Recording apparatus

Abstract

To prevent mixing of air bubbles into a flow path and deterioration of productivity when a container is replaced.SOLUTION: The recording apparatus includes: a forming unit that forms a liquid chamber and a pressure chamber adjacent to the liquid chamber, the liquid chamber storing liquid to be introduced from a liquid container and supplied to a discharging unit that discharges the liquid to a recording medium; a wall body that changes a volume of the liquid chamber by being displaced in accordance with a pressure in the pressure chamber; a pressure adjusting unit that adjusts the pressure in the pressure chamber to perform a replenishing operation of introducing the liquid from the liquid container into the liquid chamber and a supplying operation of supplying the liquid from the liquid chamber to the discharging unit; and an atmosphere opening unit that opens the pressure chamber to the atmosphere in response to an operation related to replacement of the liquid container during the replenishing operation and does not open the pressure chamber to the atmosphere in response to the operation during the supplying operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In a recording device that records an image by ejecting ink from an ejection head, the ink container that contains the ink is configured to be replaceable. When replacing the container, problems such as leakage of the ink may occur, and recording devices that take measures to address this problem have been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-192793 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a recording device that has an intermediate ink chamber between a reservoir that contains ink and an ejection head, the volume of the ink chamber can be increased or decreased by controlling the pressure around the reservoir, allowing ink to be introduced into the ink chamber and pressurized and supplied from the ink chamber to the ejection head. In a recording device with this configuration, if the reservoir is replaced while ink is being introduced into the reservoir, air bubbles may be sucked into the ink flow path. On the other hand, if pressure control is uniformly stopped when the reservoir is replaced, the recording operation may have to be stopped while the reservoir is being replaced during pressurized supply, which may reduce productivity.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique that can prevent air bubbles from entering the flow path and reduce productivity when a container is replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a liquid chamber for receiving liquid from a liquid container and for storing the liquid to be supplied to a discharge means for discharging the liquid onto a recording medium, and a forming means for forming a pressure chamber adjacent to the liquid chamber; a wall that separates the liquid chamber from the pressure chamber and that changes the volume of the liquid chamber by being displaced in response to the pressure of the pressure chamber; a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the pressure chamber to perform a replenishing operation of introducing liquid from the liquid container into the liquid chamber and a supplying operation of supplying liquid from the liquid chamber to the ejection means; and an atmosphere opening means for opening the pressure chamber to the atmosphere in response to an operation related to replacement of the liquid container during the refilling operation, but not opening the pressure chamber to the atmosphere in response to the operation during the supplying operation. A recording device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that can prevent air bubbles from entering the flow path and a decrease in productivity when the container is replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A is an external view of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a view showing the state in which the access cover is open. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the internal mechanism of the recording device of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid supply unit from a container to a discharge head. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an intermediate tank. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the remaining amount detection operation in the intermediate tank. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of remaining amount determination for an intermediate tank. [Figure 9]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of each check valve on the upstream and downstream sides of the intermediate tank. [Figure 10] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of the structure and operation of a negative pressure maintaining unit. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the opening and closing patterns of each control valve of the pressure adjustment unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of each control valve of the pressure adjustment unit. [Figure 14] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a specific structural example of a pressure adjustment unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of a valve unit. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] (A) is an explanatory diagram of the atmospheric release unit, and (B) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the interlocking valve. [Figure 18] FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the supply unit of FIG. 3; [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control circuit. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control circuit. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control circuit. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control circuit. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control circuit. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another example of a control circuit. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control circuit. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a control circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] First Embodiment <Outline of the recording device> FIG. 1(A) is an external view of a recording apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front. The recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment is an inkjet recording apparatus that ejects ink as a liquid to perform recording on a recording medium. In the figure, arrows X to Z indicate directions that intersect with each other, and in this embodiment in particular, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are perpendicular to each other, and arrow Z indicates the up-down direction (direction of gravity). The X direction is the width direction (left-right direction) of the recording apparatus 1. The Y direction is the depth direction of the recording apparatus 1.

[0011] "Recording" not only includes the formation of meaningful information such as characters and figures, but also includes the formation of images, patterns, designs, etc. on a recording medium, whether meaningful or insignificant, or the processing of the medium, regardless of whether it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans. In addition, although sheet-like paper is assumed as the "recording medium" in this embodiment, it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0012] The recording device 1 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape, with a foldable paper feed tray 2A provided at the rear of its top surface, and a paper feed cassette 2B and an outlet 3 provided at its front. The paper feed tray 2A and paper feed cassette 2B form a loading section where recording media are stacked before recording. The paper feed cassette 2B can be inserted into and removed from the device body in the Y direction. After recording, the recording media are discharged from the outlet 3. The outlet 3 is provided with an outlet tray on which the recording media are placed after recording.

[0013] An operation unit 14 that can be operated by the user is provided on the front of the recording device 1. The operation unit 14 is provided with a display unit that displays information and a plurality of operation buttons, and can receive instructions input by the user and present information to the user. The display unit may be a touch panel.

[0014] Storage units 15A and 15B are provided at the front of the recording device 1. The storage units 15A and 15B are spaced apart in the X direction, and a paper feed cassette 2B and an outlet 3 are provided between the storage units 15A and 15B. The storage units 15A and 15B are provided with access covers 16A and 16B that open and close the storage units 15A and 15B, respectively. When the access covers 16A and 16B are opened, the interiors of the storage units 15A and 15B are exposed.

[0015] FIG. 1(B) shows the state in which access cover 16A is open. Storage section 15A stores multiple containers 17, and containers 17 are exposed when access cover 16A is opened. Containers 17 are liquid containers that store ink as a liquid. Containers 17 may be in the form of a rigid resin box or a flexible bag (pack). When access cover 16A is closed, containers 17 are covered by access cover 16A.

[0016] Each container 17 constitutes a cartridge-type ink tank that can be inserted and removed in the Y direction. The user can replace a container 17 by opening the access cover 16A. In this embodiment, three containers 17 are stored in the storage section 15A. The three containers 17 contain different types of ink. For example, the three containers 17 contain yellow, magenta, and cyan inks.

[0017] Storage section 15B and access cover 16B are similar to storage section 15A and access cover 16B. However, in the present embodiment, storage section 15B stores one container 17 (not shown). The container 17 stored in storage section 15B stores, for example, black ink. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which storage sections are provided on the left and right sides has been shown, but a configuration in which four color containers 17 are provided on one side, for example, at the position of storage section 15A, may also be used.

[0018] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal mechanism of the recording device 1. The recording medium P set in the paper feed tray 2A or paper feed cassette 2B is conveyed by the conveyance unit 4A or 4B and the conveyance units 5 to 8, guided by the guide member 9. During the conveyance process, an image is recorded by the ejection head 11, and the recording medium is discharged to the discharge port 3. The guide member 9 has a guide portion 9a that forms a path for turning the recording medium P over, and the recording device 1 is also capable of double-sided recording on the recording medium P.

[0019] Of the transport units 4A and 4B and the transport units 5 to 8, the transport units 4A and 4B are arranged on the most upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium P. The transport unit 5 is arranged downstream of the transport unit 4B, and the transport unit 6 is arranged downstream of the transport units 4A and 5. The transport unit 7 is arranged downstream of the transport unit 6, and the transport unit 8 is arranged downstream of the transport unit 7.

[0020] The transport unit 7 transports the recording medium P in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction) relative to the ejection head 11. The image recording position in the Y direction relative to the recording medium P is controlled by driving control of the transport unit 7. The transport unit 7 includes a drive roller 7a and a driven roller 7b that is in pressure contact with the drive roller 7a, and these rollers sandwich and transport the recording medium P.

[0021] The transport units 4A and 4B and the transport units 5 and 6 can also be called feeding units in that they feed the recording medium P to the transport unit 7. The transport units 4A and 4B in this embodiment are equipped with pickup rollers that pick up the recording medium P from the corresponding paper feed tray 2A or paper feed cassette 2B and transport it to the transport unit 5 or 6.

[0022] The transport units 5 and 6 include drive rollers 5a and 6a and driven rollers 5b and 6b that are in pressure contact with the corresponding drive rollers 5a and 6a, and these rollers sandwich and transport the recording medium P. The transport units 5 and 6 can also be called intermediate units or intermediate rollers because they are located between the most upstream transport units 4A and 4B and the transport unit 7.

[0023] The transport unit 8 can also be called a discharge unit because it discharges the recorded recording medium P to the discharge port 3. The transport unit 8 includes a drive roller 8a and a driven roller 7b that is in pressure contact with the drive roller 8a, and these rollers sandwich and transport the recording medium P.

[0024] The ejection head 11 is a recording head that ejects ink to perform recording on a recording medium. The ejection head 11 is positioned between the transport unit 7 and the transport unit 8 in the transport direction of the recording medium P. The ejection head 11 is mounted on a carriage 12. The ejection port surface (bottom surface) of the ejection head 11 faces the platen 10, and ejects liquid from multiple nozzles formed on the ink ejection surface onto the recording medium P transported over the platen 10. A different ejection head 11 is provided for each type of liquid.

[0025] The carriage 12 is moved back and forth in a direction across the recording medium P (in this embodiment, the X direction, the main scanning direction) by a drive unit 13. The drive unit 13 is a belt transmission mechanism driven by a motor, and includes, for example, a drive pulley and a driven pulley spaced apart in the X direction, an endless belt wound around these pulleys, and a guide member that guides the movement of the carriage 12 in the X direction. The carriage 12 is connected to the endless belt. When the drive pulley is rotated by the motor, the endless belt runs and the carriage 12 moves. The ejection head 11 may be replaceably attached to the carriage 12.

[0026] As described above, the recording device 1 of this embodiment is a serial type recording device in which the ejection head 11 is mounted on the carriage 12. The recording operation on the recording medium P is performed by the transport unit 7 by alternately repeating a transport operation (intermittent transport operation) that transports the recording medium P a predetermined amount and a recording scan while transport of the transport unit 7 is stopped. The recording scan is an operation in which ink is ejected from the ejection head 11 while the carriage 12 carrying the ejection head 11 is moved. Note that the ejection head 11 may be a full-line recording head extending in the X direction.

[0027] <Liquid supply system> Next, a description will be given of a supply unit for supplying liquid from the container 17 to the ejection head 11. FIG.

[0028] The supply unit 18 is a supply mechanism that supplies liquid from the container 17 to the ejection head 11. A supply unit 18 is provided for each container 17. Therefore, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment has four supply units 18. One of the four supply units 18 is shown in Figure 3.

[0029] The supply unit 18 includes an intermediate tank 20, check valves 30 and 40, a negative pressure maintaining unit 50, a pressure adjusting unit 60, and an atmosphere release unit 80 (FIG. 11). The intermediate tank 20 is connected to the container 17 via a pipe 19a, the check valve 30, and a pipe 19b. The negative pressure maintaining unit 50 is connected to the intermediate tank 20 via a pipe 19c, the check valve 40, and a pipe 19d.

[0030] The pressure adjustment unit 60 is connected to the intermediate tank 20 via a pipe 19e. The pipe 19e forms a flow path for a fluid used for pressure control. In this embodiment, the fluid is a gas, particularly air. The pipe 19f forms an atmosphere communication path that communicates with the atmosphere. The atmosphere release unit 80 is connected to the intermediate tank 20 via a pipe 19e. The pipes 19a to 19f are made of, for example, flexible tubes. The pipes 19a to 19d may be made of a material with low gas permeability or water vapor permeability so that the liquid flowing therethrough does not deteriorate. The pipes 19a to 19f do not necessarily have to be flexible tubes; at least a portion of the pipes may be made of metal pipes, or a flow path may be formed by tightly sealing a groove formed in a plate-shaped part with another part.

