending the recording action.

[0147] Mixing mode 3 The third color mixing mode 35 is configured such that, in the case where the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, and further, if the ejector unit 6 is unable to eject the first color liquid 191, the ejector unit 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 to the medium 7 instead of the first color liquid 191. That is, the following control is performed.

[0148] (1) When the control unit 22 receives information that an emergency is in progress, it is set to the third mixed color mode 35.

[0149] (2) Next, when the recorded data is received, the four colors of liquid are sprayed out of the spray section 6 in turn to perform the recording.

[0150] (3) When the first detection unit 23 detects a situation where the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejection unit 6 ejects only the first color liquid 191 of the four colors of liquid.

[0151] (4) Next, when the second detection unit 27 detects that the first color liquid 191 has become dry, the ejection unit 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 instead of the first color liquid 191. Recording is performed on the medium 7 using a mixed color method of the two colors.

[0152] (5) Next, when the second detection unit 27 detects that the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 have become dry, the ejection unit 6 ejects the fourth color liquid 194 instead of the two colors of liquid 192 and 193.

[0153] (6) When the fourth color liquid 194 is in the dry state, liquid 19 cannot be sprayed, thus ending the recording action.

[0154] Color Mixing Mode 4 The fourth color mixing mode 36 is configured such that, when the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the medium 7 than the brightness of the first color and the brightness of the third color, the ejector 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and another color liquid into the medium 7, regardless of the remaining amount of the first color liquid 191 among the multiple colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194. In other words, the following control is executed.

[0155] (1) When the control unit 22 receives information that an emergency is in progress, it is set to the fourth mixed color mode 36.

[0156] (2) Next, when the recorded data is received, even if it is set to spray the first color liquid 191 from the spraying part 6, the spraying part 6 will spray the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 instead of the first color liquid 191.

[0157] That is, since the third color liquid 193 is mixed with the second color liquid 192 and sprayed onto the medium 7, the recording is performed in a state with improved visual confirmation compared to the recording under the monochromatic state of the second color liquid 192.

[0158] Here, although the third-color liquid 193 is used as "another color liquid", it can also be replaced by the fourth-color liquid 194. Alternatively, the third-color liquid 193 and the fourth-color liquid 194 can be used alternately.

[0159] (3) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 have become dry, the ejection unit 6 ejects the fourth color liquid 194 instead of the two colors of liquid 192 and 193.

[0160] (4) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the fourth color liquid 194 has become a dry state, the ejection unit 6 ejects the first color liquid 191 instead of the fourth color liquid 194.

[0161] (5) When the first color liquid 191 is in the dry state, the liquid 19 cannot be sprayed, thus ending the recording action.

[0162] Mixed Color Mode 5 The fifth color mixing mode 37 is configured such that, when the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the medium 7 than the individual brightness of all other colors, and when the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejection unit 6 ejects the second-colored liquid 192 and another-colored liquid into the medium 7. That is, the following control is performed.

[0163] (1) When the control unit 22 receives information that an emergency is in progress, it is set to the fifth mixed color mode 37.

[0164] (2) Next, when the recorded data is received, the four colors of liquid are sprayed out of the spray section 6 in turn to perform the recording.

[0165] (3) When the first detection unit 23 detects a situation where the liquid volume of all colors is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejection unit 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193. Recording is performed on the medium 7 by mixing the two colors.

[0166] That is, since the third color liquid 193 is mixed with the second color liquid 192 and sprayed onto the medium 7, the recording is performed in a state with improved visual confirmation compared to the recording under the monochromatic state of the second color liquid 192.

[0167] Here, although the third-color liquid 193 is used as "another color liquid", it can also be replaced by the fourth-color liquid 194. Alternatively, the third-color liquid 193 and the fourth-color liquid 194 can be used alternately.

[0168] (4) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 have become dry, the ejection unit 6 ejects the fourth color liquid 194 instead of the two colors of liquid 192 and 193.

[0169] (5) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the fourth color liquid 194 has become a dry state, the ejection unit 6 ejects the first color liquid 191 instead of the fourth color liquid 194.

[0170] (6) When the first color liquid 191 is in the dry state, the liquid 19 cannot be sprayed, thus ending the recording action.

[0171] Mixing Mode 6 The sixth color mixing mode 38 is configured such that, when the first color is black, the ejector 6 ejects a second-colored liquid 192 and a third-colored liquid 193 into the medium instead of the first-colored liquid 191 among the multiple colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194. That is, the following control is performed.

[0172] (1) When the control unit 22 receives information that an emergency is in progress, it is set to the sixth mixed color mode 38.

