Liquid discharge system and control method of liquid discharge system

Abstract

To solve a problem in inconvenience for a user in the case of separately forming a device discharging a colored ink and a device discharging pretreatment liquid and connecting the two devices, because the device discharging the pretreatment liquid is only used for discharging the pretreatment liquid.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge system includes: a first liquid discharge device that discharges liquid to a medium; and a second liquid discharge device that discharges liquid to the medium, the second liquid discharge device being a device capable of receiving the medium to which the liquid has been discharged by the first liquid discharge device. The first liquid discharge device and the second liquid discharge device include: a liquid discharge part that discharges liquid to the medium; a mounting part in which a liquid storage part storing liquid to be discharged from the liquid discharge part is mounted; and a flow path of the liquid extending from the mounting part to the liquid discharge part. A recording liquid storage part storing recording liquid for recording on the medium and a treatment liquid storage part storing treatment liquid for treatment on the medium can be alternatively mounted to the mounting part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection system that ejects liquid onto a medium, and also to a method for controlling the liquid ejection system. [Background technology]

[0002] The inkjet recording device described in Patent Document 1 has a liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to the transported paper. The liquid supplied by the liquid supply unit includes colored ink and a pretreatment liquid that is supplied to the paper before the colored ink is supplied. Therefore, the liquid supply unit has a head unit that ejects colored inks and a head unit that ejects a pretreatment liquid. The pretreatment liquid is white ink. The head unit that ejects the pretreatment liquid is disposed adjacent to the head unit that ejects the colored inks on the upstream side in the paper transport direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-188699 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the inkjet recording device described in Patent Document 1, the head unit that ejects the pretreatment liquid is disposed adjacent to the head unit that ejects the colored inks on the upstream side in the paper transport direction, which may result in the pretreatment liquid and the colored inks mixing together, which may cause problems. Possible problems include poor color development in the inkjet recording device described in Patent Document 1. Other problems include nozzle clogging due to increased viscosity of the pretreatment liquid, which may be caused by the properties of the pretreatment liquid. Although this problem occurs not only when a pre-treatment liquid is ejected but also when a post-treatment liquid is ejected, the following description will be given taking a pre-treatment liquid as an example of the treatment liquid.

[0005] The problem of the pretreatment liquid and the colored inks mixing may also occur when the head unit that ejects the pretreatment liquid is positioned adjacent to the head unit that ejects the colored inks on the downstream side in the paper transport direction. The above problems can be solved by configuring a device for ejecting colored ink and a device for ejecting pretreatment liquid separately and connecting the two devices. However, the device for ejecting pretreatment liquid has no other use than ejecting the pretreatment liquid, which makes it difficult for users to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the liquid ejection system of the present invention is a liquid ejection system comprising a first liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium, and a second liquid ejection device that is an apparatus that can accept the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and ejects liquid onto the medium, wherein the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device each comprise a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto the medium, an attachment section to which a liquid storage section that stores the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section is attached, and a liquid flow path from the attachment section to the liquid ejection section, and is characterized in that the attachment section can alternatively be attached with a recording liquid storage section that serves as the liquid storage section and stores recording liquid for recording onto the medium, and a processing liquid storage section that serves as the liquid storage section and stores processing liquid for processing the medium.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for controlling a liquid ejection system, which includes a first liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium, and a second liquid ejection device that is capable of receiving the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and that ejects the liquid onto the medium, wherein the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device include a liquid ejection section that ejects the liquid onto the medium, an attachment section to which a liquid storage section that stores the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section is attached, a liquid flow path from the attachment section to the liquid ejection section, and at least one medium storage section that can store the medium to be fed, and the attachment section is alternatively attachable to either a recording liquid storage section that stores recording liquid for recording onto the medium and a treatment liquid storage section that stores treatment liquid for processing the medium. the second liquid ejection device further comprises a receiving section that receives a medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device, and a carrying-in path that carries the medium received from the receiving section into the medium storage section, and the control method includes determining whether the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section of the first liquid ejection device is the recording liquid or the treatment liquid, determining whether the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section of the second liquid ejection device is the recording liquid or the treatment liquid, and when one of the liquids ejected from the liquid ejection sections of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device is the recording liquid and the other is the treatment liquid, carrying the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device into the medium storage section of the second liquid ejection device.

[0008] The present invention also provides a method for controlling a liquid ejection system, which includes a first unit, which is a pair of a first liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium, and a second liquid ejection device that is a device capable of receiving a medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and ejects liquid onto the medium, and a second unit, which is a pair of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device and is capable of receiving a medium from the first unit, wherein the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device each include a mounting unit to which a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto a medium and a liquid storage section that stores liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection section are mounted, and The device is characterized in that it has a liquid flow path from the destination portion to the liquid ejection portion, and the mounting portion can alternatively be fitted with a recording liquid storage portion serving as the liquid storage portion that stores recording liquid for recording on the medium, or a processing liquid storage portion serving as the liquid storage portion that stores processing liquid for processing the medium, the first unit has an inversion portion that inverts the medium and transports it to the second unit, and the control method includes, when printing on both sides of the medium, causing the first unit to eject liquid onto the first side of the medium and causing the second unit to eject liquid onto the second side opposite the first side of the medium.

[0009] The present invention also provides a method for controlling a liquid ejection system, which includes a first unit paired with a first liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium and a second liquid ejection device that is capable of receiving a medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and ejects liquid onto the medium, and a second unit paired with the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device and capable of receiving a medium from the first unit, wherein the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device each include a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto the medium, a mounting section to which a liquid storage section that stores liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection section is mounted, and a liquid flow path from the mounting section to the liquid ejection section, and the mounting section is configured to store a liquid that is ejected onto the medium. a recording liquid storage unit serving as the liquid storage unit containing a recording liquid for recording on a medium, and a processing liquid storage unit serving as the liquid storage unit containing a processing liquid for processing the medium, which can be alternatively attached; the first unit has an inversion unit that inverts the medium and transports it to the second unit, and the inversion unit has a skip path that transports the medium transported from the first unit to the second unit without inverting it; and the control method, when using the skip path to eject liquid onto only one side of the medium, includes ejecting liquid onto the medium by the first liquid ejection device of the first unit, and then ejecting liquid onto the medium by the second liquid ejection device of the second unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a medium transport path of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a liquid flow path. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a medium transport path of the liquid ejection system. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of a region onto which a pretreatment liquid is ejected and a printing region; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a medium transport path of the liquid ejection system. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a medium transport path of the liquid ejection system. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a medium transport path of the liquid ejection system. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a medium transport path of the liquid ejection system. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the liquid ejection system. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing control relating to the attachment of the liquid storage unit to the attachment unit. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a mode setting process. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a cleaning process. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a cartridge determination process. [Figure 15] 10 is a table showing the relationship between the liquid storage portion stored in each storage portion and the liquid ejection mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a liquid flow path. [Figure 17A] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a first embodiment of a means for preventing erroneous cartridge installation. [Figure 17B] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a first embodiment of a means for preventing erroneous cartridge installation. [Figure 17C] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a first embodiment of a means for preventing erroneous cartridge installation. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the state forming unit. [Figure 19A] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified examples of the first restricting portion and the ink fitting portion. [Figure 19B] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified examples of the first restricting portion and the ink fitting portion. [Figure 19C] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified examples of the first restricting portion and the ink fitting portion. [Figure 19D] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified examples of the first restricting portion and the ink fitting portion. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the means for preventing erroneous cartridge installation. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the means for preventing erroneous cartridge installation. [Figure 22A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the mounting portion in a recording liquid state. [Figure 22B]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the mounting portion in a processing liquid state. [Figure 22C] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the mounting portion in a cleaning liquid state. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the cleaning liquid cartridge. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a modified example of the second embodiment of the means for preventing erroneous cartridge installation. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the pretreatment liquid cartridge. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the cleaning liquid cartridge. [Figure 27] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a modified example of the second embodiment of the means for preventing erroneous cartridge installation. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the pretreatment liquid cartridge. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the cleaning liquid cartridge. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the mounting unit in a standby state. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the relationship between control by the control unit and user operations related to the mounting unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be briefly described below. The liquid ejection system according to the first aspect is a liquid ejection system comprising a first liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium, and a second liquid ejection device that is capable of receiving the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and ejects liquid onto the medium, wherein the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device each comprise a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto the medium, an attachment section to which a liquid storage section that stores the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section is attached, and a liquid flow path from the attachment section to the liquid ejection section, and wherein the attachment section is capable of alternatively attaching a recording liquid storage section that serves as the liquid storage section and stores a recording liquid for recording onto the medium, and a processing liquid storage section that serves as the liquid storage section and stores a processing liquid for processing the medium.

[0012] According to this aspect, the mounting section can be selectively fitted with either a recording liquid storage section containing recording liquid for recording on a medium, or a treatment liquid storage section containing treatment liquid for treating the medium, making it possible to eject both recording liquid and treatment liquid onto a medium using a single liquid ejection device. This eliminates the need for a dedicated liquid ejection device for ejecting treatment liquid, increases the number of ways in which the two liquid ejection devices can be used, and improves usability for users.

[0013] The second aspect is a dependent aspect of the first aspect, characterized in that the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device each have at least one medium storage section capable of storing the medium to be fed, and the second liquid ejection device further has a receiving section that receives the medium from which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device, and an inlet path that transports the medium received from the receiving section into the medium storage section.

[0014] According to this aspect, the second liquid ejection device is configured to transport the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device into the medium storage unit, and therefore by storing the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device in the medium storage unit, it is possible to ensure drying time. Furthermore, by utilizing the medium storage unit, which is a component for feeding the medium, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated medium storage location, and the device can be made smaller.

[0015] A third aspect is an aspect dependent on the second aspect, and is characterized in that the second liquid ejection device comprises a first medium storage section which is the medium storage section, and a second medium storage section which is the medium storage section, and is further capable of carrying out the steps of transporting the first medium received from the receiving section into the first medium storage section, transporting the second medium received from the receiving section after the first medium into the second medium storage section, and feeding the first medium to the liquid ejection section, and then feeding the second medium to the liquid ejection section. According to this aspect, two medium storage sections are used and the media fed in first is fed first, so that drying time can be ensured.

[0016] A fourth aspect is a dependent aspect of the third aspect, characterized in that the second liquid ejection device feeds the first medium transported to the first medium storage section to the liquid ejection section, and then transports the medium received from the receiving section to the first medium storage section.

[0017] According to this aspect, after the medium contained in the first medium storage section is fed, the next medium is transported into the first medium storage section, thereby preventing the order of use of the medium that was first transported into the first medium storage section and the medium that is next transported into the first medium storage section from being reversed.

[0018] A fifth aspect is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and further includes a control unit that controls the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device, and is characterized in that when ejecting the treatment liquid onto a medium, the control unit ejects the treatment liquid onto the medium based on recording data when recording on the medium with the recording liquid.

[0019] According to this aspect, when the control unit ejects the treatment liquid onto a medium, the control unit ejects the treatment liquid onto the medium based on recording data when recording on the medium using the recording liquid, and therefore the amount of treatment liquid used can be reduced compared to when the treatment liquid is ejected onto the entire surface of the medium without being based on the recording data. It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may be subordinate to any of the second to fourth aspects.

[0020] The sixth aspect is a dependent aspect of the first aspect, and is characterized in that the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device are configured to be able to invert the front and back of the medium recorded by the liquid ejection unit and re-transport it to the liquid ejection unit.

[0021] According to this aspect, the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device can invert the medium recorded by the liquid ejection unit and re-transport it to the liquid ejection unit, thereby allowing liquid to be ejected onto both sides of the medium. It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may be subordinate to any of the second to fifth aspects.

[0022] The seventh aspect is a dependent aspect of the first aspect, and is characterized in that the treatment liquid storage unit is mounted in the mounting portion of the first liquid ejection device, and the recording liquid storage unit is mounted in the mounting portion of the second liquid ejection device.

[0023] According to this aspect, the treatment liquid storage unit is attached to the mounting unit provided on the first liquid ejection device, and the recording liquid storage unit is attached to the mounting unit provided on the second liquid ejection device, so that pre-processing before recording on a medium can be performed by the first liquid ejection device. It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may be subordinate to any of the second to sixth aspects.

[0024] The eighth aspect is a dependent aspect of the first aspect, and is characterized in that a cleaning liquid storage section serving as the liquid storage section, which stores a cleaning liquid for cleaning the flow path, can be attached to the mounting section. According to this aspect, since a cleaning liquid container containing a cleaning liquid for cleaning the flow path can be attached to the attachment part, the flow path can be easily cleaned by attaching the cleaning liquid container. Cleaning the flow path can prevent different types of liquid from mixing, thereby achieving good results. It should be noted that this aspect is not limited to the first aspect, but may be subordinate to any of the second to seventh aspects.

[0025] A ninth aspect is an aspect dependent on the first aspect, and is characterized in that the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device have the same device configuration. According to this aspect, the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device have the same device configuration, which improves usability for the user compared to when they are separate device configurations.

[0026] A tenth aspect is an aspect dependent on any of the first to ninth aspects, and is characterized in that it comprises a first unit which is a pair of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device, and a second unit which is a pair of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device, and the first unit comprises an inversion section which inverts the medium and transports it to the second unit.

[0027] When the first unit and the second unit are provided, the first liquid ejection device of the first unit can eject liquid onto a first surface of a medium, and then the second liquid ejection device of the first unit can eject liquid onto the first surface of the medium, and then the first liquid ejection device of the second unit can eject liquid onto the second surface of the medium, and then the second liquid ejection device of the second unit can eject liquid onto the second surface of the medium. Here, the time from when the first liquid ejection device of the first unit ejects liquid onto the first surface of the medium until when the second liquid ejection device of the first unit ejects liquid onto the first surface of the medium is defined as time Tm1. Furthermore, the time from when the first liquid ejection device of the second unit ejects liquid onto the second surface of the medium until when the second liquid ejection device of the second unit ejects liquid onto the second surface of the medium is defined as time Tm2. According to this aspect, the first unit includes a reversing section that turns the medium over and transports it to the second unit, thereby reducing the difference between the time Tm1 and the time Tm2, ​​thereby reducing the difference in recording quality between the first and second sides of the medium.

[0028] An eleventh aspect is a dependent aspect of the tenth aspect, characterized in that the inversion unit has a skip path that transports the medium transported from the first unit to the second unit without inverting it, and when using the skip path to eject liquid onto only one side of the medium, the liquid is ejected onto the medium by the first liquid ejection device of the first unit, and then the liquid is ejected onto the medium by the second liquid ejection device of the second unit.

[0029] According to this aspect, when the skip path is used to eject liquid onto only one side of a medium, the first liquid ejection device of the first unit ejects liquid onto the medium, and then the second liquid ejection device of the second unit ejects liquid onto the medium, thereby saving transport time from the first ejection of liquid onto the medium until the next ejection of liquid onto the medium, thereby saving drying time from the first ejection of liquid onto the medium until the next ejection of liquid onto the medium, and achieving good recording quality.

[0030] A method for controlling a liquid ejection system according to a twelfth aspect is a method for controlling a liquid ejection system including a first liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium, and a second liquid ejection device that is an apparatus capable of receiving a medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and that ejects liquid onto the medium, wherein the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device each include a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto the medium, an attachment unit to which a liquid storage unit that stores the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit is attached, a liquid flow path from the attachment unit to the liquid ejection unit, and at least one medium storage unit that can store the medium to be fed, and the attachment unit is alternatively attachable to either a recording liquid storage unit that stores recording liquid for recording onto the medium, or a treatment liquid storage unit that stores treatment liquid for processing the medium. the second liquid ejection device further comprises a receiving section that receives a medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device, and a carrying-in path that carries the medium received from the receiving section into the medium storage section, and the control method includes determining whether the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section of the first liquid ejection device is the recording liquid or the treatment liquid, determining whether the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section of the second liquid ejection device is the recording liquid or the treatment liquid, and when one of the liquids ejected from the liquid ejection sections of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device is the recording liquid and the other is the treatment liquid, carrying the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device into the medium storage section of the second liquid ejection device.

[0031] According to this aspect, when one of the liquids ejected from the liquid ejection units of the first and second liquid ejection devices is the recording liquid and the other is the treatment liquid, the medium onto which the liquid is ejected by the first liquid ejection device can be stored in the medium storage unit of the second liquid ejection device to ensure drying time. Furthermore, by using the medium storage unit, which is a component for feeding the medium, there is no need to provide a dedicated medium storage location, and the device can be made smaller.