[0031] The liquid in the container 17 is introduced into the intermediate tank 20 via piping 19a, check valve 30, and piping 19b. In the direction of introducing the liquid, the container 17 is located upstream, and the intermediate tank 20 is located downstream. The check valve 30 is located upstream of the intermediate tank 20, and is a one-way valve (check valve) that prevents the liquid from flowing back from the intermediate tank 20 side to the container 17 side.

[0032] The liquid in the intermediate tank 20 is supplied to the discharge head 11 via the pipe 19c, the backflow prevention valve 40, the pipe 19d, and the negative pressure maintenance unit 50. In terms of the liquid supply direction, the intermediate tank 20 is located upstream, and the discharge head 11 is located downstream. The backflow prevention valve 40 is a one-way valve (check valve) that is provided downstream of the intermediate tank 20 and prevents the liquid from flowing back from the negative pressure maintenance unit 50 side to the intermediate tank 20 side.

[0033] In this embodiment, the supply of liquid from the container 17 to the intermediate tank 20 utilizes the pressure generated by the pressure adjustment unit 60, so the liquid pressure in the container 17 only needs to be close to atmospheric pressure, and there are few layout restrictions. Furthermore, because the supply of liquid to the discharge head 11 is performed using a pressurized system, there are few restrictions on the installation location of each component, and the intermediate tank 20 and the discharge head 11 may be installed in a location where there is a head difference between them.

[0034] (Intermediate tank) The configuration of the intermediate tank 20 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the intermediate tank 20. The intermediate tank 20 performs an introduction operation of introducing the liquid contained in the container 17 by suction, and a supply operation of sending the introduced liquid toward the ejection head 11. The introduction operation can also be called a liquid replenishment operation. In terms of these two operations, the intermediate tank 20 plays the role of a pump.

[0035] The intermediate tank 20 includes a forming unit 21 that forms the liquid chamber 20a and the pressure chamber 20b. The forming unit 21 is a hollow body that forms an outer wall that defines the liquid chamber 20a and the pressure chamber 20b. In this embodiment, the forming unit 21 includes a cup-shaped housing 21A and a lid member 21B that closes an opening in the top of the housing 21A.

[0036] The liquid chamber 20a contains the liquid L to be supplied to the ejection head 11. The liquid L is introduced into the liquid chamber 20a from the container 17. The cover member 21B has an inlet pipe 21a that forms an inlet communicating with the liquid chamber 20a, and an outlet pipe 21b that forms an outlet communicating with the liquid chamber 20a. The inlet pipe 21a is connected to the pipe 19b, and the outlet pipe 21b is connected to the pipe 19c.

[0037] The pressure chamber 20b is formed adjacent to the liquid chamber 20a via a wall 22. The wall 22 separates the liquid chamber 20a from the pressure chamber 20b. The wall 22 can also be said to be part of the peripheral wall that defines the liquid chamber 20a and the pressure chamber 20b. The wall 22 is a diaphragm that changes the volume of the liquid chamber 20a by displacing in response to the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b. The wall 22 in this embodiment is made of a flexible sheet that elastically deforms in response to the pressure difference between the liquid chamber 20a and the pressure chamber 20b, and has a ring-shaped convex portion formed on its periphery.

[0038] Wall body 22 is airtightly sandwiched between cover member 21B and frame body 23. Frame body 23 is an annular member having an opening 23a in its center. Frame body 23 is supported by a plurality of shaft members 28 that are erected on the bottom of housing 21A. The periphery of wall body 22 is sandwiched between cover member 21B and frame body 23, and the center of wall body 22 can be displaced below opening 23a.

[0039] The housing 21A has a communication pipe 21c that forms a communication passage that communicates with the pressure adjustment unit 60 and the pressure chamber 20b. A pipe 19e is connected to the communication pipe 21c. The pressure chamber 20b is provided with a restriction unit 25 that restricts displacement of the wall body 22 in accordance with the pressure of the pressure chamber 20b. The restriction unit 25 restricts the maximum displacement position of the wall body 22 in the direction in which the liquid chamber 20a increases.

[0040] The restriction unit 25 includes a stopper 27 and a flexible member 26. The flexible member 26 forms a partition wall for the air chamber 20c in the pressure chamber 20b. In other words, the pressure chamber 20b is partitioned by the flexible member 26 into a portion of the air chamber 20c on the bottom side and a portion on the liquid chamber 20a side. The flexible member 26 is a diaphragm that changes the volume of the air chamber 20c by displacing in response to the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b. In this embodiment, the wall 22 is made of a flexible film that elastically deforms in response to the pressure difference between the liquid chamber 20a and the pressure chamber 20b, and its peripheral edge is airtightly fixed to the bottom of the housing 21A.

[0041] The housing 21A has a communication pipe 21d that forms an atmosphere communication port at its bottom. The communication pipe 21d is always open, and the air chamber 20c is maintained at atmospheric pressure. The stopper 27 has a hole (not shown) through which the shaft member 28 is inserted. The stopper 27 is a lifting member that is provided so as to be able to move up and down in the direction D1 (depth direction of the housing 21A) using the shaft member 28 as a guide axis and is displaced by displacement of the flexible member 26. In this embodiment, the flexible member 26 is disposed between the stopper 27 and the bottom of the housing 21A. When the pressure chamber 20b becomes negative pressure, the flexible member 26 displaces upward to increase the volume of the air chamber 20c, thereby causing the stopper 27 to rise to a restriction position that restricts the maximum displacement position. The stopper 27 has a recess 27a into which the abutment member 24 enters.

[0042] An abutment member 24 is fixed to the underside of the center of the wall body 22. The abutment member 24 displaces along with the displacement of the wall body 22. The abutment member 24 has an engagement groove 24a that engages with the end 70a of the detection lever 70. In this embodiment, the abutment member 24 abuts against a stopper 27, thereby restricting the displacement range of the wall body 22. A configuration in which the wall body 22 and the flexible member 26 are directly abutted against each other to restrict the displacement range of the wall body 22 can also be adopted. However, by interposing the abutment member 24 and the stopper 27, deterioration of the wall body 22 and the flexible member 26 can be prevented and the displacement range can be more accurately restricted.

[0043] A plurality of elastic members 29 are provided between the abutment member 24 and the stopper 27. In this embodiment, the elastic members 29 are coil springs through which the shaft member 28 is inserted, and urge the abutment member 24 and the stopper 27 in a direction separating them. In the state shown in FIG. 4, the abutment member 24 and the stopper 27 are separated, and the displacement range of the wall body 22 is not restricted.

[0044] The detection lever 70 is a movable member for detecting the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 20a. The detection lever 70 has its middle portion 70b passing through the axial hole 21e and is rotatably supported in the axial hole 21e. The abutting member 24 is displaced in the direction D1 depending on the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 20a. The detection lever 70 rotates in the direction D2 due to the displacement of the abutting member 24. The amount of rotation of the detection lever 70 is detected by remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 disposed inside the housing 21A. The remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 20a can be estimated based on the detection results of the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72. The detection lever 70 is constantly biased counterclockwise in FIG. 4 by an elastic member (not shown). Alternatively, the detection lever 70 may have its middle portion 70b extending outside the housing 21A through the axial hole 21e formed in the housing 21A. In this case, the shaft 21 may be rotatably supported in an airtightly sealed shaft hole 21e.

[0045] The operation of the intermediate tank 20 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 in addition to Figure 4. Figures 5 and 6 show the operation of each part of the intermediate tank 20 together with the internal pressure state.

[0046] State ST51 in Figure 5 shows a state in which the liquid L in the liquid chamber 20a has been almost depleted by the supply operation, and the volume of the liquid chamber 20a is at its minimum. The pressure chamber 20b is in a positive pressure state by the pressure adjustment unit 60. The air chamber 20c has almost no volume, and the stopper 27 is located at a position closest to the bottom of the housing 21A. Conversely, the abutment member 24 is located at a position closest to the liquid chamber 20a. From this point, the refilling operation is performed. Note that it is not necessary to wait until the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a has decreased to the state ST51 before performing the refilling operation; for example, the refilling operation may be performed when the remaining amount is about 50%.

[0047] State ST52 in Figure 5 shows the stage at which the refilling operation has started and the pressure adjustment unit 60 has placed the pressure chamber 20b in a negative pressure state. By placing the pressure chamber 20b in a negative pressure state, the wall 22 and the abutment member 24 are displaced toward the bottom of the housing 21A. The volume of the liquid chamber 20a increases, and liquid L is sucked into the liquid chamber 20a from the container 17. In state ST52, approximately 50% of the maximum capacity of the liquid chamber 20a has been introduced into the liquid chamber 20a.

[0048] In state ST52 of FIG. 5, the flexible member 26 and stopper 27 are displaced in the opposite direction to the wall 22 (toward the cover member 21B), and air is sucked into the air chamber 20c, increasing its volume. In this embodiment, when the pressure chamber 20b is placed in a negative pressure state, the flexible member 26 is configured to displace before the wall 22. A viscous liquid flows into the liquid chamber 20a. On the other hand, air, which has a lower flow resistance than the liquid, flows into the air chamber 20c. The inner diameter and length of the communicating tube 21d can also be designed to have almost no flow resistance. In this way, the flexible member 26 can be quickly deformed. This allows the flexible member 26 to displace before the wall 22, i.e., the displacement range of the wall 22 can be restricted.

[0049] The stopper 27 moves parallel to the liquid chamber 20a by being guided by the multiple shaft members 28. The stopper 27 moves against the biasing force of the elastic member 29. The stopper 27 moves until it abuts against a protrusion (not shown) formed on the shaft members 28. This position becomes a restricting position that restricts the displacement range of the wall body 22. Note that the stopper 27 does not have to be configured to stop its movement at a predetermined position on the shaft members 28.

[0050] 5 shows a stage where liquid L has further flowed into liquid chamber 20a. Negative pressure remains in pressure chamber 20b, and wall 22 is displaced in a direction that increases the volume of liquid chamber 20a, causing it to swell and deform. Contact member 24 contacts stopper 27, restricting the displacement of wall 22.

[0051] If the projected areas of the wall 22 and the flexible member 26 on a horizontal plane (a plane perpendicular to the direction D1 in FIG. 4) are S1 and S2, then: S1 < S2 The shape is designed so that, under the same negative pressure NP, |NP|×S1 < |NP|×S2 The force tending to expand the flexible member 26 is stronger than the force tending to expand the wall body 22. Therefore, the abutment of the abutment member 24 with the stopper 27 reliably restricts the displacement of the wall body 22.

[0052] State ST61 in FIG. 6 shows a state in which negative pressure has continued to act on wall 22 since state ST53 in FIG. 5. Because stopper 27 restricts contact member 24 from moving further toward stopper 27, further elastic deformation occurs in a portion of wall 22 (a thin portion such as portion A in the figure). Then, when the force due to the negative pressure in pressure chamber 20b and the elastic deformation force of portion A of wall 22 are balanced, the deformation stops. A slight excess of liquid L flows into liquid chamber 20a by the amount of deformation of portion A. In other words, the volume of liquid chamber 20a in state ST61 is the maximum volume during a refilling operation, and this maximum volume is limited by restriction unit 25.

[0053] State ST62 in Figure 6 shows the state where the refilling operation has ended and the supply operation has begun. The pressure adjustment unit 60 releases the negative pressure in the pressure chamber 20b, and the pressure is changed to a positive pressure state via atmospheric pressure. Air is exhausted from the air chamber 20c through the communicating tube 21, and the flexible member 26 is displaced toward the communicating tube 21d in a collapsed manner. As the flexible member 26 is displaced, the stopper 27 is also displaced toward the communicating tube 21d by the bias of the elastic member 29, and the restriction on the displacement range of the wall body 22 is released.

