Recording device and method for controlling the same

Abstract

To perform suction recovery operation while suppressing ink consumption when replacing a recording head.SOLUTION: A recording device is equipped with: a mounting part capable of replaceably mounting a head for discharging ink; a tank for storing ink to be supplied to the head through a tube; a cap for covering a discharge port of the head; and a pump for suctioning ink from the head through the cap. The recording device comprises: detection means for detecting that a head mounted to the mounting part has been replaced; acquisition means for acquiring information of use history of the replaced head; and control means for executing control so that suction operation performed by the pump after replacing the head is changed according to the information of the use history.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for a suction operation in a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a recording device that includes a recording head with an ejection port for ejecting ink and an ink tank capable of storing ink, and that connects the recording head and the ink tank with a tube. In such a recording device, air bubbles are generated on the inner wall of the tube over time, and as the air bubbles flow into the recording head during printing operations, the amount of ink filled inside the recording head gradually decreases, eventually resulting in ejection failure. In such a situation, the ejection function can be restored by performing a recovery operation (cleaning) of the recording head.

[0003] When cleaning the print head, ink is consumed. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus that selects one of two suction operations with different suction amounts based on the amount of ink remaining in the print head in order to reduce the amount of ink consumed by cleaning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-341103 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is premised on performing a suction recovery operation on the print head during use. When a print head is replaced, it is required to perform a suction recovery operation while suppressing the amount of ink consumption.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to perform a suction recovery operation while suppressing the amount of ink consumed when a print head is replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A recording device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a recording device comprising: an attachment section to which an ink-ejecting head can be attached in a replaceable manner; a tank for storing ink to be supplied to the head via a tube; a cap for covering the ejection port of the head; and a pump for sucking ink from the head via the cap, and is characterized in that the recording device comprises a detection means for detecting that the head attached to the attachment section has been replaced; an acquisition means for acquiring information on the usage history of the replaced head; and a control means for controlling the suction operation performed by the pump after the head is replaced so as to be changed based on the information on the usage history. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when a print head is replaced, a suction recovery operation can be performed while suppressing the amount of ink consumed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recording apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a supply mechanism. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a recovery mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing details of a recovery mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a head and a cap. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of replacing a head. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the printing apparatus. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a sequence when replacing a head. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a cleaning sequence. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a suction process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of suction parameters for head replacement cleaning. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the amount of ink consumed during head replacement and cleaning. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram of a negative pressure profile during head replacement cleaning. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic diagram of a negative pressure profile during head replacement cleaning. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a cleaning sequence. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing suction parameters for head replacement cleaning. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the amount of ink consumed during head replacement and cleaning. [Figure 18] 13 is a schematic diagram of a negative pressure profile during head replacement cleaning. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a sequence when replacing a head. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing a cleaning sequence. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing suction parameters for head replacement cleaning. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the amount of ink consumed during head replacement and cleaning. [Figure 23] 13 is a schematic diagram of a negative pressure profile during head replacement cleaning. FIG. [Figure 24] 13 is a schematic diagram of a negative pressure profile during head replacement cleaning. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the subject matter of the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the present embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numbers are used for the same components.

[0011] <<First embodiment>> 1 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a recording apparatus) of this embodiment. A recording head 2 (hereinafter also referred to as a head) that ejects ink droplets is mounted on a carriage 3. The head 2 and a liquid container 16 (ink tank) that contains ink are connected by a supply tube 4. Ink is supplied from the liquid container 16 to the head 2 via the supply tube 4. The head 2 of this embodiment is configured to be capable of ejecting ink of four colors: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. For this reason, four liquid containers 16 are provided corresponding to the four colors.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the recording device 100 can be classified into a paper feed section, a paper transport section, a paper discharge section, a carriage section, a cleaning section, and an exterior section in terms of the role of each mechanism. Since the present embodiment is mainly related to the suction recovery operation, the following description will mainly focus on the configuration related to the cleaning section.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the supply mechanism of this embodiment. The supply mechanism includes a head 2, a supply tube 4, and a liquid container 16. The black ink liquid container 16a is connected to the black ink head 2a (hereinafter also referred to as the BK head) via a BK supply tube 4a. The color ink liquid container 16b is connected to the color ink head 2b (hereinafter also referred to as the CL head) via a CL supply tube 4b. As described above, the color inks include cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink. The head 2 of this embodiment includes a BK head 2a that ejects one color of black ink, and a CL head 2b that ejects three colors of cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink. Therefore, the color ink liquid container 16b and the CL supply tube 4b are, in detail, a collective term for the three corresponding to the three colors. The carriage 3 functions as a mounting section, and the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b are detachably mounted thereon. The BK head 2a and the CL head 2b are each provided with a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink, and each ejection port is provided with an energy generating element for generating energy for ejecting ink.

