Device with interchangeable parts, external device, program, and method for controlling the device with interchangeable parts

Abstract

In a device equipped with replaceable parts, the aim is to enable users to properly replace the replaceable parts. [Solution] When the "Maintenance" selection button is selected on the printer settings screen, the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the control panel 68. The first maintenance selection screen 110A does not include the "Replace Head" selection button 111, so it is not possible to select the "Replace Head" selection button 111 on the control panel 68 to start replacing the head. If the back button 99 displayed on the control panel 68 is pressed and held in this state, the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed on the control panel 68. The second maintenance selection screen 110B includes the "Replace Head" selection button 111, so it is possible to select the "Replace Head" selection button 111 on the control panel 68 to start replacing the head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus having a replacement part, an external apparatus communicably connected to the apparatus having the replacement part, a program for controlling the apparatus having the replacement part, and a method for controlling the apparatus having the replacement part.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of an apparatus having a replacement part, Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus having a print head as a replacement part. In the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the user can display a screen for asking the user whether to execute the replacement process of the print head by operating the setting screen displayed on the operation panel at any timing when the user wants to replace the print head. When the "Yes" button is pressed on this screen, a lock release screen for releasing the lock of the front door is displayed. When the "Unlock" button is pressed, the lock of the front door is released, the head replacement preparation process is performed, and the print head can be replaced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, Patent Document 1 allows a screen to be displayed asking the user whether or not to perform the print head replacement process by operating the settings screen shown on the control panel at any time. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to perform the operation to display the screen asking the user whether or not to perform the print head replacement process even when the print head cannot be replaced. As a result, the user may become confused, for example, by mistakenly believing that the print head can be replaced even when it cannot be replaced.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a device equipped with replacement parts that enables a user to properly replace the replacement parts, an external device that is communicatively connected to the device equipped with replacement parts, a program for controlling the device equipped with replacement parts, and a method for controlling the device equipped with replacement parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The apparatus equipped with the replaceable parts of the present invention comprises replaceable replaceable parts, an operating unit operated by a user, and a control unit, wherein the control unit operates the operating unit in a replaceable mode in which a replacement start operation for initiating the replacement of the replaceable parts can be performed, and in a non-replaceable mode in which the replacement start operation cannot be performed.

[0007] The external device of the present invention is an external device that can communicate with a device equipped with replaceable replacement parts, and comprises an operating unit operated by a user and a control unit, wherein the control unit operates the operating unit in a replaceable mode in which a replacement start operation can be performed to start replacing the replacement parts in the device equipped with the replacement parts, and a non-replaceable mode in which the replacement start operation cannot be performed.

[0008] The present invention is a program for controlling a device equipped with a replacement part, the device comprising a replaceable replacement part and an operating unit operated by a user, and causes a computer to perform a process to operate the operating unit in a replaceable mode in which a replacement start operation for initiating the replacement of the replacement part can be performed, and in a non-replaceable mode in which the replacement start operation cannot be performed.

