Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To suppress user's valve erroneous operation.SOLUTION: A recording device comprises: a recording head that discharges ink; an ink tank that stores the ink supplied to the recording head; a cover member provided in the device so as to be openable / closable; an ink supply path for supplying the ink from the ink tank to the recording head; a manual valve disposable in the ink supply path and switchable between an open state where the ink supply path and the ink tank are communicated and a closed state where the ink supply path and the ink tank are not communicated; and an operation unit that is disposed at a position to be exposed when the cover member is opened and that can operate switching of the manual valve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an inkjet recording device in which a recording head that ejects ink and an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head are connected by a tube. Patent Document 1 discloses a recording device that is provided with a valve on the front surface that can close the tube between the recording head and the ink tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-188929 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, the valve is positioned so that it can be easily operated even during printing operation of the printing device. Therefore, if the valve is closed due to a user's mistake during printing operation of the printing device, problems may occur in the supply of ink to the print head.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technique for suppressing erroneous operation of a valve by a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a recording device according to the present invention comprises: a recording head that ejects ink; an ink tank that contains ink to be supplied to the recording head; a cover member provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the device; an ink supply path for supplying ink from the ink tank to the recording head; a manual valve disposed in the ink supply path and switchable between an open state in which the ink tank communicates with the recording head and a closed state in which the ink tank does not communicate with the recording head; The manual valve is characterized by further comprising an operating portion that is disposed in a position that is exposed when the cover member is opened and that can operate to switch the manual valve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the user from operating the valve erroneously. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Fig. 1(a) is a perspective view of a recording device according to an embodiment, showing a part of a cover member cut away, and Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view of a recording device according to an embodiment, showing the recording device with the cover member in an open state. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an ink tank, a print head, and a supply tube connecting them according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an ink tank and a print head according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Fig. 4(a) is a perspective view showing an outline of a manual valve according to one embodiment, illustrating a state in which the manual valve is open, and Fig. 4(b) is a perspective view showing an outline of a manual valve according to one embodiment, illustrating a state in which the manual valve is closed. [Figure 5] Fig. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a manual valve according to one embodiment, illustrating the manual valve in an open state, and Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a manual valve according to one embodiment, illustrating the manual valve in a closed state. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outline of a recovery unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a recording head and a suction cap according to an embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a suction pump according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by a CPU to prevent an erroneous operation of a manual valve by a user according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between a manual valve and a carriage according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by a CPU when replacing a print head according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by a CPU in a transport setting mode according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14(a) is a perspective view showing an outline of a manual valve according to another embodiment, illustrating the manual valve in an open state, and Figure 14(b) is a perspective view showing an outline of a manual valve according to another embodiment, illustrating the manual valve in a closed state. [Figure 15] Figure 15(a) is a perspective view showing an outline of a manual valve according to another embodiment, illustrating the manual valve in an open state, and Figure 15(b) is a perspective view showing an outline of a manual valve according to another embodiment, illustrating the manual valve in a closed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0010] In this specification, "recording" (sometimes called "printing" or "printing") refers not only to the formation of meaningful information such as characters or figures, but also to the formation of images, designs, patterns, etc. on a recording medium or the processing of a medium, regardless of whether they are meaningful or insignificant, and regardless of whether they are visible to humans or not.

[0011] In addition, "recording medium (sheet)" refers not only to recording paper used in general image forming devices, but also broadly to transportable media such as cloth, plastic film (OHP), metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc.

[0012] Furthermore, "ink" (sometimes called "liquid") should be interpreted broadly in the same way as the definition of "recording (printing)" above, and refers to a liquid that can be applied to a recording medium to form an image, design, pattern, etc., or to process the recording medium, or to process ink (for example, to solidify or insolubilize coloring matter in ink applied to the recording medium).

[0013] First Embodiment <General configuration of inkjet recording device> FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing an inkjet recording apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as recording apparatus 1) according to a first embodiment. A portion of a cover member 112, which will be described later, is shown cut away to explain the interior. The recording apparatus 1 includes a recording head 14 that ejects ink onto a recording medium, and an ink tank 17 that contains ink to be supplied to the recording head 14. The recording apparatus 1 also includes a supply tube 15 that forms an ink supply path 155 (see FIG. 3) for supplying ink from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. The recording apparatus 1 also includes a carriage 13 that reciprocates and has the recording head 14 detachably mounted thereon.

[0014] The recording device 1 also has a plurality of rollers (conveying means) that feed a sheet-like recording medium 19, and these rollers transport the recording medium 19 in a transport direction perpendicular to the movement direction (main scanning direction) of the carriage 13 (recording head 14). Also, a platen 22 is provided below the range in which the recording head 14 moves so as to face the recording head 14.