[0032] A method for controlling a liquid ejection system according to a thirteenth aspect is a method for controlling a liquid ejection system including: a first unit, which is a pair of a first liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium, and a second liquid ejection device that is a device that can receive a medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and ejects liquid onto the medium; and a second unit, which is a pair of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device and can receive a medium from the first unit, wherein the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device each include a mounting unit to which a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto a medium and a liquid storage section that stores liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection section are mounted; and a liquid flow path from the destination portion to the liquid ejection portion, wherein the mounting portion can alternatively be fitted with a recording liquid storage portion serving as the liquid storage portion that contains recording liquid for recording on the medium, or a processing liquid storage portion serving as the liquid storage portion that contains processing liquid for processing the medium, the first unit has an inversion portion that inverts the medium and transports it to the second unit, and the control method includes, when printing on both sides of the medium, causing the first unit to eject liquid onto the first side of the medium, and causing the second unit to eject liquid onto the second side of the medium that is opposite to the first side.

[0033] When the first unit and the second unit are provided, the first liquid ejection device of the first unit can eject liquid onto a first surface of a medium, and then the second liquid ejection device of the first unit can eject liquid onto the first surface of the medium, and then the first liquid ejection device of the second unit can eject liquid onto the second surface of the medium, and then the second liquid ejection device of the second unit can eject liquid onto the second surface of the medium. Here, the time from when the first liquid ejection device of the first unit ejects liquid onto the first surface of the medium until when the second liquid ejection device of the first unit ejects liquid onto the first surface of the medium is defined as time Tm1. Furthermore, the time from when the first liquid ejection device of the second unit ejects liquid onto the second surface of the medium until when the second liquid ejection device of the second unit ejects liquid onto the second surface of the medium is defined as time Tm2. According to this aspect, the first unit ejects liquid onto the first surface of the medium, and the second unit ejects liquid onto the second surface of the medium opposite to the first surface, thereby reducing the difference between the time Tm1 and the time Tm2, ​​thereby reducing the difference in recording quality between the first surface and the second surface of the medium.

[0034] A method for controlling a liquid ejection system according to a fourteenth aspect is a method for controlling a liquid ejection system including a first unit, which is a pair of a first liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium, and a second liquid ejection device that is a device that can receive a medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and ejects liquid onto the medium, and a second unit, which is a pair of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device and can receive a medium from the first unit, wherein the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device each include a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid onto the medium, a mounting section to which a liquid storage section that stores liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection section is mounted, and a liquid flow path from the mounting section to the liquid ejection section, and the mounting section includes: The device is characterized in that it is possible to alternatively install a recording liquid storage unit as a liquid storage unit that stores recording liquid for recording on a medium, and a processing liquid storage unit as a liquid storage unit that stores processing liquid for processing the medium, the first unit has an inversion unit that inverts the medium and transports it to the second unit, and the inversion unit has a skip path that transports the medium transported from the first unit to the second unit without inverting it, and the control method includes, when using the skip path to eject liquid onto only one side of the medium, ejecting liquid onto the medium using the first liquid ejection device of the first unit, and then ejecting liquid onto the medium using the second liquid ejection device of the second unit.

[0035] According to this aspect, when the skip path is used to eject liquid onto only one side of a medium, the first liquid ejection device of the first unit ejects liquid onto the medium, and then the second liquid ejection device of the second unit ejects liquid onto the medium, thereby saving transport time from the first ejection of liquid onto the medium until the next ejection of liquid onto the medium, thereby saving drying time from the first ejection of liquid onto the medium until the next ejection of liquid onto the medium, and achieving good recording quality. The present invention will be specifically described below. The XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure is a Cartesian coordinate system, with the Y axis direction being the direction that intersects with the medium transport direction, i.e., the width direction of the medium, and also the depth direction of the device. In this embodiment, of the side surfaces that form the periphery of the device body 2 of the liquid ejection device 1, the side surface in the +Y direction is the back surface, and the side surface in the -Y direction is the front surface. The X-axis direction is the width direction of the device, and as seen from the operator of the liquid ejection device 1, the +X direction is the left side and the -X direction is the right side. The -X direction is the direction in which the medium is fed from each medium cassette, which will be described later. The +X direction is the direction in which the medium is transported at a position opposite the liquid ejection unit 12. The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, that is, the height direction of the device, with the +Z direction being the upward direction and the -Z direction being the downward direction.

[0036] In the following, the direction in which the medium is transported may be referred to as "downstream," and the opposite direction may be referred to as "upstream." In each figure, the medium transport path is indicated by a dashed line. In the liquid ejection device 1, the medium is transported through the medium transport path indicated by the dashed line.

[0037] <<Configuration of liquid ejection device>> In this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 1 is an inkjet printer that performs recording by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as recording paper. The liquid ejection system described later is a system that includes a plurality of liquid ejection devices 1. In this specification, the terms "recording" and "printing" may be used, but they both have the same meaning in that an image is formed on a medium by ejecting a liquid onto the medium. Therefore, "recording" may be replaced with "printing" or "image formation," and "printing" may be replaced with "recording" or "image formation."

[0038] The liquid ejection device 1 is provided with a plurality of media cassettes arranged vertically below the device main body 2, which includes a liquid ejection unit 12 (described later), specifically a first media cassette 3, a second media cassette 4, a third media cassette 5, and a fourth media cassette 6. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between these media cassettes, they will simply be referred to as media cassettes. Each media cassette is provided with a pick roller that sends the stored media in the -X direction. Reference numerals 21, 22, 23, and 24 indicate the pick rollers provided for each media cassette. The structure for the stored media to come into contact with the pick roller may be a structure in which the pick roller moves forward and backward relative to the media, or a structure in which the media is pushed up by a lift plate provided in each media cassette.

[0039] Further, a pair of feed rollers is provided for each medium cassette to feed the medium sent out by the pick roller further downstream. Reference numerals 25, 26, 27, and 28 denote pairs of feed rollers provided for each medium cassette. In the following, unless otherwise specified, a "roller pair" is defined as consisting of a drive roller driven by a power source such as a motor, and a driven roller that rotates in contact with the drive roller.

[0040] The medium fed from the first media cassette 3 receives a feeding force from the transport roller pair 29 and 33 and is sent to the transport roller pair 34. The medium fed from the second media cassette 4 receives a feeding force from the transport roller pair 30, 29, and 33 and is sent to the transport roller pair 34. The medium fed from the third media cassette 5 receives a feeding force from the transport roller pairs 31, 30, 29, and 33 and is sent to the transport roller pair 34. The medium fed from the fourth media cassette 6 receives a feeding force from the transport roller pairs 32, 31, 30, 29, and 33 and is sent to the transport roller pair 34. The symbol T1 indicates the transport path of the medium fed from each media cassette to the transport roller pair 34.

[0041] The medium receiving the feeding force from the transport roller pair 34 is sent between the liquid discharge unit 12 and the transport belt 66, that is, to a liquid discharge position facing the liquid discharge unit 12. The transport roller pair 34 constitutes a transport unit that transports the medium between the liquid discharge unit 12 and the transport belt 66. The liquid ejection unit 12 ejects liquid onto the surface of the medium. In this embodiment, the liquid ejection unit 12 is a line head in which multiple nozzles 13 that eject liquid are arranged across the entire area in the width direction of the medium. However, the liquid ejection unit 12 may also be an ink ejection head that is mounted on a carriage and ejects liquid while moving in the width direction of the medium.

[0042] The liquid ejection unit 12 according to this embodiment employs a piezoelectric element, which is a piezoelectric element whose volume changes when a voltage is applied. By controlling the drive waveform of the piezoelectric element, the movement of the meniscus of the nozzle 13 can be controlled, thereby controlling the size and ejection speed of the ejected droplets. In this embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 13 includes a nozzle capable of ejecting yellow ink, a nozzle capable of ejecting magenta ink, a nozzle capable of ejecting cyan ink, and a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting black ink. Each color ink is an example of recording liquid for recording on a medium. As will be described in detail later, the nozzles ejecting each color ink can eject cleaning liquid and also processing liquids such as pre-processing liquid and post-processing liquid.

[0043] Next, the conveyor belt 66 is an endless belt that is wound around a drive roller 67 and a driven roller 68, and is rotated when the drive roller 67 is driven by a motor (not shown). The medium is attracted to the belt surface of the conveyor belt 66 and conveyed to a position facing the liquid discharger 12. The drive roller 67, the driven roller 68, and the conveyor belt 66 constitute a belt unit 65. The belt unit 65 has the drive roller 67 as its rotation axis and is provided so as to be rotatable by a power source (not shown). By rotating, the belt unit 65 switches between a state in which the medium can be conveyed as shown in FIG. 1 and a position (not shown) in which the belt unit is retracted from the liquid discharger 12.

[0044] The medium onto which the liquid is ejected by the liquid ejection unit 12 is sent toward either the pair of transport rollers 36 or the pair of transport rollers 40 by the pair of transport rollers 35 located downstream of the transport belt 66. Therefore, a path switching flap (not shown) is provided near the downstream side of the pair of transport rollers 35.

[0045] When the medium is turned over and liquid is not ejected onto the medium again, the medium is sent from the transport roller pair 35 toward the transport roller pair 36. Downstream from the transport roller pair 36, discharge path T4 and discharge path T5 can be selected. Therefore, a path switching flap (not shown) is provided near the downstream side of the transport roller pair 36. When discharge path T4 is selected, the medium passes through discharge path T4 and is discharged onto discharge tray 8. A transport roller pair 38 and a transport roller pair 39 are provided on discharge path T4. When the discharge path T5 is selected, the medium passes through the discharge path T5 and is discharged in the +X direction from the discharge unit K3 of the apparatus main body 2. A transport roller pair 44 is provided on the discharge path T5. When a reversing unit 70 (described later) is connected to the liquid discharge device 1, the medium discharged from the discharge unit K3 enters the reversing unit 70 from a receiving unit K4 of the reversing unit 70.

[0046] When the surface of the medium is inverted and liquid is ejected onto the medium again, the medium is sent from conveying roller pair 35 toward conveying roller pair 40 and enters switchback path T2. The rotation direction of conveying roller pair 40 is then switched, the medium switches back, and enters reversal path T3, and is sent to conveying roller pair 34 by conveying roller pairs 41, 42, and 43.

[0047] The liquid ejection device 1 has receiving units K1 and K2 for receiving media on the side surface in the -X direction. The receiving unit K1 is provided at a height position corresponding to the position between the liquid ejection unit 12 and the belt unit 65 in the device height direction. In this embodiment, the receiving unit K1 and the ejection unit K3 are located at approximately the same height position. The medium received from the receiving unit K1 is sent to the transport roller pair 34 by the transport roller pair 45. Reference symbol T6 denotes a transport path along which the medium received from the receiving unit K1 is transported. The receiving unit K1 may also serve as a feed port when feeding media placed on a loading unit (not shown) provided on the side surface in the -X direction.

[0048] The receiving section K2 is provided at a position further below the position of the fourth medium cassette 6 in the device height direction. The media received from receiving unit K2 is carried by carry-in path T7 into the first media cassette 3, second media cassette 4, third media cassette 5, and fourth media cassette 6. More specifically, carry-in path T7 is provided with pairs of transport rollers 46, 47, and 48 below fourth media cassette 6, and the media receives a feed force from these transport roller pairs to be transported in the +X direction, and then further upward.

[0049] A transport roller pair 54 is provided in the +X direction relative to the fourth medium cassette 6. A path switching flap (not shown) is provided upstream of the transport roller pair 54, and the medium is transported to either the transport roller pair 54 or the transport roller pair 49. When the medium is transported to the transport roller pair 54, a feeding force in the -X direction is applied to the medium by the transport roller pair 54, and the medium is transported into the fourth medium cassette 6.

[0050] A transport roller pair 53 is provided in the +X direction relative to the third medium cassette 5. A path switching flap (not shown) is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 49, and the medium is transported to either the transport roller pair 53 or the transport roller pair 50. When the medium is transported to the transport roller pair 53, a feeding force in the -X direction is applied to the medium by the transport roller pair 53, and the medium is transported into the third medium cassette 5.

[0051] A transport roller pair 52 is provided in the +X direction relative to the second medium cassette 4. A path switching flap (not shown) is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 50, and the medium is transported to either the transport roller pair 52 or the transport roller pair 51. When the medium is transported to the transport roller pair 52, a feed force in the -X direction is applied to the medium by the transport roller pair 52, and the medium is transported into the second medium cassette 4. The transport roller pair 51 is arranged in the +X direction relative to the first media cassette 3, and when the media is transported to the transport roller pair 51, the transport roller pair 51 applies a feed force to the media in the -X direction, and the media is transported into the first media cassette 3.

[0052] Next, reference numeral 200 denotes an attachment part to which a liquid storage part (described later) is attached, which stores the liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection part 12. The liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection part 12 is supplied from the attachment part 200 to the liquid ejection part 12 via tubes 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d (see FIG. 2).

[0053] Reference numeral 9 denotes a cap unit having a cap 9a that caps the liquid discharge unit 12. The cap unit 9 is provided so as to be displaceable by a power source (not shown) between a separated position (see FIG. 1) where the cap 9a is separated from the liquid discharge unit 12 and a cap position (not shown) where the cap 9a caps the head surface 12a of the liquid discharge unit 12.

[0054] Next, the reversing unit 70 will be described. In this embodiment, the reversing unit 70 is configured as a separate device from the liquid ejection device 1, can be mechanically and electrically connected to the liquid ejection device 1, and can be controlled by a control unit 80 of the liquid ejection device 1, which will be described later. However, the reversing unit 70 is an optional configuration, and does not need to be provided when only one liquid ejection device 1 is used, and may not be necessary in the liquid ejection system, which will be described later. 1, for convenience of explanation, the reversing unit 70 is arranged in the +X direction relative to the liquid ejection device 1. However, as will be explained later, since the reversing unit 70 is arranged between two liquid ejection devices 1, it can be said that the reversing unit 70 may be located in the -X direction when viewed from a specific liquid ejection device 1.

[0055] The inverting unit 70 has a receiving unit K4 on its side in the -X direction that receives media. The position of the receiving unit K4 in the device height direction is the same as the position of the discharging unit K3, and the receiving unit K4 can receive media discharged from the discharging unit K3. The media transport path downstream from the receiving unit K4 branches into a skip path U5 and a switchback carry-in path U1. Therefore, a path switching flap (not shown) is provided downstream of the receiving unit K4. The inversion unit 70 also has a discharge unit K6 on its side facing the +X direction, which discharges the medium in the +X direction. In this embodiment, the position of the discharge unit K6 in the device height direction is the same as the position of the receiving unit K4. Therefore, when the skip path U5 is selected, the medium travels from the receiving unit K4 via the skip path U5 in a straight line along the X-axis direction to the discharge unit K6, and is then discharged from the discharge unit K6 in the +X direction.

[0056] When the switchback inlet path U1 is selected, the medium enters the switchback path U2, which extends vertically. The switchback path U2 is equipped with conveying roller pairs 55, 56, and 57. The medium fed into the switchback path U2 receives a force from the conveying roller pairs 55 and 56, and optionally from the conveying roller pair 57, and is conveyed downward. When the rear end of the medium passes the branch point between the switchback inlet path U1 and the switchback discharge path U4, the rotation direction of the conveying roller pairs 55, 56, and 57 is switched, and the medium is conveyed upward. The medium is then discharged from the discharge section K6 in the +X direction via the switchback discharge path U4. Therefore, a path switching flap (not shown) or a path guide structure (not shown) is provided near the top of the conveying roller pair 55. Further below the switchback path U2, a discharge unit K5 is provided. The reversing unit 70 can discharge the medium sent from the switchback carry-in path U1 to the switchback path U2 directly in the +X direction from the discharge unit K5 without switching back.

[0057] The above is the configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 and the reversing unit 70, and the control unit 80 will be described below with reference to FIG. The control unit 80 performs various controls in the liquid ejection device 1 and the liquid ejection system described below. Note that Fig. 2 mainly shows the components necessary for the following explanation, and does not show other components. The control unit 80 controls the feeding mechanism 90, the transport mechanism 91, the liquid ejection unit 12, and the mounting unit 200. The control unit 80 also controls the reversing unit 70 connected to the liquid ejection device 1.

