Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device, which detects a failure of a signal output part for inspection, on the basis of signal input by a user.SOLUTION: After recording processing (S101) is performed, processing for displaying an input screen for a recorded result is executed to display the input screen for the recorded result for enabling a user to select whether the recorded result is good or poor (S102). When a signal of the recorded result is received until a first time elapses after the recording processing (S103:YES), if the recorded result is good and the number N of nozzles found to be abnormal in a nozzle inspection is a predetermined number Na or more and if the recorded result is poor and the number N of the nozzles found to be abnormal in the nozzle inspection is less than the predetermined number Na (S104:NO and S105:NO), processing for displaying an inspection failure screen is executed to display the inspection failure screen for prompting a nozzle inspection part to be replaced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from a nozzle. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from a nozzle, Patent Document 1 describes a printer that ejects ink from a nozzle to perform recording. The printer described in Patent Document 1 includes an inspection signal output unit that outputs a signal according to whether or not there is an abnormality in the ejection of ink from the nozzle. This inspection signal output unit includes an electrode disposed in a cap, a high-voltage power supply that applies a high voltage to the electrode, and a signal processing circuit that outputs a signal according to a voltage change in the electrode. In the printer described in Patent Document 1, an inspection drive is performed on the inkjet head to eject ink from the nozzle toward the electrode, and based on the value of the signal output from the inspection signal output unit at this time, it is inspected whether or not there is an abnormality in the ejection of ink from the nozzle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-131463 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, if the test signal output unit is malfunctioning, the signal output from the test signal output unit may not accurately indicate whether there is an abnormality in the ink ejection from the nozzles. Therefore, in the recording device described in Patent Document 1, it is required to detect that the test signal output unit is malfunctioning.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection device that is capable of detecting a malfunction of an inspection signal output section based on a signal input by a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The liquid ejection device of the present invention comprises a head having a plurality of nozzles, a test signal output unit that outputs a test signal according to whether or not there is an abnormality in the ejection of liquid from the nozzles when a test drive is performed in the head to eject liquid from the nozzles, an operation unit that is capable of sending a predetermined signal when operated by a user, and a control unit, wherein the control unit causes the head to perform the test drive for each of the plurality of nozzles, executes an inspection process to obtain inspection information as to whether or not there is an abnormality in the ejection of liquid from the nozzles based on the test signal output from the test signal output unit, and outputs a fault signal indicating that the test signal output unit has failed when predetermined conditions are met including the condition that the predetermined signal has been received. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a fault signal is output when a predetermined condition is met, including the reception of a predetermined signal transmitted from an operation unit by a user's operation, thereby making it possible to detect a fault in the inspection signal output unit based on the signal input by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4A to 4C are diagrams for explaining electrodes arranged in a cap and a configuration for applying a voltage to the electrodes. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining the signal output from the signal processing circuit when the nozzle is normal, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining the signal output from the signal processing circuit when there is an abnormality in the nozzle discharge volume. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a process flow when a recording instruction signal is received. [Figure 6] FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining a recording result input screen, and FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining an inspection unit failure screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing a process flow when a recording instruction signal is received in an example in which a recording failure input screen is displayed, and FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining the recording failure input screen. [Figure 8] 1A is a flowchart showing the processing flow when a recording instruction signal is received in an example in which a fault signal is output when a cleaning instruction signal is received before a first time has elapsed after a recording process, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining a head fault screen. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the flow of processing when a recording instruction signal is received in an example in which a fault signal is output when predetermined conditions are satisfied, including the receipt of a recording result signal before a second time has elapsed after an inspection process. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a recording instruction signal is received in an example in which a failure signal is output when predetermined conditions are satisfied, including the reception of a recording failure signal before a second time has elapsed after an inspection process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when an inspection instruction signal is received in an example in which a failure signal is output when the number of abnormal nozzles in the inspection process is small and a cleaning instruction signal is received before a second time has elapsed after the inspection process. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when an inspection instruction signal is received in an example in which a cleaning instruction signal is received before a second time has elapsed after inspection processing and a failure signal is output if the number of abnormal nozzles in the inspection processing is large. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing a process flow when a recording instruction signal is received in an example in which a failure signal is output when an input recording result signal conflicts with inspection information. [Figure 14]1A is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when a recording instruction signal is received in an example in which a failure signal is output when a signal indicating that the inspection information is inconsistent with the recording result is input, (b) is a diagram for explaining an inspection decision input screen when the number of abnormal nozzles in the inspection information is small, and (c) is a diagram for explaining an inspection decision input screen when the number of abnormal nozzles in the inspection information is large. [Figure 15] 1A is a flowchart showing the processing flow when a check pattern recording instruction signal is received in an example in which a failure signal is output when the inspection information and the check pattern recording results do not match, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining the inspection judgment input screen. [Figure 16] 13 is a diagram for explaining a failure input screen in an example in which a user determines whether or not the discharge inspection unit is malfunctioning. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described.

[0010] <Overall printer configuration> 1, the printer 1 according to this embodiment includes a carriage 2, an inkjet head 4, a platen 5, transport rollers 6 and 7, and a maintenance unit 8. In this embodiment, the printer 1 corresponds to the "liquid ejection device" of the present invention. The inkjet head 4 corresponds to the "head" of the present invention.

[0011] The carriage 2 is supported by two guide rails 11, 12 that extend in a horizontal scanning direction. In the following description, the right and left sides of the scanning direction are defined as shown in FIG. 1. The carriage 2 is connected to a carriage motor 86 shown in FIG. 4 via a belt or the like (not shown). When the carriage motor 86 is driven, the carriage 2 moves in the scanning direction along the guide rails 11, 12.

[0012] The inkjet head 4 is mounted on the carriage 2. The inkjet head 4 ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10 formed on a nozzle surface 4a, which is the lower surface of the inkjet head 4. More specifically, the plurality of nozzles 10 are arranged in the transport direction to form a nozzle row 9, and on the nozzle surface 4a, four nozzle rows 9 are aligned in the scanning direction. The plurality of nozzles 10 eject black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks in that order, starting from the nozzle row 9 on the right side in the scanning direction. The inkjet head 4 is connected to four ink cartridges (not shown) via tubes (not shown) and the four colors of ink are supplied from these four ink cartridges.

[0013] The platen 5 is disposed below the inkjet head 4 and faces the multiple nozzles 10. The platen 5 extends over the entire length of the recording paper S in the scanning direction and supports the recording paper S from below. The transport roller 6 is disposed upstream of the inkjet head 4 and the platen 5 in the transport direction. The transport roller 7 is disposed downstream of the inkjet head 4 and the platen 5 in the transport direction. The transport rollers 6 and 7 are connected to a transport motor 87 shown in FIG. 4 via gears (not shown) and the like. When the transport motor 87 is driven, the transport rollers 6 and 7 rotate and the recording paper S is transported in the transport direction.

[0014] The maintenance unit 8 includes a cap 71, a suction pump 72, and a waste liquid tank 73. The cap 71 is disposed to the right of the platen 5 in the scanning direction. When the carriage 2 is positioned at a maintenance position to the right of the platen 5 in the scanning direction, the multiple nozzles 10 face the cap 71.