[0173] (2) Next, when the recorded data is received, even if it is set to spray the first color liquid 191 from the spraying part 6, the spraying part 6 will spray the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 instead of the first color liquid 191.

[0174] (3) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 have become dry, the ejection unit 6 ejects the fourth color liquid 194 instead of the two colors of liquid 192 and 193.

[0175] (4) When the second detection unit 27 detects that the fourth color liquid 194 has become a dry state, the ejection unit 6 ejects the first color liquid 191 instead of the fourth color liquid 194.

[0176] (5) When the first color liquid 191 is in the dry state, the liquid 19 cannot be sprayed, thus ending the recording action.

[0177] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, a storage unit 39 is provided, and the control unit 22 is configured to store in the storage unit 39 the cases in which the ejector 6 fails to eject liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194 in the second mode 26.

[0178] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, although this description is somewhat repetitive in this embodiment, the supply unit 21 has a first storage unit 241, a second storage unit 242, a third storage unit 243, and a fourth storage unit 244 for storing various liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 from the respective liquid receiving units 201, 202, 203, and 204. Furthermore, the first detection unit 23 is configured to detect when the liquid volume in each of the storage units 241, 242, 243, and 244 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa.

[0179] Description of the control process in Implementation Method 1 based on Figure 3 The control process of Implementation Method 1 will be explained.

[0180] In step S1, if no emergency information is received (No), the control unit 22 proceeds to step S6, thereby maintaining the first mode 25. It then proceeds to step S7, and when recording data for printing is received, proceeds to step S8, thereby executing the recording performed by the first mode 25.

[0181] In the first mode, if the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid level of the liquid 19 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejection of the liquid 19 into the medium 7 by the ejection unit 6 is restricted. That is, control is performed to reduce the risk of malfunction due to the ejection unit 6 becoming dry. If the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid level is lower than the predetermined amount Pa, the user is notified that the liquid 19 needs to be replenished, and the ejection unit 6 is set to not eject until it becomes dry if it is not replenished.

[0182] On the other hand, when an emergency situation is received in step S1 (yes), step S2 is entered, thereby setting the system to the second mode 26. That is, the system switches from the normal first control mode 25 to the second control mode 26, thereby entering a state where the emergency control process implemented by the second control mode 26 is executed.

[0183] Next, in step S3, the maintenance operation is set to a minimum. Specifically, it is set to a state where maintenance operations such as rinsing or nozzle cleaning are reduced or not performed. Furthermore, even if the first detection unit 23 detects that the ink level is below a predetermined amount Pa, it is set to a state where the ink output is not limited as described in the first mode 25. That is, while suppressing ink consumption, the ink is set to a state where it is depleted.

[0184] Next, proceeding to step S4, upon receiving the recording data for printing, proceeding to step S5, thereby executing the recording performed by the second mode 26. Specifically, executing... Figure 2 The second mode 26 shown is any one of the nine control modes 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38. That is, recording is performed in a state that prioritizes the continuity of printing using up all the ink compared to reducing the risk of malfunctions in the ejector unit 6.

[0185] Explanation of the effects of Implementation Method 1 (1) In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is normally capable of executing the first mode 25. In the first mode 25, when the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid volume of the liquid 19 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejection of the liquid 19 into the medium 7 by the ejection unit 6 is restricted. Normally, by restricting the ejection of the liquid 19 when it is lower than the predetermined amount Pa, the risk of malfunction of the ejection unit 6 can be reduced.

[0186] On the other hand, the control unit 22 can execute the second mode 26 in an emergency. In the second mode 26, the ejection of liquid 19 to the medium 7 by the ejector unit 6 is not restricted until the ejector unit 6 can no longer eject liquid 19. That is, the second mode 26 is a mode in which printing can continue until a dry-printing state is reached, even in an emergency or when there is a risk of failure of the ejector unit 6 but the printing continues. Therefore, by setting the second mode 26 in an emergency, the continuity of printing can be improved.

[0187] (2) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is able to execute the monochrome first mode 30 in the second mode 26.

[0188] The single-color first mode 30 is configured such that, when the ejector 6 is unable to eject the first color liquid 191 among the multiple colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, 194, the ejector 6 will eject the second color liquid 192 to the medium 7 instead of the first color liquid 191.

[0189] That is, if the ejector unit 6 cannot eject the first color liquid 191 among the multiple colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194, the second color liquid 192 continues to be ejected from the ejector unit 6 until it becomes a dry state. Furthermore, if the second color liquid 192 also becomes a dry state, the third color liquid 193 continues to be ejected from the ejector unit 6 until it becomes a dry state. Finally, the fourth color liquid 191 continues to be ejected from the ejector unit until it becomes a dry state.