[0058] The feeding mechanism 90 includes the above-mentioned pick rollers 21, 22, 23, and 24, the pairs of feeding rollers 25, 26, 27, and 28, and a motor (not shown) that drives these rollers. The transport mechanism 91 includes the above-mentioned transport roller pairs 29 to 54, a motor (not shown) that drives these rollers, multiple path switching flaps that switch the destination of the above-mentioned medium, and a drive source (not shown) such as a solenoid that drives these path switching flaps. The motor (not shown) that constitutes the feeding mechanism 90 and the motor (not shown) that constitutes the transport mechanism 91 are, for example, DC motors. Each of the motors is provided with a rotary encoder (not shown), and the control unit 80 can detect the rotation direction, rotation amount, and rotation speed of each of the motors by using this rotary encoder. In other words, the control unit 80 can detect the drive direction, drive amount, and drive speed of each of the rollers described above.

[0059] A liquid storage unit that stores the liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection unit 12 can be attached to the attachment unit 200. The attachment of the liquid storage unit to the attachment unit 200 will be described in detail later, but the types of liquid include at least a recording liquid for recording on a medium and a processing liquid for processing the medium. The types of liquid also include a cleaning liquid that cleans the flow path Fr (see FIG. 3) through which the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit flows before being ejected from the liquid ejection unit 12.

[0060] Ink containing a coloring material is an example of a recording liquid. Pre-treatment liquid and post-treatment liquid are examples of treatment liquid. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, a liquid storage unit that stores ink will be referred to as an "ink cartridge." In this embodiment, a liquid storage unit that stores treatment liquid will be referred to as a "treatment liquid cartridge." Treatment liquid cartridges can be either "pre-treatment liquid cartridges" that store pre-treatment liquid, or "post-treatment liquid cartridges" that store post-treatment liquid. In this embodiment, a liquid storage unit that stores cleaning liquid will be referred to as a "cleaning liquid cartridge." When there is no need to distinguish between the cartridges, they may simply be referred to as "cartridges." In addition, the term "liquid storage unit" may be used instead of the term "cartridge."

[0061] The ink cartridge is an example of a recording liquid storage unit that stores recording liquid. The treatment liquid cartridge is an example of a treatment liquid storage unit that stores treatment liquid for processing a medium. The cleaning liquid cartridge is an example of a cleaning liquid storage unit that stores cleaning liquid for cleaning the flow path Fr (see FIG. 3).

[0062] The flow path Fr will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a liquid flow path, and the flow path Fr includes a flow path Fr1 which is a section within the mounting part 200, a flow path Fr2 which is a section formed by tubes 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d which connect the mounting part 200 and the liquid discharge part 12, and a flow path Fr3 which is a section within the liquid discharge part 12 which includes the nozzle 13. Note that hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the tubes 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d, they will be collectively referred to as tubes 14. With the cleaning liquid cartridge attached to the attachment portion 200, the cleaning liquid can be discharged from the nozzle 13 to clean the flow path Fr.

[0063] The mounting portion 200 according to this embodiment includes a first housing portion 211, a second housing portion 212, a third housing portion 213, and a fourth housing portion 214 that house cartridges. That is, the mounting portion 200 according to this embodiment allows a plurality of cartridges to be attached and detached. A liquid supply needle 15 is provided at the bottom of each storage section. The liquid supply needle 15 is provided on one end side of the tube 14. The cartridge is provided with a liquid supply section 310, and when each cartridge is attached to each cartridge storage section, the liquid supply needle 15 enters the liquid supply section 310, making it possible to supply liquid from the cartridge.

[0064] One end of a tube 19 is connected to the cap 9a that caps the liquid discharge unit 12. The other end of the tube 19 enters the waste liquid storage unit 17, which recovers the liquid discharged into the cap 9a. Reference numeral 18 denotes a pump that generates negative pressure within the cap 9a. When the pump 18 is operated with the cap 9a capping the liquid discharge unit 12, the liquid is sucked from the nozzle 13. The cap 9a is an example of a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the liquid discharge unit 12.

[0065] As described above, in the liquid ejection device 1, the flow path Fr can be cleaned, and therefore, by cleaning the flow path Fr, it is possible to prevent different types of liquids from mixing together, and good results can be obtained. In this embodiment, the flow path Fr can be easily cleaned because a cleaning liquid cartridge containing a cleaning liquid for cleaning the flow path Fr can be attached to the mounting part 200. Cleaning the flow path Fr can prevent different types of liquid from mixing, resulting in good results.

[0066] Ink cartridges are shown as an example in Figures 2 and 3. Specifically, an ink cartridge 301 containing black ink is installed in the first storage section 211, an ink cartridge 302 containing magenta ink is installed in the second storage section 212, an ink cartridge 303 containing cyan ink is installed in the third storage section 213, and an ink cartridge 304 containing yellow ink is installed in the fourth storage section 214. In the following, ink cartridges may be referred to without reference numerals. Specifically, black ink cartridge 301 may be referred to as "ink cartridge (BK)," magenta ink cartridge 302 as "ink cartridge (M)," cyan ink cartridge 303 as "ink cartridge (C)," and yellow ink cartridge 304 as "ink cartridge (Y)."

[0067] In FIG. 3, reference numeral 321 denotes a pre-treatment liquid cartridge, reference numeral 322 denotes a post-treatment liquid cartridge, and reference numeral 323 denotes a cleaning liquid cartridge. Instead of ink cartridges, a pre-treatment liquid cartridge 321, a post-treatment liquid cartridge 322, and a cleaning liquid cartridge 323 can be attached to each storage section. In the following description, the pre-treatment liquid cartridge 321, the post-treatment liquid cartridge 322, and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 may be referred to only by their names without reference numerals.

[0068] The liquid storage section, i.e., each cartridge, is provided with a cartridge IC, which is an example of an information storage section that stores information such as the type of liquid and the remaining amount, as shown in Fig. 2. Reference numeral 305 denotes a cartridge IC provided in the black ink cartridge 301, and reference numeral 306 denotes a cartridge IC provided in the magenta ink cartridge 302. Reference numeral 307 denotes a cartridge IC provided in the cyan ink cartridge 303, and reference numeral 308 denotes a cartridge IC provided in the yellow ink cartridge 304. The cartridge IC of each ink cartridge stores information such as that the liquid is ink, the ink color, and the remaining amount. The cartridge IC is also provided in a processing liquid cartridge and a cleaning liquid cartridge, which will be described later. Hereinafter, the cartridge IC provided in each cartridge may be simply referred to as a cartridge IC without being distinguished.

[0069] The mounting portion 200 is provided with contacts that can make electrical contact with the cartridge IC. Reference numeral 201 denotes a contact provided in the first housing portion 211, reference numeral 202 denotes a contact provided in the second housing portion 212, reference numeral 203 denotes a contact provided in the third housing portion 213, and reference numeral 204 denotes a contact provided in the fourth housing portion 214. The control unit 80 can detect information such as the type of liquid and the remaining amount by reading the information in the cartridge IC. Furthermore, when the liquid is consumed, the control unit 80 updates the remaining amount information in the cartridge IC based on the consumed amount. Furthermore, the control unit 80 can detect when a cartridge has been replaced by reading the information in the cartridge IC at a predetermined timing or at predetermined intervals.

[0070] Next, the control unit 80 includes a CPU 81 that executes a computer program, in other words, software, a volatile memory 82, and a nonvolatile memory 83. The CPU 81 performs various calculations required to execute a program 84 stored in the nonvolatile memory 83. The volatile memory 82 is used as a temporary data storage area. The nonvolatile memory 83 stores the program 84 and control parameters 85 required to execute the program 84. The program 84 includes programs that execute various processes described below, and the control parameters 85 include parameters for executing the program 84. The various processes described below are realized when the control unit 80 executes the program 84. The control unit 80 can also accept various operational settings from the user via an operation panel 86 provided in the liquid ejection device 1. The operation panel 86 includes a touch panel, a power button, other setting buttons, and the like (not shown).

[0071] <<Configuration of liquid ejection system>> Next, a liquid ejection system using the liquid ejection device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent figures. First, the processing solution and the cleaning solution will be described below. At least an ink cartridge and a treatment liquid cartridge can be selectively attached to the attachment portion 200 of the liquid ejection device 1. Furthermore, a cleaning liquid cartridge may also be attached. Therefore, the ink cartridge, the treatment liquid cartridge, and the cleaning liquid cartridge all have basically the same housing shape and size. However, there may be differences in the details, which will be explained later.

[0072] For example, when an ink cartridge is mounted in the mounting portion 200, the liquid ejection device 1 can perform recording by ejecting ink onto a medium. Also, for example, when a treatment liquid cartridge is mounted in the mounting portion 200, the liquid ejection device 1 can perform pre-treatment or post-treatment on the medium depending on the type of treatment liquid. Also, for example, when a cleaning liquid cartridge is mounted in the mounting portion 200, the liquid ejection device 1 can clean the flow path Fr. As will be explained in detail later, when multiple cartridges can be attached to the attachment section 200, cartridges containing ink and cleaning liquid may be mixed, or cartridges containing treatment liquid and cleaning liquid may be mixed. However, it is preferable to avoid mixing cartridges containing ink and treatment liquid.

[0073] The pretreatment liquid may be any conventionally known liquid that is ejected onto a medium before ink ejection to suppress ink bleeding and improve recording quality, and one example of such a liquid may be one that uses pure water as a solvent and contains a coagulant such as a polyvalent metal salt. Of course, such a pretreatment liquid is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. The aggregating agent reacts with the colorant contained in the ink, and with components such as the pigment dispersion and resin that may be contained in the ink, thereby aggregating the colorant. The aggregating agent also increases the viscosity of the ink composition by reacting with the pigment dispersion and / or resin that may be contained in the ink composition. Therefore, mixing of the pretreatment liquid and the ink in the liquid flow path Fr can lead to ejection defects. Therefore, a cleaning process must be performed when switching from an ink cartridge to a treatment liquid cartridge, or when switching from a treatment liquid cartridge to an ink cartridge. Of course, even if the pretreatment liquid does not contain an aggregating agent, for example, when white ink is used as the pretreatment liquid, mixing with inks of other colors can prevent the desired treatment results from being obtained. Therefore, a cleaning process must be performed when switching from an ink cartridge to a treatment liquid cartridge, or when switching from a treatment liquid cartridge to an ink cartridge.

[0074] Furthermore, the post-treatment liquid can be appropriately selected from conventionally known liquids that are ejected onto a medium onto which ink has been ejected and that coat the recording surface with a protective layer made of a coating film to improve the water resistance, light resistance, gas resistance, abrasion resistance, glossiness, color development, etc. of the recorded image. Examples of post-treatment liquids include, but are not limited to, those containing a water-soluble resin or a water-soluble emulsion using pure water as a solvent. Mixing the post-treatment liquid with the ink can also cause, for example, thickening of the ink, so a cleaning process must be performed when replacing the ink cartridge with a treatment liquid cartridge, or when replacing the treatment liquid cartridge with an ink cartridge.

[0075] The cleaning liquid may be any liquid capable of cleaning the nozzle 13 and the flow path Fr, and may be, for example, a liquid containing pure water as the main component and a surfactant, a viscosity modifier, and an antifoaming agent. Of course, this is just an example, and the cleaning liquid is not limited to this.

[0076] Next, a specific example of a liquid ejection system will be described. The liquid ejection system 100A shown in Figure 4 includes a first liquid ejection device 1A and a second liquid ejection device 1B. Both the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B are the liquid ejection device 1 described with reference to Figure 1. In Figure 4 and subsequent figures, to avoid complicating the drawings, the number of rollers and symbols shown is reduced compared to Figure 1. The first liquid ejector 1A and the second liquid ejector 1B are mechanically coupled by a coupling portion (not shown) and electrically connected by a connector (not shown), which enables the control unit 80 of the first liquid ejector 1A and the control unit 80 of the second liquid ejector 1B to communicate with each other, allowing the first liquid ejector 1A and the second liquid ejector 1B to work together to eject liquid onto a medium. Similarly, in other embodiments described below, the control units 80 of the plurality of liquid ejection devices can communicate with each other, and they can eject liquid onto a medium in cooperation with each other. Various recording settings and recording execution operations by the user may be executable by only one of the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B, or may be executable by both.

[0077] In the liquid ejection system 100A, after liquid is ejected onto a medium by a first liquid ejection device 1A, the medium is sent to a second liquid ejection device 1B, and the liquid is ejected by the second liquid ejection device 1B. As an example, in this embodiment, a treatment liquid cartridge is attached to the attachment portion 200 of the first liquid ejection device 1A, and an ink cartridge is attached to the attachment portion of the second liquid ejection device 1B. That is, the first liquid ejection device 1A ejects pretreatment liquid onto a medium, and the second liquid ejection device 1B ejects ink onto a medium. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first liquid ejection device 1A may eject ink, and the second liquid ejection device 1B may eject post-treatment liquid. Alternatively, both the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B may eject ink. Alternatively, both the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B may eject pre-treatment liquid. Furthermore, it is not necessary to use both the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B, and a predetermined liquid may be ejected by only one of them. This also applies to the other liquid ejection systems described below, and the liquid ejected by the multiple liquid ejection devices included in the liquid ejection system can be any combination of ink and treatment liquid, as long as no technical contradictions arise.

[0078] 4, the thick solid line indicates the medium transport path when performing this type of liquid ejection. The medium indicated by the symbol P is sent out from one of the medium cassettes of the first liquid ejection device 1A, and after pretreatment liquid is ejected onto its first side, it is turned over and pretreatment liquid is ejected onto its second side. It is then sent to the second liquid ejection device 1B, where recording is performed on its second side, after which it is turned over and recording is performed on its first side, and it is then ejected onto the ejection tray 8. However, the destination of the medium is not limited to this, and the medium may be discharged from the discharge unit K3 via the discharge path T5. In this case, the medium may be discharged to an output tray (not shown) attached to the side surface of the second liquid ejector 1B in the +X direction. The output tray (not shown) may be configured to be detachable from the second liquid ejector. Furthermore, the medium discharged from the discharge unit K3 may be delivered to a processing device arranged in the +X direction of the second liquid ejector 1B, or to an intermediary conveying device that relays the medium to the processing device. The processing device may perform processes such as stapling, punching, saddle stitching, folding, and drying.

[0079] As described above, the liquid ejection system 100A includes a first liquid ejection device 1A that ejects liquid onto a medium, and a second liquid ejection device 1B that is capable of receiving the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device 1A and ejects the liquid onto the medium. The first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B each include a liquid ejection unit 12 that ejects liquid onto the medium, an attachment unit 200 to which a liquid storage unit that stores the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 12 is attached, and a liquid flow path Fr that runs from the attachment unit 200 to the liquid ejection unit 12. The attachment unit 200 can alternatively be attached with an ink cartridge that stores ink for recording on the medium, or a treatment liquid cartridge that stores treatment liquid for processing the medium. This feature is also applicable to the other liquid ejection systems described below.

[0080] Such a liquid ejection system 100A makes it possible to eject ink and treatment liquid onto a medium using a single liquid ejection device 1. This eliminates the need for a dedicated liquid ejection device for ejecting treatment liquid, increases the number of ways in which the two liquid ejection devices can be used, and improves usability for users. Although the liquid ejection system 100A connects two liquid ejection devices, it may also connect three or more liquid ejection devices. For example, when three liquid ejection devices are connected, liquid can be ejected in the order of pre-processing, recording, and post-processing.

[0081] When ejecting the treatment liquid onto the medium, the control unit 80 may eject the treatment liquid onto the medium based on the recording data used when recording on the medium with ink. Specifically, the control unit 80 may eject the treatment liquid onto the same area as the recording area on the medium where recording is to be performed, or onto an area that includes the recording area but is slightly larger than the recording area. This allows the amount of treatment liquid used to be reduced compared to when the treatment liquid is ejected onto the entire surface of the medium without being based on the recording data. Fig. 5 shows an example of an area onto which the treatment liquid is ejected and a printing area, where the symbol Kp in the left diagram of Fig. 5 is an area onto which the pretreatment liquid is ejected onto the medium P, and the symbol Kr in the right diagram of Fig. 5 is a printing area. In this example, the pretreatment liquid is ejected onto an area slightly larger than the printing area Kr, but the ejection area Kp of the pretreatment liquid may be the same as the printing area Kr. Note that the area Kp may also be an area onto which the posttreatment liquid is ejected. In this way, particularly when the liquid ejection device is an inkjet printer, the area onto which the treatment liquid is ejected can be freely set, so the amount of treatment liquid used can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the treatment liquid is ejected uniformly over the entire surface of the medium. Such a method for discharging the treatment liquid can also be applied to other liquid discharging systems described below.