[0054] When the restriction on the displacement range of wall body 22 is released, the constraint on portion A of wall body 22 shown in state ST61 is released, and wall body 22 attempts to restore its original shape. Because a small amount of excess liquid L corresponding to the deformation of portion A has already flowed into liquid chamber 20a, contact member 24 is displaced by that amount toward stopper 27. As a result, the pressure within liquid chamber 20a becomes approximately equal to the pressure within pressure chamber 20b, and when liquid L from liquid chamber 20a is pressurized and supplied toward ejection head 11, no elastic deformation force corresponding to the deformation of portion A of wall body 22 acts.

[0055] This point will be explained in more detail. Let us assume that, without the provision of the restriction unit 25, the wall 22 comes into contact with a portion (such as the inner wall of the pressure chamber 20b) where the displacement restriction cannot be released during the supply operation, causing a portion of the wall 22 to further elastically deform, as shown at portion A. In this state, if the pressure chamber 20b is changed from a negative pressure state to a positive pressure state, the pressure of the liquid L in the liquid chamber 20a will increase due to the restoring force of the portion of the wall 22, such as portion A, that has elastically deformed. As a result, the liquid L will be supplied with a force stronger than the pressure assumed by the control of the pressure adjustment unit 60, which may cause the flow of the liquid L on the ejection head 11 side to become unstable.

[0056] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, when pressure chamber 20b is in a negative pressure state, restriction unit 25 restricts displacement of wall 22, and when the negative pressure state is released, restriction on displacement of wall 22 is also released, and partial elastic deformation of wall 22 is eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressure of liquid L in liquid chamber 20a from increasing due to partial elastic deformation of wall 22. As a result, the supply pressure of liquid L supplied from liquid chamber 20a to the ejection head can be more accurately controlled by pressure adjustment unit 60, and variation in supply pressure can be reduced.

[0057] Incidentally, if this excessive elastic deformation of a portion of the wall 22 is detected and the negative pressure in the pressure chamber 20b is released before this occurs, excess liquid L can be prevented from flowing into the liquid chamber 20a. However, it is not easy to detect the stage immediately before excessive elastic deformation of a portion of the wall 22, and an additional sensor or the like is required. In contrast, this embodiment is advantageous in terms of cost and device layout.

[0058] At state ST62, the pressure state of pressure chamber 20b becomes positive, and the pressure of liquid L in liquid chamber 20a becomes substantially equal to the air pressure in pressure chamber 20b. State ST63 in Figure 6 shows a state in which the volume of liquid chamber 20a has contracted, and liquid L is being supplied from liquid chamber 20a to the ejection head 11 side. State ST63 shows a state in which approximately 50% of the maximum capacity of liquid chamber 20a has been supplied to the ejection head 11 side. Whether liquid is actually transported depends on the state of negative pressure maintenance unit 50, which will be discussed later. As the supply of liquid L progresses, the state reaches state ST51 in Figure 5, and the same operation is repeated.

[0059] (Detection of remaining amount) Detection of the remaining amount of liquid L in the liquid chamber 20a will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the remaining amount detection operation in the intermediate tank 20. As described above, rotation of the detection lever 70 is detected by remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 arranged inside the housing 21A. To make the detection operation easier to understand, Figure 7 is a diagram in which the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 and the detection lever 70 are added to the diagram of the operation of the internal configuration of the intermediate tank 20 shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0060] The detection lever 70 includes a detection piece 70c. The detection piece 70c is located inside the housing 21A. In this embodiment, the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 are optical sensors, typically photointerrupters. The remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 are positioned at different positions on the rotation trajectory of the detection piece 70c, and the detection piece 70c functions as a shielding plate that blocks the optical axes of the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72. The detection piece 70c may be located outside the housing 21A. In this case, a configuration can be adopted in which a portion of the detection lever 70 is laid out outside the housing 21A, and the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 can also be located outside the housing 21A. The wiring of the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 can be extended outside the housing 21A by hermetically sealing them.

[0061] 7 shows a state ST71 in which the liquid chamber 20a is filled with 100% of the maximum volume of the liquid L. In this state, the detection piece 70c is positioned away from both the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 and is not detected.

[0062] 7 shows a state ST72 in which the liquid L has flowed out of the liquid chamber 20a and the remaining amount is 60% of the maximum volume. In this state, the detection piece 70c is detected by the remaining amount detection sensor 71, but is not detected by the remaining amount detection sensor 72.

[0063] 7 shows a state ST73 in which the liquid L further flows out of the liquid chamber 20a and the remaining amount is 40% of the maximum volume. In this state, the detection piece 70c is detected by both the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72.

[0064] 7 shows a state ST74 in which the liquid L further flows out of the liquid chamber 20a and the remaining amount is 10% or less of the maximum volume. In this state, the detection piece 70c is not detected by the remaining amount detection sensor 71 but is detected by the remaining amount detection sensor 72.

[0065] 8 is an explanatory diagram for determining the remaining amount of liquid L in the liquid chamber 20a. In this embodiment, the estimated remaining amount of liquid L is divided into regions I to IV. Region I is a region corresponding to a remaining amount of 60% to 100%, region II is a region corresponding to a remaining amount of 40% to 60%, region III is a region corresponding to a remaining amount of 10% to 40%, and region IV is a region corresponding to a remaining amount of 10% or less.

[0066] Each region is defined by a threshold value corresponding to the rotation position of the detection lever 70. Region I and Region II are distinguished by a threshold value Low. The threshold value Low corresponds to the rotation position of the detection lever 70 when the detection result of the remaining amount detection sensor 71 is detection and the detection result of the remaining amount detection sensor 72 is non-detection. Region II and Region III are distinguished by a threshold value Out. The threshold value Out corresponds to the rotation position of the detection lever 70 when the detection result of the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 are both detection. Region III and Region IV are distinguished by a threshold value Empty. The threshold value Empty corresponds to the rotation position of the detection lever 70 when the detection result of the remaining amount detection sensor 71 is non-detection and the detection result of the remaining amount detection sensor 72 is detection.

[0067] Regions I to IV can be identified from the detection results of the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72, and switching can be performed between the replenishing operation and the supplying operation. The remaining amount of liquid L can also be estimated by also using the ejection amount of liquid L ejected from the ejection head 11. In this case, the number of dots of liquid L ejected from the ejection head 11 can be counted and accumulated, and then multiplied by the average ejection amount per dot to calculate an approximate value of the amount of liquid consumed (so-called dot count). By also using dot count, the remaining amount can be estimated more precisely than the distinction between the four regions I to IV.

[0068] (Backflow prevention valve) The structure of the check valves 30 and 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of the check valves 30 and 40.

[0069] The check valve 30 includes an upper housing member 31, a lower housing member 32, and a diaphragm 33 sandwiched between them. The diaphragm 33 is a flexible membrane molded from rubber or elastomer resin. The housing member 32 has an inlet pipe 32a forming an inlet for the liquid L and an outlet pipe 32b forming an outlet. The inlet pipe 32a is connected to the piping 19a, and the outlet pipe 32b is connected to the piping 19b. A communication passage 30a for the liquid L, which communicates with the outlet, is formed between the housing members 31 and 32. The diaphragm 33 has a through-hole 33a through which the liquid L passes. The diaphragm 33 is disposed between the communication passage 30a and the inlet pipe 32a and is pressed against the housing member 32 by a coil spring 34, blocking communication between the communication passage 30a and the inlet pipe 32a.

[0070] The check valve 30 operates as a so-called differential pressure valve. When the pressure in the inlet pipe 32a and the pressure in the outlet pipe 32b are equal, the coil spring 34 presses the diaphragm 33 against the housing member 32, blocking communication between the communication passage 30a and the inlet pipe 32a, as shown in Figure 9. In other words, the flow path of the fluid L is blocked. Similarly, when the pressure in the inlet pipe 32a is lower than the pressure in the outlet pipe 32b, the flow path of the fluid L is blocked.

[0071] On the other hand, when the pressure in the inlet pipe 32a is higher than the pressure in the outlet pipe 32b, the diaphragm 33 is lifted from the housing member 32 near the through-hole 33a, and the inlet pipe 32a and the outlet pipe 32b communicate with each other via the through-hole 33a and the communication passage 30a. In other words, the flow path of the fluid L is opened.

[0072] Due to the above-mentioned action, when the liquid chamber 20a of the intermediate tank 20 becomes negative pressure, the check valve 30 opens and the liquid L is sucked into the liquid chamber 20a from the container 17. Conversely, when the liquid chamber 20a of the intermediate tank 20 becomes positive pressure, the check valve 30 closes and prevents the liquid L from flowing back from the liquid chamber 20a to the container 17.

[0073] The check valve 40 includes an upper housing member 41, a lower housing member 42, and a diaphragm 43 sandwiched between them. The diaphragm 43 is a flexible membrane molded from rubber or elastomer resin. The housing member 42 has an inlet pipe 42a forming an inlet for the liquid L and an outlet pipe 42b forming an outlet. Pipe 19c is connected to the inlet pipe 42a, and pipe 19d is connected to the outlet pipe 42b. A communication passage 40a for the liquid L, which communicates with the outlet, is formed between the housing members 41 and 42. The diaphragm 43 has a portion that blocks the outlet pipe 42b, and this portion is pressed toward the housing member 42 by a coil spring 44 via a pressure plate 45, blocking the communication between the communication passage 40a and the outlet pipe 42b.

[0074] The check valve 40 also functions as a so-called differential pressure valve. When the pressure in the inlet pipe 42a and the pressure in the outlet pipe 42b are equal, the coil spring 34 presses the diaphragm 43 toward the housing member 42, as shown in Figure 9, blocking the communication between the communication passage 40a and the outlet pipe 42b. In other words, the flow path of the fluid L is blocked. Similarly, when the pressure in the inlet pipe 42a is lower than the pressure in the outlet pipe 42b, the flow path of the fluid L is blocked.

[0075] On the other hand, when the pressure in the inlet pipe 42a is higher than the pressure in the outlet pipe 42b, the diaphragm 43 is lifted, and the inlet pipe 42a and the outlet pipe 42b communicate with each other via the communication passage 40a. In other words, the flow path of the fluid L is opened.

[0076] Due to the above action, when the liquid chamber 20a of the intermediate tank 20 becomes positive pressure, the check valve 40 opens and the liquid L is supplied from the liquid chamber 20a to the ejection head 11 side. Conversely, when the liquid chamber 20a of the intermediate tank 20 becomes negative pressure, the check valve 40 closes and the liquid L is prevented from flowing back from the ejection head 11 side to the liquid chamber 20a.

[0077] It is also possible to carry out a process called a suction operation, in which a negative pressure is applied to the nozzle portion of the discharge head 11 using a negative pressure pump (not shown). In this case, the pressure chamber 20b is set to atmospheric pressure, and the liquid chamber 20a is set to atmospheric pressure. That is, this process is carried out with the pressure inside the inlet pipe 42a at approximately atmospheric pressure. By putting a positive pressure into the pressure chamber 20b, the backflow prevention valve 40 is opened, and the liquid L can be sent at a high flow rate from the liquid chamber 20a to the discharge head 11 in one go.

[0078] (Negative pressure maintenance unit) The structure and operation of the negative pressure maintaining unit 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the structure and operation of the negative pressure maintaining unit 50. State ST101 shows a state in which the amount of stored liquid L is large, and state ST102 shows a state in which the amount of stored liquid L is small.

[0079] The negative pressure maintaining unit 50 includes a housing 51 in which the discharge head 11 is provided, and constitutes a discharge head module. The housing 51 has an inlet pipe 51a that forms an inlet through which the liquid L supplied from the intermediate tank 20 flows in, and a flow path 51b that communicates with the inlet pipe 51a. The inlet pipe 51a is connected to the piping 19d. A filter 53 is provided in the flow path 51b, and unnecessary impurities are removed from the liquid L that has flowed into the flow path 51b as it passes through the filter 53.