[0015] The carriage 13 is provided with a rotatably supported attachment / detachment operation unit 143. A user can attach / detach the recording head 14 to / from the carriage 13 by operating the attachment / detachment operation unit 143. A housing 11 is provided to cover all of these internal components. The housing 11 includes a main body 111 having an opening 111a, and a cover member 112 that covers the opening 111a. The cover member 112 is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the main body 111 (device).

[0016] Next, the configuration of the cover member 112 and the arrangement of the manual valve 16 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1(b). Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view showing the recording apparatus 1 when the cover member 112 is in an open state. When the cover member 112 is in an open state, the carriage 13, the recording head 14, the platen 22, the supply tube 15, and the manual valve 16 are exposed.

[0017] In this embodiment, the manual valve 16 is a valve for closing or opening the ink supply path 155 formed by the supply tube 15, and includes an operation unit 161 that can be manually operated by a user. That is, the manual valve 16 is disposed in the ink supply path 155 and can be switched between an open state that connects the ink tank 17 and the recording head 14 and a closed state that does not connect the ink tank 17 and the recording head 14. The operation unit 161 can also be used to switch the manual valve 16. Furthermore, a printed mark 166 and a maintenance mark 167 are shown to indicate the operating positions of the operation unit 161. When the operation unit 161 is on the side indicated by the printed mark 166, the manual valve 16 does not close the ink supply path 155, and ink can be supplied from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. Therefore, the recording device 1 can record on the recording medium 19. On the other hand, when the operation unit 161 is on the side indicated by the maintenance mark 167, the manual valve 16 closes the ink supply path 155, and ink is not supplied from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. Therefore, the user can perform operations such as replacing the recording head 14 while the movement of ink in the ink supply path 155 is suppressed. In addition, the print mark 166 and the maintenance mark 167 allow the user to intuitively recognize the state of the manual valve 16.

[0018] The recording medium width 191 indicates the width of the recording medium 19 of the largest size that can be printed by the recording device 1 of this embodiment. Here, the width direction is the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the recording medium 19 is transported by the transport means. In this embodiment, the width 112a of the cover member 112 is larger than the recording medium width 191 in the width direction. The manual valve 16 is disposed in an area covered by the cover member 112 and within an area through which the transported recording medium 19 passes. In other words, the manual valve 16 is disposed within the recording range of the recording head 14 in the width direction. This allows the recording device 1 to be made smaller in the width direction.

[0019] Furthermore, the recording device 1 has a cover sensor 18 that can detect the state of the cover member 112. For example, the cover sensor 18 can detect whether the cover member 112 is open or closed. Specifically, a protrusion 18a is provided on the inside of the cover member 112, and when the protrusion 18a abuts against the cover sensor 18, the cover member 112 is detected as being in the closed state, and when the protrusion 18a is not abutting against the cover sensor 18, the cover member 112 is detected as being in the open state. Furthermore, an ink tank cover 179 is disposed on the top of the ink tank 17 so as to be rotatable and openable so as to cover the ink inlet 176 and the ink tank cap 177 (see FIG. 3).

[0020] Next, the configuration of the ink tank 17 and the supply tube 15 will be described using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the ink tank 17 (ink storage section), the recording head 14, and the supply tube 15 connecting them. The recording device 1 has multiple ink tanks 17 for each corresponding ink color. In this embodiment, four ink tanks 17 are provided: a black ink tank 171, a cyan ink tank 172, a magenta ink tank 173, and a yellow ink tank 174. In this embodiment, the black ink tank 171 is provided on one side of the recording device 1 in the width direction, and the cyan ink tank 172, the magenta ink tank 173, and the yellow ink tank 174 are provided side by side on the other side. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the recording medium 19 is arranged so that it passes between the black ink tank 171 and the color ink tanks after recording.

[0021] Note that ink tank 17 is a general term for ink tanks of each ink color, and each ink tank of each ink color has the same configuration as that of ink tank 17 described below. The same applies to supply tube 15 and supply tubes 151 to 154 of each ink color, which will be described later.

[0022] Further, the ink tanks 17 are each fitted with a supply tube 15 for supplying ink to the recording head 14. In this embodiment, the supply tube 15 is a supply path forming member that forms an ink supply path 155 for supplying ink from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. In this embodiment, the tube that constitutes the supply tube 15 is made of a flexible material such as elastomer, and can bend as the recording head 14 moves, or can be crushed to block the ink supply path 155 inside.

[0023] Each ink tank 17 is also fitted with an air communication tube 178 for communicating the interior with the atmosphere. An ink inlet (inlet portion) 176 for injecting ink is provided at the top of the ink tank 17. An ink tank cap 177 is attached to the ink inlet 176 for sealing the ink inlet 176. The user can inject ink into the ink tank 17 through the ink inlet 176 by removing the ink tank cap 177.