[0082] The first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B according to this embodiment are configured to be able to turn over a medium recorded on by the liquid ejection unit 12 and re-transport it to the liquid ejection unit 12. Specifically, the medium is turned over using a switchback path T2 and a reversing path T3. This allows liquid to be ejected onto both sides of the medium.

[0083] Furthermore, the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B according to this embodiment have the same device configuration, which improves usability for users compared to when the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B have separate device configurations. However, the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B may be separate devices.

[0084] Next, a liquid ejection system 100B shown in FIG. 6 includes a reversing unit 70 between a first liquid ejection device 1A and a second liquid ejection device 1B. In the liquid ejection system 100A, after liquid is ejected onto the medium by the first liquid ejection device 1A, the medium is sent to the reversing unit 70. Then, the medium is turned over using the switchback path U2 and sent to the second liquid ejection device 1B, where the liquid is ejected. As an example, the first liquid ejection device 1A ejects a pretreatment liquid onto a medium, and as an example, the second liquid ejection device 1B ejects ink onto a medium.

[0085] 6, the thick solid line indicates the medium transport path when performing this type of liquid ejection. The medium indicated by the symbol P is sent out from one of the medium cassettes of the first liquid ejection device 1A, and after pretreatment liquid is ejected onto its first side, it is inverted, and pretreatment liquid is ejected onto its second side. It is then inverted by the inverting unit 70 and sent to the second liquid ejection device 1B, where recording is performed on its first side, and then it is inverted, and recording is performed on its second side, and it is then ejected onto the ejection tray 8. According to this mode of use of liquid ejection system 100B, unlike the above-mentioned liquid ejection system 100A, the order is pre-processing of the first side of the medium, pre-processing of the second side, recording on the first side, and recording on the second side, so it is possible to prevent a large difference in the time from pre-processing to recording on the first side and the second side.

[0086] Next, FIG. 7 shows another application form of the liquid ejection system 100B. In this embodiment, the second liquid ejection device 1B receives the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device 1A, and then transports the received medium into each medium storage cassette using the transport path T7. The medium transported into each medium storage cassette is then fed, and liquid is ejected. In Figure 7, the symbol Pm indicates the medium transported into each medium storage cassette. In this manner of use, the media onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejector 1A can be stored in the media storage cassettes of the second liquid ejector 1B, ensuring sufficient drying time. Furthermore, by using the media storage cassettes, which are components for feeding the media, there is no need to provide a dedicated media storage location, which allows for the device to be made more compact.

[0087] A control method for realizing such a usage mode, that is, a control method for the liquid ejection system 100B realized by the control unit 80, can be represented by the flowchart shown in FIG. First, it is determined whether the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 12 of the first liquid ejection device 1A is ink or treatment liquid (step S101). Note that the determination of the treatment liquid also includes the determination of whether it is pre-treatment liquid or post-treatment liquid. This determination can be made, for example, based on the information of the cartridge IC described above. Next, it is determined whether the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 12 included in the second liquid ejection device 1B is ink or treatment liquid (step S102). Note that the determination of the treatment liquid also includes the determination of whether it is pre-treatment liquid or post-treatment liquid. This determination can be made, for example, based on the information of the cartridge IC described above.

[0088] Next, when one of the liquids ejected from the liquid ejection units 12 of the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B is ink and the other is treatment liquid, the first liquid ejection device 1A ejects the liquid (step S103), and the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected is carried into the medium storage unit of the second liquid ejection device 1B (step S104). The second liquid ejection device 1B then ejects the liquid (step S105). Note that the combination of liquids ejected by each of the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B may be a combination of pre-treatment liquid and ink, or a combination of ink and post-treatment liquid. According to this control method, when one of the liquids ejected from the liquid ejection units 12 of the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B is ink and the other is treatment liquid, the medium onto which the liquid is ejected by the first liquid ejection device 1A can be stored in the medium storage unit of the second liquid ejection device 1B, ensuring drying time. Furthermore, by utilizing the medium storage unit, which is a component for feeding the medium, there is no need to provide a dedicated medium storage location, and the device can be made more compact.

[0089] The order in which media are loaded into each media cassette and the order in which they are removed when feeding can be set as desired, but it is desirable to set it in a way that allows time for the media to dry. For example, when using multiple media cassettes, it is preferable to not immediately feed media that has just been loaded into a specific media cassette, but to feed media that was previously loaded into another media cassette first. Furthermore, it is not necessary to use all of the plurality of media cassettes, and any one or more of the media cassettes may be used.

[0090] As an example, when loading media, the media are loaded in the following order: first media cassette 3, second media cassette 4, third media cassette 5, and fourth media cassette 6. By then feeding the media in the same order, the media have enough time to dry and the drying time can be made uniform across each media cassette. Note that instead of loading and feeding media from the upper media cassette to the lower media cassette in this order, the media may be loaded and fed from the lower media cassette to the upper media cassette in this order. Alternatively, one media cassette may be loaded with media up to its storage limit, and while the media is being fed from that media cassette until it runs out, another media cassette may be loaded with media up to its storage limit. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which media are loaded from the top of the media cassette and the loaded media are removed from the bottom. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine carrying media into each media cassette and using the skip path U5 of the reversing unit 70 to eject liquid from the second liquid ejection device 1B without carrying media into each media cassette. Furthermore, if the throughput of the first liquid ejection device 1A is higher than that of the second liquid ejection device 1B, one medium cassette may be used as a buffer, and other medium cassettes may be used for sequential loading and feeding. If the process overflows, the received media may be evacuated to the buffer medium cassette.

[0091] In this way, the second liquid ejection device 1B includes a plurality of medium cassettes. If one of the plurality of medium cassettes is a first medium storage unit and the other is a second medium storage unit, the second liquid ejection device 1B can execute the steps of: carrying the received first medium into the first medium storage unit; carrying the received second medium after the first medium into the second medium storage unit; and feeding the first medium to the liquid ejection unit 12, and then feeding the second medium to the liquid ejection unit 12. This allows for sufficient drying time by using two media cassettes and feeding media in order from the first one fed.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second liquid ejection device 1B transports the received medium into the first medium storage unit after feeding the first medium transported into the first medium storage unit to the liquid ejection unit 12. This prevents the medium transported into the first medium storage unit first from being used in the reverse order to the medium transported into the first medium storage unit next.

[0093] Next, the liquid ejection system 100C shown in FIG. 8 includes a first unit 101 which is a pair of a first liquid ejection device 1A and a second liquid ejection device 1B, and a second unit 102 which is a pair of the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B. The first unit 101 includes a reversing section that turns the medium over and conveys it to the second unit 102. In the case of providing a first unit 101 and a second unit 102, after the first liquid ejection device 1A of the first unit 101 ejects liquid onto a first side of a medium, the second liquid ejection device 1B of the first unit 101 can eject liquid onto the first side of the medium. After that, the first liquid ejection device 1A of the second unit 102 ejects liquid onto a second side of the medium, and then the second liquid ejection device 1B of the second unit 102 ejects liquid onto the second side of the medium. The combination of liquids ejected by each unit may be a combination of pre-treatment and ink, a combination of ink and post-treatment, or any other combination.

[0094] That is, the control method of the liquid ejection system 100C includes, when printing on both sides of a medium, causing the first unit 101 to eject liquid onto a first side of the medium, and causing the second unit 102 to eject liquid onto a second side of the medium opposite to the first side. Here, the time from when the first liquid ejection device 1A of the first unit 101 ejects liquid onto the first surface of the medium until when the second liquid ejection device 1B of the first unit 101 ejects liquid onto the first surface of the medium is defined as time Tm1. Furthermore, the time from when the first liquid ejection device 1A of the second unit 102 ejects liquid onto the second surface of the medium until when the second liquid ejection device 1B of the second unit 102 ejects liquid onto the second surface of the medium is defined as time Tm2. According to this aspect, the first unit 101 includes the reversing unit 70 that reverses the medium and transports it to the second unit 102, thereby reducing the difference between the time Tm1 and the time Tm2. This reduces the difference in recording quality between the first and second sides of the medium.

[0095] Furthermore, even with a configuration such as the liquid ejection system 100B described above, the difference between time Tm1, i.e., the time from the first ejection of liquid onto the first surface of the medium to the next ejection of liquid, and time Tm2, ​​i.e., the time from the first ejection of liquid onto the second surface of the medium to the next ejection of liquid, can be reduced. At this time, it is preferable that the first liquid ejection device 1A and the second liquid ejection device 1B take the same time to reverse the medium on the switchback path T2 and the reversing path T3. That is, the liquid ejection system 100B as described above can reduce the difference between time Tm1 and time Tm2 while preventing the system from becoming larger in size in the X-axis direction, and can therefore reduce the difference in recording quality between the first and second sides of the medium. On the other hand, in liquid ejection system 100B, while liquid is being ejected onto the second side of a medium, liquid cannot be ejected onto the first side of the subsequent medium. However, in liquid ejection system 100C, by continuously transporting the medium, it is possible to eject liquid onto the second side of one medium and onto the first side of another medium in parallel. Furthermore, liquid ejection system 100C inverts the medium fewer times than liquid ejection system 100B. Therefore, liquid ejection system 100C can reduce the difference between time Tm1 and time Tm2 while improving throughput, and ultimately reduce the difference in recording quality between the first and second sides of the medium.

[0096] Next, FIG. 9 shows another application form of the liquid ejection system 100C. When ejecting liquid onto only one side of a medium using the skip path U5 of the reversing unit 70, it is also possible to eject liquid onto the medium by the first liquid ejection device 1A of the first unit 101, and then eject liquid onto the medium by the second liquid ejection device 1B of the second unit 102. The combination of the liquid ejected first and the liquid ejected later may be a combination of pre-treatment and ink, a combination of ink and post-treatment, or any other combination. That is, when liquid is ejected onto only one side of a medium using skip path U5, the control method of liquid ejection system 100C includes ejecting liquid onto the medium using a first liquid ejection device 1A of first unit 101, and then ejecting liquid onto the medium using a second liquid ejection device 1B of second unit 102. According to this aspect, it is possible to save time between when the liquid is first ejected onto the medium and when the liquid is next ejected onto the medium, thereby saving time for drying and achieving good recording quality.

[0097] <<Control related to the attachment of the liquid storage unit>> Next, among the controls performed by the control unit 80 of the liquid ejection device 1, the control particularly relating to the mounting of the liquid storage unit, ie, the cartridge, to the mounting unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the liquid ejection modes of the liquid ejection device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The liquid ejection device 1 according to this embodiment can execute one of the liquid ejection modes shown in Fig. 15 depending on the type of cartridge attached to the attachment portion 200. In Fig. 14, the indication "ink" refers to the ink cartridge, the indication "pre-treatment liquid" refers to the pre-treatment liquid cartridge, the indication "post-treatment liquid" refers to the post-treatment liquid cartridge, and the indication "cleaning liquid" refers to the cleaning liquid cartridge.

[0098] In this specification, the term "liquid ejection mode" simply refers to the state of the liquid ejection device 1 according to the type of cartridge mounted in the mounting portion 200. Execution of a liquid ejection mode means actually performing a process corresponding to that liquid ejection mode. For example, execution of an ink mode means ejecting ink onto a medium, execution of a processing mode means applying a processing liquid to a medium, and execution of a cleaning mode means cleaning the flow path Fr.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first container 211 can be fitted with any one of an ink cartridge (BK), a pre-treatment liquid cartridge, a post-treatment liquid cartridge, and a cleaning liquid cartridge. The second container 212 can be fitted with any one of an ink cartridge (M), a pre-treatment liquid cartridge, a post-treatment liquid cartridge, and a cleaning liquid cartridge. The third container 213 can be fitted with any one of an ink cartridge (C), a pre-treatment liquid cartridge, a post-treatment liquid cartridge, and a cleaning liquid cartridge. The fourth container 214 can be fitted with any one of an ink cartridge (Y), a pre-treatment liquid cartridge, a post-treatment liquid cartridge, and a cleaning liquid cartridge.

[0100] The relationship between the type of cartridge installed in each storage section and the liquid ejection mode is as shown in Figure 15. In this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 1 can execute any one of the ink mode (all colors), ink mode (single color), pre-treatment mode, pre-treatment mode (high speed), post-treatment mode, post-treatment mode (high speed), and cleaning mode. Note that it is not necessary to execute all of these modes. It may also have modes other than those listed above. The ink mode (all colors) and the ink mode (monochrome) are examples of recording modes in which recording is performed on a medium using ink, which is an example of a recording liquid. The pre-processing mode, the pre-processing mode (high speed), the post-processing mode, and the post-processing mode (high speed) are examples of processing modes in which processing is performed on a medium using a processing liquid. The cleaning mode is a mode in which the flow path Fr is cleaned using a cleaning liquid. The control method of the liquid ejection device 1 realized by the control unit 80 includes executing each of the above modes. Each of the above modes allows for appropriate recording, processing, and cleaning.

[0101] It is necessary to attach some kind of cartridge to each storage section because if cartridges are not attached to all storage sections, for example, when negative pressure is generated in the cap 9a to suck liquid from the nozzle 13, the negative pressure may not be generated properly, and suction may not be possible. Therefore, for example, in the ink mode (monochrome), pre-treatment mode, and post-treatment mode, the necessary cartridge is installed in the first container 211, and cleaning liquid cartridges are installed in the other containers. In addition to the ink mode (monochrome), a mode in which an ink cartridge of a desired color is installed in a container and cleaning liquid cartridges are installed in the other containers may be provided. This installation mode reduces liquid consumption costs compared to installing ink cartridges and treatment liquid cartridges in containers other than the first container 211 and using only the cartridge in the first container 211. This is because cleaning liquid is generally less expensive than ink and treatment liquid, and even when only the cartridge in the first container 211 is used to eject liquid, liquid from cartridges in other containers is also consumed during maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 12. Therefore, these modes allow the liquid ejection device 1 to be customized to meet the user's desired print results while reducing costs.

[0102] Next, the processing performed by the control unit 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 shows a main flow of control relating to the mounting of the liquid storage portion, ie, the cartridge, to the mounting portion 200. When the device is powered on, the control unit 80 performs a power-on process (step S11). Here, powering on the device is not limited to when the power button (not shown) on the operation panel 86 is pressed, but also includes when returning from power-saving mode. The power-on process here is a typical printer initialization process, and includes, for example, detecting the home position of movable parts and resetting operations.

[0103] Next, the control unit 80 performs a mode setting process (step S12). The mode here refers to the liquid ejection mode described with reference to FIG. 15. In this mode setting process, it is confirmed whether the cartridge attached to the attachment unit 200 matches the liquid ejection mode recognized by the control unit 80, and if it does not match, the necessary predetermined process is performed. In other words, since there is a possibility that the cartridge attached to the attachment unit 200 has been replaced by the user in the power-off state, this is confirmed in the mode setting process. The mode setting process will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0104] The control unit 80 acquires the current mode (step S31). The current mode is stored in the nonvolatile memory 83 (see FIG. 2). Next, the control unit 80 acquires the current mode from the information cartridge IC of the cartridge mounted in the mounting unit 200 (step S32), and determines whether it matches the current mode (step S33). As a result, if it matches the current mode (Yes in step S33), the process returns to the main flow of Fig. 11. On the other hand, if it does not match the current mode (No in step S33), it is determined whether the ink cartridge has been replaced with the treatment liquid cartridge (step S34).

[0105] If the ink cartridge and the treatment liquid cartridge have not been swapped (No in step S34), the liquid ejection mode is reset according to the type of cartridge that is installed (step S35). Resetting the liquid ejection mode includes a process of saving information related to the changed liquid ejection mode in non-volatile memory 83 (see FIG. 2).

[0106] If the ink cartridge has been replaced with a treatment liquid cartridge (Yes in step S34), an alert is issued on the operation panel 86, and a user interface is displayed prompting the user to select either cartridge replacement or cleaning processing (step S36). Note that the term user interface will be abbreviated as "UI" hereinafter. As an example, the above UI may include a message such as, "A cartridge replacement that requires cleaning has been detected. Please select whether to replace the cartridge after cleaning, or to replace the cartridge without cleaning."