[0015] The cap 71 is connected to a cap lifting mechanism 88 shown in FIG. 4. When the cap lifting mechanism 88 is driven, the cap 71 is lifted. When the carriage 2 is positioned at the maintenance position so that the nozzles 10 and the cap 71 face each other, the cap 71 is lifted by the cap lifting mechanism 88, and the upper end of the cap 71 comes into close contact with the nozzle surface 4a, resulting in a capped state in which the nozzles 10 are covered by the cap 71. When the cap 71 is lowered, the nozzles 10 are not covered by the cap 71. Note that the cap 71 is not limited to being in close contact with the nozzle surface 4a to cover the nozzles 10. The cap 71 may be in close contact with a frame (not shown) or the like that is arranged around the nozzle surface 4a of the inkjet head 4 to cover the nozzles 10, for example.

[0016] The suction pump 72 is a tube pump or the like, and is connected to the cap 71 and the waste liquid tank 73. In the maintenance unit 8, when the suction pump 72 is driven in the above-mentioned capped state, it is possible to perform a so-called suction purge, which discharges ink from inside the inkjet head 4 through the multiple nozzles 10. The ink discharged by the suction purge is stored in the waste liquid tank 73.

[0017] For convenience, the cap 71 covers all the nozzles 10 together, and ink in the inkjet head 4 is discharged from all the nozzles 10 during suction purge. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cap 71 may have a portion covering the nozzles 10 constituting the rightmost nozzle row 9 that ejects black ink and a portion covering the nozzles 10 constituting the three leftmost nozzle rows 9 that eject color inks, and may selectively discharge either the black ink or the color ink in the inkjet head 4 during suction purge. Here, the color inks refer to yellow, cyan, and magenta inks. Alternatively, for example, the cap 71 may be provided for each nozzle row 9, and ink may be discharged from the nozzles 10 for each nozzle row 9 during suction purge.

[0018] 2, the printer 1 is equipped with a discharge inspection unit 20. The discharge inspection unit 20 has an electrode 76, a high-voltage power supply circuit 77, a signal processing circuit 78, and a resistor 79. In this embodiment, the discharge inspection unit 20 corresponds to the "inspection signal output unit" of the present invention.

[0019] The electrode 76 has a rectangular planar shape and is disposed within the cap 71. The electrode 76 is connected to a high-voltage power supply circuit 77 via a resistor 79. The high-voltage power supply circuit 77 applies a predetermined voltage, for example, about 600 V, to the electrode 76. Meanwhile, the inkjet head 4 is held at ground potential. This generates a potential difference between the inkjet head 4 and the electrode 76. The signal processing circuit 78 is connected to the electrode 76. The signal processing circuit 78 includes a differentiation circuit and the like, and outputs an inspection signal that is a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage of the electrode 76. However, the inspection signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 may be a current signal.

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the above-mentioned capping state is achieved, a voltage is applied to the electrode 76 by the high-voltage power supply circuit 77, and then a test drive can be performed for each of the multiple nozzles 10, in which the inkjet head 4 is driven to eject ink from the nozzle 10.

[0021] When ink is ejected from the nozzle 10 by the test drive, the ejected ink is charged due to the potential difference between the electrode 76 and the inkjet head 4. Then, as the charged ink approaches the electrode 76, the potential of the electrode 76 changes until the ink lands on the electrode 76. Then, after the charged ink lands on the electrode 76, the potential of the electrode 76 attenuates and returns to the potential before the ink was ejected.

[0022] As a result, when ink is normally ejected from the nozzle 10 by the test drive, the voltage of the test signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 rises and then falls, as shown in Figure 3(a), and then repeats rising and falling while attenuating, returning to the voltage before the test drive.

[0023] On the other hand, when there is an abnormality in the nozzle 10 and the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle 10 by the test drive is less than normal, as shown in Fig. 3(b), the voltage change in the test signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 is smaller than when ink is ejected normally from the nozzle 10. Here, the amount of ink ejected being less than when ink is ejected normally from the nozzle 10 also includes the case where ink is not ejected. When ink is not ejected from the nozzle 10 by the test drive, there is almost no change in the voltage of the test signal output from the signal processing circuit 78.

[0024] Thus, in this embodiment, the change in voltage of the test signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 differs depending on whether or not ink is normally ejected from the nozzle 10 when the test drive is performed. In other words, the test signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 is a signal that indicates whether or not the nozzle 10 is an abnormal nozzle that is experiencing an abnormality in the ejection of ink.

[0025] In this embodiment, a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrode 76, the inkjet head 4 is held at ground potential, and the signal processing circuit 78 outputs a signal according to the voltage of the electrode 76, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to hold the electrode 76 at ground potential and apply a predetermined voltage to the inkjet head 4 to generate a potential difference between the electrode 76 and the inkjet head 4, and to connect the signal processing circuit 78 to the inkjet head 4 and output a test signal according to the voltage of the inkjet head 4.

[0026] <Printer electrical configuration> Next, a description will be given of the electrical configuration of the printer 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the printer 1 includes a control unit 80. The control unit 80 includes a CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a memory 84, an ASIC 85, etc. The control unit 80 controls a carriage motor 86, an inkjet head 4, a transport motor 87, a cap lifting mechanism 88, a suction pump 72, a high-voltage power supply circuit 77, a signal processing circuit 78, etc.

[0027] In addition to the configuration described above, the printer 1 also includes an operation panel 69. The operation panel 69 is, for example, a touch panel provided on the housing of the printer 1. Under the control of the control unit 80, an operation screen or the like is displayed on the operation panel 69. When the user operates the operation panel 69 based on the operation screen or the like, a signal corresponding to the user's operation is transmitted to the control unit 80. Note that instead of the operation panel 69, a display unit such as a liquid crystal display on which the operation screen or the like is displayed and an operation unit such as buttons for allowing the user to operate may be provided separately.

[0028] The control unit 80 may be one in which only the CPU 81 performs various processes, one in which only the ASIC 85 performs various processes, or one in which the CPU 81 and the ASIC 85 work together to perform various processes. The control unit 80 may be one in which one CPU 81 performs processes independently, or one in which multiple CPUs 81 share the processes. The control unit 80 may be one in which one ASIC 85 performs processes independently, or one in which multiple ASICs 85 share the processes.

[0029] <Nozzle inspection control> In this embodiment, the control unit 80 executes the inspection process when it receives an inspection instruction signal instructing a nozzle inspection. For example, the control unit 80 receives the inspection instruction signal when a predetermined time comes, when a user performs an operation on the operation panel 69 instructing to perform a nozzle inspection, etc. In the inspection process, the control unit 80 controls the carriage motor 86, the cap lifting mechanism 88, etc. to set the above-mentioned cap state, applies a predetermined voltage to the electrodes by the high voltage application circuit 77, and causes the inkjet head 4 to perform an inspection drive for each of the multiple nozzles 10. Then, the control unit 80 performs a nozzle inspection to determine whether or not the nozzle 10 is an abnormal nozzle based on a signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 during the inspection drive for each nozzle 10, thereby acquiring inspection information on whether or not the nozzle is an abnormal nozzle. Then, the control unit 80 stores the acquired inspection information in the memory 84.

[0030] <Recording control> In this embodiment, when a recording instruction signal for instructing recording of an image on the recording paper S is received, the control unit 80 performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

[0031] More specifically, when the control unit 80 receives a recording instruction signal, it first executes a recording process (S101). In the recording process, the control unit 80 controls the carriage motor 86 to move the carriage 2 in the scanning direction while repeatedly performing a recording pass in which the inkjet head 4 ejects ink from the multiple nozzles 10 toward the recording paper S, and a conveying operation in which the conveying motor 87 causes the conveying rollers 6 and 7 to convey the recording paper S in the conveying direction, thereby recording an image on the recording paper S.