[0024] Furthermore, an ink tank valve 180 that blocks communication of ink or air is provided on each of the supply tube 15 and the atmosphere communication tube 178. In this embodiment, an ink tank valve 180 is provided on each of the black side and the color side.

[0025] When the black ink tank valve 180 closes, it blocks communication between the ink supply path 155 of the supply tube 15 connected to the black ink tank 171 and the flow path inside the atmosphere communication tube 178. When the color ink tank valve 180 closes, it blocks communication between the ink supply path 155 of the supply tube 15 connected to the cyan ink tank 172, magenta ink tank 173, and yellow ink tank 174 and the flow path inside the atmosphere communication tube 178.

[0026] The manual valve 16 is provided between the ink tank valve 180 in the supply tube 15 and the recording head 14, and switches between communication and non-communication of the ink or air inside. When the manual valve 16 is closed, communication of the ink supply paths 155 of the black supply tube 151, cyan supply tube 152, magenta supply tube 153, and yellow supply tube 154 is blocked all together.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the ink tank 17 and the recording head 14. In the recording device 1, to prevent ink from leaking from the ink ejection orifices 142 of the recording head 14, the gas-liquid exchanger 175 of the ink tank 17 is located at a height H lower than the ink ejection orifices 142 of the recording head 14. In other words, a negative pressure due to a head difference of height H is applied to the ink ejection orifices 142. The gas-liquid exchanger 175 has an opening area large enough to maintain the ink meniscus. A buffer chamber 17a is also provided at the bottom of the ink tank 17. The buffer chamber 17a can accommodate ink that is pushed out when air in the ink storage chamber 17b, which stores ink, expands due to changes in air pressure or temperature. This prevents ink from leaking from the ink tank 17 through the atmosphere communication tube 178.

[0028] Furthermore, the joint portion 182 is a member that connects the supply tube 15 and the flow path of the recording head 14, and is provided on the attachment / detachment operation portion 143. When the user operates the attachment / detachment operation portion 143 in the direction of opening it to remove the recording head 14 from the carriage 13, the joint portion 182 is detached from the recording head 14. This disconnects the supply tube 15 and the recording head 14. When the user mounts the recording head 14 on the carriage 13, the user closes the attachment / detachment operation portion 143 and presses a pressing portion (not shown) to realize the joint connection of the joint portion 182. By jointing the joint portion 182, the flow path of the supply tube 15 and the recording head 14 are again connected, enabling ink to be supplied to the recording head 14.

[0029] Next, the configuration of the ink supply system according to this embodiment and the flow until a printing operation (recording operation) becomes possible will be described with reference to FIGS. 1(a), 1(b), 2, and 3. FIG.

[0030] When injecting ink, the user opens the ink tank cover 179, removes the ink tank cap 177, and injects ink from an ink bottle or the like into the ink tank 17 through the ink inlet 176. At this time, a mechanism (not shown) closes the ink tank valve 180 in conjunction with the opening of the ink tank cover 179, blocking the ink supply path 155 and the air vent tube 178. After the user has completed the ink injection, he or she seals the ink inlet 176 with the ink tank cap 177 and closes the ink tank cover 179. At this time, the ink tank valve 180 switches from a closed state to an open state in conjunction with the closing of the ink tank cover 179, connecting the ink supply path 155 and the air vent tube 178. In other words, while the ink tank cap 177 is removed and the ink inlet 176 is open to the atmosphere, the ink tank valve 180 blocks the ink supply path 155 and the air vent tube 178.

[0031] After detecting the completion of ink injection, the recording device 1 presses the suction cap 211 (see FIG. 6 ) against the nozzle surface of the recording head 14, and can perform a suction operation to suck ink from the ink nozzles 142. This suction operation fills the supply tube 15 and the recording head 14 with ink. Note that the completion of ink injection is detected by the cover sensor 18 detecting that the cover member 112 is closed. However, this is not limited to this. The completion of ink injection may also be detected by detecting that a predetermined amount of ink or more has been injected using a remaining ink amount detection unit that detects the remaining ink amount in the ink tank 17. Then, when ink is ejected from the ink nozzles 142 of the recording head 14 filled with ink during the recording operation, the negative pressure inside the recording head 14 increases by the amount of ink that has been removed, and ink is supplied from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. As a result, ink is continuously supplied from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14 until the ink in the ink tank 17 falls below the predetermined amount.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the manual valve 16 according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are perspective views showing an outline of the manual valve 16 according to this embodiment. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are cross-sectional views showing an outline of the manual valve 16 according to this embodiment. In Figure 5, the positions of the printed mark 166 and the maintenance mark 167 are imaginary positions. In the recording device 1, the printed mark 166 and the maintenance mark 167 are arranged at the positions shown in Figure 1(b).