[0107] That is, when a treatment liquid cartridge is installed in a storage section that previously contained an ink cartridge, or when an ink cartridge is installed in a storage section that previously contained a treatment liquid cartridge, the ink and treatment liquid may mix, causing the liquid to thicken and potentially causing clogging of the flow path Fr, etc. Therefore, in this case, the process of filling the flow path Fr with new liquid is not performed, and a UI including the above-mentioned alert is presented to the user.

[0108] In this case, the user can either clean the cartridge and then replace it as originally intended, or replace the cartridge without cleaning. Examples of cartridge replacement without cleaning include replacing an ink cartridge with a cleaning liquid cartridge, or replacing a treatment liquid cartridge with a cleaning liquid cartridge. Of course, cartridge replacement without cleaning also includes replacing the cartridge with the original type. If the user's selection (step S37) is to replace the cartridge after cleaning, the control unit 80 performs the cleaning process (step S38) and then displays a request for replacement with the cartridge originally scheduled for replacement on the operation panel 86 (step S39). If the user's selection (step S37) is to replace the cartridge, which does not require cleaning, the process proceeds to step S40.

[0109] Regardless of the user selection, after replacing the cartridge, the user presses, for example, an "replacement complete button" displayed on the UI of the operation panel 86. In response to this, the control unit 80 acquires information about the cartridge IC of the cartridge mounted in the mounting unit 200 (step S40), and if the mounted cartridge is appropriate (Yes in step S41), the process proceeds to step S35. If the installed cartridges are not appropriate (No in step S41), an error is processed. The installed cartridges are appropriate means that they are one of the cartridge combinations shown in Figure 15. In particular, one example of an inappropriate installed cartridge is when an ink cartridge and a treatment liquid cartridge are installed at the same time. In step S35, as described above, the liquid ejection mode is reset in accordance with the type of cartridge that is installed.

[0110] The cleaning process of step S38 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. In the cleaning process, the control unit 80 displays a UI on the operation panel 86 that prompts the user to install a cleaning liquid cartridge (step S51). After the user installs the cleaning liquid cartridge, the control unit 80 presses the "exchange completion button" displayed on the UI of the operation panel 86, and the control unit 80 acquires information about the cartridge IC of the cartridge installed in the installation unit 200 (step S52). As a result, if the installed cartridge is appropriate (Yes in step S53), the control unit 80 resets the liquid discharge mode, i.e., sets the liquid discharge mode to cleaning mode (step S54), and cleans the flow path Fr (step S55). Here, the installed cartridge is appropriate means that the cleaning liquid cartridge is installed in a storage unit that requires cleaning of the flow path Fr.

[0111] This cleaning of the flow path Fr is a process of ejecting cleaning liquid from the nozzles 13 onto the cap 9a, or a process of creating negative pressure in the cap 9a and sucking cleaning liquid from the nozzles 13. This process may be the same as the maintenance performed to prevent clogging of the liquid ejection unit 12 when the ink cartridge is installed, specifically, the flushing process or nozzle suction process sequence. Alternatively, the sequence for initial ink filling may be used as is. Alternatively, a sequence dedicated to cleaning liquid may be used. Furthermore, these sequences may be repeated, thereby enabling even more reliable cleaning. If the loaded cartridge is not appropriate (No in step S53), the process returns to step S51.

[0112] The above is the mode setting process. Returning to FIG. 11, step S13 and subsequent steps of the main flow will now be described. After the mode setting process in step S12 is completed, the control unit 80 enters a print standby mode (step S13), which is a mode in which the control unit 80 waits for a user operation. On the other hand, if there is no user operation ("None" in step S14) and the power saving mode transition time has arrived (Yes in step S18), the control unit 80 performs a power saving mode transition process (step S19), which causes the liquid ejection device 1 to enter a power saving state in which power is supplied only to necessary parts. In the power saving mode, if a power saving mode cancellation event occurs, such as the user touching the operation panel 86 or pressing the power button (not shown) (Yes in step S20), the process returns to step S11. Note that if the user issues a print request in the power saving mode, the control unit 80 performs a power-on process (step S11) and then executes step S15 and subsequent steps, which will be described later.

[0113] Next, if a user operation is performed in the print standby mode (YES in step S14), and the operation is to turn off the power, the control unit 80 performs a power-off process (step S21), and the process ends. If the user operation is a print request, that is, if the control unit 80 receives print job data, the process proceeds to step S15, where cartridge determination processing is performed. This cartridge determination processing will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0114] First, the control unit 80 determines whether the current liquid ejection mode matches the liquid ejection mode in the print job data (step S71). If they match (Yes in step S71), the control unit 80 returns to the main flow. If the current liquid ejection mode does not match the liquid ejection mode in the print job data (No in step S71), the print job is stopped, an alert is issued on the operation panel 86, and a UI is displayed prompting the user to select either cartridge replacement or job cancellation (step S72). As an example, the UI can include a message such as "The installed cartridge is not compatible. Please select whether to replace the cartridge or cancel printing."

[0115] If the user selection (step S73) is to cancel the job, the process returns to step S13 of the main flow. If the user selection (step S73) is cartridge replacement, and this replacement requires cleaning of the flow path Fr, the process proceeds to step S74, where cleaning of the flow path Fr is performed. This cleaning process is the same as the process described with reference to Fig. 13. When the cleaning process is completed, the control unit 80 displays on the operation panel 86 a request to replace the cartridge with one that is compatible with the liquid ejection mode of the print job data (step S75). After replacing the cartridge, the user presses, for example, the "Replacement Completed button" displayed on the UI of the operation panel 86. In response to this, the control unit 80 acquires information about the cartridge IC of the cartridge mounted in the mounting unit 200 (step S76), and if the mounted cartridge is compatible with the liquid ejection mode of the print job data (Yes in step S77), it resets the liquid ejection mode (step S78) and returns to the main flow. If the loaded cartridge is not appropriate (No in step S77), the process returns to step S75. If the user's selection (step S73) is cartridge replacement and the replacement does not require cleaning of the flow path Fr, the process proceeds to step S75 without performing the cleaning process. Returning to the main flow of FIG. 11, the control unit 80 executes printing (step S16) and returns to the print standby mode.

[0116] Next, if the user operation in step S14 in the main flow of Fig. 11 is a cleaning process, the process proceeds to step S17, where the cleaning process of the flow path Fr is performed. This cleaning process is the same as the process described with reference to Fig. 13.

[0117] As described above, when switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other, the control unit 80 intervenes by cleaning the flow path Fr in the cleaning mode (step S38 in FIG. 12, step S74 in FIG. 14). That is, the control method of the liquid ejection device 1 realized by the control unit 80 executes the cleaning mode before switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other (step S38 in FIG. 12, step S74 in FIG. 14). This makes it possible to prevent the ink and the treatment liquid from mixing, thereby achieving good results.

[0118] Furthermore, the control unit 80 detects switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other based on the received job data (step S71 in FIG. 14), and intervenes to clean the flow path Fr in the cleaning mode (step S74 in FIG. 14). That is, the control method of the liquid ejection device 1 realized by the control unit 80 includes receiving job data (a print request with user operation "Yes" in FIG. 11), comparing the liquid ejection mode included in the job data with the current liquid ejection mode (step S71 in FIG. 14), and executing a cleaning mode if the liquid ejection mode included in the job data does not match the current liquid ejection mode (step S74 in FIG. 14). This also makes it possible to handle cases where the user sends job data without being aware of the current mode.

[0119] The control unit 80 may detect the mounting of the cartridge in the mounting unit 200, and based on this detection, detect switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other, and intervene to clean the flow path Fr in the cleaning mode. For example, in the print standby mode (step S13 in FIG. 11), the control unit 80 may acquire cartridge information at predetermined intervals, and when a cartridge is replaced, which corresponds to switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other, a cleaning process (see FIG. 13) may be performed. That is, the control method of the liquid ejection device 1 realized by the control unit 80 includes determining the liquid contained in the liquid container attached to the attachment unit 200, and comparing the liquid ejection mode corresponding to the determined liquid with the liquid ejection mode known to the control unit 80, and if the liquid ejection mode suitable for the determined liquid does not match the current liquid ejection mode, a cleaning mode is executed. This improves usability compared to when the user executes the cleaning mode by himself. When it is detected that the cleaning liquid cartridge has been installed, the flow path cleaning (step S55 in FIG. 13) may be performed without user confirmation.

[0120] The control unit 80 may also detect switching from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other based on input from an operation panel 86 that accepts user operation settings, and intervene in cleaning of the flow path Fr in the cleaning mode. Examples of input from the operation panel 86 include instructions to print, pre-process, or post-process in conjunction with the execution of a copy function. This improves usability compared to when the user manually executes the cleaning mode. The site for accepting user operation settings is not limited to the operation panel 86 provided on the liquid ejection device 1, but may be an external device connected to the liquid ejection device 1, such as a computer.

[0121] The ink cartridge, treatment liquid cartridge, and cleaning liquid cartridge each have a cartridge IC, which is an information storage unit that stores liquid information and is accessible by the control unit 80. When the device is turned on, the control unit 80 accesses the cartridge IC (step S32 in FIG. 12), compares the liquid information with the liquid information from the previous time the cartridge IC was accessed (step S33 in FIG. 12), and if the ink cartridge or treatment liquid cartridge has been replaced with the other (Yes in step S34 in FIG. 12), issues an alert (step S36 in FIG. 12). This makes it possible to prevent the ink and the treatment liquid from mixing, thereby achieving good results.

[0122] In this embodiment, the cleaning mode is a mode in which the flow path Fr is cleaned by performing maintenance using a cleaning liquid and the cap 9a. This allows the flow path Fr to be cleaned easily. At the same time, the cap 9a can also be cleaned.

[0123] The liquid ejection device 1 also includes a waste liquid storage section 17 (see FIG. 3) that stores waste liquid generated in the cap 9a, and the cleaning liquid used in the cleaning mode is discharged into the waste liquid storage section 17. That is, in addition to the ink, the cleaning liquid that has finished cleaning the flow path Fr is also discharged into the waste liquid storage section 17. This eliminates the need to prepare a dedicated waste liquid storage section 17 when cleaning the flow path Fr, improving usability. When a processing liquid cartridge is installed, the processing liquid is also discharged into the waste liquid storage section 17. Therefore, ink, processing liquid, and cleaning liquid may be discharged into the waste liquid storage section 17.

[0124] Furthermore, when one of the recording mode and the processing mode is active and cleaning in the cleaning mode has not been completed, the control unit 80 restricts a cartridge to be used in the other mode from being mounted in the mounting unit 200. This is achieved, for example, by step S36 in Fig. 12 or the flow from step S72 to step S74 in Fig. 14. This makes it possible to prevent the ink and the processing liquid from mixing. Strictly speaking, the restriction here does not refer to the restriction on the installation of the cartridge itself, but rather to preventing the inappropriate installation of the cartridge from continuing, but the installation of the cartridge itself may also be restricted. Such an embodiment will be described later.

[0125] The mounting portion 200 can accommodate a first ink cartridge containing ink of a first color and a second ink cartridge containing ink of a second color different from the first color. In this embodiment, the first color is any one of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow, and the second color is any one of the others. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mounting portion 200 may be capable of mounting only one color ink cartridge, for example, a black ink cartridge. Also, only one cartridge may be mountable in the mounting portion 200.

[0126] The mounting section 200 also has a first mounting area where the first ink cartridge is mounted, and a second mounting area where the second ink cartridge is mounted. The first mounting area here is at least one of the first storage section 211, the second storage section 212, the third storage section 213, and the fourth storage section 214, and the second mounting area is at least one of the other storage sections. The same applies to the first mounting area and second mounting area described below. Here, the control unit 80 may perform error processing when a treatment liquid cartridge is installed in one of the first and second installation areas and an ink cartridge is installed in the other. This error processing is, for example, error processing that branches depending on whether step S41 in FIG. 12 is No.

[0127] Specific processing for this error may be as follows. For example, assume that the user selection in step S37 of Fig. 12 is to replace a cartridge that does not require cleaning, and the current mode is the processing mode. If a treatment liquid cartridge is installed in the first installation area and an ink cartridge is installed in the second installation area, i.e., if the result in step S41 is No, the UI of the operation panel 86 may prompt the user to install a cleaning liquid cartridge or a treatment liquid cartridge in the second installation area. That is, the control method implemented by the control unit 80 may include determining the types of liquid storage units installed in the first and second installation areas, and, when the current mode is the processing mode and a processing liquid cartridge is installed in the first installation area and an ink cartridge is installed in the second installation area, prompting the installation of a cleaning liquid cartridge or a processing cartridge in the second installation area. However, it is preferable that the installation of a processing liquid cartridge in the second installation area be prompted only when cleaning of the flow path Fr has been completed. In this way, it is possible to prevent the ink and the treatment liquid from mixing.

[0128] Furthermore, when executing the processing mode with a processing liquid cartridge installed in the first installation area and a cleaning liquid cartridge installed in the second installation area, it is also preferable for the control unit 80 to convert the image data included in the job data into data of the first color. A specific example will be described below. In the pre-treatment mode of Fig. 15, a pre-treatment liquid cartridge is attached to the first storage section 211, and cleaning liquid cartridges are attached to the second storage section 212, the third storage section 213, and the fourth storage section 214. The first color is black.

[0129] If the print data is a color image, liquid is supplied from the first container 211 and ejected to pixels using black ink, liquid is supplied from the second container 212 and ejected to pixels using magenta ink, liquid is supplied from the third container 213 and ejected to pixels using cyan ink, and liquid is supplied from the fourth container 214 and ejected to pixels using yellow ink.

[0130] Under these assumptions, when preprocessing is performed on a medium in the preprocessing mode and the print data is used as is, if no processing is performed, the preprocessing liquid is appropriately supplied and ejected from the first container 211 to pixels that use black ink. However, for pixels that use ink of other colors, cleaning liquid is supplied and ejected from the second container 212, the third container 213, and the fourth container 214, and the preprocessing liquid cannot be appropriately ejected. Furthermore, if cleaning liquid is prevented from being ejected from the second storage section 212, the third storage section 213, and the fourth storage section 214, liquid will not be ejected onto pixels that use ink of colors other than black ink, and the pretreatment liquid will not be ejected appropriately. Therefore, the control unit 80 converts colors other than black in the image data included in the job data to black. By doing so, regardless of the color, the pretreatment liquid is supplied from the container cartridge housed in the first container 211 and ejected onto all pixels. By doing so, the user does not need to send image data whose color has been adjusted in advance as job data, improving usability. Note that the conversion may be performed at a uniform density, or at a density based on the image data.

[0131] As described above, the control method of the liquid ejection device 1 realized by the control unit 80 includes receiving image data of a print job, determining the liquid contained in the liquid container attached to the attachment unit 200, and converting the image data into data of a first color if the current liquid ejection mode is the processing mode and a liquid container containing processing liquid is attached to the first attachment area.

[0132] 15, for example, if the first mounting area is the first storage section 211 and the second mounting area is the second storage section 212, then the first storage section 211 and the second storage section 212 can be used to mount a processing liquid cartridge and a cleaning liquid cartridge. This allows the use of multiple treatment liquid cartridges. For example, different types of treatment liquid can be installed in the first storage unit 211 and the second storage unit 212 and used accordingly. Furthermore, by simultaneously ejecting the same type of treatment liquid from the first storage unit 211 and the second storage unit 212, throughput can be improved when ejecting the treatment liquid onto a medium. The pre-treatment mode (high speed) and post-treatment mode (high speed) in FIG. 15 are examples of modes that can achieve such an effect. Specifically, the nozzles that eject the treatment liquid supplied from the treatment liquid cartridge installed in the first storage unit 211 and the nozzles that eject the treatment liquid supplied from the treatment liquid cartridge installed in the second storage unit 212 may be positioned so that their ejection areas overlap. In such cases, ejecting the treatment liquid from both nozzles can speed up processing even with the same ejection interval. This tendency is more pronounced in serial printing methods. It should be noted that, as long as the liquids do not cause adverse effects when mixed together, different cartridges may be mounted in the mounting portion 200, not limited to the example of FIG. Furthermore, when cartridges containing the same type of liquid are installed in multiple locations, the frequency of cartridge replacement can be reduced by giving priority to the cartridge with the largest remaining amount of liquid.