[0009] The present invention provides a control method for a device equipped with replaceable parts, comprising a replaceable replaceable part and an operating unit operated by a user, wherein the operating unit is operated in a replaceable mode in which a replacement start operation for initiating the replacement of the replaceable part can be performed, and a non-replaceable mode in which the replacement start operation cannot be performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, by operating the operating unit of a device equipped with replaceable parts, or the operating unit of an external device connected to a device equipped with replaceable parts, in a replaceable mode and a non-replaceable mode, it is possible to enable the start of a replacement operation at the operating unit of a device equipped with replaceable parts only when it is appropriate to replace the replaceable parts, such as when it is possible to replace the replaceable parts or when there is a high need to replace the replaceable parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the printer's configuration. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printer. [Figure 3] (a) is a diagram illustrating the settings screen, and (b) is a flowchart showing the flow of processes executed when the "Maintenance" selection button is selected. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram illustrating the first maintenance selection screen, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the second maintenance selection screen. [Figure 5](a) is a diagram illustrating the cartridge replacement screen, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the tank replacement screen. [Figure 6] (a) is a diagram illustrating the head replacement screen, (b) is a diagram illustrating the head information input screen, and (c) is a diagram illustrating the information printed on the head. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the first maintenance selection screen, where the "Head Replacement" selection button is grayed out. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the flow of processing that occurs when the "Maintenance" selection button is selected, in an example where the display switches from the first maintenance selection screen to the second maintenance selection screen when the exit button is pressed and held. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the flow of processing that occurs when the "Maintenance" selection button is selected, in an example where the display switches from the first maintenance selection screen to the second maintenance selection screen when buttons are pressed simultaneously. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the flow of processing that occurs when the "Maintenance" selection button is selected, in an example where the display switches from the first maintenance selection screen to the second maintenance selection screen when buttons are selected in a predetermined order. [Figure 11] (a) is a flowchart showing the process flow when the "Maintenance" selection button is selected in an example where the display of the first maintenance selection screen and the second maintenance selection screen are switched according to the total discharge volume, and (b) is a flowchart showing the process flow when the "Maintenance" selection button is selected in an example where the display of the first maintenance selection screen and the second maintenance selection screen are switched according to the total number of records. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the configuration of the discharge inspection section provided in the purge unit. [Figure 13](a) is a diagram for explaining a signal output from a signal processing circuit when the nozzle is a normal nozzle, and (b) is a diagram for explaining a signal output from the signal processing circuit when the nozzle is an abnormal nozzle. [Figure 14] In an example of switching which of a first maintenance selection screen and a second maintenance selection screen to display according to the number of abnormal nozzles, it is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed when a "Maintenance" selection button is selected. [Figure 15] (a) is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printer equipped with a paper jam sensor, and (b) is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed when a "Maintenance" selection button is selected in an example of switching which of a first maintenance selection screen and a second maintenance selection screen to display according to the number of occurrences of paper jams. [Figure 16] It is a diagram for explaining an example in which the printer has a hardware key operated by a user. [Figure 17] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a system composed of a printer and an external device connected to the printer. [Figure 18] In an example where the display switches from a first maintenance selection screen to a second maintenance selection screen when a predetermined signal is received from an external device, it is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed when a "Maintenance" selection button is selected.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0013] <Overall Configuration of Printer> As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a carriage 2, a sub-tank 3, a head 4, a platen 5, conveyance rollers 6 and 7, a purge unit 8, and the like. In the present embodiment, the printer 1 corresponds to the "device equipped with replacement parts" of the present invention.

[0014] The carriage 2 is supported by two guide rails 11 and 12 that extend to the left and right and are spaced apart in the front and rear directions. The carriage 2 is connected to the carriage motor 86 shown in Figure 2 via a belt or the like (not shown). By driving the carriage motor 86, the carriage 2 can be moved to the left and right along the guide rails 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the left direction is a horizontal direction, and the right direction is the opposite direction to the left direction. Also in this embodiment, the front direction is horizontal and perpendicular to the left and right directions, and the rear direction is the opposite direction to the front direction.

[0015] The sub-tank 3 is mounted on the carriage 2. The printer 1 has four cartridge mounting sections 23 at the front right end, arranged in a left-to-right direction. Each cartridge mounting section 23 has a removable ink cartridge 24 installed in it. The ink cartridges 24 store black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks, in that order from right to left. The sub-tank 3 is connected to the four ink cartridges 24 via four tubes 25, and the four colors of ink are supplied from the four ink cartridges 24 to the sub-tank 3.

[0016] Furthermore, an IC chip 26 is provided on the surface of each ink cartridge 24. The IC chip 26 stores information about the ink cartridge 24. This information includes, for example, the serial number of the ink cartridge 24 and the type of ink stored in it. In response to this, each cartridge mounting section 23 is provided with a first chip reading section 41 that reads information from the IC chip 26.

[0017] The print head 4 is connected to the lower end of the sub-tank 3. The print head 4 ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10 formed on its lower surface, the nozzle surface 4a. More specifically, the plurality of nozzles 10 are arranged in the forward and backward directions to form a nozzle row 9. The print head 4 also has four rows of nozzle rows 9 arranged in the left and right directions. From the plurality of nozzles 10, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks are ejected in order, starting from those forming the nozzle row 9 located to the right. The print head 4 is supplied with these four colors of ink from the sub-tank 3. The print head 4 is also provided with a media sensor 29. The media sensor 29 is for detecting when the recording paper S supplied from a paper feed unit (not shown) reaches a position facing the media sensor 29. In this embodiment, the recording paper S corresponds to the "recording medium" of the present invention.

[0018] The platen 5 is positioned below the carriage 2 and head 4. The platen 5 is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0019] The transport rollers 6 and 7 are rollers whose axial directions are parallel to the left and right directions, respectively. Transport roller 6 is positioned behind the carriage 2 and platen 5. Transport roller 7 is positioned in front of the carriage 2 and platen 5. The transport rollers 6 and 7 are connected to the transport motor 87 shown in Figure 2 via gears and the like (not shown). When the transport motor 87 is driven, the transport rollers 6 and 7 rotate, and the recording paper S is transported forward by the transport rollers 6 and 7.