[0032] Next, the control unit 80 executes a recording result input screen display process (S102). In the recording result input screen display process, the control unit 80 outputs a signal to the operation panel 69 to cause the operation panel 69 to display a recording result input screen 100 as shown in FIG. 6(a).

[0033] The recording result input screen 100 has a message section 101, a good selection section 102, and a bad selection section 103. The message section 101 displays a message that prompts the user to input the recording result of the image. The good selection section 102 is a section that the user selects when the recording result of the image is good. When the good selection section 102 is selected by the user, a recording result signal indicating that the recording result of the image is good is output from the operation panel 69 to the control unit 80. The bad selection section 103 is a section that the user selects when the recording result of the image is bad. When the bad selection section 103 is selected by the user, a recording result signal indicating that the recording result of the image is bad is output from the operation panel 69 to the control unit 80. In this embodiment, the recording result signal corresponds to the "predetermined signal" of the present invention.

[0034] Returning to Fig. 5, after the recording result input screen display process of S102, the control unit 80 waits until the first time has passed since the recording process (S103: NO) and the recording result signal has not been received (S104: NO). Here, the first time has passed since the recording process may mean that the first time has passed since the start of the recording process, or may mean that the first time has passed since the completion of the recording process. When the first time has passed since the recording process (S103: YES), the control unit 80 transmits a signal to the operation panel 69 to end the display of the recording result input screen 100 (S108), and the process ends.

[0035] When the control unit 80 receives a recording result signal (S104: YES) before the first time has elapsed after the recording process (S103: NO), if the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is good and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na (S105: YES), or if the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is poor and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na (S106: YES), the control unit 80 sends a signal to the operation panel 69 to end the display of the recording result input screen 100 (S108), and the processing ends.

[0036] If the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is good and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na, and if the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is poor and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na (S105: NO, S106: NO), the control unit 80 executes an inspection unit fault screen display process (S107) and the process ends.

[0037] In the inspection unit failure screen display process, the control unit 80 transmits a failure signal to the operation panel 69, thereby causing the operation panel 69 to display an inspection unit failure screen 110 as shown in Fig. 6(b). The inspection unit failure screen 110 is a screen for encouraging replacement of the discharge inspection unit 20, and has a message section 111, a replacement selection section 112, and a non-replacement selection section 113.

[0038] The message section 111 displays a message informing the user that the discharge inspection section 20 may be broken, and a message inquiring whether or not to replace the discharge inspection section 20. The replacement selection section 112 is a section selected by the user when selecting to replace the discharge inspection section 20. When the replacement selection section 112 is selected, the control section 80 causes, for example, the operation panel 69 to display a screen showing the replacement procedure of the discharge inspection section 20. The non-replacement selection section 113 is a section selected by the user when selecting not to replace the discharge inspection section 20. When the non-replacement selection section 113 is selected, the control section 80 causes, for example, the display of the inspection section failure screen 110 to end.

[0039] <Effects> Here, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, and the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is good, the inspection information will usually indicate that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na. In other words, the recording result input by the user and the result of the abnormal nozzles by the discharge inspection unit 20 will both match as being good. In this case, the control unit 80 will receive a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good in a state in which the inspection information indicates that it corresponds to receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good.

[0040] Also, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, when the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is defective, the inspection information will usually indicate that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na. In other words, the recording result input by the user and the result of the abnormal nozzles by the discharge inspection unit 20 will both match as defective. In this case, the control unit 80 will receive a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is defective in a state in which the inspection information indicates that it corresponds to receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is defective.

[0041] On the other hand, if the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is good, but the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na, the relationship between the recording result indicated by the recording result signal and the nozzle inspection indicated by the inspection information is different from the relationship when the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning. In other words, the recording result input by the user and the result of the abnormal nozzle by the discharge inspection unit 20 do not match. In this case, the control unit 80 receives a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good, even though the inspection information indicates that the control unit 80 does not correspond to receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good. In this case, there is a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0042] Also, when the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is bad, but the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na, the relationship between the recording result indicated by the recording result signal and the nozzle inspection result indicated by the inspection information is different from the relationship when the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning. In other words, the recording result input by the user and the result of the abnormal nozzle by the discharge inspection unit 20 do not match. In this case, the control unit 80 receives a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is bad in a state in which the inspection information indicates that it is not compatible with receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is bad. In this case, there is a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, a recording result signal indicating whether the recording result is good or bad is received before the first time has elapsed after the recording process, and a failure signal is output when the relationship between the recording result indicated by the recording result signal and the nozzle test result indicated by the test information is different from the relationship when the discharge test unit 20 is not malfunctioning. That is, the control unit 80 outputs a failure signal when a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good is received in a state in which the test information indicates that the recording result is not supported for receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good. Also, the control unit 80 outputs a failure signal when a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is bad is received in a state in which the control unit 80 indicates that the recording result is not supported for receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is bad. This makes it possible to detect that the discharge test unit is malfunctioning based on the recording result signal input by the user.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a failure signal is sent to the operation panel 69, causing the operation panel 69 to display an inspection unit failure screen 110 for urging the user to replace the discharge inspection unit 20. This makes it possible to urge the user to replace the discharge inspection unit 20 when the discharge inspection unit 20 breaks down.

[0045] In this embodiment, after the recording process, a recording result input screen 100 indicating that a recording result signal can be transmitted is displayed on the operation panel 69. This allows the user to understand that a recording result signal can be transmitted based on the recording result.

[0046] In this embodiment, the condition that a recording result signal is received before the first time has elapsed after the recording process, the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is good, and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. Also, in this embodiment, the condition that a recording result signal is received before the first time has elapsed after the recording process, the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is poor, and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0047] In other words, in this embodiment, the condition that a recording result signal is received within a first time period after the recording process, and the relationship between the recording result indicated by the recording result signal and the nozzle test result indicated by the test information is different from the relationship when the discharge test section 20 is not malfunctioning corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0048] In other words, in this embodiment, the condition that a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good is received in a state in which the inspection information indicates that the recording result is not corresponding to receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. Also, the condition that a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is bad is received in a state in which the inspection information indicates that the recording result is not corresponding to receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is bad corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0049] <Modification> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0050] In the above-described embodiment, the user is prompted to input whether the recording result is good or bad by selecting either the good selection section 102 or the bad selection section 103 on the recording result input screen 100, but this is not limited to this.

[0051] In the first modification, when the control unit 80 receives a recording instruction signal, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 7(a). More specifically, the control unit 80 executes a recording process similar to S101 in the above-described embodiment (S201). Then, the control unit 80 executes a poor recording input screen display process (S202). In the poor recording screen display process, the control unit 80 transmits a signal to the operation panel 69, thereby causing the operation panel 69 to display a poor recording input screen 120 as shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0052] The recording failure input screen 120 has a message section 121 and a failure selection section 122. In the message section 121, a message is displayed that prompts the user to select the failure selection section 122 when the image recording result is a failure. The failure selection section 122 is a section that the user selects when the image recording result is a failure. When the failure selection section 122 is selected, a recording failure signal indicating that the image recording result is a failure is output from the operation panel 69 to the control section 80. In addition, in the first modification, the recording failure signal corresponds to the "predetermined signal" of the present invention.