[0080] The housing 51 also has flow paths 51c and 51e and a reservoir 50a. A portion of the peripheral wall of the reservoir 50a is formed by a diaphragm 52. The reservoir 50a is provided between the liquid chamber 20a of the intermediate tank 20 and the ejection head, and is in communication with the ejection head 11 via the flow path 51e. The reservoir 50a is a liquid chamber that temporarily stores the liquid L supplied from the liquid chamber 20a at a predetermined negative pressure just before the ejection head 11, and prevents the liquid L from leaking out of the ejection head 11.

[0081] Diaphragm 52 is a deformable sheet member made of a flexible material that defines storage section 50a. Moving plate 56 is in close contact with diaphragm 52. Diaphragm 52 and moving plate 56 are constantly biased by elastic member 57 in a direction that increases the volume of storage section 50a. Elastic member 57 is a coil spring installed between housing 51 and moving plate 56, and the biasing force of elastic member 57 maintains storage section 50a in a negative pressure state.

[0082] The flow path 51c is provided with a restriction valve 54 that restricts the supply of liquid L from the flow path 51c to the reservoir 50a. The restriction valve 54 opens and closes a communication path 51d between the flow path 51c and the reservoir 50a. The restriction valve 54 includes a valve body 54a and an elastic member 54b, and the valve body 54a is constantly biased in the closing direction by the elastic member 54b. The valve body 54a has a shaft that passes through the communication path 51d and advances into the reservoir 50a.

[0083] The operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit 50 will now be described. In state ST101, the restriction valve 54 is closed; in other words, the reservoir 50a is filled with a sufficient amount of liquid L. The valve element 54a is in close contact with the wall surrounding the communication passage 51d, restricting the inflow of liquid L from the flow path 51c into the reservoir 50a. In this state, a force is applied to the diaphragm 52 from the elastic member 57 via the moving plate 56 in a direction that expands the reservoir 50a. Furthermore, because the restriction valve 54 is closed, the liquid inside the reservoir 50a is under negative pressure. This allows the meniscus formed at the nozzle to be in a desirable state (a moderately concave state) when the liquid L is ejected from the nozzle of the ejection head. Note that in state ST101 in FIG. 10, the bulge of the diaphragm 52 is depicted somewhat exaggerated.

[0084] State ST102 shows a state in which the restriction valve 54 is open. In other words, when the amount of liquid remaining in the storage section 50a is insufficient, the system is waiting for a liquid supply from the intermediate tank 20. When the amount of liquid L in the storage section 50a decreases due to the discharge of the liquid L from the discharge head, the diaphragm 52 is displaced toward the restriction valve 54 against the elastic member 57. The moving plate 56 presses the valve body 54a of the restriction valve 54, and the valve body 54a moves away from the wall portion surrounding the communicating passage 51d, allowing the liquid L to flow from the flow path 51c into the storage section 50a via the communicating passage 51d. The liquid L entering from the inflow pipe 51a is pressurized, so it passes through the filter 53 and flows into the storage section 50a through the communicating passage 51d.

[0085] As the amount of liquid in reservoir 50a increases, diaphragm 52 gradually expands, and at the same time, moving plate 56 also moves in a direction away from valve body 54a, resulting in restriction valve 54 becoming closed as in state ST101.

[0086] In this way, while maintaining a negative pressure in the storage section 50a, the liquid L is supplied under pressure from the intermediate tank 20 to the storage section 50a. Although the displacement of the diaphragm 52 is exaggerated in Figure 10, in reality, the storage section 50a can be repeatedly closed and opened with a small amount of movement, maintaining a substantially constant negative pressure inside the storage section 50a.

[0087] (Pressure adjustment unit) The configuration of the pressure adjustment unit 60 will now be described. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the pressure adjustment unit 60. The pressure adjustment unit 60 includes an air pump 61 and a plurality of control valves 62A to 62D. The air pump 61 is an electric pump equipped with a diaphragm and a check valve therein, and is driven by a motor. The plurality of control valves 62A to 62D are electric valves that switch the communication state between the air pump 61 and the pressure chamber 20b or the pipe 19f that forms the atmosphere communication path.

[0088] In this embodiment, a pressure sensor 73 and a constant pressure valve 63 are provided in the pipe 19e. The pressure sensor 73 detects the pressure of the gas in the pipe 19e, i.e., the pressure of the pressure chamber 20b. The constant pressure valve 63 is a valve that maintains the pressure chamber 20b at or below an upper limit pressure when the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b is pressurized. When the pressure in the pipe 19e reaches the upper limit pressure, the constant pressure valve 63 opens, connecting the pipe 19e to the atmosphere. This maintains the pressure chamber 20b at or below the upper limit pressure.

[0089] Fig. 12 is a timing chart showing the opening and closing patterns of the control valves 62A to 62D. In the figure, valves A to D refer to the control valves 62A to 62D. The horizontal axis indicates pressurization, sealing, atmosphere release A, depressurization, atmosphere release B, and pressurization, indicating the operation of the pressure adjustment unit 60 with respect to the pressure chamber 20b. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation when the control valves 62A to 62D are opened and closed in the order of pressurization, sealing, atmosphere release A, depressurization, and atmosphere release B shown on the horizontal axis of Fig. 12.

[0090] State ST131 in Figure 13 is the valve state for pressurizing the pressure chamber 20b to a positive pressure state. Control valve 62A is open, control valve 62B is closed, control valve 62C is open, and control valve 62D is closed. By driving the air pump 61 in each of these valve states, air is sucked in from the pipe 19f side and pressurized air is sent to pipe 19e. When pressure is adjusted by this pressurizing operation, the pressure chamber 20b gradually changes from atmospheric pressure to a positive pressure. When the pressure in pipe 19f exceeds the upper limit pressure after a predetermined time, the constant pressure valve 63 operates and the pressure in pressure chamber 20b becomes constant.

[0091] State ST132 is a valve state for sealing operation to maintain the pressure in pressure chamber 20b pressurized by the pressurizing operation. Control valve 62A is closed, control valve 62B is open, control valve 62C is open, and control valve 62D is closed. In each of these valve states, the pipe 19e side (pressure chamber 20b) is isolated from the air pump 61 and sealed. Furthermore, when the air pump 61 is driven, air circulates between control valves 62B and 62C and the air pump 61. Therefore, no air flows through the pipe 19f side, whether the air pump 61 is operating or stopped.

[0092] State ST133 is an atmosphere release A operation that is passed through on the way to the next depressurization operation. This operation is an operation for quickly changing the pressure chamber 20b, which is in a positive pressure state, to a negative pressure state by connecting the pressure chamber 20b to the atmosphere and returning the positive pressure state to near atmospheric pressure. In the atmosphere release A operation, the control valve 62A is closed, the control valve 62B is open, the control valve 62C is open, and the control valve 62D is open. In this case, air enters from the side of the pipe 19e, passes through the control valve 62D and the control valve 62C, and then exits to the pipe 19f without passing through the air pump 61.

[0093] State ST134 is the valve state for decompression operation to place pressure chamber 20b in a negative pressure state. Control valve 62A is closed, control valve 62B is open, control valve 62C is closed, and control valve 62D is open. By operating the air pump 61 in each of these valve states, air is sucked in from the pipe 19e side and exhausted to the pipe 19f side. When pressure chamber 20b is at atmospheric pressure and pressure is adjusted by this decompression operation, pressure chamber 20b gradually becomes negative. After a predetermined time, the pressure in pressure chamber 20b becomes constant at a predetermined negative pressure according to the capacity of air pump 61. Note that in this embodiment, no negative pressure constant valve is provided, but if it is desired to limit the pressure at a predetermined negative pressure, a negative pressure constant valve may be provided in parallel with constant pressure valve 63.

[0094] State ST135 is an atmosphere release B operation that is passed on the way to the next pressurization operation (state ST131). This operation is an operation for connecting pressure chamber 20b to the atmosphere to quickly change the interior of pressure chamber 20b, which is in a negative pressure state, to a positive pressure state, thereby returning the pressure chamber 20b from negative pressure to near atmospheric pressure. In atmosphere release B operation, control valve 62A is open, control valve 62B is open, control valve 62C is open, and control valve 62D is open. In this case, air enters from the side of pipe 19f, passes through control valve 62B and control valve 62A, and then enters pipe 19e without passing through air pump 61.

[0095] 14 is a diagram showing a specific structural example of the pressure adjustment unit 60. In this structural example, an air pump 61, control valves 62A to 62D, a constant pressure valve 63, a motor as a drive source, a position detection sensor, etc. are all unitized.

[0096] The motor 61a drives the air pump 61 and the control valves 62A to 62D. The cam sensor 65 detects the initial position of the cam member 64. The drive gear train 660 selectively transmits the drive force of the motor 61a to the air pump 61 and the cam member 64. The drive gear train 660 also includes a clutch mechanism. Normally, when the motor 61a is rotated in the forward direction, the cam member 64 does not move and only the air pump 61 operates. However, the clutch mechanism can also be used to rotate the motor 61a in the forward direction and rotate the cam member 64 in the reverse direction. The cam member 64 includes a camshaft and multiple plate cams that provide the timing and force to switch the control valves 62A to 62D.

[0097] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a representative control valve 62A. The cam lever 66 functions as a cam follower for the cam member 64 and displaces the valve rubber 622. The cam lever spring 67 biases the cam lever 66 in the direction of closing the valve. The valve rubber 622 forms an airtight space and presses a portion against an opposing portion to perform the valve function itself. The seal portion 622A is a part of the valve rubber 622 and is a valve element that deforms when pressed against an opposing portion to form a seal. The flow path 620 is the flow path upstream of the control valve 62A, and the flow path 621 is the flow path downstream of the control valve 62A. The cam lever 66 rotates as the cam member 64 rotates, displacing the seal portion 622A. This allows communication between the flow paths 620 and 621 to be switched between open and closed.

[0098] The positions of the cam member 64 corresponding to the pressurizing operation, sealing operation, atmosphere release A operation, depressurizing operation, and atmosphere release B operation illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 may be referred to as the pressurizing position, sealing position, atmosphere release A position, depressurizing position, and atmosphere release B position, respectively.

[0099] In this embodiment, the valve rubber 622 is integrated as a common component of the control valves 62A to 62D, the constant pressure valve 63, and the differential pressure valve 81 described later. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the valve rubber 622. In addition to the above-mentioned seal portion 622A, the valve rubber 622 has seal portions 622B to 622D that form the control valves 62B to 62D, a seal portion 63a that forms the constant pressure valve 63, and a seal portion 811 that forms the differential pressure valve 81 described later. These seal portions 622A to 622D, 63a, and 811 have their own diaphragms for the control valves 62A to 62D, the constant pressure valve 63, and the differential pressure valve 81, respectively, and can operate independently, but are integrally molded as the valve rubber 622 as a component.

[0100] The pressure state of the pressure chamber 20b can be adjusted by the pressure adjustment unit 60 configured as described above. The operation of the pressure adjustment unit 60 is roughly divided into the operation of the air pump 61 and the switching operation of the control valves 62A to 62D.

[0101] When the air pump 61 operates, the drive gear train 660 is configured so that the drive force from the motor 61a is transmitted only to the air pump 61. Specifically, the air pump 61 is continuously driven while the motor 61a is rotating in the forward direction. When the control valves 62A to 62D are switched, the motor 61a is rotated in the reverse direction. In this case, the drive gear train 660 is configured so that the drive force of the motor 61a is transmitted to both the air pump 61 and the cam member 64. When the motor 61a is rotated in the reverse direction, the air pump 61 is driven in the opposite direction to when the motor 61a is rotating in the forward direction, but the air pump 61 is configured to perform the same pumping action regardless of the direction in which it is driven.