[0014] 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the recovery mechanism of this embodiment. The recovery mechanism includes a cap 5, a suction tube 6, and a suction pump 7. The cap 5 includes a black cap 5a for covering the ejection port of the BK head 2a and a color cap 5b for covering the ejection port of the CL head 2b. The black cap 5a and the color cap 5b are connected to the suction pump 7 via a suction tube 6 connected to the lower part of the cap 5.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the details of the recovery mechanism of this embodiment. When the suction pump 7 is driven in a state where the head 2 and the cap 5 are in close contact with each other, a suction operation is performed at the nozzle of the head 2. The suction tube 6 is sandwiched between the roller 8 and the guide 17 that constitute the suction pump 7. In the suction pump 7, the shaft on which the roller 8 is arranged rotates, so that the suction tube 6 sandwiched between the roller 8 and the guide 17 is crushed, and the roller 8 rotates to reduce the pressure inside the suction tube 6. As a result, the head 2 and the cap 5 that communicate with the suction tube 6 are also reduced in pressure, and a negative pressure is generated, so that ink is sucked from the nozzle 9 of the head 2. The amount of suction is controlled by the number of rotations and the rotation speed of the roller 8. The ink discharged from the nozzle 9 by suction flows into the waste ink tank 11 through the waste ink tube 10. A waste ink absorber 18 is provided inside the waste ink tank 11. The waste ink absorber 18 prevents waste ink from leaking out even when the recording device 100 is tilted.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the head 2 and the cap 5 of this embodiment. The head 2 of this embodiment is an inkjet type head that uses thermal energy to eject ink. The head 2 includes a plurality of heater boards that generate thermal energy as energy generating elements. The head 2 generates thermal energy by a pulse signal applied to the heater board. This thermal energy causes film boiling inside the ink liquid, and the ink is ejected from the ejection port by using the bubbling pressure of the film boiling to perform recording. In order to prevent the ink supply to the ejection port 9 from being insufficient when recording is performed using a high flow rate of ink, a sub-tank 19 that can hold ink is provided integrally with the head 2. An absorber 12 is provided inside the sub-tank 19. The absorber 12 is configured to be able to hold ink inside. An air layer 13 is provided above the absorber 12. A liquid chamber 14 is provided below the absorber 12. The ejection port 9 is joined to the bottom of the liquid chamber 14.

[0017] It is preferable that the supply tube 4 is always filled with ink. The supply tube 4 connecting the liquid container 16 and the sub tank 19 is made of flexible rubber or resin. Therefore, it has some gas permeability. In addition, since the inside of the supply tube 4 is also at a negative pressure similar to that of the head 2, air gradually enters the supply tube 4 from the atmosphere through the tube wall, and air bubbles may be generated when the head 2 is left unused for a long period of time. Furthermore, air bubbles also enter the supply tube 4 when the liquid container 16 is replaced. If these air bubbles flow into the head 2, there is a risk that normal ejection will not be possible. In addition, the more air there is in the supply tube 4, the more air may enter the supply tube 4. For this reason, it is preferable that the supply tube 4 is always filled with ink.

[0018] The recording device 100 is configured to be capable of performing suction recovery operations for the purposes of discharging ink that has solidified near the ejection ports 9, removing air bubbles in the supply tube 4 and head 2, and filling the head 2 and supply tube 4 with ink. The suction recovery operation is performed using the recovery mechanism described in Fig. 4. Examples of conditions that require the suction recovery operation include when ink that has adhered to the surface of the ejection ports 9 evaporates and solidifies, when a certain amount of time has passed since the previous suction recovery operation was performed, when air bubbles have flowed into the supply tube 4 and head 2, or when the head is replaced.

[0019] When air bubbles 15 flow into the supply tube 4, the air bubbles 15 in the supply tube 4 flow into the head 2 due to the recording operation. When air bubbles flow into the head 2, the amount of ink held in the absorber 12 decreases. When the air bubbles 15 eventually flow all the way to the ejection port 9, all the ink in the head 2 is replaced with air bubbles, causing an ejection failure in which ejection is not performed normally. In this case, suction must be performed to refill the ink inside the absorber 12 and recover from the ejection failure. This is the suction recovery operation that is performed when air bubbles flow into the supply tube 4 and head 2.

[0020] A suction recovery operation is also performed when replacing the heads. In this embodiment, when the head 2 is removed from the carriage, both the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b are simultaneously opened to the atmosphere. Then, due to the head head difference, the ink filling the supply tube 4 retreats to the liquid container 16, and air flows into the supply tube 4. Therefore, even when replacing either the BK head 2a or the CL head 2b, suction is performed on both the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b. As described above, it is preferable that the supply tube 4 is always filled with ink.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of replacing the head 2 of this embodiment. Figs. 6(a) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing a state in which the already installed head 2 is removed and a new head 2 is installed. Note that, by removing the head 2, as described above, the ink filled in the supply tube 4 has retreated to the liquid container 16, and air has flowed into the supply tube 4. Note that the head 2 may be replaced with an unused head that has no usage history, or may be replaced with a used head that has a usage history.

[0022] FIG. 6(a) is a schematic diagram of a head 2 that has not been used when it is attached to the supply tube 4. The amount of ink remaining in the head 2 is greater than the amount of air that can be accommodated in the supply tube 4. FIG. 6(b) is a schematic diagram of a head 2 that has been used when it is attached to the supply tube 4. In the case of FIG. 6(b) as well, the amount of ink remaining in the head 2 is greater than the amount of air that can be accommodated in the supply tube 4. FIG. 6(c) is a schematic diagram of a head 2 that has been used when it is attached to the supply tube 4. In FIG. 6(c), the amount of ink remaining in the head 2 is less than the amount of air that can be accommodated in the supply tube 4.

[0023] If printing is continued with the head in the state of Figures 6(a) and (b), air in the supply tube 4 will flow into the head 2. Due to the inflow of air, as described above, the ink held in the absorber 12 in the head 2 will be replaced by air. This causes the amount of ink held in the absorber 12 to decrease, and the amount of ink remaining in the head 2 to decrease. Here, the amount of ink remaining in the head 2 in Figures 6(a) and (b) is greater than the amount of air that can be contained in the supply tube 4. For this reason, even if all the air in the supply tube 4 flows into the head 2, ink will remain in the absorber 12 as shown in Figure 6(d), so no ejection failure will occur.