[0053] After executing the poor recording input screen display process of S202, the control unit 80 waits until the first time has elapsed since the recording process (S203: NO) and the poor recording signal has not been received (S204: NO). When the first time has elapsed since the recording process (S203: YES), the control unit 80 ends the display of the poor recording input screen 120 (S207), and the process ends.

[0054] When a recording failure signal is received (S204: YES) before the first time has elapsed after the recording process (S203: NO), the control unit 80 judges whether the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na (S205). If the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na (S205: YES), the control unit 80 ends the display of the recording failure input screen 120 (S207), and the process ends. If the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na (S205: NO), the control unit 80 executes an inspection unit failure screen display process similar to S107 in the above embodiment (S206), and the process ends.

[0055] Here, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, when a poor recording signal is received immediately after a recording process, the inspection information will usually indicate that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na. In contrast, if a poor recording signal is received immediately after a recording process but the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na, the control unit 80 has received the poor recording signal in a state in which the inspection information indicates that it is not prepared to receive a poor recording signal. In this case, there is a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0056] In the first modification, the control unit 80 outputs a failure signal when a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, the control unit 80 receives a poor recording signal before the first time has elapsed after the recording process, and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than a predetermined number Na. That is, the control unit 80 outputs a failure signal when it receives a poor recording signal in a state where the inspection information indicates that it is not compatible with receiving a poor recording signal. This makes it possible to detect that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning, based on the poor recording signal input by the user.

[0057] In addition, in the first modification, the condition that a poor record signal is received before the first time has elapsed after the recording process, and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na, corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. In other words, in the first modification, the condition that a poor record signal is received in a state in which the inspection information indicates that the recording device is not ready to receive a poor record signal corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0058] Furthermore, the signal that is input before the first time has elapsed after the recording process and that is used as the basis for determining whether or not to output a failure signal is not limited to signals related to the result of recording, such as a recording result signal and a recording failure signal. In the second modification, when the control unit 80 receives a recording instruction signal, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 8(a). More specifically, the control unit 80 resets the value of a variable K to 0 (S301). The value of the variable K corresponds to the number of times the cleaning process in S304 described later is repeated.

[0059] Next, the control unit 80 executes the same inspection process as described in the above embodiment (S302). If the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na (S303: YES), the control unit 80 executes a cleaning process (S304). In the cleaning process, the control unit 80 controls the carriage motor 86, the cap lifting mechanism 88, the suction pump 72, etc. to perform the above-mentioned suction purge as a recovery operation for recovering the abnormal nozzles.

[0060] Next, the control unit 80 increments the value of the variable K by 1 (S305), and then determines whether the value of the variable K is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Ka (S306). If the value of the variable K is less than the predetermined value Ka (S306: NO), the process returns to S302.

[0061] If the value of the variable K is equal to or greater than the predetermined value Ka (S306: YES), the control unit 80 executes a head failure screen display process (S307), and the process ends. In the head failure screen display process, the control unit 80 sends a signal to the operation panel 69, thereby causing the operation panel 69 to display a head failure screen 130 as shown in FIG. 8(b). The head failure screen 130 is a screen for encouraging replacement of the inkjet head 4, and has a message section 131, a replacement selection section 132, and a non-replacement selection section 133.

[0062] The message section 131 displays a message informing the user that the inkjet head 4 may be malfunctioning and a message inquiring whether or not to replace the inkjet head 4. The replacement selection section 132 is a section selected by the user when selecting to replace the inkjet head 4. When the replacement selection section 132 is selected, the control section 80 causes, for example, the operation panel 69 to display a screen showing the replacement procedure for the inkjet head 4. The non-replacement selection section 133 is a section selected by the user when selecting not to replace the inkjet head 4. When the non-replacement selection section 133 is selected, the control section 80 causes, for example, the display of the head malfunction screen 130 to end.

[0063] If the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na (S303: NO), the control unit 80 executes a recording process similar to S101 in the above-described embodiment (S308). Then, the control unit 80 waits until the first time has elapsed after the recording process (S309: NO) and a cleaning instruction signal has not been received (S310: NO). Here, the cleaning instruction signal is a signal that the control unit 80 receives when, for example, the user operates the operation panel 69 to instruct cleaning of the nozzles 10 when the recording result is poor.

[0064] When the first time has elapsed after the recording process (S309: YES), the process ends. When a cleaning instruction signal is received (S310: YES) before the first time has elapsed after the recording process (S309: NO), the control unit 80 executes an inspection unit failure screen display process similar to S107 in the above embodiment (S311), and the process ends.

[0065] In the second modification, the recording process is performed after the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na. Therefore, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, it is presumed that the recording results are good. On the other hand, a cleaning instruction signal is usually input immediately after the recording process when the recording results are poor. For these reasons, in the second modification, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, a cleaning instruction signal is usually not input immediately after the recording process. In contrast, in the second modification, if a cleaning instruction signal is input immediately after the recording process, there is a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0066] Therefore, in the second modification, when the control unit 80 receives a cleaning instruction signal before the first time has elapsed after the recording process, it outputs a failure signal. This makes it possible to detect that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning based on the cleaning instruction signal input by the user.

[0067] In addition, in the second modification, the cleaning instruction signal corresponds to the "predetermined signal" of the present invention. Also, in the second modification, the condition that the cleaning instruction signal is received before the first time has elapsed after the recording process corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0068] In addition, in the above-described embodiment and variants 1 and 2, the inspection unit failure screen 110 is displayed on the operation panel 69 when certain conditions are met, including the condition that a specified signal is received before the first time has elapsed after the recording process, but this is not limited to this.

[0069] In the third modification, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the flowchart of FIG. 9 when it receives an inspection instruction signal. In detail, when the control unit 80 receives an inspection instruction signal, it executes the same inspection processing as described in the above embodiment (S401). Next, the control unit 80 executes a recording result input screen display process (S402) similar to S102 in the above embodiment. Here, the recording result input screen 100 displayed on the operation panel 69 by the recording result input screen display process of S402 is for inputting the recording result of the recorded image when the image is recorded before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process of S401. Here, the timing when the second time has elapsed after the inspection process may be the timing when the second time has elapsed from the timing of the start of the inspection process, or may be the timing when the second time has elapsed from the timing of the completion of the inspection process.

[0070] After executing the recording result input screen display process of S402, the control unit 80 waits until the second time has elapsed after the inspection process (S403: NO) and until the recording result signal has been received (S404: NO).

[0071] When the second time has elapsed after the inspection process (S403: YES), the control unit 80 ends the display of the recording result input screen (S408), and the process ends. When a recording result signal is received (S404: YES) before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process (S403: NO), the control unit 80 executes the processes of S405 to S408 similar to S105 to S108 in the above embodiment.

[0072] Here, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, and if the recording result signal received immediately after the inspection process indicates that the recording result is good, the inspection information will usually indicate that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na. Also, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, and if the recording result signal received immediately after the inspection process indicates that the recording result is poor, the inspection information will usually indicate that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na.

[0073] In contrast, if the recording result signal received immediately after the inspection process indicates that the recording result is good, but the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na, the relationship between the recording result indicated by the recording result signal and the nozzle inspection result indicated by the inspection information differs from the relationship when the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning. In this case, the control unit 80 receives a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good, even though the inspection information indicates that it is not compatible with receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good. In this case, there is a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0074] Also, when the recording result signal received immediately after the inspection process indicates that the recording result is defective, but the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na, the relationship between the recording result indicated by the recording result signal and the nozzle inspection result indicated by the inspection information differs from the relationship when the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning. In this case, the control unit 80 receives a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is defective in a state in which the inspection information indicates that it is not compatible with receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is defective. In this case, there is a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0075] Therefore, in the third modification, the control unit 80 receives a recording result signal before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process, and outputs a failure signal if the relationship between the recording result indicated by the recording result signal and the nozzle inspection result indicated by the inspection information differs from the relationship when the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning. This makes it possible to detect that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning based on the recording result signal input by the user.