[0102] The driving force transmitted to the cam member 64 causes the cam member 64 to rotate, and each of the control valves 62A to 62D opens and closes with the same mechanism and operation as the control valve 62A shown as a representative example in Fig. 15. That is, in the valve closed state shown in Fig. 15, the valve rubber 622 is pressed downward in the figure via the cam lever 66 by the action of the cam lever spring 67. The seal portion 622A is pressed against the opposing portion and deforms, thereby coming into close contact with the opposing portion, thereby blocking the flow paths 620 and 621.

[0103] When the cam member 64 rotates and the convex portion of the cam surface abuts against the cam lever 66, the cam lever 66 rotates clockwise in the figure against the cam lever spring 67. The valve rubber 622 is pulled upward in the figure, and the seal portion 622A separates from the opposing member, connecting the flow path 620 and the flow path 621. The cam surface of the cam member 64 is configured so that the control valves 62A to 62D open and close at appropriate timing according to the timing chart in Figure 12. It is possible to transition to the desired operating state simply by rotating the cam member 64 as needed.

[0104] In this embodiment, air is used as the fluid for adjusting the pressure of the pressure chamber 20b, but a liquid working fluid such as hydraulic pressure may also be used. In that case, instead of opening to the atmosphere, a buffer tank for the liquid working fluid may be provided, into which the liquid working fluid is released, and the buffer tank may be kept at atmospheric pressure.

[0105] (Atmospheric release unit) The atmosphere opening unit 80 is a mechanism that opens the pressure chamber 20b to the atmosphere in response to an operation related to the replacement of the container 17 (hereinafter referred to as a replacement-related operation). In this embodiment, the replacement-related operation is the operation of opening the access covers 16A and 16B. When the access cover 16A or 16B is opened, the corresponding container 17 may be replaced by the user. For example, when the access cover 16A is opened, at least one of the containers 17 stored in the storage section 15A may be replaced. Furthermore, when the access cover 16B is opened, the container 17 stored in the storage section 15B may be replaced.

[0106] The container 17 can be replaced at any time by the user. If the container 17 corresponding to the intermediate tank 20 of the pressure chamber 20b is replaced while the pressure chamber 20b is in a negative pressure state, such as during a refilling operation, air bubbles may be sucked into the flow path of the liquid L from the pipe 19a. If air bubbles are sucked into the flow path, this can cause problems such as poor ejection of the liquid by the ejection head 11. In such a case, the atmosphere release unit 80 opens the pressure chamber 20b to the atmosphere to eliminate the negative pressure state and prevent air bubbles from being sucked into the flow path of the liquid L from the pipe 19a.

[0107] On the other hand, even if the container 17 corresponding to the intermediate tank 20 of the pressure chamber 20b is replaced while the pressure chamber 20b is in a positive pressure state, such as during a supply operation, there is little possibility that air bubbles will be sucked into the flow path of the liquid L from the pipe 19a. When the pressure chamber 20b is opened to the atmosphere, it may be necessary to interrupt the recording operation, which reduces productivity. Therefore, the atmosphere opening unit 80 of this embodiment opens the pressure chamber 20b to the atmosphere in accordance with replacement-related operations and the operating state of the pressure adjustment unit 60.

[0108] FIG. 17(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the atmosphere release unit 80. The atmosphere release unit 80 includes a differential pressure valve 81 and a link valve 82. The differential pressure valve 81 includes a housing 810, a seal (valve element) 811, and an elastic member 812. The housing 810 has formed therein a passage 814 that communicates with the pressure chamber 20b via the pipe 19e, and a communication passage 815 that communicates with the passage 814. The housing 810 also has a communication pipe 813 that forms a communication passage with the link valve 82. The communication pipe 813 is connected to the pipe 84. The housing 810 has provided therein a seal 811 that opens and closes the communication pipe 813. A through hole 811a is formed in the seal 811, and the passage 814 is constantly in communication with the space in which the elastic member 812 is disposed. The seal 811 is constantly biased by the elastic member 812 in a direction that closes the communication pipe 813. The elastic member 812 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0109] In the differential pressure valve 81, when the pressure inside the communicating pipe 813 is lower than or equal to the pressure in the passage 814, the seal portion 811 closes the communicating pipe 813. On the other hand, when the pressure inside the communicating pipe 813 becomes higher than the pressure in the passage 814, the seal portion 811 displaces in a direction away from the communicating pipe 813 against the bias of the elastic member 812, thereby opening the communicating pipe 813. This allows communication between the communicating pipe 813 and the passage 814. In the case of this embodiment, the differential pressure valve 81 is a valve that opens the communicating pipe 813 when the pressure inside the pressure chamber 20b is lower than atmospheric pressure, and closes it otherwise.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 16, the seal portion 811 is formed as part of the valve rubber 622, and by sharing the same components as the other components of the valve, the device can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0111] Interlocking valve 82 includes housing 820, a seal portion (valve body) 811, a lever 824, an elastic member 825, a rod 826, and an elastic member 827. In the illustrated example, interlocking valve 82 that is interlocked with the opening and closing of access cover 16A is shown, but interlocking valve 82 that is interlocked with the opening and closing of access cover 16B has the same configuration. Note that access cover 16A is shown in a simplified form in Figure 17(A).

[0112] Housing 820 has a communication pipe 822 that forms a communication path with differential pressure valve 81, and a communication pipe 823 that forms a communication path with the atmosphere. Pipe 84 is connected to communication pipe 822, and pipe 83 that is open to the atmosphere is connected to communication pipe 823. A seal part 821 that opens and closes communication pipe 822 is provided inside housing 820.

[0113] Rod 826 is a member that engages with access cover 16A. In this embodiment, when access cover 16A is in the closed state, the tip of rod 826 abuts against access cover 16A. Elastic member 827 constantly urges rod 826 in the direction in which the tip abuts against access cover 16A. Elastic member 827 is, for example, a coil spring. When access cover 16A is in the closed state as shown in FIG. 17(A), elastic member 827 is in a contracted state and accumulates elastic force.

[0114] One end of the lever 824 is pivotally supported and can rotate freely around the axis. When the rod 826 is displaced upward in the figure, the lever 824 engages with the engaging portion 826a of the rod 826 and rotates. This displaces the seal portion 821 in a direction that opens the communicating pipe 822. When the seal portion 821 opens the communicating pipe 822, the communicating pipe 822 and the communicating pipe 823 communicate with each other. In other words, the communicating pipe 813 of the differential pressure valve 81 is opened to the atmosphere.

[0115] The elastic member 825 biases the lever 824 downward in the figure. The elastic member 825 is, for example, a coil spring. The lever 824 constantly biases the seal portion 821 in a direction that closes the communicating pipe 822 due to the elastic member 825. When the seal portion 821 closes the communicating pipe 822, communication between the communicating pipe 822 and the communicating pipe 823 is cut off. In other words, the communicating pipe 813 of the differential pressure valve 81 is cut off from the atmosphere.

[0116] With the above configuration, interlocking valve 82 opens and closes in mechanical interlock with the opening and closing of access cover 16A. That is, when access cover 16A is closed as shown in FIG. 17(A), seal portion 821 closes communicating pipe 813, and interlocking valve 82 is closed. On the other hand, when access cover 16A is opened, as shown in FIG. 17(B), rod 826 is displaced in direction D3 by the bias of elastic member 827, lever 824 rotates, and seal portion 821 opens communicating pipe 823. This opens interlocking valve 82, and communicating pipes 822 and 823 communicate with each other. When access cover 16A is closed again, the state returns to that shown in FIG. 17(A).

[0117] 18 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the atmosphere release unit 80 accompanying the replacement work of the container 17. State ST181 shows the state when the pressure chamber 20b is in a positive pressure state and the access cover 16A is closed. This state is the state when the supply operation is being performed by the pressure adjustment unit 60. At this time, the interlocking valve 82 is closed, so there is no pressure fluctuation in the communicating pipe 813, and a positive pressure equivalent to that of the pressure chamber 20b is applied to the passage 814. Therefore, the differential pressure valve 81 is also closed. In other words, in this state, the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b is not affected by the differential pressure valve 81 and the interlocking valve 82.

[0118] State ST182 shows the state when the pressure chamber 20b is under positive pressure and the access cover 16A is open. In this embodiment, the recording apparatus 1 maintains positive pressure in the pressure chamber 20b even when the recording apparatus 1 is in a standby state (i.e., when no recording operation is being performed) or in a power-off state (i.e., when the power is turned off). This is to ensure that the recording apparatus 1 is on standby so that it can immediately start a supply operation when a command for the next recording operation is received. Furthermore, the flow path from the intermediate tank 20 to the downstream limiting valve 54 is continuously pressurized, which also prevents air from entering the flow path. Therefore, state ST182 corresponds to the state when the access cover 16A is open while the recording apparatus 1 is performing a supply operation during a recording operation, is in a standby state for the next recording operation, or is powered off. In this state, the interlocking valve 82 is open, the connecting pipe 813 is open to the atmosphere, and a positive pressure equivalent to that of the pressure chamber 20b is applied to the passage 814, so the differential pressure valve 81 remains closed. That is, in this state, the differential pressure valve 81 and the interlocking valve 82 function to prevent the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b from fluctuating when the access cover 16A is opened.

[0119] State ST183 shows the state when pressure chamber 20b is under negative pressure and access cover 16A is closed. This state corresponds to the state when the replenishment operation is being performed. At this time, interlocking valve 82 is closed, so there is no pressure fluctuation in communicating pipe 813, and a negative pressure equivalent to that of pressure chamber 20b is applied to passage 814. At this time, a force acts on valve rubber 622 of differential pressure valve 81 to open seal portion 811, but because interlocking valve 82 is closed and no air flows, differential pressure valve 81 does not open and remains closed. In other words, in this state, the pressure in pressure chamber 20b is not affected by differential pressure valve 81 and interlocking valve 82.

[0120] State ST184 shows a state in which pressure chamber 20b is in a negative pressure state and access cover 16A is open. This state corresponds to a state in which access cover 16A is opened for some reason during a replenishment operation.

[0121] The supply operation is performed at any timing when no recording operation is being performed. If the operation is designed to be performed without the user being aware of the timing, the user may accidentally open the access cover 16A to replace the container 17 during the supply operation.

[0122] There is no particular problem if the access cover 16A is simply opened, but a problem occurs if the container 17 is removed from the storage section 15A during the refilling operation. The problem is that air enters through the joint connecting the container 17 and the pipe 19a. If air enters the flow path and reaches the discharge head 11, it may cause problems with the discharge operation.

[0123] The reason why air enters through the joint is that the flow path from the container 17 to the intermediate tank 20 is under negative pressure. This is because the pressure chamber 20b is depressurized and placed in a negative pressure state for the replenishment operation. Therefore, when the user opens the access cover 16A during the replenishment operation, the pressure chamber 20b is quickly returned from the negative pressure state to atmospheric pressure, preventing air from entering the flow path.

[0124] In state ST184, interlocking valve 82 is open, so connecting pipe 813 is open to the atmosphere, and a negative pressure equivalent to that of pressure chamber 20b is applied to passage 814, so differential pressure valve 81 is opened. When differential pressure valve 81 is opened, air flows into pressure chamber 20b all at once, and pressure chamber 20b quickly reaches atmospheric pressure. That is, in this state, due to the actions of differential pressure valve 81 and interlocking valve 82, the pressure inside pressure chamber 20b quickly changes from a negative pressure state to atmospheric pressure when access cover 16A is opened. Therefore, even if the user removes container 17 from storage section 15A, air is prevented from entering the flow path.

[0125] As described above, according to this embodiment, when pressure chamber 20b is in a positive pressure state, the positive pressure state in pressure chamber 20b is maintained even if access cover 16A is opened. Therefore, even if the user opens access cover 16A at any time, it is possible to avoid a situation in which downtime is required to re-pressurize before the next recording operation. Furthermore, since pressurization of the flow path from intermediate tank 20 to limiting valve 54 is maintained even in the subsequent standby state, it is possible to prevent air from entering the flow path.