[0024] On the other hand, if recording is continued in the state of the head 2 in FIG. 6(c), air in the supply tube 4 flows into the head 2, and the ink in the head 2 is replaced with air, causing ejection failure. For this reason, in order to prevent ejection failure, it is required to perform suction after replacing the head 2 to fill the head 2 and the supply tube 4 with ink. In the cases of FIGS. 6(a) and (b), ejection failure will not occur immediately even if recording is continued without performing suction after replacing the head 2, but as described above, it is preferable that the supply tube 4 is filled with ink. Therefore, when the head 2 is replaced, suction is performed to fill the ink. At this time, in the cases of FIGS. 6(a) and (b), it is preferable to perform suction with an amount of suction that fills the supply tube 4 with ink. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 6(c), it is preferable to perform suction with an amount of suction that fills both the head 2 and the supply tube 4 with ink. This reduces the amount of ink consumed by the suction recovery operation when replacing the head, and an appropriate recovery operation is performed. Details will be described later.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the recording device 100 of this embodiment. The ROM 4001 stores the control program to be executed and each setting value in the control. The RAM 4002 expands the control program when the control program is executed, stores the recording data and control instructions, and stores the control variables in each control. The timer circuit 4003 is a circuit capable of acquiring the current time or a circuit capable of measuring the elapsed time. The non-volatile memory 4004 is a storage device capable of storing the parameters stored in the control even when the power of the main body is turned off. The control circuit 4000 executes the control program stored in the ROM 4001 or the control program expanded in the RAM 4002. The control circuit 4000 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU.

[0026] The external connection circuit 4005 is an interface for wired or wireless communication with an external host device, and is a circuit that enables the control circuit 4000 to handle signals from the host device as control signals. Data of an image to be recorded is received from the host device via the external connection circuit 4005 and input to the recording device 100.

[0027] The control circuit 4000 loads the received image data in a RAM 4002. Based on the data loaded in the RAM 4002, the control circuit 4000 controls the driving of the head 2 via a head unit drive circuit 4006. The control circuit 4000 also controls a carriage motor 4011 via a carriage motor drive circuit 4010. One printing scan is executed by ejecting ink at a desired position on the printing medium under the control of the control circuit 4000. The control circuit 4000 controls a paper feed motor 4013 via a paper feed motor drive circuit 4012 to transport the printing medium by a desired distance.

[0028] In addition, the suction recovery operation in this embodiment is performed by the control circuit 4000 controlling the purge motor 4009 via the purge motor drive circuit 4008. The purge motor 4009 drives the suction pump 7. The control circuit 4000 controls the purge motor 4009 via the purge motor drive circuit 4008, so that a desired amount of ink can be sucked from the head 2. In addition, as a recovery operation, there is a preliminary ejection operation that performs ejection not used for recording. The preliminary ejection operation is an operation that performs ejection not on a recording medium but on a predetermined position not used for recording (on the cap 5 in this case). The ink ejection performed on the cap 5 is performed by the control circuit 4000 controlling the drive of the head unit 4007 via the head unit drive circuit 4006, so that a desired amount of ink is discharged. In this case, the pattern for driving the head 2 is based on any one of the data expanded in the RAM 4002, the data in the ROM 4001, or the data generated by the control circuit 4000, as in the recording operation.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sequence for head replacement in this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 8 is executed when the recording device 100 transitions to a head replacement mode. The transition to the head replacement mode is triggered by a user operation using an operation panel (not shown) or by the cover of the main body being opened. When the head replacement sequence is entered, the carriage 3 moves from the standby position to the head replacement position. FIG. 8 shows the process after the carriage 3 moves to the head replacement position. The process shown in FIG. 8 is realized by the control circuit 4000 loading a control program stored in the ROM into the RAM 4002 and the control circuit 4000 executing the loaded control program.

[0030] In S801, the control circuit 4000 determines whether the head 2 is correctly set (mounted) on the carriage 3. For example, this is determined based on whether the control circuit 4000 can detect a contact pad provided on the head 2. If the head 2 is not correctly mounted on the carriage 3, the process ends. If the head 2 is correctly mounted on the carriage 3, the process proceeds to S802.

[0031] In S802, the control circuit 4000 judges whether the head 2 has been attached or detached. The control circuit 4000 periodically checks the attachment state of the head 2, detects that the head 2 has been removed, and then judges that the head 2 has been attached or detached when it detects that the head 2 has been attached. In addition, when it detects that the head 2 has been attached in a state where the head is not attached, such as in an initial state, it also judges that the head 2 has been attached or detached. If the head 2 has been attached or detached, the process proceeds to S803, and if the head 2 has not been attached or detached, the process proceeds to S810. The judgment in S802 is made at the timing when the user's operation is completed, for example, when the main body cover is closed. In S810, the control circuit 4000 performs preliminary ejection and ends the process. The case where the process proceeds to S810 is when the head replacement sequence is executed but the head is not replaced. Even if the head is not replaced, the head 2 has moved to the head replacement position, so the ejection port 9 is exposed to air. In this state, there is a risk that the ink in the vicinity of the ejection ports 9 will dry and solidify, so even if the head 2 is not replaced, a preliminary ejection will be performed.