[0190] In other words, it is configured to use up the various colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 one color at a time until the machine is in a dry-run state. As a result, since all the various colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 are used up until the machine is in a dry-run state, the continuity of printing can be improved in emergency situations.

[0191] (3) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is able to execute the monochrome second mode 31 in the second mode 26.

[0192] The single-color second mode 31 is configured such that, when the first detection unit 23 detects that the volume of the first color liquid 191 among the multiple colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejector unit 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 to the medium 7 instead of the first color liquid 191. Furthermore, if the second color liquid 192 becomes dry-running, the third color liquid 193 is ejected from the ejector unit 6 until it becomes dry-running. Next, the fourth color liquid 194 is ejected until it becomes dry-running, and finally, the first color liquid 191 continues to be ejected from the ejector unit until it becomes dry-running. Therefore, since all the multiple color liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 are used up until they become dry-running, the continuity of printing can be improved, especially in emergency situations.

[0193] Furthermore, since the ejector 6 ejects the second-color liquid 192 to the medium 7 while the first-color liquid 191 remains, the risk of malfunction of the ejector 6 can be reduced compared to the case where the first-color liquid 191 is used up until it becomes an empty spray state before being replaced by the second-color liquid 192.

[0194] (4) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 can execute the monochrome third mode 32 in the second mode 26.

[0195] In the single-color third mode 32, if the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the first color liquid 191 is sprayed until the spraying unit 6 can no longer spray. That is, spraying to the point of dry running of the first color liquid 191 will not proceed until the liquid volume of all colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194 is lower than the predetermined amount Pa. This reduces the risk of malfunction of the spraying unit 6. If the spraying unit 6 cannot spray the first color liquid 191, the second color liquid 192 is sprayed until dry running. Then, if the second color liquid 192 is dry running, the third color liquid 193 is sprayed from the spraying unit 6 until dry running. Finally, the fourth color liquid 194 is sprayed until dry running. Therefore, by using up all the liquids of various colors 191, 192, 193, and 194 until the print is in a dry state, the printing continuity can be improved in emergency situations.

[0196] (5) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 can execute the first color mixing mode 33 in the second mode 26.

[0197] The first color mixing mode 33 is configured such that, if the ejector unit 6 is unable to eject the first color liquid 191 from the multiple colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194, the ejector unit 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 to the medium 7 instead of the first color liquid 191. Furthermore, if the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 also become a dry-running state, the fourth liquid continues to be ejected from the ejector unit until it becomes a dry-running state. Therefore, since all the multiple colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194 are used up until a dry-running state is reached, the continuity of printing can be improved, especially in emergency situations.

[0198] Furthermore, even if the second-color liquid 192 is a color with low visual visibility relative to the background color of the medium 7, i.e., difficult to observe, the decrease in visual visibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color because both the second-color liquid 192 and the third-color liquid 193 are sprayed from the ejector 6 onto the medium 7. In other words, since the second-color liquid 192 and the third-color liquid 193 are mixed on the medium 7, the decrease in visual visibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the situation where a specific color decreases first.

[0199] (6) Furthermore, when the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the medium 7 than the brightness of the first color and the brightness of the third color, the second color liquid 192 will have lower visual visibility relative to the background color of the medium 7. Nevertheless, in this embodiment, since the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 are sprayed from the ejector 6 onto the medium 7, that is, since they become mixed on the medium 7, the decrease in visual visibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color.

[0200] (7) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is able to execute the color mixing second mode 34 in the second mode 26.

[0201] The second color mixing mode 34 is configured such that, when the first detection unit 23 detects that the volume of the first color liquid 191 among the multiple colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa, the ejector unit 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 to the medium 7 instead of the first color liquid 191. Furthermore, if the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 also become dry-running, the fourth liquid 194 is ejected from the ejector unit 6 until it becomes dry-running. Finally, the first color liquid 191 is ejected until it becomes dry-running. Therefore, since all the multiple colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 are used up until the dry-running state, the continuity of printing can be improved, especially in emergency situations.

[0202] Furthermore, since the ejector 6 ejects the second-color liquid 192 and the third-color liquid 193 to the medium 7 while the first-color liquid 191 remains, the risk of malfunction of the ejector 6 can be reduced compared to the case where the first-color liquid 191 is used up until it becomes an empty spray state before being replaced by the second-color liquid 192 and the third-color liquid 193.