[0126] On the other hand, when pressure chamber 20b is in a negative pressure state, opening access cover 16A quickly returns the pressure in pressure chamber 20b from the negative pressure state to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, even if the user accidentally opens access cover 16A during a refilling operation, it is possible to prevent air from unintentionally entering the liquid flow path.

[0127] In this embodiment, the differential pressure valve 81 is disposed closer to the pressure chamber 20b than the interlocking valve 82, but the positions may be reversed as long as the two are connected in series.

[0128] <Control circuit> The control circuit of the supply unit 18 will now be described. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the control circuit 100 of the supply unit 18. The control circuit 100 comprises at least one processor and at least one storage device, and the processor executes a program stored in the storage device. Specifically, the control circuit 100 comprises a CPU 101, a RAM 102, and a ROM 103. The ROM 103 stores programs, various settings, etc. The RAM 102 is responsible for temporarily storing programs and control information, etc. The CPU 101 executes the program stored in the ROM 103.

[0129] The CPU 101 can communicate with a main control circuit 200 of the recording device 1 via an interface 104. The main control circuit 200 controls the recording operation, etc. The control performed by the control circuit 100 may be configured to be performed by the main control circuit 200.

[0130] A timer 105 measures time. A motor driver 106 drives the motor 61a in accordance with commands from the CPU 101. A motor encoder 61b detects the rotation direction and angle of the motor 61a. The CPU 101 can control the motor 61a based on the detection results of the motor encoder 61b, the cam sensor 65, the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72, and the pressure sensor 73.

[0131] <Control example> An example of control of the supply unit 18 executed by the CPU 101 of the control circuit 100 will be described.

[0132] (Replenishment operation) 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing an example of the refilling operation. This operation is performed when the remaining amount of liquid L in the liquid chamber 20a decreases, to return the liquid to the full capacity of 100%, as shown in state ST62 in Fig. 6. This operation is basically performed when the remaining amount of liquid L in the liquid chamber 20a decreases to region II or below.

[0133] In S101, it is confirmed that the cam member 64 is in the sealed position. In this embodiment, it is assumed that when the recording device 1 is in a standby state, the cam member 64 is in the sealed position and the pressure chamber 20b is maintained in a positive pressure state. If the recording device 1 is in a standby state, there is no need to re-pressurize the pressure chamber 20b when transitioning from the standby state to the next recording operation, thereby shortening the recording time. In addition, since the liquid flow path is pressurized, it is difficult for air to enter the flow path from the outside. In S101, if it is determined that the cam member 64 is in a different position, the motor 61a is driven based on the detection results of the cam sensor 6 and motor encoder 61b, and the cam member 64 is moved to the sealed position.

[0134] Next, in S102, the motor 61a is rotated in the reverse direction. This causes the cam member 64 to rotate in the forward direction, moving from the sealed position through the atmosphere release A position toward the reduced pressure position. When passing through the atmosphere release A position, the pressure chamber 20b communicates with the atmosphere via the pressure adjustment unit 60, so the positively pressurized air in the pressure chamber 20b is suddenly released, and the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b approaches atmospheric pressure.

[0135] In this embodiment, the cam member 64 simply passes through the atmosphere release position A without stopping, but if, for example, the flow path is narrow and it is difficult to exhaust air, the cam member 64 may be temporarily stopped at the atmosphere release position A.

[0136] Next, in S103, it is determined whether the cam member 64 has transitioned to the depressurized position. The motor 61a continues to be driven until the transition is complete. Once the transition is complete, the rotation direction of the motor 61a is reversed to the forward direction in S104. As a result, the rotation of the cam member 64 stops at the depressurized position and the air pump 61 begins to operate. The air in the pressure chamber 20b is exhausted by the pressure adjustment unit 60, and the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b is reduced. As the air pump 61 continues to be driven, the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b is reduced to a negative pressure value determined by the capacity of the air pump 61. In this case, the restriction unit 25 quickly operates to the state shown in state ST52 in FIG. 5.

[0137] Next, in S105, the amount of liquid L supplied from the container 17 to the liquid chamber 20a is monitored based on the detection results of the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72. Once it is confirmed that the remaining amount of liquid L has entered area I, the system waits for t1 seconds to maintain this state. This is because, due to flow rate restrictions, it takes some time for the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a to reach 100% of its full capacity. The time t1 is set in advance taking into account the viscosity of the liquid L, the cross-sectional area and length of the flow path from the container 17 to the liquid chamber 20a, and the like. After t1 seconds have elapsed, the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a is considered to have reached 100% of its full capacity.

[0138] If the remaining amount in the container 17 is insufficient, the container 17 may become empty after the remaining amount exceeds the threshold Low in Fig. 8, and the total capacity may not reach 100%. In this case, too, it is assumed that the container 17 has been replenished to 100% of its total capacity, and the remaining amount information is corrected based on the detection results of the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 while the liquid in the liquid chamber 20a is consumed in a subsequent supply operation.

[0139] If it cannot be detected in S105 that the remaining amount has entered remaining amount region I, the process waits for t2 seconds in S106. If, after waiting for t2 seconds, it cannot be confirmed that the remaining amount does not exceed the threshold Low in FIG. 8 and is in region I, it is determined that the container 17 has become empty and the body replenishment operation cannot be completed. In this case, it is better to notify the user that the container 17 is empty, so the no liquid amount flag information is turned on in S107. This flag information being on is notified to the main control circuit 200, and the main control circuit 200 executes the corresponding process (notifying the user, etc.).

[0140] On the other hand, if the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a is not in region IV, the printing operation can be continued, and the process proceeds to the next step in this state.

[0141] With this, the replenishing operation itself is completed, so in order to move on to the next operation of supplying liquid L to the ejection head 11, in S109 the motor 61a is switched to rotate in the reverse direction. This causes the cam member 64 to start rotating in the forward direction again. The cam member 64 moves from the depressurized position through the atmosphere release B position toward the pressurized position. When passing through the atmosphere release B position, the pressure chamber 20b communicates with the atmosphere via the pressure adjustment unit 60, so air flows in from the outside into the pressure chamber 20b, which is at negative pressure, and the pressure of the pressure chamber 20b approaches atmospheric pressure.

[0142] In this embodiment, the cam member 64 simply passes through the atmosphere release B position without stopping, but if, for example, the flow path is narrow and it is difficult for air to flow in, the cam member 64 may be temporarily stopped at the atmosphere release B position.

[0143] Next, in S110, it is determined whether the cam member 64 has transitioned to the pressurized position. The motor 61a continues to be driven until the transition is complete. Once the transition is complete, in S111, the rotation direction of the motor 61a is reversed to the forward direction. This stops the rotation of the cam member 64 at the pressurized position, and the air pump 61 is in operation. The pressure chamber 20b is pressurized by air flowing in from the outside via the pressure adjustment unit 60. The maximum pressure of the pressure chamber 20b rises to the positive pressure value set by the constant pressure valve 63. Because this positive pressure value determines the supply pressure of the liquid supplied to the ejection head 11, it is desirable to set this value as accurately as possible. In this embodiment, the constant pressure valve 63 has an internal spring that releases air to the outside when the pressure exceeds the spring force. Therefore, this spring force must be highly accurate, or, if necessary, adjusted.

[0144] Next, in S112, it is determined whether the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b has exceeded a predetermined pressure (positive pressure) P1 based on the detection result of the pressure sensor 73. Here, P1 is a pressure slightly lower than the opening pressure of the constant pressure valve 63. If the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b has exceeded P1, the process proceeds to the next step. Note that although the pressure sensor 73 is provided in this embodiment, providing a pressure sensor increases costs, so if this is undesirable, a configuration without the pressure sensor 73 is possible. In this case, the time required for the pressure to sufficiently exceed the opening pressure of the constant pressure valve 63 is set, taking into account the capacity of the air pump 61, the volume of the pressure chamber 20b, etc. In other words, it may be determined that the target positive pressure value has been reached when the motor 61a has been driven for a set time since it started rotating in the forward direction in S111.

[0145] Next, in S113, the driving of the motor 61a is stopped temporarily. At this point, the pressure chamber 20b has already been pressurized to a predetermined positive pressure. That is, the stopper 27 of the restriction unit 25 is retracted, the local deformation of the wall 22 (elastic deformation of part A in state ST61 in FIG. 6) is eliminated, and the wall 22 is under positive pressure, resulting in a supply state of the liquid L. That is, the liquid in the liquid chamber 20a has begun to be transported toward the ejection head 11. Although this depends on the state from the intermediate tank 20 to the negative pressure maintenance unit 50, when a corresponding amount of liquid L flows into the storage section 50a, the volume of the liquid chamber 20a decreases, and the volume of the pressure chamber 20b increases accordingly. As a result, the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b decreases. Since it is necessary to keep the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b as constant as possible, the pressure state is checked in the next step.

[0146] Next, in S114, the detection result of the pressure sensor 73 is checked to see if the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b falls below pressure P1 even after a preset time t3 seconds has elapsed. If pressure P1 is maintained after t3 seconds have elapsed, it is determined that the amount of liquid transferred from the liquid chamber 20a to the ejection head 11 side is small, and the process proceeds to the next step. If the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b falls below pressure P1 within t3 seconds, re-pressurization is required. In S115, the motor 61a is rotated in the forward direction to re-pressurize the pressure chamber 20b. In this case, if the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 20a has decreased to region IV, liquid cannot be supplied to the ejection head 11 side no matter how much positive pressure is applied. Therefore, in S116, the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 20a is checked. If it has not decreased to region IV, the process returns to S114. If the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 20a has decreased to region IV, the process returns to S102 because the liquid chamber 20a needs to be refilled again.

[0147] Next, in S117, the remaining amount of liquid L in the liquid chamber 20a after the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b has stabilized (i.e., after the liquid supply operation to the ejection head 11 side has stopped) is checked. If the remaining amount is in region I, proceed to the next step. If the remaining amount is not within region I, another replenishment operation is required, so the process returns to S102.

[0148] Next, in S118, the motor 61a is rotated in the reverse direction to start moving the cam member 64 to the sealing position. When it is determined in S119 that the cam member 64 has completed moving to the sealing position, the rotation of the motor 61a is stopped in S120, and the processing ends.

[0149] (Supply operation) 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a supply operation process during a recording operation, that is, a process related to control of pressure management of the pressure chamber 20b during a recording operation.

[0150] At the start of the recording operation, in S201 it is confirmed that the cam member 64 is in the sealed position. This is the same process as S101 in Figure 20. Next, in S202, the motor 61a is rotated in the forward direction. Here, due to the action of the clutch mechanism in the drive gear train 660, the cam member 64 is rotated in the reverse direction by the forward rotation of the motor 61a during the section from the sealed position back to the pressurizing position.

[0151] Next, in S203, it is determined whether the cam member 64 has transitioned to the pressurized position. Driving of the motor 61a continues until the transition is complete, and once the transition is complete, the motor 61a is stopped in S204. If the cam member 64 is in the pressurized position, rotating the motor 61a in the forward direction makes it possible to pressurize the pressure chamber 20b.

[0152] Next, in S205, the detection result of the pressure sensor 73 during the recording operation is monitored. If the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b is greater than pressure P1, the motor 61a remains stopped in S207. If the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b falls below pressure P1, the motor 61a is rotated in the forward direction in S206 to start pressurizing the pressure chamber 20b.

[0153] One reason for the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b decreasing is that the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 20a decreases due to the ejection of liquid L from the nozzles of the ejection head 11. Also, if there is a long waiting period during which no recording operation is performed, a small amount of air may leak from one of the parts sealing the pressure chamber 20b, causing the pressure to decrease. In such a case, the pressure chamber 20b is re-pressurized to the pressure required for the supply operation. Returning to S205, if the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b is greater than pressure P1, the motor 61a is stopped in S207 and the re-pressurization ends.