[0032] In S803 to S805, the control circuit 4000 judges whether the head 2 is unused. In detail, in S803, it is judged whether the BK head 2a is unused. If the BK head 2a is unused, the process proceeds to S804, and if it is not unused (i.e., it has been used), the process proceeds to S805. In S804, the control circuit 4000 judges whether the CL head 2b is unused. If the CL head 2b is unused, the process proceeds to S806, and if it is not unused, the process proceeds to S807. In S805, the control circuit judges whether the CL head 2b is unused. If the CL head 2b is unused, the process proceeds to S808, and if it is not unused, the process proceeds to S809. That is, if both the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b are unused heads, the process proceeds to S806. If the BK head 2a is unused and the CL head 2b has been used, the process proceeds to S807. If the BK head 2a has been used and the CL head 2b is unused, the process proceeds to S808. If both the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b have been used, the process proceeds to S809.

[0033] The head 2 of this embodiment includes a non-volatile memory (not shown). For example, information about individual differences of the head is stored in the non-volatile memory in the head. For example, the heating conditions of the heater board are stored. In S803 to S805, the control circuit 4000 checks the writing history in the non-volatile memory in the head to determine whether the attached head 2 is unused or used. For example, if nothing is written in the non-volatile memory in the head, it is determined that the head 2 is unused. Note that the non-volatile memory in the head may include information indicating whether it has been used, and the determination may be made by referring to this information. In addition, information on the usage history indicating whether the head 2 is unused or used may be obtained from any information stored in the non-volatile memory in the head.

[0034] For example, if both the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b fail and both heads are replaced, the attached BK head 2a and CL head 2b are both unused heads. In this case, the control circuit 4000 sets a cleaning flag H1 in S806. If the BK head fails and only the BK head 2a is replaced, the BK head 2a is unused and the CL head 2b is a used head. In this case, a cleaning flag H2 is set in S807. If the CL head 2b fails and only the CL head 2b is replaced, the BK head 2a is unused and the CL head 2b is a used head. In this case, a cleaning flag H3 is set in S808. If the head 2 is removed from the carriage 3 but the same head is reattached, both the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b are unused. In this case, a cleaning flag H4 is set in S809. The flags from S806 to S809 are stored in, for example, the RAM 4002 or the non-volatile memory 4004. Once any of the processes in S806 to S809 has been performed, the process proceeds to S811.

[0035] In S811, the control circuit 4000 performs cleaning according to the flag. Then, the processing of this flowchart ends. In the processing of FIG. 8, when the cleaning operation is performed, the preliminary ejection is not performed. In the cleaning operation, a suction recovery operation is performed as described below. The amount of recovery is greater in the suction recovery operation than in the preliminary ejection operation. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the cleaning operation is performed in S811, the preliminary ejection operation is not performed.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the cleaning sequence in this embodiment. That is, Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the cleaning operation in S811. There are two types of suction methods in this embodiment: BK individual suction and CL individual suction. As described above, in this embodiment, when either head is replaced, suction is performed on both heads, including the head that is not replaced. First, in S901, the control circuit 4000 performs BK individual suction. Next, in S902, the control circuit 4000 performs CL individual suction. The order may be reversed.

[0037] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the suction process of this embodiment, that is, Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the details of the suction process performed in S901 and S902.

[0038] In S1001, the control circuit 4000 performs a cap close process to bring the cap 5 into close contact with the discharge port surface of the head 2. Next, in S1002, the control circuit 4000 starts the pump rotation of the suction pump 7 and starts suction. In S1002, the pump rotates at a predetermined rotation speed according to the flag described above, and then in S1003, the pump rotation is stopped and suction ends. Details of this process will be described later.

[0039] Next, in S1004, the control circuit 4000 performs a cap open process to separate the cap 5 from the ejection port surface. This opens the inside of the head 2 to the atmosphere. Next, in S1005, the control circuit 4000 rotates the suction pump 7 again to perform idle suction and discharge ink remaining in the cap 5. Idle suction means suction performed in an uncapped state. After performing suction for a predetermined number of rotations, in S1006 the control circuit 4000 stops the pump rotation and stops the idle suction. Next, in S1007 the control circuit 4000 performs wiping of the ejection port surface. The wiping is performed by driving a wiper provided in the recovery mechanism.

[0040] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of suction parameters for head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. That is, Fig. 11 shows an example of suction parameters used in the suction operation performed in S1002. The suction parameters shown in Fig. 11 are stored in the ROM 4001 or non-volatile memory 4004. In this embodiment, the rotation amount of the suction pump 7 is shown as the drive amount of the suction pump. As the drive amount, the number of slits, which is the operational resolution of the suction pump 7, is shown. In addition, the drive speed is also shown as a parameter that affects the suction force. As the drive speed, the number of slits / second is shown.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 11, the drive amount and drive speed are defined for each of the four flags, that is, cleaning H1 to H4, in BK individual suction and CL individual suction. The flags of cleaning H1 to H4 are flags that specify a combination of information on the usage history of the BK head (first head) and the CL head (second head). As shown in FIG. 11, in the BK individual suction of cleaning H1 and H2, which corresponds to the case where the BK head 2a is unused, the drive amount is set to 10,000 in order to fill the BK supply tube 4a with ink. On the other hand, in the BK individual suction of cleaning H3 and H4, which corresponds to the case where the BK head 2a has been used, the drive amount is set to 20,000 in order to fill the BK head 2a and the BK supply tube 4a with ink. In other words, when the BK head 2a has been used, both the BK head 2a and the BK supply tube 4a are filled with ink, so the drive amount is larger than when the BK head 2a is unused and the BK supply tube 4a is filled with ink.