[0076] In addition, in the third modification, after the inspection process, a recording result input screen is displayed on the operation panel 69. This allows the user to understand that it is possible to transmit a recording result signal indicating the recording result of the image recorded immediately after the inspection process.

[0077] In addition, in the third modification, the recording result signal corresponds to the "predetermined signal" of the present invention. Also, the condition that the recording result signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process, the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is good, and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. Also, in the third modification, the condition that the recording result signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process, the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is poor, and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0078] In other words, in variant example 3, the condition that a recording result signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process, and the relationship between the recording result indicated by the recording result signal and the nozzle inspection result indicated by the inspection information is different from the relationship when the ejection inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0079] In other words, in the third modification, the condition that a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good is received in a state in which the inspection information indicates that the recording result is not corresponding to receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. Also, the condition that a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is bad is received in a state in which the inspection information indicates that the recording result is not corresponding to receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is bad corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0080] In the fourth modification, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the flowchart of Fig. 10 when an inspection instruction signal is received. More specifically, when the control unit 80 receives an inspection instruction signal, the control unit 80 executes the same inspection processing as described in the above embodiment (S501). Next, the control unit 80 executes a poor recording input screen display process (S502) similar to S202 in the first modification. Here, the poor recording input screen 120 displayed on the operation panel 69 by the poor recording input screen display process of S502 is for inputting the recording result of a recorded image when an image is recorded before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process of S501.

[0081] After executing the poor recording input screen display process of S502, the control unit 80 waits until the second time has elapsed since the inspection process (S503: NO) and the poor recording signal has not been received (S504: NO). When the second time has elapsed since the inspection process (S503: YES), the control unit 80 ends the display of the poor recording input screen, as in S207 of the first modified example, and the process ends.

[0082] If a recording failure signal is received (S504: YES) before the second time period has elapsed after the inspection process (S503: NO), the control unit 80 executes the processes of S505 to S507 similar to S205 to S207 in the first modification.

[0083] Here, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, when a poor recording signal is received immediately after the inspection process, the inspection information will normally indicate that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than a predetermined number Na.

[0084] On the other hand, if a poor recording signal is received immediately after the inspection process but the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na, the control unit 80 will receive the poor recording signal in a state where the inspection information indicates that it is not prepared to receive the poor recording signal. In this case, it is highly likely that the discharge inspection unit 20 is broken.

[0085] Therefore, in the fourth modification, if the control unit 80 receives a poor recording signal before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process, and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than a predetermined number Na, then a failure signal is output. This makes it possible to detect that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning based on the poor recording signal input by the user.

[0086] In addition, in the fourth modification, after the inspection process, a recording result input screen is displayed on the operation panel 69. This allows the user to understand that it is possible to transmit a recording result signal indicating the recording result of the image recorded immediately after the inspection process.

[0087] In the fourth modification, the poor recording signal corresponds to the "predetermined signal" of the present invention. Also, the condition that the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na corresponds to the "first condition" of the present invention. Also, the condition that the poor recording signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process and the first condition is satisfied corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0088] In other words, in the fourth modification, the condition that a poor record signal is received when the inspection information indicates that the poor record signal is not supported for reception corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0089] In the fifth modification, when the control unit 80 receives an inspection command signal, it performs processing according to the flowchart of Fig. 11. More specifically, the control unit 80 resets the value of the variable K to 0 (S601), and then performs the same inspection processing as described in the above embodiment (S602). If the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na (S603: YES), the control unit 80 performs the same processing of S604 to S607 as S304 to S307 in the second modification.

[0090] Furthermore, if the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na (S603: NO), the control unit 80 waits until the second time has elapsed since the inspection process (S608: NO) and until a cleaning command signal has been received (S609: NO). When the second time has elapsed since the inspection process (S608: YES), the process ends.

[0091] If a cleaning instruction signal is received (S609: YES) before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process (S608: NO), the control unit 80 executes the inspection fault screen display process (S610), similar to S311 in variant example 2, and the process ends.

[0092] Here, the cleaning instruction signal is input by the user when, for example, there are many abnormal nozzles and the image recording result is poor. On the other hand, in the fifth modification, the processes of S608 to S610 are executed in a state where the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na. Therefore, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, the cleaning instruction signal is not normally input by the user until the second time has elapsed after the inspection process. In other words, if a cleaning instruction signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process, there is a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0093] Therefore, in the fifth modification, if the control unit 80 receives a cleaning instruction signal before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process, it outputs a failure signal. This makes it possible to detect that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning based on the cleaning instruction signal input by the user.

[0094] In the fifth modification, the cleaning instruction signal corresponds to the "predetermined signal" of the present invention. Also, the condition that the cleaning instruction signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0095] In the sixth modification, when the control unit 80 receives an inspection command signal, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the flowchart of Fig. 12. More specifically, the control unit 80 executes the same inspection processing as described in the above embodiment (S701). The control unit 80 waits until the second time has elapsed after the inspection processing (S702: NO) and until the control unit 80 receives a cleaning command signal (S703: NO).

[0096] When the second time has elapsed after the inspection process (S702: YES), the process ends. Before the second time of the inspection process has elapsed (S702: NO), when a cleaning instruction signal is received (S703: YES), the control unit 80 judges whether the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na (S404). If the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na (S704: YES), the control unit 80 executes a cleaning process similar to S304 in the third modification (S705), and the process ends. If the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na (S704: NO), the control unit 80 executes an inspection unit failure screen display process similar to S107 in the above embodiment (S706), and the process ends.

[0097] Here, the user inputs a cleaning instruction signal when, for example, there are many abnormal nozzles and the image recording results are poor. Therefore, when the inspection information indicates that there are many abnormal nozzles, an image is recorded immediately after the inspection process, and the user may input a cleaning instruction signal based on the recording results. On the other hand, when the inspection information indicates that there are only a few abnormal nozzles, an image is not usually recorded immediately after the inspection process, and the user does not input a cleaning instruction signal based on the recording results, and in this case, there is a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 has broken down.

[0098] Therefore, in the sixth modification, if a cleaning instruction signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na, a failure signal is output and the inspection unit failure screen 110 is displayed on the operation panel 69. On the other hand, if a cleaning instruction signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na, a cleaning process is executed and suction purging is performed. In this way, if a cleaning instruction signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process, it is possible to perform either the output of a failure signal or suction purging, whichever is more appropriate, depending on the result of the inspection process.

[0099] In addition, in the sixth modification, the cleaning instruction signal corresponds to the "predetermined signal" of the present invention. Also, the condition that the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na corresponds to the "first condition" of the present invention. Also, the condition that the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na corresponds to the "second condition" of the present invention. Also, the condition that a cleaning instruction signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process and that the first condition is satisfied corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0100] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, if a recording result signal is not received before the first time has elapsed after the recording process, the display of the recording result input screen is terminated and the processing is terminated, but this is not limited to the above.

[0101] In the seventh modification, when the control unit 80 receives a recording instruction signal, it performs processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG.