[0133] The following modifications can be adopted for the control relating to the attachment of the liquid storage unit described above. In this embodiment, the liquid ejection unit 12 is a line head, and the mounting unit 200 is fixedly provided. However, as described above, the liquid ejection unit 12 may be an ink ejection head that is mounted on a carriage and moves in the medium width direction while ejecting liquid. In this case, the mounting unit 200 may be provided on the carriage, or may be fixedly provided outside the carriage. In this embodiment, the liquid container is a cartridge, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be a liquid container pack that contains liquid. Furthermore, the container may be configured as a liquid tank, and the liquid may be refilled into the liquid tank. When cleaning the flow path Fr, in the above embodiment, a cleaning liquid cartridge is attached to each storage section of the attachment section 200, but it is also possible to attach an adapter (not shown) having a liquid supply section 310 (see FIG. 3) to the storage section, and supply cleaning liquid to this adapter from a cleaning liquid storage section containing cleaning liquid via an ink tube.

[0134] A possible usage mode when using a single liquid ejection device 1 is to perform pretreatment on a medium in the pretreatment mode, then install an ink cartridge via a cleaning process, and perform recording on the medium. In this case, the pretreatment liquid may be applied to the entire surface of the medium, or may be applied only to the area where recording is to be performed. Furthermore, when applying pretreatment liquid only to the area where recording is to be performed, the size of the area where the pretreatment liquid is to be applied may be the same as the size of the area where recording is to be performed, or, as explained with reference to FIG. 5, the pretreatment liquid may be applied to an area slightly larger than the area where recording is to be performed. In the processing mode, the user may be able to set in advance whether to apply the pretreatment liquid to the entire surface or to the area where recording is to be performed. Furthermore, when pre-processing a medium using the pre-processing mode, the ejection accuracy can be lower than when recording using ink, and therefore, when pre-processing a medium using the pre-processing mode, it is also preferable to use a faster medium transport speed than when recording using ink. The job data does not have to include information about the liquid ejection mode. For example, the liquid ejection mode may be set in the liquid ejection device 1, and the liquid ejection device 1 may print the image data included in the job data based on the set liquid ejection mode. In this case, the cartridge determination process S15 does not have to be executed.

[0135] <<Measures to prevent incorrect installation of the liquid storage unit>> Next, referring to Figures 16 and subsequent figures, a means for preventing the incorrect installation of a liquid storage unit, i.e., a cartridge, into the mounting unit 200 will be described. As described above, mixing of ink and treatment liquid can lead to ejection defects. Therefore, by providing a means for preventing an inappropriate cartridge from being installed into a storage unit that has not yet been cleaned, problems associated with mixing of ink and treatment liquid can be prevented. Hereinafter, installing an inappropriate cartridge into a storage unit that has not yet been cleaned will be referred to as incorrect cartridge installation.

[0136] In the following description, the terms "recording liquid state," "treatment liquid state," and "cleaning liquid state" are used to describe the states of the mounting unit 200. The recording liquid state is a state in which the ink cartridge can be installed but the treatment liquid cartridge cannot be installed. As will be described later, in the recording liquid state, the cleaning liquid cartridge may or may not be installed. The treatment liquid state is a state in which the ink cartridge can be installed and the treatment liquid cartridge can be installed. As will be described later, in the treatment liquid state, the cleaning liquid cartridge can be installed or not. The cleaning liquid state is a state in which the ink cartridge and the treatment liquid cartridge cannot be installed, but the cleaning liquid cartridge can be installed. It should be noted that the recording liquid state, the treatment liquid state, and the cleaning liquid state indicate the state of the mounting section 200 when the cartridge is attached or detached, and are concepts independent of the modes described with reference to Figure 15.

[0137] The embodiments of the means for preventing erroneous cartridge installation described below have in common the fact that the installation unit 200 can be switched between a recording liquid state and a treatment liquid state under the control of the control unit 80. This makes it possible to prevent a user from erroneously installing a treatment liquid cartridge when an ink cartridge should be installed. Alternatively, it makes it possible to prevent a user from erroneously installing an ink cartridge when a treatment liquid cartridge should be installed. This makes it possible to prevent the ink and treatment liquid from mixing, resulting in good results.

[0138] In an embodiment in which a cleaning liquid cartridge can be attached to the attachment part 200, the flow path Fr can be easily cleaned by attaching the cleaning liquid cartridge. Cleaning the flow path Fr can prevent different types of liquid from mixing, thereby achieving good results.

[0139] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the mounting unit 200 has a plurality of mounting areas, i.e., storage units, into which ink cartridges containing inks of different colors are respectively mounted, if each of the plurality of storage units can be switched between a recording liquid state and a treatment liquid state, the above-described effects can be obtained for each of the plurality of storage units.Furthermore, if each of the plurality of storage units can be switched between a recording liquid state, a treatment liquid state, and a cleaning liquid state, this can contribute to the convenience of cleaning the flow path Fr.

[0140] (First embodiment of means for preventing incorrect attachment) In the following, an embodiment will be described first, which is based on the premise that the liquid ejection unit 12 is an ink ejection head that is mounted on a carriage and ejects liquid while moving in the width direction of the medium. 16 is a diagram showing a modified example of the liquid ejection unit 12 of FIG. 3, in which the liquid ejection unit 12 and mounting unit 200 are provided on a carriage 220. In this embodiment, the liquid flow path Fr includes a flow path Fr1 that is a section within the mounting unit 200, and a flow path Fr3 that is a section within the liquid ejection unit 12 that includes the nozzle 13. This type of flow path Fr can also be cleaned with a cleaning liquid as described above. The carriage 220 receives power from a motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit 80 and reciprocates in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the medium width direction.

[0141] In a configuration in which the liquid ejection unit 12 and the mounting unit 200 are provided on the carriage 220, the configuration shown in Figures 17A to 17C can prevent incorrect cartridge installation. For ease of explanation, in Figures 17A to 17C, it is assumed that one cartridge is installed in the mounting unit 200, and an ink cartridge 301 containing black ink is used as an example of the ink cartridge. Furthermore, a pre-treatment liquid cartridge 321 is used as an example of a treatment liquid cartridge. However, this is not a limitation, and multiple cartridges may be installable in the mounting unit 200, and an example of a treatment liquid cartridge may be a post-treatment liquid cartridge 322. In the embodiments described below, when pre-treatment liquid cartridges 321 are mentioned, they may all be post-treatment liquid cartridges 322.

[0142] 17A to 17C, reference numeral 340 denotes a state forming section provided on the movement area of ​​the carriage 220. The state forming section 340 forms each of the recording liquid state, the storage liquid state, and the cleaning liquid state. Specifically, the state forming unit 340 includes a first limiting unit 341, a second limiting unit 342, and a third limiting unit 343. The first limiting portion 341 is located above the mounting portion 200 when the carriage 220 is located at the first position Y1 in the movement area Ya of the carriage 220. The second limiting portion 342 is located above the mounting portion 200 when the carriage 220 is located at the second position Y2 in the movement area Ya of the carriage 220. The third limiting portion 343 is located above the mounting portion 200 when the carriage 220 is located at the third position Y3 in the movement area Ya of the carriage 220.

[0143] Fig. 17A shows the state of the recording liquid. In Fig. 17A, the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 are indicated by dashed lines for reference. In the recording liquid state, the carriage 220 is located at the first position Y1. The ink cartridge 301 can be installed by dropping it into the installation section 200 from above. However, for convenience of illustration in Figure 17A, the ink cartridge 301 before installation is depicted by a solid line shifted in the +X direction. The ink cartridge 301 is provided with an ink fitting portion 331. The ink fitting portion 331 and the first limiting portion 341 have a concave-convex shape so that they can fit together. The ink cartridge 301 installed in the installation portion 200 is depicted by a dashed line.

[0144] The pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 is also provided with a treatment liquid fitting portion 332, but the unevenness of this treatment liquid fitting portion 332 is shaped so that it cannot fit with the unevenness of the first restricting portion 341. Therefore, in the recording liquid state, the ink cartridge 301 can be installed in the installation portion 200, but the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 cannot be installed. The cleaning liquid cartridge 323 is also provided with a cleaning liquid fitting portion 333. In this embodiment, the unevenness of the cleaning liquid fitting portion 333 is also shaped so that it cannot fit with the unevenness of the first restricting portion 341. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 is in the recording liquid state, it is also impossible to mount the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 in the mounting portion 200.

[0145] Fig. 17B shows the state of the treatment liquid. Note that in Fig. 17B, the ink cartridge 301 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 are indicated by dashed lines for reference. In the treatment liquid state, the carriage 220 is located at the second position Y2. The treatment liquid cartridge 321 can be mounted in the mounting section 200 by dropping it from above. However, for convenience of illustration in Figure 17B, the treatment liquid cartridge 321 before mounting is depicted by a solid line, shifted in the +X direction. The treatment liquid cartridge 321 is provided with a treatment liquid fitting portion 332. The treatment liquid fitting portion 332 and the second restricting portion 342 have concave and convex shapes so as to fit together. The treatment liquid cartridge 321 attached to the attachment portion 200 is depicted by a dashed line.

[0146] Here, the unevenness of the ink fitting portion 331 of the ink cartridge 301 has a shape that cannot fit with the unevenness of the second restricting portion 342. Therefore, in the treatment liquid state, the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 can be attached to the attachment portion 200, but the ink cartridge 301 cannot be attached. In this embodiment, the unevenness of the cleaning liquid fitting portion 333 is also shaped so that it cannot fit with the unevenness of the second restricting portion 342. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the processing liquid is in the state, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 cannot be attached to the attachment portion 200.

[0147] Fig. 17C shows the state of the cleaning liquid. Note that in Fig. 17C, the ink cartridge 301 and the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 are indicated by dashed lines for reference. In the cleaning liquid state, the carriage 220 is located at the third position Y3. The cleaning liquid cartridge 323 can be mounted by dropping it from above into the mounting portion 200. However, for convenience of illustration in Figure 17C, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 before mounting is depicted by a solid line, shifted in the +X direction. The cleaning liquid fitting portion 333 and the third restricting portion 343 of the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 have a concave-convex shape so as to fit together. The cleaning liquid cartridge 323 attached to the attachment portion 200 is depicted by a dashed line.

[0148] Here, the unevenness of the ink fitting portion 331 of the ink cartridge 301 and the unevenness of the treatment liquid fitting portion 332 of the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 are shaped so that they cannot fit with the unevenness of the third restricting portion 343. Therefore, in the cleaning liquid state, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 can be installed in the installation portion 200, but the ink cartridge 301 and the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 cannot be installed.

[0149] As described above, in this embodiment, in the recording liquid state, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 cannot be installed, in addition to the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321. Furthermore, in the treatment liquid state, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 cannot be installed, in addition to the ink cartridge 301. Furthermore, in the cleaning liquid state, the ink cartridge 301 and the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 cannot be installed. In this configuration, by setting the state to the cleaning liquid state, the ink cartridge 301 and the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 cannot be installed, and it is possible to prompt the user to clean the flow path Fr.

[0150] Assuming a configuration including the first limiting portion 341 and the second limiting portion 342, in this embodiment the first limiting portion 341 does not interfere with the ink cartridge 301, but interferes with the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321. The second limiting portion 342 does not interfere with the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321, but interferes with the ink cartridge 301. The first limiting portion 341 and the second limiting portion 342, and the movement of the carriage 220, make it possible to form the required states, i.e., the recording liquid state and the treatment liquid state. Furthermore, this embodiment further includes a third limiting portion 343, and the first limiting portion 341 does not interfere with the ink cartridge 301, but interferes with the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323. The second limiting portion 342 does not interfere with the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321, but interferes with the ink cartridge 301 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323. The third limiting portion 343 does not interfere with the cleaning liquid cartridge 323, but interferes with the ink cartridge 301 and the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321. The first limiting portion 341, the second limiting portion 342, and the third limiting portion 343, along with the movement of the carriage 220, make it possible to form the required states, i.e., the recording liquid state, the treatment liquid state, and the cleaning liquid state.

[0151] As a modified example, the state forming unit 340 may be configured to allow removal of the cartridge in the recording liquid state, the containing liquid state, and the cleaning liquid state, regardless of the type of cartridge. Figure 18 is an example of such a modified example, and shows, as an example, a state in which the carriage 220 is located at the third position Y3, an ink cartridge 301 is installed in the mounting portion 200, and the third restriction portion 343 is located at the top of the mounting portion 200. The third limiting portion 343 is rotatably provided on a shaft 231 provided on the frame 230. A torsion spring 232 is provided on the shaft 231, and the third limiting portion 343 is pressed downward by the torsion spring 232, specifically in a direction to take the state ST1 in FIG.

[0152] The frame 230 is provided with a restricting portion 233, and the third restricting portion 343 comes into contact with the restricting portion 233 to restrict downward movement, thereby maintaining the state ST1 in FIG. 18. However, when the third restricting portion 343 comes into contact with the restricting portion 233, further downward movement from state ST1 is restricted. Therefore, the function of preventing improper cartridge installation is not impaired.

[0153] In state ST1 of Figure 18, the ink fitting portion 331 of the ink cartridge 301 does not match the shape of the third restricting portion 343 as described above, so if the third restricting portion 343 were fixed, the ink cartridge 301 could not be removed in the removal direction E. However, in this embodiment, the third restricting portion 343 can rotate and move upward against the pressing force of the torsion spring 232. As a result, the ink cartridge 301 can be removed in the removal direction E, as shown by the change from state ST1 to state ST2 in Figure 18. Note that Figure 18 shows an example of the third restricting portion 343, but the first restricting portion 341 and the second restricting portion 342 may also have a similar configuration, making it possible to remove the cartridge regardless of the state of the mounting portion 200 or the type of cartridge.

[0154] In this way, a configuration in which the cartridge can be removed regardless of the state of the mounting portion 200 or the type of cartridge improves usability. For example, if each limiting unit is fixed, to replace an ink cartridge with a cleaning liquid cartridge, the ink cartridge is removed while the carriage 220 is in the first position Y1, and then a command to remove the ink cartridge is input on the operation panel 86. Next, the control unit 80 moves the carriage 220 to the third position Y3 in response, allowing the ink cartridge to be removed. While fixed limiting units increase the user's workload, a configuration such as this embodiment, which allows cartridge removal regardless of the position of the mounting unit 200 or the type of cartridge, improves usability.

[0155] In this configuration, each regulating portion regulates displacement in the mounting direction when the cartridge is mounted, but does not regulate displacement in the removal direction when the cartridge is removed.

[0156] The first restricting portion 341 and the ink fitting portion 331 can be unique depending on the color of ink. Figures 19A to 19D show an example of such a modification. Note that in Figures 19A to 19D, the storage portions (211, 212, 213, 214) that store the ink cartridges are depicted separately for the sake of convenience, but the storage portions are provided integrally as shown in Figure 16. 19A shows an ink cartridge 301 containing black ink, where ink cartridge 301 is provided with ink fitting portion 331A, which can fit into the concave and convex portions of first limiting portion 341A. Ink fitting portion 331A is formed with inherent portion 335A, which has a unique shape, and first limiting portion 341A is formed with inherent portion 345A that can fit into inherent portion 335A. For this reason, ink fitting portions (331B, 331C, 331D) of other colors, which will be described later, cannot fit into first limiting portion 341A.

[0157] 19B shows the case of an ink cartridge 302 containing magenta ink, in which ink cartridge 302 is provided with ink fitting portion 331B, which can fit into the concave and convex portions of first limiting portion 341B. Here, ink fitting portion 331B is formed with inherent portion 335B, which has a unique shape, and first limiting portion 341B is formed with inherent portion 345B, which can fit into inherent portion 335B. For this reason, ink fitting portions (331A, 331C, 331D) of other colors cannot fit into first limiting portion 341B. 19C shows an ink cartridge 303 containing cyan ink, where ink cartridge 303 is provided with ink fitting portion 331C, which can fit into the recesses and protrusions of first limiting portion 341C. Here, ink fitting portion 331C is formed with inherent portion 335C, which has a unique shape, and first limiting portion 341C is formed with inherent portion 345C, which can fit into inherent portion 335C. For this reason, ink fitting portions (331A, 331B, 331D) of other colors cannot fit into first limiting portion 341C. 19D shows the case of ink cartridge 304 containing yellow ink, where ink cartridge 304 is provided with ink fitting portion 331D, which can fit into the concave and convex portions of first limiting portion 341D. Here, ink fitting portion 331D is formed with inherent portion 335D, which has a unique shape, and first limiting portion 341D is formed with inherent portion 345D, which can fit into inherent portion 335D. For this reason, ink fitting portions (331A, 331B, 331C) of other colors cannot fit into first limiting portion 341D.