[0042] Similarly, in the CL individual suction of cleanings H1 and H3 corresponding to the case where the CL head 2b is unused, the drive amount is set to 30000 in order to fill the CL supply tube 4b with ink. The CL head 2b contains three colors of ink in one head, and the tube volume of the CL supply tube 4b is larger than the tube volume of the BK supply tube 4a. Therefore, the drive amount when filling the CL supply tube 4b with ink is set to a value larger than the drive amount when filling the BK supply tube 4a with ink. In the CL individual suction of cleanings H2 and H4 corresponding to the case where the CL head 2b has been used, the drive amount is set to 60000 in order to fill the CL head 2b and the CL supply tube 4b with ink. In the example of FIG. 11, the drive speed is constant at 1000 in both the BK individual suction and the CL individual suction, and the drive amount is made different.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the amount of ink consumed in the head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. FIG. 12 shows the amount of ink consumed when suction is performed with the drive amount shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, there is a correlation between the drive amount in FIG. 11 and the amount of ink consumed in FIG. 12. In the BK individual suction of cleanings H1 and H2, the amount of ink consumed is set to 50 g in order to fill the BK supply tube 4a with ink. In the BK individual suction of cleanings H3 and H4, the amount of ink consumed is set to 100 g in order to fill both the BK head 2a and the BK supply tube 4a with ink. Similarly, in the CL individual suction of cleanings H1 and H3, the amount of ink consumed is set to 150 g in order to fill the CL supply tube 4b with ink. In the CL individual suction of cleanings H2 and H4, the amount of ink consumed is set to 300 g in order to fill both the CL head 2b and the CL supply tube 4b with ink. Note that the unit g used here is used to explain the relative amount relationship of each head replacement cleaning, and the absolute amount is also a schematic value. Moreover, the ink consumption amount referred to here does not refer to the amount of ink discharged from the head 2, but refers to the amount of ink consumed from the liquid container 16. In the case of the CL head 2b, the total consumption amount of each ink is indicated.

[0044] 13 is a schematic diagram of the negative pressure profile of the BK head 2a in the capped state during head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. The drive speeds of the cleanings H1, H2, H3, and H4 are all constant at 1000, so there is no difference in the achieved negative pressure. In the BK head 2a, the drive amount of the cleanings H1 and H2 is smaller than that of the cleanings H3 and H4. Therefore, the drive time of the cleanings H1 and H2 is shorter than that of the cleanings H3 and H4.

[0045] 14 is a schematic diagram of the negative pressure profile in the capping state of the CL head 2b during head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. The drive speeds of the cleanings H1, H2, H3, and H4 are all constant at 1000, so there is no difference in the achieved negative pressure. In the CL head 2b, the drive amount of the cleanings H1 and H3 is smaller than that of the cleanings H2 and H4. Therefore, the drive time of the cleanings H1 and H3 is shorter than that of the cleanings H2 and H4.

[0046] As described above, according to this embodiment, the suction recovery operation can be appropriately performed when replacing the recording head. That is, in this embodiment, when the head 2 is removed, the supply tube 4 that was connected to the head 2 is opened to the atmosphere, and air bubbles flow into the supply tube 4. At this time, control is performed to change the suction amount based on the usage history of the replaced head. Specifically, when the head is unused, suction is performed with a smaller suction amount than when the head has been used. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of ink consumed when replacing the head. That is, the amount of ink consumed from the liquid container 16 is reduced, and as a result, the amount of ink consumed discharged from the head 2 during the suction recovery operation can be reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, control is performed by estimating the remaining amount of ink in a replaced (i.e. newly installed) head from its usage history without using a remaining amount detection pin or the like to detect the amount of ink remaining in the head. This makes it possible to perform suction recovery operation with an appropriate suction amount without using a remaining amount detection pin or the like, thereby reducing costs.

[0048] <<Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which, when the head 2 is capped with the cap 5, one of the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b can be selectively sucked. In this embodiment, an example is described in which, when the head 2 is capped with the cap 5, the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b can be simultaneously sucked. The basic device configuration and head replacement sequence are similar to the example described in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted here. Below, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0049] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the cleaning sequence in this embodiment. Like the first embodiment, Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing details of the execution of cleaning in S811. There are two types of suction methods in this embodiment: BKCL simultaneous suction and CL individual suction. As described above, BKCL simultaneous suction is an operation in which both the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b are sucked simultaneously.

[0050] In this embodiment, in S1501, the control circuit 4000 performs BKCL simultaneous suction. Next, in S1502, the control circuit 4000 performs CL individual suction. The operation during each suction is the same as the example described in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the CL head 2b can also be sucked during BKCL simultaneous suction. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of drive for CL individual suction. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for head replacement cleaning. In BKCL simultaneous suction, suction required for the BK supply tube 4a, or suction required for both the BK head 2a and the BK supply tube 4a is performed.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the suction parameters of the head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. In the BKCL simultaneous suction of the cleanings H1 and H2, the drive amount is set to 10,000 in response to the ink filling of the BK supply tube 4a. This drive amount shows a value corresponding to the drive amount described in FIG. 11 of the first embodiment. That is, the volume of the supply tube 4 and the head 2 in this embodiment will be described as being the same as in the first embodiment. In the BKCL simultaneous suction of the cleanings H3 and H4, the drive amount is set to 20,000 in response to the ink filling of both the BK head 2a and the BK supply tube 4a. In the CL individual suction of the cleaning H1, suction of the drive amount of 10,000 has already been performed during the BKCL simultaneous suction, and a drive amount of 30,000 is required to fill the CL supply tube 4b. For this reason, the drive amount is set to 20,000. In the CL individual suction of cleaning H2, suction with a drive amount of 10,000 has already been performed when simultaneously suctioning BK and CL, and a drive amount of 60,000 is required to fill the CL head 2b and the CL supply tube 4b. For this reason, the drive amount is set to 50,000. In the CL individual suction of cleaning H3, suction with a drive amount of 20,000 has already been performed when simultaneously suctioning BK and CL, and a drive amount of 30,000 is required to fill the CL supply tube 4b. For this reason, the drive amount is set to 10,000. In the CL individual suction of cleaning H4, suction with a drive amount of 20,000 has already been performed when simultaneously suctioning BK and CL, and a drive amount of 60,000 is required to fill the CL head 2b and the CL supply tube 4b. For this reason, the drive amount is set to 40,000.