[0102] More specifically, the control unit 80 executes the processes of S801 and S802 similar to S101 and S102 in the above-mentioned embodiment. After that, the control unit 80 waits until it receives a recording result signal (S803: NO). Then, when it receives the recording result signal (S803: YES), the control unit 80 executes the processes of S804 to S807 similar to S105 to S108 in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0103] In the seventh modification, after the recording operation, a recording result input screen 100 indicating that a recording result signal regarding the recording result of the image can be sent is displayed on the operation panel 69. Then, when a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good is received and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than a predetermined number Na, a failure signal is output. That is, in a state in which the inspection information indicates that it is not possible to receive a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good, the control unit 80 outputs a failure signal when it receives a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good.

[0104] In addition, in the ninth modification, if a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is poor is received and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than a predetermined number Na, a failure signal is output. That is, in a state indicating that it is not possible to receive a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is poor, the control unit 80 outputs a failure signal when it receives a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is poor.

[0105] Furthermore, in the seventh modification, by outputting a failure signal as described above, a failure signal is also output when the relationship between the recording result indicated by the recording result signal and the nozzle test result indicated by the test information differs from the relationship when the discharge test unit 20 is not malfunctioning. Therefore, in the seventh modification, it is possible to detect whether the discharge test unit 20 is malfunctioning based on the recording result signal input by the user.

[0106] In addition, in the seventh modification, the recording result signal corresponds to the "predetermined signal" of the present invention. Also, the condition that the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is good and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than the predetermined number Na corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. Also, in the seventh modification, the condition that the recording result signal indicates that the recording result is poor and the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than the predetermined number Na corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0107] In other words, in variant example 7, the condition in which a recording result signal is received after the recording process and the relationship between the recording result indicated by the recording result signal and the nozzle test result indicated by the test information is different from the relationship when the ejection test section 20 is not malfunctioning corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0108] In other words, in the seventh modification, the condition that a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good is received in a state in which the inspection information indicates that the recording result is not corresponding to receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is good corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention. Also, the condition that a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is bad is received in a state in which the inspection information indicates that the recording result is not corresponding to receiving a recording result signal indicating that the recording result is bad corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0109] It is also possible to detect a malfunction of the discharge inspection unit 20 by showing the contents of the inspection information to the user and having the user determine whether there is a discrepancy between the contents of the inspection information and the results of the recording.

[0110] For example, in the eighth modification, when the control unit 80 receives a recording instruction signal, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the flowchart in Fig. 14(a). In detail, when the control unit 80 receives a recording instruction signal, the control unit 80 executes a recording process similar to S101 in the above-described embodiment (S901).

[0111] Next, the control unit 80 executes an examination judgment input screen display process (S902). In the examination judgment input screen display process, the control unit 80 transmits a signal to the operation panel 69 to cause the operation panel 69 to display an examination judgment input screen 140A or an examination judgment input screen 140B shown in FIG. 14(b) or FIG. 14(c).

[0112] The inspection judgment input screen 140A is displayed when the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is less than a predetermined number Na. The inspection judgment input screen 140A has a message section 141A, a good selection section 142A, and a bad selection section 143A. The message section 141A displays a message indicating that the inspection information indicates that the number of abnormal nozzles is small and that the recording results are estimated to be good, and a message asking whether the recording results are good or not.

[0113] The good selection section 142A is a section selected by the user when the recording result is good. When the good selection section 142A is selected, a normal inspection signal indicating that the nozzle inspection result is normal is sent from the operation panel 69 to the control section 80. The bad selection section 143A is a section selected by the user when the recording result is bad. When the bad selection section 143A is selected, a normal inspection signal indicating that the nozzle inspection result is abnormal is sent from the operation panel 69 to the control section 80.

[0114] Inspection judgment input screen 140B is displayed when the inspection information indicates that the number N of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than a predetermined number Na. Inspection judgment input screen 140B has a message section 141B, a good selection section 142B, and a bad selection section 143B. Message section 141B displays a message indicating that the inspection information indicates that the number of abnormal nozzles is large and that the recording results are presumed to be bad, and a message asking whether the recording results are good or not.

[0115] The good selection section 142B is a section selected by the user when the recording result is good. When the good selection section 142B is selected, an inspection abnormality signal is sent from the operation panel 69 to the control section 80. The bad selection section 143B is a section selected by the user when the recording result is bad. When the bad selection section 143B is selected, an inspection normal signal is sent from the operation panel 69 to the control section 80.

[0116] After executing the inspection judgment input screen display process of S902, the control unit 80 waits until it receives either an inspection abnormality signal or an inspection normal signal (S903: NO, S904: NO). When it receives an inspection abnormality signal (S903: YES), the control unit 80 executes an inspection failure screen display process similar to S107 in the above embodiment (S905), and the process ends. When it receives a inspection normal signal (S904: YES), the process ends.

[0117] Here, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, and the inspection judgment input screen 140A indicating that the number of abnormal nozzles is small is displayed on the operation panel 69, the recording results are usually good. Also, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, and the inspection judgment input screen 140B indicating that the number of abnormal nozzles is large is displayed on the operation panel 69, the recording results are usually bad.

[0118] In contrast, if the inspection judgment input screen 140A indicating that the number of abnormal nozzles is small is displayed on the operation panel 69, but the recording results are poor, there is a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 has malfunctioned. Also, if the inspection judgment input screen 140B indicating that the number of abnormal nozzles is large is displayed on the operation panel 69, but the recording results are good, there is also a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 has malfunctioned.

[0119] Therefore, in the eighth modification, after the recording process, the operation panel 69 displays the inspection judgment input screens 140A, 140B, which indicate that the contents of the inspection information, i.e., the result of the inspection process, and a signal indicating whether the recording result is good or bad can be transmitted. This allows the user to transmit a normal inspection signal and an abnormal inspection signal indicating whether there is a discrepancy between the result of the inspection process displayed on the operation panel 69 and the recording result of the recorded image. Then, based on the reception of the abnormal inspection signal, it is possible to detect that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0120] In the eighth modification, the inspection abnormality signal corresponds to the "predetermined signal" of the present invention, and the condition that the inspection abnormality signal is received corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0121] It is also possible to detect a malfunction of the ejection inspection unit 20 based on whether the results of the nozzle inspection match the results of the recording of a nozzle check pattern that indicates whether ink is being ejected normally from each of the multiple nozzles 10.

[0122] For example, in the ninth modification, when the control unit 80 receives a check pattern recording instruction signal instructing recording of a nozzle check pattern, it performs processing according to the flowchart in Fig. 15(a). More specifically, the control unit 80 executes a check pattern recording process (S1001). In the check pattern recording process, the control unit 80 causes the recording pass and the conveying operation to be repeated, thereby recording the nozzle check pattern on the recording paper S. The nozzle check pattern itself is the same as in the conventional case, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0123] Next, the control unit 80 executes an examination judgment input screen display process (S1002). In the examination judgment input screen display process, the control unit 80 transmits a signal to the operation panel 69 to cause the operation panel 69 to display an examination judgment input screen 150 shown in FIG. 15(b).