[0154] Next, in S208, it is determined whether the recording operation is continuing through communication with the main control circuit 200. If the recording operation is continuing, the process returns to S205 to continue monitoring the pressure in the pressure chamber 20b. If the recording operation has ended, the process proceeds to S209, where the motor 61a is rotated in the reverse direction to move the cam member 64 to the sealing position.

[0155] Next, in S210, it is determined whether the cam member 64 has transitioned to the sealed position. The motor 61a continues to be driven until the transition is complete, and once the transition is complete, the motor 61a is stopped in S211. This completes the control of the supply operation during the recording operation.

[0156] (Remaining amount detection) Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber 20a during a recording operation. The process in Fig. 23 is executed appropriately together with the process shown in Fig. 22, and monitors the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber 20a while monitoring the detection results of the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72 when the recording operation starts.

[0157] In S301, if the remaining amount is in region I (FIG. 8), the remaining amount continues to be monitored. If the remaining amount falls below the threshold Low (FIG. 8), the process proceeds to the next step. In S302, a replenishment operation is performed. The process related to the replenishment operation is as described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. Note that the replenishment operation during a recording operation is performed at a timing set so as not to stop the recording operation or reduce throughput.

[0158] Next, in S303, the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a after the replenishment operation is confirmed. If the remaining amount exceeds the threshold Low (FIG. 8) and falls into region I (FIG. 8), the process returns to S301 to continue monitoring the remaining amount. If the remaining amount falls below the threshold Low (FIG. 8), the process proceeds to the next step to confirm which region the remaining amount falls into and take appropriate action.

[0159] In S304, it is determined whether the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a is in Region II (FIG. 8). If the remaining amount is not in Region II, processing proceeds to S308. If the remaining amount is in Region II, processing proceeds to S305. Here, if the remaining amount does not exceed the threshold Low (FIG. 8) even after the replenishment operation in S302, it is determined that the container 17 is empty, and a flag is turned on in S107 of FIG. 20. However, since recording operation can still be continued in this state, if recording operation is in progress, the recording operation is not interrupted for the replenishment operation. Therefore, if it is determined in S304 that the remaining amount is in Region II, a warning that the liquid level is low is notified to the main control circuit 200 in S305. The main control circuit 200 can notify the user by displaying a warning, for example, using the operation unit 14.

[0160] In S306, the process branches depending on the user's response to the warning. The user can select the response via, for example, the operation unit 14. If the user selects to replace the container 17, the process proceeds to S307, where the user replaces the container 17, followed by the processing of the replenishment operation shown in Figures 20 and 21. The replenishment operation restores the remaining amount to region I (Figure 8), and the process then returns to S301. On the other hand, if the user determines that replacement of the container 17 is not necessary at that time and selects to continue the recording operation, the process proceeds to S315, where it is determined whether the remaining amount is in region II. The process of S315 is repeated until the remaining amount is no longer in region II, and when it is determined that the remaining amount is no longer in region II, the process proceeds to S308.

[0161] Next, in S308, it is determined whether the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a is in region III (FIG. 8). If the remaining amount is not in region III (FIG. 8), it can be determined that the remaining amount is already in region IV (FIG. 8), in which case the process proceeds to S313, which will be described later. If the remaining amount is in region III (FIG. 8), a warning that the liquid is running out is sent to the main control circuit 200 in S309. In S310, the main control circuit 200 can stop the recording operation at a good time and notify the user by displaying a warning urging the user to replace the container 17.

[0162] Next, in S311, the process branches depending on the user's response to the warning. The user can select the response via, for example, the operation unit 14. The user can choose to replace the container 17 on the spot, or to continue the recording operation despite the fact that there is almost no remaining amount. If the user selects to replace the container 17, the process proceeds to S307, where the user replaces the container 17 and then the replenishment operation shown in Figures 20 and 21 is performed. If the user selects to continue the recording operation, the process proceeds to the next step, S312.

[0163] In S312, it is determined whether the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a is in region IV (FIG. 8). If the remaining amount is not in region IV (FIG. 8), the recording operation is still possible, so the recording operation continues as is. If the remaining amount is in region IV (FIG. 8), the recording operation cannot be continued, so the process proceeds to S313.

[0164] In S313, a warning that the liquid level in the liquid chamber 20a has run out is sent to the main control circuit 200. The main control circuit 200 can notify the user by displaying a warning that the recording operation cannot continue, for example, using the operation unit 14. Then, in S314, the recording operation is stopped and the system waits until the user replaces the container 17.

[0165] Next, we will explain the remaining amount detection control at the end of standby to check the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a when the recording apparatus 1 is turned on or after a long standby period. Figure 24 is a flowchart of this control. As a prerequisite for this control, when the recording apparatus 1 is turned off or before entering a long standby period, area information indicating in which area (Figure 8) the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a was is stored in RAM 102 as remaining amount information.

[0166] In S401, the area information Roff is read from RAM 102. Next, in S402, the current area information Ron is determined based on the detection results of the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72. Next, in S403, it is confirmed whether the area information Roff and the areas indicated by the area Ron match, and if they match, the normal startup operation is performed. Thereafter, if the recording device 1 is turned off or enters a long-term standby state, the area information Roff at that time is stored in RAM 102 in S404.

[0167] If the region information Roff and region information Ron do not match in S403, this means that the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 20a has changed during standby. In particular, if the region indicated by the region information Ron is a region with a smaller remaining amount of liquid Lno than the region information Roff, it is assumed that an unintended leak of liquid has occurred. Since a malfunction may have occurred in some part of the supply unit 18, error processing is performed in S405. Here, for example, a liquid leakage error is notified to the main control circuit 200. The main control circuit 200 then takes measures to prevent further recording operations from continuing, and can notify the user of the malfunction using the operation unit 14.

[0168] <Summary> According to the atmosphere release unit 80 of this embodiment, even if a replacement-related operation is performed during a supply operation or the like that places the pressure chamber 20b in a positive pressure state, the positive pressure state of the pressure chamber 20b is maintained. Due to this action, the pressure chamber 20b maintains a positive pressure state regardless of a replacement-related operation, so the supply operation can be continued and the liquid can be supplied immediately when the next recording operation command is received. Furthermore, because the flow path from the intermediate tank 20 to the downstream limiting valve 54 is continuously pressurized, there is an effect of suppressing the phenomenon of air entering the flow path.

[0169] On the other hand, if an operation related to replacement is performed during a refilling operation in which pressure chamber 20b is in a negative pressure state, pressure chamber 20b is adjusted to quickly return to atmospheric pressure. This action has the effect of preventing air from entering the flow path from the joint portion even if container 17 is inadvertently removed from storage section 15A (or storage section 15B) during a liquid refilling operation.

[0170] Furthermore, since the regulating unit 25 is provided, there is an effect of reducing variations in the supply pressure of the liquid L from the intermediate tank 20 to the discharge head 11, even immediately after the supply operation from the container 17 to the intermediate tank 20 is performed. As a result, the discharge operation from the discharge nozzle of the discharge head 11 becomes stable.

[0171] Furthermore, by making the wall body 22 and the flexible member 26 into a diaphragm shape made of a flexible material, it is possible to create a mechanism with a simple configuration that allows the volume to be varied, which has the effect of reducing the size of the device and the cost of the device.

[0172] Furthermore, by independently driving the four control valves 62A to 62D in the pressure adjustment unit 60 and providing a closed position and an open-to-atmosphere position as cam positions, it becomes possible to maintain the pressure chamber 20b in a pressurized state during standby. This also has the effect of shortening the time required to change the pressure chamber 20b from positive pressure to negative pressure or from negative pressure to positive pressure.

[0173] In addition, in the pressure adjustment unit 60, the valve rubber 622 is integrally molded as a part shared by the control valves 62A to 62D, which has the effect of reducing the size and cost of the device. Furthermore, by integrating the function of the constant pressure valve 63 into the valve rubber 622, further reductions in size and cost of the device can be expected.

[0174] Furthermore, by constantly abutting the detection lever 70 against the abutment member 24 that moves integrally with the wall body 22 and detecting the swinging state of the detection piece 70c with the remaining amount detection sensors 71 and 72, it is possible to detect the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a. Furthermore, by using dot counting in combination, it is possible to detect the remaining amount more precisely. Furthermore, by detecting the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 20a, it is possible to detect that the remaining amount of liquid in the container 17 has run out without providing a sensor to detect the remaining amount in the container 17.

[0175] In addition, by configuring the device to detect whether there is a significant change in the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 20a before and after a long standby period in which no recording operation is performed, it becomes possible to detect unintended liquid leakage, which has the effect of improving reliability.

[0176] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the opening operation of the access cover 16A or 16B is exemplified as an example of the replacement-related operation, but other operations may be used. For example, in a configuration in which a top cover of the recording device is opened to replace a container, the replacement-related operation may be the opening operation of the top cover. Also, the replacement-related operation may be the operation of removing the container 17 from the storage unit 15A or 15B. Alternatively, in a configuration in which the user instructs replacement of the container 17 on the operation unit and the container 17 can be replaced, the replacement-related operation may be a replacement operation on the operation unit. In this case, for example, the configuration of the third embodiment described below may be used.

[0177] Third Embodiment A sensor may be provided to detect the exchange-related operation, and processing may be performed based on the detection result.

[0178] Figure 25 is a block diagram of the control circuit 100 of this embodiment. Differences from the example of Figure 19 will be described below. The recording device 1 is equipped with cover sensors 74A and 74B as sensors for detecting replacement-related operations, and the control circuit 100 can acquire the detection results of these sensors. Cover sensor 74A is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of access cover 16A, and cover sensor 74B is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of access cover 16B. Cover sensors 74A and 74B are, for example, optical sensors, and are arranged so that they are ON when the corresponding cover is open and OFF when the corresponding cover is closed.

[0179] 26 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the CPU 101 of the control circuit 100, which is processing for monitoring the access cover during a replenishment operation. If the pressure chamber 20b is in a negative pressure state and the pressure chamber 20b is returned to atmospheric pressure by the atmosphere release unit 80, the suction of the liquid L from the container 17 to the liquid chamber 20a will end. In this embodiment, the replenishment operation is interrupted and the user is notified as necessary.

[0180] 20 and 21. In S501, the detection results of cover sensors 74A and 74B are obtained, and it is determined whether access covers 16A and 16B are both closed. If it is determined that access covers 16A and 16B are both closed, the process proceeds to step S502. If it is determined that at least one of access covers 16A and 16B is open, the process proceeds to step S503.

[0181] In S502, it is determined whether the replenishment operation has been completed. If the replenishment operation has been completed, the process ends. If the replenishment operation has not been completed, the process returns to S501. As a result, as long as both access covers 16A and 16B are closed during the replenishment operation, the process loop formed by S501 and S502 continues to monitor access covers 16A and 16B.

[0182] In S503, the replenishment operation is interrupted. More specifically, regardless of which of the steps in FIGS. 20 and 21 that are being executed in parallel with the process of FIG. 26 is being executed, motor 61a is forcibly stopped and the process is terminated. In S504, a warning that replenishment has been interrupted is sent to main control circuit 200 due to the opening of access cover 16A or access cover 16B. Main control circuit 200 can notify the user by displaying a warning, for example, using operation unit 14. This notification may be executed by sound or light (warning light) that notifies the user of the warning.

[0183] 26 is started and ended in conjunction with the start and end of the replenishment operation, but it is sufficient if the opening of access covers 16A and 16B when pressure chamber 20b is in a negative pressure state can be detected without fail. For example, the start timing of the process in FIG. 26 may be set to coincide with the start of S104 in FIG. 20, and the monitoring period may be limited by determining whether S109 in FIG. 20 has ended in S502. Alternatively, the monitoring period may be limited by adding a condition to the determination in S501 that the pressure detected by pressure sensor 73 is negative.