[0203] Furthermore, even if the second-color liquid 192 is a color with low visual visibility relative to the background color of the medium 7, i.e., difficult to observe, the decrease in visual visibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color because both the second-color liquid 192 and the third-color liquid 193 are sprayed from the ejector 6 onto the medium 7. That is, since the second-color liquid 192 and the third-color liquid 193 are mixed on the medium, the decrease in visual visibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the situation where a specific color decreases first.

[0204] (8) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 can execute the color mixing third mode 35 in the second mode 26.

[0205] The third color mixing mode 35 is configured such that, when the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid volumes of all colors 191, 192, 193, and 194 are all below a predetermined amount Pa, the first color liquid 191 is sprayed until the spraying unit 6 can no longer spray. That is, spraying to the point of dry-firing the first color liquid 191 will not proceed until the liquid volumes of all colors 191, 192, 193, and 194 are all below the predetermined amount Pa. This reduces the risk of malfunction of the spraying unit 6.

[0206] Furthermore, if the ejector unit 6 is unable to eject the first color liquid 191, the ejector unit 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 to the medium 7 instead of the first color liquid 191. And if the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 are in a dry-running state, the fourth color liquid 194 is ejected from the ejector unit 6 until a dry-running state is reached. Therefore, since all the liquids of multiple colors are used up until a dry-running state is reached, the continuity of printing can be improved in emergency situations.

[0207] Furthermore, even if the second-color liquid 192 is a color with low visual visibility relative to the background color of the medium 7, i.e., difficult to observe, the decrease in visual visibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color because both the second-color liquid 192 and the third-color liquid 193 are sprayed from the ejector 6 onto the medium 7. In other words, since the second-color liquid 192 and the third-color liquid 193 are mixed on the medium 7, the decrease in visual visibility can be suppressed compared to the case of a single color. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the situation where a specific color decreases first.

[0208] (9) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is able to execute the fourth color mixing mode 36 in the second mode 26.

[0209] The fourth color mixing mode 36 is configured such that, when the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the color of the medium 7 than the brightness of all other colors, the ejector 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the other color liquid 19 into the medium 7, regardless of the remaining amount of the first color liquid 191 among the multiple colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194.

[0210] Therefore, since the second-color liquid 192, which has lower visual certainty, is preferentially used in combination with other colored liquids 19, it is possible to avoid the situation where the liquid of the color that is difficult to observe, i.e., has lower visual certainty, is left until the last moment. Thus, the liquid 192 of the color with lower visual certainty can also be used up until it becomes a no-load state while ensuring visual certainty by combining it with other colored liquids.

[0211] (10) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is able to execute the fifth color mixing mode 37 in the second mode 26.

[0212] In the fifth color mixing mode 37, when the first detection unit 23 detects that the liquid volumes of all colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194 are all below a predetermined amount Pa, the ejector unit 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the other color liquid 19 from the multi-color liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 into the medium. That is, the ejection of the second color liquid 192 and the other color liquid 19 will not proceed to the dry-running state until the liquid volumes of all colors of liquid 191, 192, 193, and 194 are all below the predetermined amount Pa. This reduces the risk of malfunction of the ejector unit 6.

[0213] Furthermore, when the volume of all colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 is detected to be below a predetermined amount Pa, the ejector 6 ejects the second-colored liquid 192 and another-colored liquid 19 from the multiple colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194 into the medium 7. Further, the brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the medium 7's color than the brightness of any of the other colors. In other words, the second-colored liquid 192 has the lowest visual certainty relative to the background color of the medium 7. However, the second-colored liquid 192 is ejected together with the other-colored liquid 19. Therefore, since the second-colored liquid 192, with its lower visual certainty, is preferentially used in combination with other colored liquids, it avoids the situation where the difficult-to-observe, i.e., the liquid 192 with lower visual certainty, is left until the last item is used up, ensuring visual certainty through combination with other colored liquids 19.

[0214] (10) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is able to execute the sixth color mixing mode 38 in the second mode 26.

[0215] In the sixth color mixing mode 38, the ejector 6 ejects the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 to the medium 7 instead of the first color liquid 191 among the various colored liquids 191, 192, 193, and 194. Furthermore, the first color liquid 191 is black. That is, the control unit 22 ejects the liquid 6 in a mixed manner, replacing black with the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193. This suppresses the consumption of black liquid. The medium 7 used in emergency printing is presumably a medium of a color other than black, particularly white. Therefore, black liquid, which has higher visual clarity compared to these media 7, can be used effectively. Furthermore, even without using black liquid, prints with good visual clarity can be obtained.