[0033] The manual valve 16 includes an operating portion 161 that can be operated by a user, a holding portion 162, a receiving member 163, a displacement member 164, and a cam 165.

[0034] The holding portion 162 holds the supply tube 15. One end of the supply tube 15 is connected to the recording head 14, and the other end is connected to the ink tank 17. The supply tube 15 includes a bending region that can bend in accordance with the movement of the recording head 14. The manual valve 16 is disposed in the supply tube 15 so that the bending region is between the recording head 14 and the holding portion 162. That is, the manual portion 16 is disposed in a region of the supply tube 15 that does not move in accordance with the movement of the carriage 13. The supply tube 15 is fixed by a first fixing portion 184 on the recording head 14 side and a second fixing portion 183 on the ink tank 17 side, but in this embodiment, the holding portion 162 also serves as the second fixing portion 183. This allows the number of parts to be reduced.

[0035] The displacement member 164 is a member that is displaceable in a direction that interferes with the supply tube 15. In other words, the displacement member 164 is provided so as to be able to move toward and away from the supply tube 15. The receiving member 163 is a member that receives the displacement member 164, which is displaced in a direction that interferes with the supply tube 15. The receiving member 163 is provided on the opposite side of the supply tube 15 to the side on which the displacement member 164 is provided. The displacement member 164 presses the supply tube 15 against the receiving member 163, thereby crushing the supply tube 15, thereby blocking the ink supply path 155.

[0036] The cam 165 displaces the displacement member 164. In this embodiment, the cam 165 is provided integrally with the operation unit 161. The cam 165 abuts against the displacement member 164 at a cam surface 1651. When the user operates the operation unit 161, the cam 165 rotates accordingly, and the displacement member 164, which is pressed by the cam surface 1651, is displaced. In this way, the user can close or open the ink supply path 155 via the operation unit 161.

[0037] Next, the operation of the manual valve 16 according to this embodiment to close the supply tube 15 will be described. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the displacement member 164 does not compress the supply tube 15 and the ink supply path 155 is in communication (open state). At this time, the operation unit 161 is positioned on the side indicated by the print mark 166. In this state, ink in the supply tube 15 can be supplied from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14 via the ink supply path 155. When the user rotates the operation unit 161 from this state to the side indicated by the maintenance mark 167, the cam surface 1651 of the cam 165 provided integrally with the manual valve 16 also rotates, and the cam surface 1651 displaces the displacement member 164 in a direction that interferes with the supply tube 15.

[0038] 4(b) shows a state in which the displacement member 164 crushes the supply tube 15, blocking the ink supply path 155 (blocked state). As shown in FIG. 5(b), the supply tube 15 is crushed between the displacement member 164 and the receiving member 163, blocking the ink supply path 155. At this time, the supply tube 15 is unable to supply ink from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14, and if there is no ink, the supply tube 15 is not in communication with the atmosphere.

[0039] In this embodiment, the ink supply paths 155 of the supply tubes 15 for all ink colors are simultaneously blocked by closing the manual valves 16. However, multiple manual valves 16 may be provided for each supply tube 15 for each ink color, so that each ink supply path 155 can be blocked individually. Also, a manual valve 16 may be provided on each of the black and color sides.

[0040] 1(a) and 1(b) again. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the operation unit 161 is disposed in a position covered by the housing 11 and the cover member 112. That is, the operation unit 161 is provided so as to be exposed when the cover member 112 is open. The recording device 1 is controlled so as not to perform a recording operation by the recording head 14 while the cover sensor 18 detects that the cover member 112 is open. By providing the operation unit 161 inside the cover member 112, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally operating the operation unit 161 during a recording operation of the recording device 1, for example.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover sensor 18 is provided, and the recording device 1 can detect whether the user is able to operate the operation unit 161 using the cover sensor 18. Here, the cover sensor 18 is not limited to a mechanical sensor that detects mechanical contact, and may be, for example, an optical sensor or the like.