[0158] In this configuration, when one of the first storage section 211, the second storage section 212, the third storage section 213, and the fourth storage section 214 is designated as a first mounting area and the other is designated as a second mounting area, both the first mounting area and the second mounting area can be said to be configured to be switchable between a recording liquid state and a treatment liquid state. One of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow is designated as a first color and the other is designated as a second color, and the ink cartridge containing ink of the first color is designated as the first ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge containing ink of the second color is designated as the second ink cartridge. The above configuration can be said to be a configuration in which the first ink cartridge cannot be installed in the second installation area, and the second ink cartridge cannot be installed in the first installation area. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent inks of different colors from mixing together, and it is also possible to prevent inks from mixing with the treatment liquid.

[0159] As a modification of the above embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the cleaning liquid fitting portion 333 of the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 is eliminated, and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 does not interfere with the first restricting portion 341 and the second restricting portion 342. In this case, the third restricting portion 343 does not need to be provided. With this configuration, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 can be attached to the attachment portion 200 even when the carriage 220 is located at the first position Y1 and the second position Y2, i.e., even when the cartridge is in the recording liquid state or the processing liquid state. As a result, the number of operations required to attach the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 is reduced, improving usability. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the mounting unit 200 has multiple storage units, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 may be mounted together with other cartridges of different types, such as for the ink mode (monochrome), pre-treatment mode, and post-treatment mode, as shown in Fig. 15. Even in such cases, if the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 can be mounted regardless of the state of the mounting unit 200, usability will be improved.

[0160] (Second embodiment of means for preventing incorrect attachment) The following description is based on the assumption that the liquid ejection unit 12 is a line head having a plurality of nozzles 13 that eject liquid across the entire area in the medium width direction. The embodiment described below is also applicable to a configuration in which the liquid ejection unit 12 is provided on the carriage 220. 20 shows a state forming unit 350 according to this embodiment. Reference numeral 351 indicates a first limiting unit, reference numeral 352 indicates a second limiting unit, and reference numeral 353 indicates a third limiting unit. Like the state forming unit 340 described above, the state forming unit 350 forms each of the recording liquid state, the storage liquid state, and the cleaning liquid state. One of the differences between the state forming unit 350 according to this embodiment and the state forming unit 340 described above is that the respective limiting units are provided and operate adjacent to one another in one location.

[0161] Specifically, the first limiting portion 351, the second limiting portion 352, and the third limiting portion 353 are plate-shaped bodies and are provided with gaps along the axial direction relative to the shaft 354. The axis of the shaft 354 is an axis along the Y-axis direction. Each limiting portion has a shape in which a portion of its circumferential portion protrudes radially. Specifically, the first limiting portion 351 has a first protruding portion 351a (see FIG. 21) that protrudes radially. The second limiting portion 352 has a second protruding portion 352a that protrudes radially. The third limiting portion 353 has a third protruding portion 353a that protrudes radially.

[0162] The protrusions of the limiting portions can be advanced into the mounting portion 200 by rotating the shaft 354, that is, advanced to a position where they can engage with the cartridge. The protrusions of the limiting portions can be retracted from the mounting portion 200 by rotating the shaft 354, that is, retracted to a position where they do not engage with the cartridge. Furthermore, the protruding portions are out of phase with respect to the rotational direction of the shaft 354, so that multiple protruding portions do not simultaneously advance to positions where they can engage with the cartridge. Each protrusion of each limiting portion is an example of a retractable portion that can protrude toward and retract from the mounting portion 200.

[0163] As shown in Fig. 21, power is transmitted to the shaft 354 from a motor 360 controlled by the control unit 80. Reference numerals 361, 362, 363, and 364 denote gears that transmit power from the motor 360 to the shaft 354. To avoid complicating the drawing, the gears 362, 363, and 364 are shown by virtual lines. Note that, although a dedicated motor 360 is provided in this embodiment, the motor 360 may also drive other driven parts. For example, the motor 360 may drive at least one roller. The motor 360 is provided with a rotary encoder and home detection means (not shown), which allow the control unit 80 to grasp the phase of each limiting portion, that is, the protruding state of each protrusion. 21 shows a cleaning liquid state as an example, with a cleaning liquid cartridge 323 attached to the attachment portion 200. Reference numeral 373 denotes a cleaning liquid fitting portion, which will be described later.

[0164] Specific examples of the recording liquid state, the containing liquid state, and the cleaning liquid state will be explained below with reference to Figures 22A, 22B, and 22C. For ease of explanation, Figures 22A, 22B, and 22C show the first containing section 211 as a representative example among the containing sections that contain cartridges, and omit the illustration of the other containing sections (212, 213, 214) and the corresponding state forming sections 350.

[0165] Figure 22A shows the state where the recording liquid is present. The ink cartridge 301 has an ink fitting portion 371 formed therein. Note that in Figure 22A, the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 are indicated by dashed lines for reference. The pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 has a treatment liquid fitting portion 372 formed therein, and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 has a cleaning liquid fitting portion 373 formed therein. However, the ink fitting portion 371, treatment liquid fitting portion 372, and cleaning liquid fitting portion 373 are misaligned in the axial direction of the shaft 354, i.e., the Y-axis direction.

[0166] In the recording liquid state, only the first protrusion 351a of the first restricting portion 351 protrudes toward the cartridge side, and the ink fitting portion 371 of the ink cartridge 301 can receive the first protrusion 351a. Therefore, the ink cartridge 301 can be attached to the first accommodating portion 211. However, the treatment liquid fitting portion 372 of the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 and the cleaning liquid fitting portion 373 of the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 are not in positions to receive the first protrusion 351a. Therefore, in the recording liquid state, the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 cannot be attached to the first accommodating portion 211.

[0167] 22B. That is, in the treatment liquid state shown in FIG. 22B, only the second protrusion 352a of the second restrictor 352 protrudes toward the cartridge, and the treatment liquid fitting portion 372 of the treatment liquid cartridge 321 can receive the second protrusion 352a. Therefore, the treatment liquid cartridge 321 can be attached to the first housing portion 211. However, the ink fitting portion 371 of the ink cartridge 301 and the cleaning liquid fitting portion 373 of the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 are not in a position to receive the second protrusion 352a. Therefore, in the treatment liquid state, the ink cartridge 301 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 cannot be attached to the first accommodating portion 211.

[0168] 22C. That is, in the cleaning liquid state shown in FIG. 22C, only the third protrusion 353a of the third restrictor 353 protrudes toward the cartridge side, and the cleaning liquid fitting portion 373 of the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 can receive the third protrusion 353a. Therefore, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 can be attached to the first storage portion 211. However, the ink fitting portion 371 of the ink cartridge 301 and the treatment liquid fitting portion 372 of the treatment liquid cartridge 321 are not in positions to receive the third protrusion 353a. Therefore, in the cleaning liquid state, the ink cartridge 301 and the treatment liquid cartridge 321 cannot be attached to the first accommodating portion 211.

[0169] As described above, this embodiment has protruding portions, which are an example of protruding and retracting portions that can protrude toward and retract from the mounting portion 200. In the recording state, each protruding portion matches the ink fitting portion 371 and interferes with the treatment liquid fitting portion 372. In the treatment liquid state, each protruding portion interferes with the ink fitting portion 371 and matches with the treatment liquid fitting portion 372. According to this embodiment, the recording liquid state and the treatment liquid state can be easily formed by the respective protrusions. In this embodiment, each protrusion protrudes and retracts toward the mounting part 200 as the shaft 354 rotates, but the configuration may also be such that each protrusion protrudes and retracts toward the mounting part 200 as the protrusion moves linearly.

[0170] Also in this embodiment, as described above, in the recording liquid state, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 cannot be installed, in addition to the pre-treatment liquid cartridge 321. Furthermore, in the treatment liquid state, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 cannot be installed, in addition to the ink cartridge 301. Furthermore, in the cleaning liquid state, the ink cartridge 301 and the pre-treatment liquid cartridge 321 cannot be installed. In this configuration, by setting the state to the cleaning liquid state, the ink cartridge 301 and the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 cannot be installed, and it is possible to prompt the user to clean the flow path Fr.

[0171] Assuming a configuration including the first limiting portion 351 and the second limiting portion 352, in this embodiment the first limiting portion 351 does not interfere with the ink cartridge 301, but interferes with the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321. The second limiting portion 352 does not interfere with the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321, but interferes with the ink cartridge 301. Such operation of the first limiting portion 351 and the second limiting portion 352 makes it possible to form the required states, i.e., the recording liquid state and the treatment liquid state. This embodiment further includes a third limiting section 353, and the first limiting section 351 does not interfere with the ink cartridge 301, but interferes with the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323. The second limiting section 352 does not interfere with the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321, but interferes with the ink cartridge 301 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 323. The third limiting section 353 does not interfere with the cleaning liquid cartridge 323, but interferes with the ink cartridge 301 and the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321. By such operations of the first limiting section 351, the second limiting section 352, and the third limiting section 353, it is possible to form the required states, i.e., the recording liquid state, the treatment liquid state, and the cleaning liquid state.

[0172] 23, the cleaning liquid fitting portion 373 of the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 may be enlarged in the Y-axis direction so as not to interfere with the first protrusion 351a of the first limiting portion 351 and the second protrusion 352a of the second limiting portion 352. In this case, the third limiting portion 353 may not be provided. With this configuration, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 can be attached to the attachment section 200 even when it is in the recording liquid state or the processing liquid state. As a result, the number of operations required to attach the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 is reduced, improving usability. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the mounting unit 200 has multiple storage units, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 may be mounted together with other cartridges of different types, such as in the ink mode (monochrome), pre-treatment mode, and post-treatment mode, as shown in Fig. 15. Even in such a case, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 can be mounted in either the recording liquid state or the treatment liquid state, improving usability.

[0173] Next, referring to FIG. 24, a configuration further including an erroneous installation prevention means for preventing the installation of an ink cartridge of an inappropriate color will be described. 24 shows the state of the recording liquid, with a black ink cartridge 301 installed in the first storage section 211 and a magenta ink cartridge 302 installed in the second storage section 212. Furthermore, a cyan ink cartridge 303 is installed in the third storage section 213, and a yellow ink cartridge 304 is installed in the fourth storage section 214.

[0174] Here, a color identifying portion 381 is formed on the black ink cartridge 301. Also, a mis-installation prevention portion 241 is formed on the first housing portion 211. The color identifying portion 381 and the mis-installation prevention portion 241 can be fitted together. Additionally, a color identifying portion 382 is formed on the magenta ink cartridge 302. Additionally, a mis-installation prevention portion 242 is formed on the second accommodating portion 212. The color identifying portion 382 and the mis-installation prevention portion 242 can be fitted together. Additionally, a color identifying portion 383 is formed on the cyan ink cartridge 303. Additionally, a mis-installation prevention portion 243 is formed on the third housing portion 213. The color identifying portion 383 and the mis-installation prevention portion 243 can be fitted together. Additionally, a color identifying portion 384 is formed on the yellow ink cartridge 304. Additionally, a mis-installation prevention portion 244 is formed on the fourth storage portion 214. The color identifying portion 384 and the mis-installation prevention portion 244 can be fitted together. In this embodiment, the color identifying portion is formed as a recess and the mis-attachment prevention portion is formed as a protrusion, but the reverse may be true.

[0175] Here, the pair of color identification unit 381 and mis-installation prevention unit 241, the pair of color identification unit 382 and mis-installation prevention unit 242, the pair of color identification unit 383 and mis-installation prevention unit 243, and the pair of color identification unit 384 and mis-installation prevention unit 244 are positioned at different positions in the Y-axis direction. As a result, for example, black ink cartridge 301 can only be installed in first storage section 211, and if an attempt is made to install it in another storage section, it cannot be installed because it interferes with incorrect installation prevention sections 242, 243, and 244. The same applies to ink cartridges of other colors.

[0176] In this configuration, if one of the first storage section 211, the second storage section 212, the third storage section 213, and the fourth storage section 214 is designated as a first mounting area and the other as a second mounting area, both the first mounting area and the second mounting area can be said to be switchable between a recording liquid state and a treatment liquid state. One of black, magenta, cyan, and yellow is designated as a first color and the other is designated as a second color, and the ink cartridge containing ink of the first color is designated as the first ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge containing ink of the second color is designated as the second ink cartridge. The above configuration can be said to have a first mis-installation prevention part that fits with the color identification part of the first ink cartridge and interferes with the second ink cartridge in the first installation area, and a second mis-installation prevention part that interferes with the first ink cartridge and fits with the color identification part of the second ink cartridge in the second installation area. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent inks of different colors from mixing together, and it is also possible to prevent inks from mixing with the treatment liquid.

[0177] 24 is adopted, the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 may be configured as shown in Fig. 25. The pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 shown in Fig. 25 has a recess 372a formed so as not to interfere with any of the above-mentioned erroneous installation prevention units 241, 242, 243, and 244. In other words, the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 does not interfere with the first erroneous installation prevention unit and the second erroneous installation prevention unit. This makes it possible to prevent the inks of different colors from mixing in the liquid ejection device 1 that is capable of recording with inks of different colors, and also to prevent the inks from mixing with the treatment liquid. Furthermore, since the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 does not interfere with the first and second erroneous installation prevention units, it is possible to prevent the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 from being hindered from being installed while avoiding the mixing of inks of different colors.

[0178] Similarly, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 can be designed not to interfere with the first and second mis-installation prevention parts. Figure 26 shows one example, in which the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 shown in Figure 26 has a recess 373a formed so as not to interfere with any of the above-mentioned mis-installation prevention parts 241, 242, 243, and 244. In other words, the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 does not interfere with the first and second mis-installation prevention parts. This makes it possible to prevent the inks of different colors from mixing in the liquid ejection device 1 that is capable of recording with inks of different colors, and also to prevent the inks from mixing with the treatment liquid or cleaning liquid. Furthermore, since the processing liquid cartridge and the cleaning liquid cartridge do not interfere with the first and second mis-installation prevention units, mixing of recording liquids of different colors can be avoided while preventing the installation of the processing liquid cartridge or the cleaning liquid cartridge from being hindered.

[0179] Next, with reference to FIG. 27, a description will be given of an erroneous installation prevention means that prevents the installation of an ink cartridge of an inappropriate color by changing the position of the first restricting portion 351. 27, the first restricting portions 351 corresponding to the respective storage portions are provided at different positions in the Y-axis direction. Reference numeral 350-1 is a state forming portion corresponding to the first storage portion 211, and reference numeral 351-1 is a first restricting portion corresponding to the first storage portion 211. Reference numeral 350-2 is a state forming portion corresponding to the second storage portion 212, and reference numeral 351-2 is a second restricting portion corresponding to the second storage portion 212. Reference numeral 350-3 is a state forming portion corresponding to the third storage portion 213, and reference numeral 351-3 is a third restricting portion corresponding to the third storage portion 213. Reference numeral 350-4 is a state forming portion corresponding to the fourth storage portion 214, and reference numeral 351-4 is a fourth restricting portion corresponding to the fourth storage portion 214. The first limiting portions 351-1, 351-2, 351-3, and 351-4 are arranged so that the distances between them and the second limiting portion 352 in the Y-axis direction are different.

[0180] The black ink cartridge 301 is formed with an ink fitting portion 371-1. The magenta ink cartridge 302 is formed with an ink fitting portion 371-2. The cyan ink cartridge 303 is formed with an ink fitting portion 371-3. The yellow ink cartridge 304 is formed with an ink fitting portion 371-4. The ink fitting portions are positioned at different positions in the Y-axis direction so that they can receive the corresponding first protrusions 351a.

[0181] As a result, for example, the black ink cartridge 301 can only be installed in the first storage section 211, and if an attempt is made to install it in another storage section, it will interfere with the first protrusion 351a corresponding to the other storage section and will not be able to be installed. The same applies to ink cartridges of other colors. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent inks of different colors from mixing together, and it is also possible to prevent ink from mixing with the treatment liquid or cleaning liquid.