[0216] (11) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to store the situation in which the spraying unit 6 fails to spray liquid 19 in the storage unit 39 during the second mode 26. As a result, since the situation of dry spraying in the second mode 26 is stored in the storage unit 39, it can be effectively utilized in after-sales service.

[0217] (12) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the supply unit 21 has a storage unit 24 for storing liquid 19 from the liquid storage unit 20. Further, the first detection unit 23 detects when the liquid level in the storage unit 24 is lower than a predetermined amount Pa. That is, since the liquid level in the storage unit 24 is detected to be lower than the predetermined amount Pa, the liquid 19 in the liquid storage unit 20, such as the ink cartridge, can be used to the maximum extent.

[0218] Variations of Implementation Method 1 In each of the modes 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 of this embodiment, upon receiving recorded data, the liquid 191 of the first color is first ejected from the ejector 6. That is, the recorded data is performed as monochrome printing. However, it is not limited to this; printing can also be performed as color printing, and the control of each mode 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 is implemented only for colors that cannot be ejected by the ejector or colors that are below a predetermined amount of Pa.

[0219] In monochrome recording mode 28, it is also possible to set the liquid 19 to not use a specific color. For example, in monochrome recording mode 28, it is also possible to set the liquid 192 to not use a second color.

[0220] Although in each of the modes 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39 of the color mixing recording mode 29, when it is detected that the second color liquid 192 and the third color liquid 193 are in a dry-run state, the ejector 6 is made to eject the fourth color liquid 194, but it is not limited to this. When it is detected that the second color liquid 192 is in a dry-run state, the ejector 6 can eject either the third color liquid 193 or the fourth color liquid 194, or it can eject only the third color liquid 194. When it is detected that the third color liquid 193 is in a dry-run state, the ejector 6 can also eject both the second color liquid 193 and the fourth color liquid 194.

[0221] Although in the third color mixing mode 34, the ejector 6 ejects four colors of liquid sequentially, one color at a time, to perform recording, it is not limited to this. That is, it is also possible to configure it so that no specific color of liquid 19 is used. For example, the second color liquid 192 may only be used during color mixing.

[0222] Implementation Method 2 Next, based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 The recording device 1 according to Embodiment 2 will now be described. The same symbols will be used for parts identical to those in Embodiment 1, and descriptions of their structure and corresponding effects will be omitted.

[0223] In this embodiment, the cap 18 and the waste liquid collection section 40 are connected through a flow channel 43. The waste liquid collection section 40 receives and collects the ink waste liquid 42 inside the cap 18. The waste liquid 42 inside the cap 18 is pumped into the waste liquid collection section 40 by a pump 44.

[0224] Furthermore, the ink, which is configured to be sprayed onto the receiving portion (not shown) by edgeless printing, is also sent to the waste liquid collection section 40. Preferably, the waste liquid 42 of ink received by the receiving portion is filtered for foreign matter by a filter or the like before being sent to the waste liquid collection section 40.

[0225] That is, it has a waste liquid recovery section 41 that recovers the waste liquid 42 discharged from the ejection section 6 and stores it in the waste liquid collection section 40.

[0226] In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to, in the second mode 26, return the waste liquid 42 recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit 41 to the storage unit 24. Figure 4 In the diagram, symbol 45 indicates a return flow channel. A liquid delivery pump (not shown) is installed in the return flow channel 45 and is configured to perform the return by sending a control signal from the control unit 22. Alternatively, the return can be configured to proceed directly from the flow channel 43 to the storage unit 24, or it can be configured to return from the second waste liquid collection unit 46 (described later) to the storage unit 24.

[0227] That is, it is configured such that, in an emergency, the waste liquid 42 can be used as ink for recording.

[0228] The return storage unit 24 can also be all or part of multiple storage units 241, 242, 243, and 244. Alternatively, it can be configured to return only to the black storage unit 241.

[0229] Furthermore, the waste liquid 42 returned to the storage section 24 may be limited to specific waste liquids with fewer foreign matter, such as ink waste liquid generated only by rinsing or ink waste liquid generated only by cleaning.

[0230] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a third detection unit 47 is also provided to detect when the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection section 40 exceeds the allowable amount. The third detection unit 47 only needs to be able to detect when the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection section 40 exceeds the allowable amount. It can be detected by a mechanical sensor or calculated based on the liquid delivery rate of the pump 44 or a controllable count value.

[0231] In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to continue the ejection of liquid 19 by the ejection unit 6 even when the third detection unit 47 detects that the amount of liquid in the waste liquid collection unit 40 exceeds the allowable amount in the second mode 26.