[0042] 4(a) and 4(b), the manual valve 16 is provided with a manual valve sensor 168 that detects the open / closed state of the manual valve 16. In this embodiment, the manual valve sensor 168 is a mechanically operated switch. When a user operates the operation unit 161, the actuation member 16a provided on the operation unit 161 moves a movable portion of the manual valve sensor 168, thereby activating the manual valve sensor 168. This makes it possible to detect the closed and open states of the manual valve 16. Note that the manual valve sensor 168 may be an optical sensor or any other well-known configuration.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an outline of the recovery unit 21. In this embodiment, the recording apparatus 1 has a recovery unit 21 for maintaining or recovering the ejection performance (recording performance) of the recording head 14. In this embodiment, the recovery unit 21 is provided inside the main body 111 of the housing 11. The recovery unit 21 includes a suction cap 211 that caps the recording head 14 and a suction mechanism 212 that sucks ink from inside the suction cap 211. The suction mechanism 212 has a suction tube 213 connected to the suction cap 211 and a suction pump 214 that sucks ink from inside the suction cap 211 via the suction tube 213. The suction tube 213 is a suction path forming member that forms an ink suction path 2131 (see FIG. 7) for sucking ink from inside the suction cap 211. In this embodiment, the suction tube 213 is made of a flexible material such as an elastomer, similar to the supply tube 15.

[0044] The recovery unit 21 also includes a wiper 221 for wiping the ejection port surface of the ink ejection port 142, a holding member (not shown) for holding the wiper 221, an ink removal member (not shown) for removing ink adhering to the wiper 221, etc. These configurations are well known, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the recording head 14 and the suction cap 211. The supply tube 15 is connected to the top of the recording head 14. The suction cap 211 is provided so that it can move forward and backward relative to the ink ejection ports 142 of the recording head 14 by a cap driving unit 217 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, and can cap the ejection port surface where the ink ejection ports 142 are provided from below. The inside of the recording head 14 is never completely filled with ink, and an air layer 144 always exists. The suction cap 211 is provided at a predetermined position within the recording apparatus 1, and when a recovery operation is performed, the carriage 13 moves the recording head 14 to a recovery position above the suction cap 211.

[0046] Here, we will explain the operation of suctioning ink inside the suction cap 211 by the suction mechanism 212. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the suction pump 214. In this embodiment, the suction mechanism 212 includes two suction tubes 213, one for black and one for color.

[0047] The suction pump 214 includes a roller 215, a pump drive unit 216 (see Figure 9) that includes an electric motor or the like and is driven to rotate, a rotating member 219 that rotates as the pump drive unit 216 rotates, and a roller drive member 218 that protrudes radially outward from the rotating member 219.

[0048] The roller 215 is provided so as to be able to revolve around the rotation axis of the rotating member 219. When the rotating member 219 rotates (spins), the roller driving member 218 revolves around the axis of the rotating member 219. Then, when the roller driving member 218 revolves around the axis of the rotating member 219 while in contact with the roller 215, the roller 215 revolves around the axis of the rotating member 219. Then, with the ink ejection port 142 covered by the suction cap 211, the roller 215 revolves around the rotating member 219 and squeezes the suction tube 213, thereby generating negative pressure inside the suction cap 211, thereby performing suction.

[0049] In this embodiment, two suction tubes 213 are arranged vertically side by side with a rotating member 219 sandwiched between them. Also, in this embodiment, three rollers 215 are provided, and the three rollers rotate to sequentially squeeze the two suction tubes 213, thereby simultaneously performing suction through the two suction tubes 213.

[0050] One end of the suction tube 213 is connected to a waste liquid tank (not shown), and ink sucked by the suction pump 214 is discharged into the waste liquid tank via the suction tube 213.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the suction pump 214 can close the ink suction path 2131 by stopping the driving of the pump driver 216 when the roller 215 has crushed the suction tube 213. That is, in this embodiment, the suction pump 214 also serves as a blocking valve for the ink suction path 2131. Therefore, the suction pump 214 for recovery operation conventionally provided in the recording apparatus 1 also serves as a blocking valve for the ink suction path 2131, thereby reducing the number of parts in the recording apparatus 1. However, a configuration in which a blocking valve for the ink suction path 2131 is provided separately from the suction pump 214 can also be employed. In this case, various types of valves can be used, such as a manually operable valve like the manual valve 16, or a valve that can be automatically opened and closed by a driving source such as a motor.

[0052] <Hardware configuration> 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the recording device 1. The CPU 201 performs overall control of the recording device 1. The ROM 202 stores the control program of the CPU 201, various data, etc. The RAM 203 temporarily stores various data. For example, the CPU 201 reads out a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executes it, thereby controlling the operation of the printer 100 and processing data.

[0053] The print head 14 ejects ink onto the print medium 19 in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the CPU 201. The carriage drive unit 207 includes, for example, a motor and moves the carriage 13 in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the CPU 201 via a motor driver (not shown). The rotational motion of the motor is converted into reciprocating motion by, for example, a rack-and-pinion mechanism (not shown). The pump drive unit 216 includes, for example, a motor and drives the suction pump 214 in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the CPU 201 via a motor driver (not shown). The cap drive unit 217 includes, for example, a motor and drives the suction cap 211 in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the CPU 201 via a motor driver (not shown). The rotational motion of the motor is converted into reciprocating motion by, for example, a rack-and-pinion mechanism (not shown). The external I / F 208 is connected to a PC or the like to receive print data and transmit status signals.