[0182] In this configuration, the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 may be configured as shown in Fig. 28. The pretreatment liquid cartridge 321 shown in Fig. 28 has recesses 372b formed therein so as to avoid interference with all of the four first protrusions 351a. This makes it possible to prevent the mixing of inks of different colors, while suppressing the obstruction of the installation of the pretreatment liquid cartridge 321.

[0183] Similarly, for the cleaning liquid cartridge 323, if a recess 373b is formed as shown in Figure 29 and configured to avoid interference with all four first protrusions 351a, it is possible to prevent mixing of recording liquids of different colors while suppressing interference with the installation of the cleaning liquid cartridge 323.

[0184] Next, in each embodiment of the means for preventing erroneous cartridge installation described with reference to FIG. 16 and subsequent figures, the control unit 80 can perform the following control. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the relationship between the control of the control unit 80 and user operation regarding the mounting unit 200. Note that the explanation will be given taking as an example a case where the liquid ejection device 1 is in a recording mode, the mounting unit 200 is in a recording liquid state, and the user sends data to the liquid ejection device 1 to eject treatment liquid. When the user transmits data to eject the treatment liquid to the liquid ejection device 1, the control unit 80 ejects the treatment liquid (step S210) if the attached cartridge is suitable for ejecting the treatment liquid (Yes in step S201). Note that in this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 1 is in the recording mode, but if it is in the treatment liquid mode, the answer is Yes in step S201 and the treatment liquid is ejected (step S210).

[0185] If the installed cartridge is not suitable for discharging the treatment liquid (No in step S201), the control unit 80 switches the installation unit 200 to the cleaning liquid state (step S202). Next, the control unit 80 displays a request to replace the cleaning liquid cartridge on the UI of the operation panel 86 (step S203). Note that in the configuration of the above-mentioned modified example that does not provide the cleaning liquid state, step S202 is skipped, and if No in step S201, the process proceeds to step S203. In response to this, the user replaces the installed cartridge with a cleaning liquid cartridge (step S301). Then, when the user operates the UI of the operation panel 86, the control unit 80 performs cleaning of the flow path Fr if the installed cartridge is a cleaning liquid cartridge (Yes in step S204) (step S205). If the installed cartridge is not a cleaning liquid cartridge (No in step S204), the process returns to step S203.

[0186] When the cleaning of the flow path Fr is completed, the control unit 80 switches the mounting unit 200 to the treatment liquid state (step S206), and then the control unit 80 displays a request for replacing the treatment liquid cartridge on the UI of the operation panel 86 (step S207). In response to this, the user replaces the installed cartridge with a treatment liquid cartridge (step S302). Then, when the user operates the UI of the operation panel 86, if the installed cartridge is a treatment liquid cartridge (Yes in step S208), the control unit 80 fills the flow path Fr with the treatment liquid (step S209), and then discharges the treatment liquid (step S210). If the attached cartridge is not a treatment liquid cartridge in step S208 (No in step S208), the process returns to step S207.

[0187] As described above, the control unit 80 can detect that the cleaning of the flow path Fr has been completed, and can switch from one of the recording liquid state and the treatment liquid state to the other. In addition, detection of completion of cleaning of the flow path Fr is not limited to when the control unit 80 executes the cleaning process (step S205), but also includes, for example, when the user cleans the flow path Fr himself / herself and then presses the "cleaning completed button" (not shown) displayed on the UI of the operation panel 86.

[0188] When the control unit 80 detects that cleaning of the flow path Fr has been completed, it may switch to a standby state in which either an ink cartridge or a treatment liquid cartridge can be installed. In the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 17A to 17C, any position of the carriage 220 other than the first position Y1, the second position Y2, and the third position Y3, at which a cartridge can be inserted without interfering with the state forming portion 340, becomes the standby state. In the second embodiment described with reference to Figures 20 and onward, the state shown in Figure 30 is an example of a standby state. In this state, none of the first protrusion 351a, the second protrusion 352a, and the third protrusion 353a protrudes toward the mounting portion 200. Therefore, any cartridge can be mounted regardless of its type. When either an ink cartridge or a treatment liquid cartridge is installed, the control unit 80 acquires information from the cartridge IC and can switch between the recording liquid state and the treatment liquid state based on the type of cartridge installed. In this case, the user does not need to input the type of cartridge installed themselves, improving usability. The control unit 80 can ascertain the type of the attached cartridge by, for example, acquiring information from the cartridge IC at predetermined time intervals.

[0189] The control unit 80 may also detect a switch from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other by receiving print job data, such as when the user operation is a print request in step S14 of Fig. 11. In this case, the control unit 80 switches to the cleaning mode (step S74 of Fig. 14, step S54 of Fig. 13), and after cleaning of the flow path Fr is completed, can switch from one of the recording liquid state and the processing liquid state to the other. This also makes it possible to handle cases where the user sends job data without being aware of the current mode. Furthermore, after cleaning the flow path Fr, the state is switched from one of the recording liquid state and the treatment liquid state to the other, which prevents the user from mistakenly installing an inappropriate type of cartridge.

[0190] The control unit 80 may also switch to the cleaning liquid state upon detecting that a cleaning liquid cartridge has been mounted in the mounting unit 200. After the cleaning of the flow path Fr is completed, the control unit 80 may switch from one of the recording liquid state and the treatment liquid state to the other. Even in this case, the user does not need to instruct the mode change himself, which improves usability. Furthermore, after cleaning the flow path Fr, the state is switched from one of the recording liquid state and the treatment liquid state to the other, which prevents the user from mistakenly installing an inappropriate type of cartridge.

[0191] The control unit 80 may also detect a switch from one of the recording mode and the processing mode to the other through an input from the operation panel 86, switch to the cleaning mode, and switch from one of the recording liquid state and the processing liquid state to the other after cleaning of the flow path Fr is completed. This allows mode switching according to the user's intention.

[0192] The ink cartridge or treatment liquid cartridge described above is a cartridge that can be mounted in the mounting section 200 that can be switched between a recording liquid state and a treatment liquid state. This prevents the user from accidentally installing an inappropriate cartridge, thereby preventing the ink and treatment liquid from mixing, and achieving good results.

[0193] Furthermore, when the mounting section 200 has a first mounting area in which a first ink cartridge containing ink of a first color is mounted, and a second mounting area in which a second ink cartridge containing ink of a second color different from the first color is mounted, any one of the black, magenta, cyan, and yellow ink cartridges is a first ink cartridge that can be mounted in the first mounting area in a recording liquid state, but cannot be mounted in the second mounting area. This makes it possible to avoid mixing of different color inks in a configuration where printing is possible using inks of different colors, and also to avoid mixing of ink and treatment liquid.

[0194] Furthermore, when the mounting section 200 has a first mounting area in which a first ink cartridge containing ink of a first color is mounted, and a second mounting area in which a second ink cartridge containing ink of a second color different from the first color is mounted, the treatment liquid cartridge is a cartridge that can be mounted in the first mounting area and the second mounting area in the treatment liquid state. This allows a larger amount of treatment liquid to be discharged from the liquid discharger 12 .

[0195] 26 or 28 is a cartridge that can be attached to the attachment section 200 in both the recording liquid state and the processing liquid state. Such a cleaning liquid cartridge 323 eliminates the need for an operation to attach the cleaning liquid cartridge 323, improving usability.

[0196] 26 or the cleaning liquid cartridge 323 shown in FIG. 28 can be mounted in the first mounting area and the second mounting area in the recording liquid state and the treatment liquid state. This increases the degree of freedom in the pattern of cartridges mounted in the mounting section 200. For example, it is possible to realize the ink mode (monochrome), pre-treatment mode, post-treatment mode, etc. shown in FIG. 15.

[0197] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1...liquid ejection device, 1A...first liquid ejection device, 1B...second liquid ejection device, 2...device main body, 3...first media cassette, 4...second media cassette, 5...third media cassette, 6...fourth media cassette, 8...output tray, 9...cap unit, 9a...cap, 10...ink storage section, 12...liquid ejection section, 13...nozzle, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d...tube, 15...liquid supply needle, 17...waste liquid storage section, 18...pump, 19...tube, 21, 22, 23, 24...pick roller, 25, 26, 27, 28...feed roller pair, 29-57...transport roller pair, 65...belt unit, 66...transport belt, 67...drive roller, 68...driven roller, 70...reversing section, 80...control section, 81...CPU, 82...volatile memory, 83...non-volatile memory, 84...program, 85...control parameters, 86...operation panel, 90...feed mechanism, 91...transport mechanism, 100A, 100B, 100C...liquid ejection system, 101...first unit, 102...second unit, 200... Mounting portion, 201, 202, 203, 204... Contacts, 211... First accommodating portion, 212... Second accommodating portion, 213... Third accommodating portion, 214... Fourth accommodating portion, 220... Carriage, 230... Frame, 231... Shaft, 232... Torsion spring, 233... Restricting portion, 241, 242, 243, 244... Mis-mounting prevention portion, 301, 302, 303, 304... ink cartridges, 305, 306, 307, 308... cartridge IC, 310... liquid supply unit, 321... pre-treatment liquid cartridge, 322... post-treatment liquid cartridge, 323... cleaning liquid cartridge, 331... ink fitting unit, 332... treatment liquid fitting unit, 333... cleaning liquid fitting unit, 335A, 335B, 335C, 335D... inherent unit, 340... state forming unit, 341, 341A, 341B, 341C, 341D... first limiting unit, 3 42...second limiting portion, 343...third limiting portion, 345A, 345B, 345C, 345D...intrinsic portion, 350...state forming portion, 351...first limiting portion, 351a...first protruding portion, 352...second limiting portion, 352a...second protruding portion, 353...third limiting portion, 353a...third protruding portion, 354...shaft, 360...motor, 361, 362, 363, 364...gears, 371...ink fitting portion, 372...treatment liquid fitting portion, 373...cleaning liquid fitting portion, 381, 382, ​​383, 384...color identifying portion, Fr...flow path, Fr1...flow path in the supply section, Fr2...flow path in the tube, Fr3...flow path in the head, Fr4...flow path in the nozzle

Claims

1. a first liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium; a second liquid ejection device that is capable of receiving the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and ejects liquid onto the medium; A liquid ejection system comprising: the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device, a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a medium; a mounting portion to which a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection portion is attached; a liquid flow path extending from the mounting portion to the liquid discharge portion; Equipped with The mounting section can alternatively mount a recording liquid storage section as the liquid storage section that stores a recording liquid for recording on a medium, and a processing liquid storage section as the liquid storage section that stores a processing liquid for processing a medium. A liquid ejection system comprising:

2. The liquid ejection system according to claim 1 , the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device each include at least one medium storage unit capable of storing a medium to be fed; the second liquid ejection device, a receiving section that receives a medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device; a carry-in path for carrying the medium received from the receiving unit into the medium storage unit; Further comprising: A liquid ejection system comprising:

3. The liquid ejection system according to claim 2 , the second liquid ejection device, a first medium storage unit serving as the medium storage unit; a second medium storage unit that is the medium storage unit; Equipped with Furthermore, the second liquid ejection device carrying the first medium received from the receiving unit into the first medium storage unit; carrying a second medium received from the receiving unit after the first medium into the second medium storage unit; feeding the first medium to the liquid ejection unit, and then feeding the second medium to the liquid ejection unit; A liquid ejection system characterized by being capable of performing the above.

4. The liquid ejection system according to claim 3 , the second liquid ejection device, After feeding the first medium carried into the first medium storage unit to the liquid ejection unit, the medium received from the receiving unit is carried into the first medium storage unit. A liquid ejection system comprising:

5. The liquid ejection system according to claim 1 , a control unit for controlling the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device, when discharging the treatment liquid onto a medium, the control unit discharges the treatment liquid onto the medium based on recording data when recording on the medium with the recording liquid; A liquid ejection system comprising:

6. The liquid ejection system according to claim 1 , the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device are configured to be able to invert the medium recorded by the liquid ejection unit and re-transport it to the liquid ejection unit. A liquid ejection system comprising:

7. The liquid ejection system according to claim 1 , the treatment liquid storage unit is attached to the attachment unit included in the first liquid ejection device, the recording liquid storage unit is attached to the attachment unit of the second liquid ejection device; A liquid ejection system comprising:

8. The liquid ejection system according to claim 1 , a cleaning liquid container that contains a cleaning liquid for cleaning the flow path and serves as the liquid container can be attached to the mounting portion; A liquid ejection system comprising:

9. The liquid ejection system according to claim 1 , the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device have the same device configuration; A liquid ejection system comprising:

10. The liquid ejection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a first unit which is a pair of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device; a second unit which is a pair of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device; Equipped with the first unit includes a reversing unit that reverses the medium and transports it to the second unit; A liquid ejection system comprising:

11. The liquid ejection system of claim 10, the reversing unit has a skip path that transports the medium transported from the first unit to the second unit without reversing the medium, When the liquid is ejected onto only one side of a medium using the skip path, the liquid is ejected onto the medium by the first liquid ejection device of the first unit, and then the liquid is ejected onto the medium by the second liquid ejection device of the second unit. A liquid ejection system comprising:

12. a first liquid ejection device that ejects liquid onto a medium; a second liquid ejection device that is capable of receiving the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and ejects liquid onto the medium; A method for controlling a liquid ejection system comprising: the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device, a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a medium; a mounting portion to which a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection portion is attached; a liquid flow path extending from the mounting portion to the liquid discharge portion; At least one medium storage unit capable of storing a medium to be fed; Equipped with a recording liquid storage unit serving as the liquid storage unit and containing a recording liquid for recording on a medium, and a processing liquid storage unit serving as the liquid storage unit and containing a processing liquid for processing a medium, can be selectively attached to the mounting unit; the second liquid ejection device, a receiving section that receives a medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device; a carry-in path for carrying the medium received from the receiving unit into the medium storage unit; Further provided with The control method includes: determining whether the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit included in the first liquid ejection device is the recording liquid or the treatment liquid; determining whether the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit of the second liquid ejection device is the recording liquid or the treatment liquid; when one of the liquids ejected from the liquid ejection units of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device is the recording liquid and the other is the treatment liquid, carrying the medium onto which the liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device into a medium storage unit of the second liquid ejection device; Including, A method for controlling a liquid ejection system.

13. a first unit which is a pair of a first liquid ejection device which ejects liquid onto a medium and a second liquid ejection device which is a device capable of receiving the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and ejects liquid onto the medium; a second unit that is a pair of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device and that can receive a medium from the first unit; A method for controlling a liquid ejection system comprising: the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device, a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a medium; a mounting portion to which a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection portion is attached; a liquid flow path extending from the mounting portion to the liquid discharge portion; Equipped with a recording liquid storage unit serving as the liquid storage unit and containing a recording liquid for recording on a medium, and a processing liquid storage unit serving as the liquid storage unit and containing a processing liquid for processing a medium, can be selectively attached to the mounting unit; the first unit includes a reversing unit that reverses the medium and transports it to the second unit; The control method includes, when printing on both sides of a medium, causing the first unit to eject a liquid onto a first surface of a medium; causing the second unit to eject liquid onto a second surface of a medium opposite to the first surface; Including, A method for controlling a liquid ejection system.

14. a first unit which is a pair of a first liquid ejection device which ejects liquid onto a medium and a second liquid ejection device which is a device capable of receiving the medium onto which liquid has been ejected by the first liquid ejection device and ejects liquid onto the medium; a second unit that is a pair of the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device and that can receive a medium from the first unit; A method for controlling a liquid ejection system comprising: the first liquid ejection device and the second liquid ejection device, a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a medium; a mounting portion to which a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid to be ejected from the liquid ejection portion is attached; a liquid flow path extending from the mounting portion to the liquid discharge portion; Equipped with a recording liquid storage unit serving as the liquid storage unit and containing a recording liquid for recording on a medium, and a processing liquid storage unit serving as the liquid storage unit and containing a processing liquid for processing a medium, can be selectively attached to the mounting unit; the first unit includes a reversing unit that reverses the medium and transports it to the second unit; the reversing unit has a skip path that transports the medium transported from the first unit to the second unit without reversing the medium, the control method includes, when the skip path is used to eject liquid onto only one side of a medium, ejecting liquid onto the medium by the first liquid ejection device of the first unit, and then ejecting liquid onto the medium by the second liquid ejection device of the second unit; A method for controlling a liquid ejection system.

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