[0052] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the amount of ink consumed in head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. FIG. 17 shows the amount of ink consumed when suction is performed with the drive amount shown in FIG. 16, so there is a correlation between the drive amount and the amount of ink consumed. First, black ink will be described. In the simultaneous BKCL suction of cleanings H1 and H2, ink is filled into the BK supply tube 4a, and the ink consumption is set to 50 g. In the simultaneous BKCL suction of cleanings H3 and H4, ink is filled into both the BK head 2a and the BK supply tube 4a, and the ink consumption is set to 100 g. Next, color ink will be described. In the individual CL suction of cleaning H1, suction of 50 ink consumption is performed during simultaneous BKCL suction, and 150 ink consumption is required to fill the CL supply tube 4b. For this reason, the ink consumption is set to 100 g. In the individual CL suction of cleaning H2, suction of 50 ink consumption is performed during simultaneous BKCL suction, and 300 g ink consumption is required to fill the CL head 2b and the CL supply tube 4b. For this reason, the ink consumption is set to 250g. In the CL individual suction of cleaning H3, suction of 100g of ink is performed when simultaneously suctioning BKCL, and 150g of ink is required to fill the CL supply tube 4b. For this reason, the ink consumption is set to 50g. In the CL individual suction of cleaning H4, suction of 100g of ink is performed when simultaneously suctioning BKCL, and 300g of ink is required to fill the CL head 2b and the CL supply tube 4b. For this reason, the ink consumption is set to 200g.

[0053] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram of the negative pressure profile when the CL head 2b is capped during head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. Since suction is performed twice, with simultaneous BKCL suction and CL single suction, a two-peak negative pressure waveform is obtained. The drive speeds of the cleanings H1, H2, H3, and H4 are constant at 1000, so there is no difference in the achieved negative pressure. There is a correlation between the drive amount and the drive time, so as shown in Fig. 18, as the drive amount decreases, the drive time also becomes shorter.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment as well, the suction recovery operation can be performed appropriately when replacing the print head. In addition, in this embodiment, since the CL head 2b also performs suction during simultaneous BKCL suction, the amount of drive for CL individual suction can be reduced. Therefore, the time required for head replacement cleaning can be shortened.

[0055] <<Third embodiment>> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which both the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b are simultaneously opened to the atmosphere when the heads 2 are removed from the carriage 3. This embodiment describes an example in which only the BK head 2a is opened to the atmosphere when only the BK head 2a is removed from the carriage 3, and in which only the CL head 2b is opened to the atmosphere when only the CL head 2b is removed from the carriage 3. The basic device configuration and head replacement sequence are similar to the example described in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted here. Below, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0056] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the sequence when replacing a head in this embodiment. The processes of S1901 and S1902 are the same as those of S801 and S802 in Fig. 8 described in the first embodiment. In S1903, the control circuit 4000 judges whether the BK head 2a has been detached. If it is determined that the BK head 2a has not been detached, the process proceeds to S1907. If it is determined that the BK head 2a has been detached, the process proceeds to S1904.

[0057] In S1904, the control circuit 4000 checks the write history in the non-volatile memory in the BK head 2a to determine whether the attached BK head 2a is unused or has been used. If it is unused, the process proceeds to S1905, where a cleaning flag H5 is set, and the process proceeds to S1907. If it has been used, the process proceeds to S1906, where a cleaning flag H6 is set, and the process proceeds to S1907.

[0058] In S1907, the control circuit 4000 determines whether the CL head 2b has been attached or detached. If it is determined that the CL head 2b has not been attached or detached, the process proceeds to S1911. If it is determined that the CL head 2b has been attached or detached, the process proceeds to S1908. In S1908, the control circuit 4000 checks the write history in the non-volatile memory in the CL head 2b to determine whether the attached CL head 2b is unused or has been used. If it is unused, the process proceeds to S1909, where a cleaning flag H7 is set, and the process proceeds to S1911. If it has been used, the process proceeds to S1910, where a cleaning flag H8 is set, and the process proceeds to S1911.

[0059] In S1911, the control circuit 4000 executes cleaning according to the flag set in S1905, S1906, S1909, or S1910. Details will be described later. Next, in S1912, the control circuit 4000 executes preliminary ejection as necessary. The reason for executing preliminary ejection when it is determined in S1902 that the head is not detached (No) is as described in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, when either the BK head 2a or the CL head 2b is detached, the other head does not perform suction recovery. However, as also described in the first embodiment, since the head has moved to the standby position, the ejection port is exposed to air. Therefore, when the process proceeds to S1912 following S1911, preliminary ejection is executed for the head that has not been cleaned in S1911. Note that, if cleaning has been executed for both the BK head 2a and the CL head 2b in S1911, the preliminary ejection process in S1912 may be skipped.