[0054] The CPU 201 performs recovery control of the print head 14 by sending control signals to the carriage drive unit 207, the suction pump 214, and the suction cap 211. The display unit 209 displays various user interface screens, such as device information, setting screens, and job information. As an example, the display unit 209 is a liquid crystal display. For example, the display unit 209 may be provided in a position on the main body 111 of the housing 11 that is easily visible to the user. The input unit 204 accepts input from the user. For example, the input unit 204 may be a touch panel or hard keys. The detection results of the cover sensor 18 and the manual valve sensor 168 are sent to the CPU 201. Note that FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram mainly showing the configuration according to this embodiment, and the printing apparatus 1 may have other configurations.

[0055] <Operation of recording device> The operation of the recording device 1 will now be described. If the user accidentally closes the manual valve 16 during recording operation of the recording device 1, this may cause problems with the supply of ink from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. As described above, in the recording device 1 according to the first embodiment, the operation unit 161 is provided so as to be covered by the cover member 112, thereby preventing the user from accidentally operating the manual valve 16. In addition, the following process is performed to more effectively prevent the user from accidentally operating the manual valve 16 during recording operation.

[0056] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the CPU 201 to prevent the user from erroneously operating the manual valve 16 during recording. For example, this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 reading a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. For example, this flowchart starts when the recording device 1 starts recording.

[0057] In S1001, the CPU 201 checks whether the cover member 112 is open. For example, the CPU 201 checks whether the cover member 112 is open or closed based on the detection result of the cover sensor 18. If the cover member 112 is open, the CPU 201 proceeds to processing S1002, and if the cover member 112 is closed, the CPU 201 proceeds to processing S1008. In S1002, the CPU 201 stops the recording operation.

[0058] In S1003, the CPU 201 moves the carriage 13. Here, reference is made to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the manual valve 16 and the carriage 13. In this embodiment, the CPU 201 stops the carriage 13 above the operation unit 161 so as to cover the operation unit 161. For example, the carriage 13 may be stopped at a position where the attachment / detachment operation unit 143 of the carriage 13 covers at least a portion of the operation unit 161. This makes it difficult for the user to operate the manual valve 16, thereby preventing the user from operating the manual valve 16 erroneously.

[0059] In S1004, CPU 201 notifies the user. The content of the notification may be anything that urges the user not to operate operation unit 161. For example, CPU 201 notifies the user to close cover member 112 or to not operate operation unit 161. For example, CPU 201 notifies the user by displaying a message on display unit 209 or by displaying a message on a terminal such as a PC connected via external I / F 208. CPU 201 may also notify the user by voice.

[0060] In S1005, the CPU 201 checks whether the cover member 112 is closed. For example, the CPU 201 checks whether the cover member 112 is open or closed based on the detection result of the cover sensor 18. If the cover member 112 is closed, the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of S1006, and if the cover member 112 is open, the CPU 201 repeats the process of S1005 until the cover member 112 is closed.

[0061] In S1006, the CPU 201 ends the notification. In S1007, the CPU 201 checks whether the recording operation has ended. If the recording operation has not ended, the CPU 201 returns to the processing of S1001, and if the recording operation has ended, the CPU 201 ends this flowchart.

[0062] As described above, the recording apparatus 1 operates so that the user does not operate the operation unit 161 if the cover member 112 is opened during a recording operation, thereby preventing the user from operating the manual valve 16 erroneously. Note that the movement of the carriage 13 in S1002 and the notification in S1003 are both intended to prevent the user from operating the manual valve 16 erroneously, and only one of the processes may be performed. Furthermore, the CPU 201 may issue the notification in S1003 when the cover member 112 is opened in a situation where it is not necessary to open the cover member 112, not limited to during a recording operation.

[0063] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the CPU 201 when replacing the print head 14. When it becomes necessary to replace the print head 14, the recording device 1 notifies the user of the replacement work of the print head 14. Then, the processing shown in Fig. 12 starts. For example, this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 reading a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it.

[0064] In step S1201, the CPU 201 moves the carriage 13 so that the recording head 14 is positioned at a cap position facing the suction cap 211.

[0065] In S1202, the CPU 201 notifies the user to open the cover member 112. For example, the CPU 201 notifies the user by displaying a message on the display unit 209 urging the user to open the cover member 112 or by uttering a voice message.

[0066] In S1203, the CPU 201 checks whether the cover member 112 is open based on the detection result of the cover sensor 18. If the cover member 112 is open, the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of S1204, and if the cover member 112 is closed, the CPU 201 repeats the process of S1203. Note that the CPU 201 may check whether the cover member 112 is open based on whether the input unit 204 has received an input from the user indicating completion of the opening operation.