[0232] That is, even if waste liquid 42 leaks from waste liquid collection section 40 in an emergency, it will not flow out to the outside of recording device 1 in a short time, so recording can continue in this state.

[0233] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a housing 48 that constitutes the exterior of the recording device 1 is also included. Figure 4 The fourth detection unit 49 detects waste liquid 42 leaking to the outside of the housing 48. Figure 5 The fourth detection unit 49 is used to detect waste liquid 42 leaking to the outside of the housing 48. Therefore, multiple units are disposed below the bottom 50 of the housing. The fourth detection unit 49 uses a sensor capable of detecting physical changes caused by fluid flowing into a place where there is no fluid.

[0234] In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to stop the ejection of liquid 19 by the ejection unit 6 in the second mode 26 when the fourth detection unit 49 detects waste liquid 42. That is, it is configured to stop the ejection of liquid 19 even in an emergency, taking into account the protection of the environment surrounding where the recording device 1 is placed.

[0235] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a second waste liquid collection section 46 is also provided, which is capable of collecting waste liquid 42. The second waste liquid collection section 46 is connected to the flow channel 43 via the flow channel switching valve 52.

[0236] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, symbol 53 indicates a return channel from the second waste liquid collection section 46 to the storage section 24. A pump (not shown) is installed in the return channel 53 and is configured to perform the return by sending a control signal from the control section 22.

[0237] The control unit 22 is configured such that, in the second mode 26, if the third detection unit 47 detects that the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection unit 40 exceeds the allowable amount, the waste liquid 42 recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit 41 is collected in the second waste liquid collection unit 46.

[0238] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown, this embodiment also includes a plug 54 for receiving power. The plug 54 is normally connected to a commercial power source 55. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is configured to receive power from a storage battery 56 if one is also provided. The storage battery 56 is, for example, a portable battery that can be carried in an emergency. The control unit 22 is configured to distinguish between the state of power supply from the commercial power source 55 to the plug 54 and the state of power supply from the storage battery 56.

[0239] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to execute the first mode 25 when the plug 54 is receiving power from the commercial power supply 55, and to execute the second mode 26 when the plug 54 is receiving power from the battery 56. That is, it is configured to automatically switch to the second mode 26 if there is a power outage in an emergency and the battery 56 is connected to the plug 54.

[0240] Alternatively, the plug 54 can be combined in the recording device 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0241] Description of the control process in Implementation Method 2 based on Figure 6 The control process of Implementation Method 2 will be explained.

[0242] Because steps S11, S12, and S13 are different from those in Implementation Method 1... Figure 3 Steps S1, S2, and S3 are the same; in addition, steps S20, S21, and S22 are the same as in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 Steps S6, S7, and S8 are the same, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0243] In step S14, if the waste liquid collection unit 40 is full according to the detection information from the third detection unit 47, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the full-tank countermeasure is deactivated. Here, the full-tank countermeasure refers to setting the spray section 6 to be non-spraying before waste liquid leaks out of the waste liquid collection unit 40, provided that the user has been notified that the waste liquid collection unit 40 is full and the waste liquid collection unit 40 has not been replaced thereafter. In the second mode 26, the full-tank countermeasure is ignored and spraying continues.

[0244] Next, proceeding to step S16, upon receiving the recording data for printing, proceeding to step S17, thereby executing the recording performed by the second mode 26. Specifically, executing... Figure 5The second mode 26 shown is any one of the nine control modes 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38. That is, recording is performed in a state that prioritizes the continuity of printing by using up all the ink compared to reducing the risk of failure of the ejector unit 6.

[0245] Next, proceed to step S18. If, based on the detection information from the fourth detection unit 49, ink waste liquid 42 leaks out of the outside of the recording device 1, i.e., outside the machine, proceed to step S19 and stop the ejection of the ejection unit 6, i.e., stop recording.

[0246] Explanation of the effects of Implementation Method 2 (1) In this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to return the waste liquid 42 recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit 41 to the storage unit 24 in the second mode 26. Therefore, since the waste liquid 42 is returned to the storage unit 24, the necessity to monitor the capacity of the waste liquid collection unit 40 is reduced. Furthermore, since the amount of liquid 19 such as ink used in printing can be increased, the continuity of printing can be improved more effectively.

[0247] (2) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured such that, even in the second mode 26, the third detection unit 47 detects that the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection unit 40 exceeds the allowable amount Pa, the liquid 19 ejected by the ejection unit 6 continues to be ejected. Therefore, even if the waste liquid collection unit 40 becomes full, the leaked waste liquid 42 will not immediately flow out of the recording device 1, thus improving printing continuity in an emergency by continuing printing in this state.