[0184] <Fourth embodiment> In the first embodiment, the atmosphere vent unit 80 is configured to mechanically open the pressure chamber 20b to the atmosphere in response to a replacement-related operation, but the pressure chamber 20b may be opened to the atmosphere by control. For example, the interlocking valve 82 may be replaced with an electronically controlled valve, and a sensor may be provided to detect a replacement-related operation, so that the electronically controlled valve is opened when the replacement-related operation is detected by the sensor.

[0185] Alternatively, the present embodiment may not include the atmosphere release unit 80, and when a sensor for detecting a replacement-related operation detects a replacement-related operation, the pressure adjustment unit 60 may be set to the atmosphere release A position to release the atmosphere. In other words, the pressure adjustment unit 60 may function as a unit for releasing the atmosphere. The control thereof will be described below. In this embodiment, cover sensors 74A and 74B are provided, similar to the example of FIG. 25.

[0186] 27 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the CPU 101 of the control circuit 100, and shows an example of processing for monitoring the access cover and for releasing to the atmosphere when the access cover is open. The processing in FIG. 27 is started simultaneously with the replenishment operations shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, and is executed in parallel.

[0187] S601, S602, and S603 are similar to S501, S502, and S503 in Fig. 26. The closed states of access covers 16A and 16B are monitored, and if it is detected that access cover 16A or access cover 16B is open, the replenishment operation is interrupted.

[0188] In S604, the motor 61a is rotated in the reverse direction, and the cam member 64 begins to move to the atmosphere release position A. When it is determined in S605 that the cam member 64 has completed moving to the atmosphere release position A, the rotation of the motor 61a is stopped in S606. This opens the pressure chamber 20b to the atmosphere. S607 is the same process as S504 in Figure 26, and a warning is sent to the main control circuit 200 to the effect that replenishment has been interrupted due to the opening of the access cover 16A or access cover 16B.

[0189] Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the atmosphere release unit 80 is provided and the pressure adjustment unit 60 is also used to perform the atmosphere release as described above, thereby completing the atmosphere release in a shorter time.

[0190] Fifth Embodiment In the first embodiment, the restriction unit 25 is provided, but the restriction unit 25 may not be provided.

[0191] <Other embodiments> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0192] <Summary of the embodiment> The above-described embodiments disclose at least the following recording apparatus.

[0193] Item 1. a liquid chamber (20a) that receives liquid from a liquid container (17) and stores the liquid to be supplied to a discharge means (11) that discharges the liquid onto a recording medium, and a forming means (21) that forms a pressure chamber (20b) adjacent to the liquid chamber (20a); a wall (22) that separates the liquid chamber (20a) from the pressure chamber (20b) and that changes the volume of the liquid chamber (20a) by being displaced in accordance with the pressure of the pressure chamber (20b); a pressure adjusting means (60) that adjusts the pressure of the pressure chamber (20b) to perform a replenishing operation of introducing liquid from the liquid container (17) into the liquid chamber (20a) and a supply operation of supplying liquid from the liquid chamber (20a) to the discharge means (11); and an atmosphere opening means (80) that opens the pressure chamber (20b) to the atmosphere in response to an operation related to replacement of the liquid container (17) during the refilling operation, but does not open the pressure chamber (20b) to the atmosphere in response to the operation during the supplying operation. A recording device (1).

[0194] Item 2. The recording device (1) according to item 1, The atmosphere opening means (80) a differential pressure valve (81) that switches between communication and cut-off between a first passage (814) and a second passage (813) in communication with the pressure chamber (20b) and the second passage (813) depending on a pressure difference between the first passage (814) and the second passage (813); and a linkage valve (82) that switches a third passage (822) communicating with the second passage (813) from a closed state to an open state to the atmosphere in response to the operation. A recording device characterized by:

[0195] Item 3. The recording device (1) according to item 1, When the pressure chamber (20b) is in a negative pressure state, the wall (22) is displaced to increase the volume of the liquid chamber (20a), The pressure adjusting means (60) In the replenishing operation, the pressure chamber (20b) is adjusted to a negative pressure state to introduce liquid from the liquid container into the liquid chamber (20a), In the supply operation, the pressure chamber (20b) is adjusted to a positive pressure state, and liquid is supplied from the liquid chamber (20a) to the discharge means (11). A recording device characterized by:

[0196] Item 4. The recording device (1) according to item 3, The atmosphere opening means (80) a differential pressure valve (81) that switches between communication and cut-off between a first passage (814) and a second passage (813) in communication with the pressure chamber (20b) and the second passage (813) depending on a pressure difference between the first passage (814) and the second passage (813); a linkage valve (82) that switches a third passage (822) communicating with the second passage (813) from a closed state to an open state to the atmosphere in response to the operation, the differential pressure valve (81) connects the first passage (814) with the second passage (813) when the pressure in the first passage (814) is lower than that in the second passage (813); A recording device characterized by:

[0197] Item 5. The recording device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 4, access covers (16A, 16B) for opening and closing the storage sections (15A, 15B) of the liquid container (17); The operation is an opening operation of the access covers (16A, 16B). A recording device characterized by:

[0198] Item 6. The recording device (1) according to item 2 or 4, The pressure adjusting means (60) a pump (61); a plurality of control valves (62A-62D) provided between the pump and the pressure chamber (20b); an operation of pressurizing the pressure chamber (20b) and an operation of depressurizing the pressure chamber (20b) by the pump by a combination of opening and closing of the plurality of control valves (62A-62D); The differential pressure valve (81) and the plurality of control valves (62A-62D) are integrated with each other in some parts (622A-622D, 811). A recording device characterized by:

[0199] Item 7. a liquid chamber (20a) that receives liquid from a liquid container (17) and stores the liquid to be supplied to a discharge means (11) that discharges the liquid onto a recording medium, and a forming means (21) that forms a pressure chamber (20b) adjacent to the liquid chamber (20a); a wall (22) that separates the liquid chamber (20a) from the pressure chamber (20b) and that changes the volume of the liquid chamber (20a) by being displaced in accordance with the pressure of the pressure chamber (20b); a pressure adjusting means (60) for adjusting the pressure of the pressure chamber (20b); and an atmosphere opening means (80) for switching whether or not the pressure chamber (20b) is opened to the atmosphere, When the pressure chamber (20b) is in a negative pressure state, the wall (22) is displaced to increase the volume of the liquid chamber (20a), The atmosphere opening means (80) the pressure chamber (20b) is opened to the atmosphere in response to an operation related to replacement of the liquid container (17) when the pressure chamber (20b) is in a negative pressure state, but the pressure chamber (20b) is not opened to the atmosphere in response to the operation when the pressure chamber (20b) is in a positive pressure state; A recording device (1).

[0200] Item 8. Item 7. The recording device according to item 7, The pressure adjusting means (80) a pump (61); a plurality of control valves (62A-62D) provided between the pump (61) and the pressure chamber (20b); The pump (61) performs an operation of pressurizing the pressure chamber (20b), an operation of depressurizing the pressure chamber (20b), and an operation of opening the pressure chamber (20b) to the atmosphere by combining opening and closing of the plurality of control valves (62A-62D). A recording device characterized by:

[0201] Item 9. Item 8. The recording device according to any one of items 1 to 8, a control means (100) for interrupting the refilling operation in response to an operation relating to replacement of the liquid container during the refilling operation; A recording device characterized by:

[0202] Item 10. Item 9. The recording device according to item 9, The control means (100) performs a process for warning a user when the replenishment operation is interrupted. A recording device characterized by:

[0203] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended items are provided to publicize the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0204] 1 recording device, 11 ejection head, 17 liquid container, 21 formation unit, 60 pressure adjustment unit, 80 atmosphere release unit

Claims

1. a liquid chamber for receiving liquid from a liquid container and for storing the liquid to be supplied to a discharge means for discharging the liquid onto a recording medium, and a forming means for forming a pressure chamber adjacent to the liquid chamber; a wall that separates the liquid chamber from the pressure chamber and that changes the volume of the liquid chamber by being displaced in response to the pressure of the pressure chamber; a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure of the pressure chamber to perform a replenishing operation of introducing liquid from the liquid container into the liquid chamber and a supplying operation of supplying liquid from the liquid chamber to the ejection means; and an atmosphere opening means for opening the pressure chamber to the atmosphere in response to an operation related to replacement of the liquid container during the refilling operation, but not opening the pressure chamber to the atmosphere in response to the operation during the supplying operation. A recording device characterized by:

2. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, The atmosphere opening means is a differential pressure valve that switches between communication and cut-off between the first passage and the second passage depending on a pressure difference between the first passage and the second passage, the first passage communicating with the pressure chamber; and a linkage valve that switches a third passage communicating with the second passage from a closed state to an open state in response to the operation. A recording device characterized by:

3. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, the wall body is displaced so as to increase the volume of the liquid chamber when the pressure chamber is in a negative pressure state; The pressure adjusting means is In the replenishing operation, the pressure chamber is adjusted to a negative pressure state, and liquid is introduced from the liquid container into the liquid chamber; In the supply operation, the pressure chamber is adjusted to a positive pressure state, and the liquid is supplied from the liquid chamber to the discharge means. A recording device characterized by:

4. 4. The recording device according to claim 3, The atmosphere opening means is a differential pressure valve that switches between communication and cut-off between the first passage and the second passage depending on a pressure difference between the first passage and the second passage, the first passage communicating with the pressure chamber; a linkage valve that switches a third passage communicating with the second passage from a closed state to an open state in response to the operation, the differential pressure valve connects the first passage and the second passage when the pressure in the first passage is lower than the pressure in the second passage; A recording device characterized by:

5. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, an access cover for opening and closing the storage section of the liquid container; The operation is an operation of opening the access cover. A recording device characterized by:

6. 3. The recording device according to claim 2, The pressure adjusting means is A pump and a plurality of control valves provided between the pump and the pressure chamber; an operation of pressurizing the pressure chamber and an operation of depressurizing the pressure chamber by the pump by a combination of opening and closing of the plurality of control valves; Some components of the differential pressure valve and the plurality of control valves are integrated together. A recording device characterized by:

7. a liquid chamber for receiving liquid from a liquid container and for storing the liquid to be supplied to a discharge means for discharging the liquid onto a recording medium, and a forming means for forming a pressure chamber adjacent to the liquid chamber; a wall that separates the liquid chamber from the pressure chamber and that changes the volume of the liquid chamber by being displaced in response to the pressure of the pressure chamber; a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure in the pressure chamber; an atmosphere opening means for switching whether or not the pressure chamber is open to the atmosphere, the wall body is displaced so as to increase the volume of the liquid chamber when the pressure chamber is in a negative pressure state; The atmosphere opening means is the pressure chamber is opened to the atmosphere in response to an operation related to replacement of the liquid container when the pressure chamber is in a negative pressure state, but the pressure chamber is not opened to the atmosphere in response to the operation when the pressure chamber is in a positive pressure state. A recording device characterized by:

8. 8. The recording device according to claim 7, The pressure adjusting means is A pump and a plurality of control valves provided between the pump and the pressure chamber; an operation of pressurizing the pressure chamber, an operation of depressurizing the pressure chamber, and an operation of opening the pressure chamber to the atmosphere are performed by the pump by combining opening and closing of the plurality of control valves; A recording device characterized by:

9. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, a control unit that interrupts the refilling operation in response to an operation related to replacement of the liquid container during the refilling operation; A recording device characterized by:

10. 10. The recording device according to claim 9, the control means performs processing related to a warning to a user when the replenishment operation is interrupted. A recording device characterized by:

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