[0067] In S1204, the CPU 201 notifies the user to close the manual valve 16. For example, the CPU 201 displays a message on the display unit 209. At this time, the carriage 13 is in the cap position, and the attachment / detachment operation unit 143 is covered by the main body 111 of the housing 11. This prevents the user from accidentally operating the attachment / detachment operation unit 143 while the manual valve 16 is open. The position is not limited to the cap position, and may be any position where the attachment / detachment operation unit 143 of the carriage 13 is covered by the main body 111.

[0068] In S1205, the CPU 201 checks whether the manual valve 16 is closed. For example, the CPU 201 checks whether the manual valve 16 is closed based on the detection result of the manual valve sensor 168. If the CPU 201 checks whether the manual valve 16 is closed, the CPU 201 proceeds to processing in S1206, and if the CPU 201 does not check whether the manual valve 16 is closed, the CPU 201 repeats processing in S1205.

[0069] The CPU 201 may confirm that the operation of the manual valve 16 has been completed based on the fact that the input unit 204 has received a user input indicating that the operation of the manual valve 16 has been completed. This allows the CPU 201 to confirm whether the manual valve 16 has been closed or not even if the manual valve sensor 168 is not provided.

[0070] In S1206, the CPU 201 moves the carriage 13 to the head replacement position. The head replacement position is, for example, a position where the recording head 14 is exposed through the opening 111a. At this time, the CPU 201 may set the position where the carriage 13 covers at least a part of the operation unit 161 as the head replacement position of the carriage 13, as shown in FIG. 11 above. This prevents the user from accidentally operating the operation unit 161 again and putting the manual valve 16 into the open state.

[0071] In S1207, the CPU 201 notifies the user to replace the print head 14, for example by displaying a message on the display unit 209. In S1208, the CPU 201 checks whether the print head 14 has been replaced. If the print head has been replaced, the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of S1209, and if not, the CPU 201 repeats the process of S1208. As an example, the CPU 201 may detect that the print head 14 replacement has been completed based on an input by the user to the input unit 204.

[0072] In S1209, the CPU 201 issues a notification to operate the manual valve 16 to the open state. For example, the CPU 201 issues the notification by displaying a message on the display unit 209.

[0073] In S1210, the CPU 201 checks whether the manual valve 16 has been returned to the open state. If the manual valve 16 is open, the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of S1211, and if the manual valve 16 is closed, the CPU 201 repeats the process of S1210. For example, the CPU 201 checks whether the manual valve 16 has been returned to the open state based on the detection result of the manual valve sensor 168. However, the completion of the user's operation of the manual valve 16 may also be detected by a user input to the input unit 204.

[0074] In S1211, the CPU 201 notifies the user to close the cover member 112. For example, the CPU 201 notifies the user by displaying a message on the display unit 209 urging the user to close the cover member 112 or by issuing a voice message.

[0075] In S1212, the CPU 201 checks whether the cover member 112 is closed based on the detection result of the cover sensor 18. If the cover member 112 is closed, the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of S1213, and if the cover member 112 is open, the CPU 201 repeats the process of S1212. Note that the CPU 201 may check based on whether the input unit 204 has received an input from the user indicating that the closing operation has been completed.

[0076] In S1213, the CPU 201 moves the carriage 13 to the cap position. In S1214, the CPU 201 brings the suction cap 211 into close contact with the ejection port surface of the print head 14 and drives the suction pump 214. This fills the print head 14 with ink, and the flow chart ends.

[0077] As described above, when replacing the recording head 14, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation by the user by prompting the user to open and close the manual valve 16 as necessary. Furthermore, since the notification to replace the recording head 14 is given only after it is confirmed that the manual valve 16 is closed, it is possible to prevent ink leakage during replacement.

[0078] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the CPU 201 in the transport setting mode. When the recording apparatus 1 is transported from the user to a service center for repair or maintenance, measures to prevent ink leakage during transportation may be required. Furthermore, when the recording apparatus 1 is stored without being used for an extended period of time, it is desirable to close the manual valve 16. Therefore, in the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when the control mode is set to the transport setting mode, a series of processes is performed to prompt the user to operate the manual valve. For example, this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 reading a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it.

[0079] The processes from S1301 to S1305 correspond to the processes from S1201 to S1205, respectively. The processes from S1306 and S1307 correspond to the processes from S1211 and S1212, respectively. In S1308, the CPU 201 seals the ejection port surface of the print head 14 with the suction cap 211. In S1309, the CPU 201 performs software shutdown processing and ends the flowchart.