[0248] (3) Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fourth detection unit 49 is provided to detect waste liquid 42 leaking to the outside of the housing 48. The control unit 22 is configured to stop the ejection of liquid 19 by the ejection unit 6 when the fourth detection unit 49 detects waste liquid 42 in the second mode 26. Thus, in the event that waste liquid 42 leaks to the outside of the housing 48, i.e., outside the machine, stopping the ejection of liquid 19 can suppress the occurrence of adverse conditions outside the machine.

[0249] (4) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured such that, in the second mode 26, if the third detection unit 47 detects that the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection unit 40 exceeds the allowable amount, the waste liquid 42 recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit 41 is collected in the second waste liquid collection unit 46. Therefore, even if the waste liquid collection unit 40 is full, printing can continue by circulating the waste liquid 42 to the prepared second waste liquid collection unit 46 to delay leakage to the outside of the machine.

[0250] (5) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 22 is configured to execute the first mode 25 when the plug 54 is being supplied with power from the commercial power supply 55, and to execute the second mode 26 when the plug 54 is being supplied with power from the battery 56. Thus, by setting the first mode 25 to be executed during normal use of the commercial power supply 55 and setting the second mode 26 to be executed when power is being supplied from the battery 56, the possibility of mistakenly executing the second mode 26 under normal circumstances can be reduced.

[0251] Other implementation methods Although the recording device 1 of the present invention is based on the structure of the embodiments described above, it is obvious that some structural changes or omissions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0252] (1) Although the above embodiments describe the case where the liquid such as ink has four colors, it is not limited to these four colors. It may also have two colors, three colors, six colors, etc. In addition, it may not have multiple colors, but only one color. Furthermore, the color mixing is not limited to a mixture of two colors, but may also be a mixture of three or more colors.

[0253] (2) Although in the above embodiment, the second mode 26 is described as having nine control modes 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38, it is not necessary to have all of these modes. It is sufficient to have one or more of the nine control modes.

[0254] Symbol Explanation 1…Recording device, 4…Media collection unit, 5…Conveying path, 6…Ejection unit, 7…Media, 8…Pick-up roller, 9, 10, 11, 12…Conveying roller, 13…Recording execution area, 14…Belt unit, 15…Nozzle, 16…Head, 17…Nozzle surface, 18…Cover, 19…Liquid, 20…Liquid collection unit, 21…Supply unit, 22…Control unit, 23…First detection unit, 24…Retention unit, 25…First mode, 26…Second mode, 27…Second detection unit, 28…Monochrome recording mode, 29…Color mixing recording mode, 30…Monochrome first mode, 31…Monochrome second mode, 32…Monochrome third mode, 33…Color mixing first mode, 34…Color mixing second mode, 35…Color mixing third mode, 36…Color mixing fourth mode, 37…Color mixing fifth mode, 38…Color mixing sixth mode, 39…Storage unit, 40…Waste liquid collection unit. 41… Waste liquid recovery section, 42… Waste liquid, 43… Flow channel, 44… Pump, 45… Return flow channel, 46… Second waste liquid collection section, 47… Third detection section, 48… Housing, 49… Fourth detection section, 50… Bottom of housing, 52… Flow channel switching valve, 53… Return flow channel, 54… Plug, 55… Commercial power supply, 56… Battery, 151… First nozzle, 152… Second nozzle, 153… Third nozzle, 154… Fourth nozzle, 191… First color liquid, 192… Second color liquid, 193… Third color liquid, 194… Fourth color liquid, 201… First liquid collection section, 202… Second liquid collection section, 203… Third liquid collection section, 204… Fourth liquid collection section, 241… First storage section, 242… Second storage section, 243… Third storage section, 244… Fourth storage section.

Claims

1. A recording apparatus characterized by comprising: It is a recording device that sprays liquid onto a medium to perform recording, and includes: The ejector section sprays the liquid toward the medium; A supply unit that supplies the liquid from a liquid receiving unit to a spraying unit; The first detection unit detects when the liquid level inside the liquid receiving unit or the supply unit is lower than a predetermined amount. The control unit controls the ejection section. The control unit is capable of executing a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode in which the ejection of liquid into the medium by the ejection unit is restricted when the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume is lower than the predetermined amount. The second mode is a mode in which the ejection of the liquid into the medium by the ejector is not restricted until the ejector becomes unable to eject the liquid.

2. The recording device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquids of various colors. In the second mode, if the ejector becomes unable to eject the first color of a liquid among multiple colors, the control unit causes the ejector to eject the second color of liquid instead of the first color liquid.