[0060] 20 is a flowchart showing a cleaning sequence in this embodiment. There are two types of suction methods in this embodiment: BK individual suction and CL individual suction. First, in S2001, the control circuit 4000 executes BK individual suction in accordance with the flag set in S1905 or S1906. If the flag is not set in S1905 or S1906, the process of S2001 is skipped. Next, in S2002, the control circuit 4000 executes CL individual suction in accordance with the flag set in S1909 or S1910. If the flag is not set in S1909 or S1910, the process of S2002 is skipped.

[0061] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing suction parameters for head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. The drive amount required for filling each head 2 and each supply tube 4 is the same as the example described in the first embodiment. Cleaning H5 is cleaning performed to fill the BK supply tube 4a with ink, and the drive amount is set to 10,000. Cleaning H6 is cleaning performed to fill both the BK head 2a and the BK supply tube 4a with ink, and the drive amount is set to 20,000. Cleaning H7 is cleaning performed to fill the CL supply tube 4b with ink, and the drive amount is set to 30,000. Cleaning H8 is cleaning performed to fill both the CL head 2b and the CL supply tube 4b with ink, and the drive amount is set to 60,000.

[0062] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the amount of ink consumed in head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. Fig. 22 shows the amount of ink consumed when suction is performed with the drive amount and drive speed shown in Fig. 21, and since the drive speed is constant, the amount of ink consumed varies depending on the drive amount. The amount of ink consumed in BK individual suction in cleaning H5 is set to 50g, and the amount of ink consumed in BK individual suction in cleaning H6 is set to 100g. The amount of ink consumed in CL individual suction in cleaning H5 is set to 150g, and the amount of ink consumed in CL individual suction in cleaning H6 is set to 300g.

[0063] 23 is a schematic diagram of the negative pressure profile when the BK head 2a is capped during head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. The drive speeds of cleanings H5 and H6 are constant at 1000, so there is no difference in the achieved negative pressure. Cleaning H5 of the BK head 2a has a smaller drive amount than cleaning H6, so the drive time is short.

[0064] 24 is a schematic diagram of the negative pressure profile when the CL head 2b is capped during head replacement cleaning in this embodiment. The drive speeds of cleanings H7 and H8 are constant at 1000, so there is no difference in the achieved negative pressure. The drive amount of cleaning H7 of the CL head 2b is smaller than that of cleaning H8, so the drive time is short.

[0065] <<Other embodiments>> In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example has been described in which information on the usage history of the head is acquired based on whether or not it has been written to the non-volatile memory in the head, but this is not limiting. The non-volatile memory in the head may be configured to write the suction history, and information on the usage history of the head may be acquired based on the information on the suction history. In addition, whether the head is unused or used may be changed depending on whether or not it has been written to the fuse ROM in the head. In addition, whether or not the heater board in the head has been used may be confirmed by the non-volatile memory in the head, and acquired as information on the usage history. In addition to the above information, information on the usage history may be acquired from a plurality of pieces of information to determine whether the head is used or unused.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the driving speed of the suction pump is constant, but the driving speed of the suction pump may be changed based on the usage history of the head.

[0067] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which head 2 is a so-called serial type head that performs printing while scanning, but a so-called line type head that has ejection ports corresponding to the width direction of the recording medium and performs printing without scanning may also be used.

[0068] <<Other embodiments>> The present disclosure includes configurations typified by the following recording apparatus example and recording apparatus control method example.

[0069] <Configuration 1> a mounting portion to which a head for ejecting ink can be replaceably mounted; a tank that contains ink to be supplied to the head via a tube; a cap for covering the ejection port of the head; a pump that sucks ink from the head through the cap; A recording device comprising: a detection means for detecting that the head attached to the attachment portion has been replaced; an acquisition means for acquiring information on a usage history of the replaced head; a control means for controlling the suction operation performed by the pump after replacing the head so as to be changed based on the information of the usage history; A recording device comprising:

[0070] <Configuration 2> 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes the amount of drive of the pump based on information about the usage history.

[0071] <Configuration 3> The control means If the usage history information indicates that the replaced head is unused, driving the pump at a first driving amount; The recording apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein if the information on the usage history indicates that the replaced head has been used, the pump is driven at a second drive amount that is greater than the first drive amount.

[0072] <Configuration 4> The recording apparatus according to configuration 3, wherein the first drive amount corresponds to a drive amount for supplying ink from the tank to the tube, and the second drive amount corresponds to a drive amount for supplying ink from the tank to both the head and the tube.

[0073] <Component 5> the recording device is configured to be capable of ejecting ink by mounting a first head and a second head different from the first head as the head, The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the control means changes the amount of pump drive performed for each of the first head and the second head based on information on the usage history of each of the first head and the second head.

[0074] <Component 6> 6. The recording apparatus according to configuration 5, wherein the first head is a head that ejects ink of one color, and the second head is a head that ejects ink of a plurality of colors.

[0075] <Component 7> The recording device described in configuration 6, characterized in that when the information on the usage history of the first head and the second head indicates the same information, the amount of drive of the pump is greater when sucking the second head than when sucking the first head.

[0076] <Component 8> When the first head or the second head is replaced, suction of the first head and the second head is performed, The recording device according to any one of configurations 5 to 7, wherein the control means changes the amount of pump drive performed for each of the first head and the second head based on a combination of information on the usage history of each of the first head and the second head.

[0077] <Component 9> The recording device described in any one of configurations 5 to 8, characterized in that when the detection means detects replacement of at least one of the first head and the second head, the control means changes the amount of drive of the pump applied to the head that has detected the replacement based on information about the usage history of the head that has detected the replacement, and also changes the amount of drive of the pump applied to the head that has not detected the replacement based on information about the usage history of the head that has not detected the replacement.