[0080] As described above, in the transport setting mode, the CPU 201 performs software shutdown processing after confirming that the manual valve 16 is closed. Therefore, when the power to the recording apparatus 1 is turned off while the transport setting mode is selected, the manual valve 16 is always in a closed state. This prevents the user from forgetting to take measures to prevent ink leaks when the recording apparatus 1 is transported from the user to a service center.

[0081] <Action and effect> As described above, according to the recording device 1 of the first embodiment, the operation unit 161 is disposed in a position that is exposed when the cover member 112 is opened. Therefore, the user must always open the cover member 112 before operating the manual valve 16, which prevents the user from operating the operation unit 161 erroneously. Furthermore, when replacing the recording head 14, the user is prompted to replace the recording head 14 after the manual valve 16 is closed, which prevents ink leakage caused by the user replacing the recording head 14 with the manual valve 16 open. Here, if the distance between the manual valve 16 and the attachment / detachment operation unit 143 is great, the user may replace the recording head 14 without operating the manual valve 16. However, in this embodiment, by moving the attachment / detachment operation unit 143 to a position that is covered by the main body 111 of the housing 11, the user can be prevented from replacing the recording head 14 until the manual valve 16 is closed.

[0082] Furthermore, when transporting the recording apparatus 1, selecting the transportation setting mode turns off the power with the manual valve 16 closed, preventing the user from forgetting to close the manual valve 16. Also, because the manual valve 16 is closed during transportation, even if the recording apparatus 1 is subjected to an impact during transportation and the recording head 14 and the suction cap 211 become separated, ink leakage from the recording head 14 can be reduced. This is particularly effective when a large-capacity ink tank 17 is provided, as it can prevent ink from leaking from the ink tank 17 from the recording head 14 during transportation and reduce contamination of the recording apparatus 1. Furthermore, if the cover sensor 18 detects that the cover member 112 has been opened during printing, the recording apparatus 1 can notify the user not to operate the manual valve 16.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the manual valve 16 is disposed within the width 112a of the cover member 112 and within the width 191 of the maximum recordable recording medium. Therefore, the supply tube 15 extending from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14 can be shortened, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the recording apparatus 1 and the cost of the parts of the supply tube 15.

[0084] <Other embodiments> The configuration of the manual valve according to another embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0085] FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) are perspective views illustrating an outline of a manual valve 30 according to another embodiment. The manual valve 30 differs from the manual valve 16 according to the first embodiment in that its operation unit 301 is shaped to cover the attachment / detachment operation unit 143. When the manual valve 30 is open as shown in FIG. 14(a), the attachment / detachment operation unit 143 of the carriage 13 is covered by the operation unit 301 of the manual valve 30, preventing the user from operating the attachment / detachment operation unit 143. On the other hand, when the manual valve 30 is closed as shown in FIG. 14(b), the operation unit 301 is positioned so that the attachment / detachment operation unit 143 can be operated. This prevents ink leakage caused by removing the print head 14 while the manual valve 30 is open. In other words, the operation unit 301 has the function of preventing the user from replacing the print head 14 at the wrong time.

[0086] 15(a) and 15(b) are perspective views illustrating an outline of a manual valve 40 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when the manual valve 40 is in a closed state, the operating unit 401 is positioned so as to abut against a portion of the carriage 13. Also, as shown in FIG. 15(a), when the manual valve 40 is in an open state, the operating unit 401 is positioned so as not to abut against the carriage 13. With this configuration, in this embodiment, the manual valve 40 can be switched from a closed state to an open state by moving the carriage 13 from the state shown in FIG. 15(b) to the state shown in FIG. 14(b) while the carriage 13 is in contact with the operating unit 401. That is, the operation unit 401 is linked to the movement of the carriage 13, and the manual valve 40 can be switched from a closed state to an open state. For example, in the transport setting mode described above, when a user selects a mode, the CPU 201 can move the carriage 13 to close the manual valve 40 and perform a shutdown process. On the other hand, the manual valve 40 in the open state does not come into contact with the carriage 13, and therefore does not affect the recording operation. This allows the manual valve 40 to be moved from the closed state to the open state without any operation by the user.

[0087] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 recording device, 14 recording head, 16 manual valve, 201 CPU, 112 cover member

Claims

[Claim 1] a recording head that ejects ink; an ink tank that contains ink to be supplied to the recording head; a cover member provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the device; an ink supply path for supplying ink from the ink tank to the recording head; a manual valve disposed in the ink supply path and switchable between an open state in which the ink tank communicates with the recording head and a closed state in which the ink tank does not communicate with the recording head; an operating portion that is disposed in a position that is exposed when the cover member is opened and that is capable of operating the switching of the manual valve.

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