[0124] The inspection judgment input screen 150 has a message section 151, a first selection section 152, and a second selection section 153. In the message section 151, a message indicating the contents of the inspection information and a message asking whether the result of the nozzle inspection matches the recording result of the nozzle check pattern are displayed. In FIG. 15(b), as an example of the contents of the inspection information, the ratio of abnormal nozzles among the multiple nozzles 10 of the inkjet head 4 is displayed. However, the contents of the inspection information displayed in the message section 151 are not limited to this. For example, the contents of the inspection information displayed in the message section 151 may be information on the number of abnormal nozzles among the multiple nozzles 10 of the inkjet head 4. Alternatively, the contents of the inspection information displayed in the message section 151 may be information on the ratio of abnormal nozzles, the number of abnormal nozzles, etc. for each color of ink to be ejected.

[0125] The first selection section 152 is a section selected by the user when the inspection information and the recording result of the nozzle check pattern match. When the first selection section 152 is selected, a test normal signal is sent from the operation panel 69 to the control section 80. The second selection section 153 is a section selected by the user when the inspection information and the recording result of the nozzle check pattern do not match. When the second selection section 153 is selected, a test abnormal signal is sent from the operation panel 69 to the control section 80. After executing the inspection judgment input screen display process of S1002, the control section 80 executes the processes of S1003 to S1005 of S903 to S905 similar to those of the eighth modified example.

[0126] In addition, in variant example 9, a match between the test information and the recording results of the nozzle check pattern includes not only a perfect match between the test information and the recording results of the nozzle check pattern, but also a slight difference between the test information and the recording results of the nozzle check pattern.

[0127] Here, if the discharge inspection unit 20 is not malfunctioning, the nozzle inspection result indicated by the inspection information will usually match the recording result of the nozzle check pattern. On the other hand, if the nozzle inspection result indicated by the inspection information does not match the recording result of the nozzle check pattern, there is a high possibility that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0128] Therefore, in the ninth modification, after recording the nozzle check pattern, an inspection judgment input screen 150 including the contents of the inspection information is displayed on the operation panel 69. This allows the user to judge whether or not the recording result of the nozzle check pattern matches the nozzle inspection result indicated by the inspection information. Then, based on the inspection abnormality signal that is input when the user judges that the recording result of the nozzle check pattern does not match the nozzle inspection result indicated by the inspection information, it is possible to detect that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0129] In the ninth modification, the inspection abnormality signal corresponds to the "predetermined signal" of the present invention, and the condition that the inspection abnormality signal is received corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0130] It is also possible to allow the user to determine that the discharge inspection unit 20 has failed. In the tenth modification, when a predetermined operation is performed by the user on the operation panel 69, a failure input screen 160 as shown in FIG.

[0131] The fault input screen 160 has a message section 161, a fault selection section 162, and a cancel selection section 163. The message section 161 displays a message that prompts the user to select the fault selection section 162 when it is determined that the discharge inspection section 20 is faulty. The fault selection section 162 is a section that the user selects when it is determined that the discharge inspection section 20 is faulty. When the fault selection section 162 is selected, a signal indicating that the fault selection section 162 has been selected is transmitted from the operation panel 69 to the control section 80. When the control section 80 receives this signal, it transmits a fault signal to the operation panel 69, thereby causing the operation panel 69 to display a screen that prompts the user to replace the discharge inspection section 20, such as a screen showing the replacement procedure of the discharge inspection section 20.

[0132] In addition, in the above-described embodiment and variants 1, 7, and 8, after each recording process, a screen indicating that a recording result signal, a recording failure signal, and an inspection abnormality signal can be input, such as recording result input screen 100, recording failure input screen 120, and inspection judgment input screen 140A, 140B, is displayed, but this is not limited to this.

[0133] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified example 7, the display of the recording result input screen 100 and subsequent processing may be executed only after a specific recording process, and the processing may be terminated after other recording processes. Also, in modified example 1, the display of the recording failure input screen 120 and subsequent processing may be executed only after a specific recording process, and the processing may be terminated after other recording processes. Also, in modified example 8, the display of the inspection judgment input screens 140A, 140B and subsequent processing may be executed only after a specific recording process, and the processing may be terminated after other recording processes. Here, the specific recording process is, for example, the first recording process in a day, the first recording process after the number of recordings since the last display of the screen reaches a predetermined number, etc.

[0134] Alternatively, in the above-described embodiment and Modification 7, the recording result input screen 100 may not be displayed on the operation panel 69 after the recording process. Also, in Modification 1, the recording failure input screen 120 may not be displayed on the operation panel 69 after the recording process. Also, in Modification 8, the inspection judgment input screens 140A, 140B may not be displayed on the operation panel 69 after the recording process. In these cases, it may be possible for the user to input a recording result signal or a recording failure signal by performing a predetermined operation on the operation panel 69 on which these screens are not displayed after the recording process.

[0135] In addition, in the third and fourth modified examples, after each inspection process, a screen indicating that a recording result signal and a recording failure signal can be input, such as the recording result input screen 100 and the recording failure input screen 120, is displayed, but this is not limited to this.

[0136] For example, in Modification 3, a process such as displaying the recording result input screen 100 may be executed only after a specific inspection process, and the process may end as is after any other inspection process. Also, in Modification 4, a process such as displaying the recording defect input screen 120 may be executed only after a specific inspection process, and the process may end as is after any other inspection process. Here, a specific inspection process is, for example, the first inspection process in a day, or the first inspection process after the number of recordings since the last time the screen was displayed has reached a predetermined number.

[0137] Alternatively, in Modification 3, the recording result input screen 100 may not be displayed on the operation panel 69 after the inspection process. Also, in Modification 4, the recording failure input screen 120 may not be displayed on the operation panel 69 after the inspection process. In these cases, it may be possible for the user to input a recording result signal or a recording failure signal by performing a predetermined operation on the operation panel 69 on which these screens are not displayed after the inspection process.

[0138] In the above-described embodiment and modified examples 1, 3, 4, and 7, the recording process is performed after the inspection process, and then the recording result signal or the recording failure signal is received, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the inspection process may be performed after the recording process, and then the recording result signal or the recording failure signal is received, or the recording process may be performed after the recording process and then the recording result signal or the recording failure signal is received. In other words, as long as the recording result indicated by the recording result signal or the recording failure signal is compared with the result of the inspection process, the order of the execution of the recording process, the execution of the inspection process, and the reception of the recording result signal or the recording failure signal is not limited.

[0139] In addition, in the cleaning processes of S304 in Modification 2, S605 in Modification 5, and S705 in Modification 6, suction purging is performed as a recovery operation for recovering abnormal nozzles, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a pressure pump that pressurizes the ink in the inkjet head 4 may be provided in a flow path between the ink cartridge and the inkjet head 4. Then, as a recovery operation, a pressure purging may be performed by driving the pressure pump with the nozzles 10 covered with the caps 71 to discharge the ink in the inkjet head 4.

[0140] As a recovery operation, both suction purge by driving the suction pump 72 and pressure purge by driving the pressure pump described above may be performed. In this case, the suction purge and pressure purge may be performed at the same timing, or may be performed at different timings. Alternatively, as a recovery operation, flushing may be performed by driving the inkjet head 4 to discharge ink from the abnormal nozzles.

[0141] In the above example, the failure signal is a signal for displaying the inspection unit failure screen 110 on the operation panel 69, but is not limited thereto. For example, the printer 1 may have an LED lamp, and the failure signal may be a signal for turning on or blinking the LED lamp to notify that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning. Alternatively, for example, the printer 1 may have a speaker, and the failure signal may be a signal for making the speaker generate a sound to notify that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning. Alternatively, for example, when the printer 1 is connected to an external device such as a PC, tablet, or smartphone, the failure signal may be a signal transmitted from the printer 1 to the external device, indicating that the discharge inspection unit 20 is malfunctioning.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the ejection inspection unit 20 inspects whether or not a nozzle is abnormal based on the inspection signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 in response to a change in voltage from the nozzle 10 to the electrode 76 arranged in the cap 71 when the inkjet head 4 is driven for inspection; however, this is not limited to this.