[0078] <Component 10> 10. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 5 to 9, wherein the pump is configured to be able to suck either the first head or the second head in the suction operation.

[0079] <Component 11> 10. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 5 to 9, wherein the pump is configured to be able to suck both the first head and the second head in the suction operation.

[0080] <Component 12> The recording device according to any one of configurations 5 to 9, wherein when the first head or the second head is replaced, the recording device is configured to perform suction of the replaced head and not perform suction of the head that has not been replaced.

[0081] <Component 13> 13. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the acquisition means acquires information about the usage history of the head by referring to a non-volatile memory included in the head.

[0082] <Component 14> 14. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control means determines that the head has been used if the non-volatile memory contains information that would be written if the head was used.

[0083] <Component 15> The recording device according to configuration 13 or 14, wherein the acquiring means acquires information indicating a usage history of the heater board, which is stored in a non-volatile memory provided in the head, as the usage history information.

[0084] <Component 16> 16. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein the acquisition means acquires information about the usage history of the head by referring to a fuse ROM included in the head.

[0085] <Component 17> a mounting portion to which a head for ejecting ink can be replaceably mounted; a tank that contains ink to be supplied to the head via a tube; a cap for covering the ejection port of the head; a pump that sucks ink from the head through the cap; A method for controlling a recording device comprising: detecting that the head attached to the attachment portion has been replaced; acquiring information on the usage history of the replaced head; a step of controlling the suction operation performed by the pump after replacing the head so as to be changed based on the information of the usage history; 13. A method for controlling a recording apparatus comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100 Recording device 2 Head 4 Supply Tube 5 Cap 7. Suction Pump

Claims

1. A mounting portion to which a head for ejecting ink can be detachably mounted; A tank for storing ink supplied to the head via a tube; A pump for discharging ink outside the head; Detection means for detecting that the head mounted on the mounting portion has been replaced; Acquisition means for acquiring information on the usage history indicating whether the replaced head has been used; Control means for controlling so as to change a discharging operation performed by the pump after the head is replaced based on the information on the usage history; A recording apparatus comprising the above.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes a driving amount of the pump based on the information on the usage history.

3. The control means: when the information on the usage history indicates that the replaced head has not been used, drives the pump with a first driving amount; when the information on the usage history indicates that the replaced head has been used, drives the pump with a second driving amount greater than the first driving amount. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The first driving amount corresponds to a driving amount for supplying ink from the tank to the tube, and the second driving amount corresponds to a driving amount for supplying ink from the tank to both the head and the tube. The recording apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The recording apparatus is configured such that, as the head, a first head and a second head different from the first head can be attached to eject ink; The control means changes a driving amount of the pump performed for each of the first head and the second head based on information on the usage history of each of the first head and the second head. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first head is a head for ejecting one color of ink, and the second head is a head for ejecting a plurality of colors of ink.

7. Having a cap for covering a discharge port of the head; The discharging operation by driving the pump is a suction operation for sucking ink from the head through the cap. The driving amount of the pump when the information on the usage history of the first head and the second head indicates the same information is greater when sucking the second head than when sucking the first head. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. Having a cap that covers the discharge port of the head, The discharging operation by driving the pump is a sucking operation for sucking ink from the head through the cap, When the first head or the second head is replaced, it is configured to suck the first head and the second head, The control means changes the driving amount of the pump performed on each of the first head and the second head based on the combination of the information on the usage history of each of the first head and the second head. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that.

9. When at least one of the first head and the second head is detected as being replaced by the detection means, the control means changes the driving amount of the pump performed on the head for which the replacement has been detected based on the information on the usage history of the head for which the replacement has been detected, and also changes the driving amount of the pump performed on the head for which the replacement has not been detected based on the information on the usage history of the head for which the replacement has not been detected. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that.

10. Having a cap that covers the discharge port of the head, The discharging operation by driving the pump is a sucking operation for sucking ink from the head through the cap, The pump is configured to be able to suck either the first head or the second head in the sucking operation. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that.

11. Having a cap that covers the discharge port of the head, The discharging operation by driving the pump is a sucking operation for sucking ink from the head through the cap, The pump is configured to be able to suck both the first head and the second head in the sucking operation. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that.

12. Having a cap that covers the discharge port of the head, The discharging operation by driving the pump is a sucking operation for sucking ink from the head through the cap, When the first head or the second head is replaced, suction of the replaced head is performed, and suction of the head that has not been replaced is not performed. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it is configured as such.

13. The acquisition means acquires information on the usage history of the head by referring to a non-volatile memory provided in the head. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is configured as such.

14. If there is information written in the non-volatile memory when the head is used, the control means determines that the head has been used. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that it is configured as such.

15. The acquisition means acquires, as the information on the usage history, information indicating the usage history of the heater board stored in a non-volatile memory provided in the head. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that it is configured as such.

16. The acquisition means acquires information on the usage history of the head by referring to a fuse ROM provided in the head. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is configured as such.

17. It has a cap that covers the discharge port of the head, The discharging operation is an operation in which ink is discharged to the cap. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured as such.

18. A mounting portion that can detachably mount a head that discharges ink, A tank that stores ink supplied to the head via a tube, A pump that discharges ink outside the head, A control method for a recording apparatus including: A step of detecting that the head mounted on the mounting portion has been replaced; A step of acquiring information on the usage history indicating whether the replaced head has been used; A step of controlling to change a discharging operation performed by the pump after replacing the head based on the information on the usage history; A control method for a recording apparatus, characterized in that it includes the above steps.

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