3. The recording device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquids of various colors. In the second mode, if the ejector becomes unable to eject the first color of the multi-color liquid, the control unit causes the ejector to eject the second and third color liquids to the medium instead of the first color liquid.

4. The recording device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquids of various colors. In the second mode, if the first detection unit detects that the volume of the first color liquid among multiple colored liquids is lower than the predetermined amount, the control unit causes the ejector to eject the second color liquid into the medium instead of the first color liquid.

5. The recording device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquids of various colors. In the second mode, if the first detection unit detects that the volume of the first color liquid among multiple colored liquids is lower than the predetermined amount, the control unit causes the ejector to eject the second color liquid and the third color liquid to the medium instead of the first color liquid.

6. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquids of various colors. In the second mode, if the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is lower than the predetermined amount and the ejector becomes unable to eject the first color of liquid, the control unit causes the ejector to eject the second color of liquid instead of the first color of liquid.

7. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquids of various colors. In the second mode, when the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume of all colors of liquid is lower than the predetermined amount and the ejector becomes unable to eject the first color of liquid, the control unit causes the ejector to eject the second color of liquid and the third color of liquid to the medium instead of the first color of liquid.

8. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the medium's color than the brightness of the first color and the brightness of the third color.

9. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquids of various colors. In the second mode, the control unit, instead of using the first color liquid among multiple colored liquids, causes the ejector to spray a second color liquid and another color liquid onto the medium. The brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the color of the medium than the individual brightness of all other colors.

10. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquids of various colors. In the second mode, if the first detection unit detects that the volume of all colored liquids is below the predetermined amount, the control unit causes the ejector to eject the second color liquid and another color liquid from the multi-colored liquids into the medium. The brightness of the second color is closer to the brightness of the color of the medium than the individual brightness of all other colors.

11. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The ejector section is capable of ejecting liquids of various colors. In the second mode, the control unit, instead of using the first color liquid among multiple colored liquids, causes the ejector to spray the second and third color liquids onto the medium. The first color of the liquid is black.

12. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It has a storage section. In the second mode, the control unit stores the condition in the storage unit that the ejector is unable to eject the liquid.

13. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The supply unit has a storage section for storing the liquid from the liquid receiving unit. The first detection unit detects when the liquid level in the storage section is lower than the specified amount.

14. The recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The supply unit has a storage section for storing the liquid from the liquid receiving unit. The recording device also includes a waste liquid recovery unit, which recovers the waste liquid discharged from the ejection section and stores the waste liquid in a waste liquid collection unit. In the second mode, the control unit causes the waste liquid recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit to return to the storage unit.

15. The recording apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein It also has: The waste liquid recovery unit recovers the waste liquid discharged from the ejection unit and stores the waste liquid in the waste liquid collection unit; The third detection unit detects when the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection unit exceeds the allowable amount. In the second mode, even if the third detection unit detects that the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection unit exceeds the allowable amount, the control unit continues to eject the liquid by the ejection unit.

16. The recording apparatus of claim 15, wherein It also has: The housing, which constitutes the exterior of the recording device; The fourth detection unit detects the waste liquid leaking to the outside of the casing. In the second mode, if the fourth detection unit detects the waste liquid, the control unit stops the ejection of the liquid by the ejection unit.

17. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, It also has: The waste liquid recovery unit recovers the waste liquid discharged from the ejection unit and stores the waste liquid in the waste liquid collection unit; The third detection unit detects when the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection unit exceeds the allowable amount. The second waste liquid collection unit is capable of collecting the waste liquid. In the second mode, if the third detection unit detects that the liquid volume in the waste liquid collection unit exceeds the allowable amount, the control unit will collect the waste liquid recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit into the second waste liquid collection unit.

18. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, It also has a plug for receiving electrical power. The control unit is capable of executing the first mode when the plug is being supplied with power from a commercial power source, and the second mode when the plug is being supplied with power from a battery.

19. A control method for a recording device, characterized in that, The recording device includes: The ejector section sprays liquid into the medium; A supply unit that supplies the liquid from a liquid receiving unit to a spraying unit; The first detection unit detects if the liquid level inside the liquid receiving section or the supply section is lower than a predetermined amount. The recording device sprays the liquid onto the medium to perform recording. In the control method of the recording device, a first mode and a second mode can be executed. The first mode is a mode in which the ejection of liquid into the medium by the ejection unit is restricted when the first detection unit detects that the liquid volume is lower than the predetermined amount. The second mode is a mode in which the ejection of the liquid into the medium by the ejector is not restricted until the ejector becomes unable to eject the liquid.

Images