[0143] For example, instead of electrode 76, an electrode may be provided that extends vertically and faces the space below nozzle 10 when carriage 2 is in the maintenance position. Then, signal processing circuit 78 may output a signal corresponding to the change in voltage of the electrode when inspection drive is performed with carriage 2 in the maintenance position, and based on this signal, it may be possible to check whether or not a nozzle is abnormal.

[0144] Alternatively, for example, an optical sensor may be provided that directly detects ink ejected from the nozzles 10 and outputs a signal according to the detection result while the carriage 2 is in a predetermined position such as a maintenance position. Then, based on the signal output from this optical sensor, it may be possible to inspect whether or not a nozzle is abnormal.

[0145] Alternatively, for example, whether or not a nozzle is abnormal may be inspected in the same manner as described in Japanese Patent No. 4929699. Specifically, a voltage detection circuit that detects a change in voltage when ink is ejected from a nozzle may be connected to a plate on which the nozzles of an inkjet head are formed, and whether or not a nozzle is abnormal may be inspected based on a signal output from the voltage detection circuit when an operation to eject ink from the nozzle is performed with the carriage moved to the inspection position.

[0146] Alternatively, for example, it may be possible to check whether a nozzle is abnormal in the same manner as described in Japanese Patent No. 6231759. Specifically, the substrate of the inkjet head may be provided with a temperature detection element. Then, after applying a first applied voltage to drive the heater for ink ejection, a second applied voltage is applied to drive the heater so that ink is not ejected, and it may be possible to check whether a nozzle is abnormal based on the change in temperature detected by the temperature detection element during the period from when the second applied voltage is applied until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0147] Alternatively, for example, it may be possible to inspect whether a nozzle is abnormal in the same manner as described in JP 2004-284189 A, JP 2011-240563 A, etc. Specifically, in the case of an inkjet head in which a piezoelectric element applies pressure to ink in a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle to cause the ink to be ejected from the nozzle, a residual vibration inspection device may be provided that detects residual vibrations generated in the piezoelectric element due to pressure changes in the ink in the pressure chamber. Then, it may be possible to inspect whether a nozzle is abnormal based on the vibration pattern of the residual vibrations detected by the residual vibration inspection device when the piezoelectric element is driven to eject ink from the nozzle.

[0148] In the above, an example has been described in which the present invention is applied to a printer equipped with a so-called serial head that ejects ink from multiple nozzles while moving in the scanning direction together with the carriage, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a printer equipped with a so-called line head that extends across the entire length of the recording paper in the scanning direction.

[0149] In the above, an example of applying the present invention to a printer that ejects ink from nozzles to perform recording on recording paper S has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a recording device that records images on recording media other than recording paper, such as T-shirts, sheets for outdoor advertising, cases for mobile terminals such as smartphones, cardboard, and resin members. The present invention can also be applied to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid other than ink droplets, such as liquid resin or metal liquid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1: Printer 4: Inkjet head 10: Nozzle 20: Discharge inspection section 69: Operation panel 80: Control unit 84: Memory

Claims

1. A head having a plurality of nozzles; a test signal output unit that outputs a test signal according to whether or not there is an abnormality in the ejection of liquid from the nozzle when a test drive is performed in the head to eject liquid from the nozzle; an operation unit capable of transmitting a predetermined signal when operated by a user; A control unit, The control unit is performing an inspection process for each of the plurality of nozzles by driving the head for inspection and acquiring inspection information regarding whether or not there is an abnormality in the ejection of liquid from the nozzle based on the inspection signal output from an inspection signal output unit; The liquid ejection device is characterized in that, when predetermined conditions including the condition that the predetermined signal is received are satisfied, the liquid ejection device outputs a failure signal indicating that the test signal output unit is malfunctioning.

2. A display unit, 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the failure signal is a signal for displaying on the display unit a screen that prompts the user to replace the inspection signal output unit.

3. A storage unit, the predetermined signal is a signal regarding a result of a discharge operation in which the head discharges liquid from the plurality of nozzles onto a discharge receiving medium, the signal being transmitted by a user operating the operation unit, The control unit is In the inspection process, the acquired inspection information is stored in the storage unit; causing the head to perform the ejection operation; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fault signal is output when the specified conditions are met, including a condition that the specified signal is received before a first time has elapsed after the ejection operation and a condition regarding the inspection information stored in the memory unit.

4. A display unit, the predetermined signal is a signal regarding a result of a discharge operation in which the head discharges liquid from the plurality of nozzles onto a discharge receiving medium, the signal being transmitted by a user operating the operation unit, The control unit is causing the head to perform the ejection operation; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein, after the ejection operation, a screen indicating that the predetermined signal can be transmitted is displayed on the display unit.

5. The control unit is The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the malfunction signal is output when the predetermined conditions are satisfied, including a condition that the predetermined signal is received before a second time has elapsed after the inspection process.

6. A storage unit, The control unit is In the inspection process, the acquired inspection information is stored in the storage unit; A liquid ejection device as described in claim 5, characterized in that the fault signal is output when the specified conditions are met, including a condition that the specified signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process, and a first condition regarding the inspection information stored in the memory unit.

7. the predetermined signal is a signal instructing a recovery operation to recover the nozzle, The control unit is A liquid ejection device as described in claim 6, characterized in that the recovery operation is performed when a condition that the specified signal is received before the second time has elapsed after the inspection process and a second condition different from the first condition for the inspection information stored in the memory unit are satisfied.

8. A display unit, The control unit is The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein after the inspection process, a screen indicating that the predetermined signal can be transmitted is displayed on the display unit.

9. A display unit; A storage unit, the predetermined signal is a signal regarding a result of a discharge operation in which the head discharges liquid from the plurality of nozzles onto a discharge receiving medium, the signal being transmitted by a user operating the operation unit, The control unit is In the inspection process, the acquired inspection information is stored in the storage unit; causing the head to perform the ejection operation; After the ejection operation, a screen indicating that the predetermined signal can be transmitted is displayed on the display unit; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the failure signal is output when the specified conditions are met, including a condition that the specified signal is received in a state indicating that the inspection information stored in the memory unit is not compatible with receiving the specified signal.

10. A display unit; A storage unit, the predetermined signal is a signal regarding a result of a discharge operation in which the head discharges liquid from the plurality of nozzles onto a discharge receiving medium, the signal being transmitted by a user operating the operation unit, The control unit is In the inspection process, the acquired inspection information is stored in the storage unit; causing the head to perform the ejection operation; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein, after the ejection operation, a screen is displayed on the display unit, which indicates the contents of the inspection information and that the predetermined signal can be transmitted.

11. A display unit; A storage unit, The control unit is In the inspection process, the acquired inspection information is stored in the storage unit; causing the head to eject liquid from the plurality of nozzles onto an ejection receiving medium, thereby recording a nozzle check pattern for each of the plurality of nozzles, the nozzle check pattern indicating whether or not there is an abnormality in the ejection of liquid from the nozzle; 2. The liquid ejection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contents of the inspection processing information are displayed on the display unit after the nozzle check pattern is recorded.

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