[0020] The purge unit 8 includes a cap 31, a suction pump 32, and a waste liquid tank 33.

[0021] The cap 31 is positioned to the right of the platen 5. When the carriage 2 is positioned in the purge position to the right of the platen 5, multiple nozzles 10 face the cap 31.

[0022] Furthermore, the cap 31 is connected to the cap lifting mechanism 88 shown in Figure 2. When the cap lifting mechanism 88 is driven, the cap 31 moves up and down. With the carriage 2 positioned in the purging position, the cap 31 faces the multiple nozzles 10. When the cap 31 is raised by the cap lifting mechanism 88, the upper end of the cap 31 comes into close contact with the nozzle surface 4a, and the multiple nozzles 10 are covered by the cap 31. When the cap 31 is lowered, the multiple nozzles 10 are not covered by the cap 31. Note that the cap 31 is not limited to covering the multiple nozzles 10 by coming into close contact with the nozzle surface 4a. The cap 31 may also cover the multiple nozzles 10 by coming into close contact with, for example, a frame (not shown) arranged around the nozzle surface 4a of the head 4.

[0023] The suction pump 32 is a tube pump or the like, and is connected to the cap 31 and the waste liquid tank 33. When the purging unit 8 is driven with the cap on, it can perform a so-called suction purge, which discharges ink from the head 4 through multiple nozzles 10. The ink discharged by the suction purge is stored in the waste liquid tank 33.

[0024] For convenience, this explanation assumes that the cap 31 covers all nozzles 10 together, and that during suction purging, ink is discharged from all nozzles 10 within the head 4. However, this is not the only possible configuration. For example, the cap 31 may have separate parts: one covering multiple nozzles 10 that make up the rightmost nozzle row 9 that discharges black ink, and another covering multiple nozzles 10 that make up the 1st to 3rd nozzle rows 9 from the left that discharge color ink. This allows for selective discharge of either black ink or color ink within the head 4 during suction purging. Here, color ink refers to yellow, cyan, and magenta inks. Alternatively, for example, the cap 31 may be provided individually for each nozzle row 9, allowing for individual discharge of ink from each nozzle 10 during suction purging.

[0025] Furthermore, an IC chip 34 is provided on the surface of the waste liquid tank 33. The IC chip 34 stores information about the waste liquid tank 33. This information includes, for example, the manufacturing number of the waste liquid tank 33 and information about the capacity of the waste liquid tank. In response to this, the printer 1 is equipped with a second chip reading unit 42 that reads the information stored from the IC chip 34.

[0026] <Electrical configuration of the printer> Next, the electrical configuration of printer 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, printer 1 is equipped with a control unit 80. The control unit 80 consists of a CPU 81, ROM 82, RAM 83, memory 84, ASIC 85, etc. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. The control unit 80 controls the operation of the carriage motor 86, head 4, transport motor 87, cap lifting mechanism 88, first chip reading unit 41, second chip reading unit 42, etc. The control unit 80 also receives signals from the first chip reading unit 41, second chip reading unit 42, media sensor 29, etc.

[0027] In addition to the configuration described above, the printer 1 is also equipped with an operation panel 68. The operation panel 68 integrates a display unit such as a liquid crystal display and an operation unit such as a touch panel. The control unit 80 controls the operation of the operation panel 68 and receives signals from the operation panel 68.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 80 may be configured such that only the CPU 81 performs the various processing, or only the ASIC 85 performs the various processing, or the CPU 81 and ASIC 85 perform the various processing in cooperation. Also, the control unit 80 may be configured such that one CPU 81 performs the processing alone, or multiple CPUs 81 share the processing. Furthermore, the control unit 80 may be configured such that one ASIC 85 performs the processing alone, or multiple ASICs 85 share the processing.

[0029] <Control during recording> Next, the processing of the control unit 80 when recording an image onto the recording paper S in the printer 1 will be described. In the printer 1, the control unit 80 repeatedly performs a recording path by controlling the carriage motor 86 to move the carriage 2 to the right and left, and controlling the head 4 to eject ink from multiple nozzles 10 toward the recording paper S, and a transport operation by controlling the transport motor 87 to transport the recording paper S forward on the transport rollers 6 and 7, thereby recording an image onto the recording paper S.

[0030] <Maintenance> Printer 1 can be used for various maintenance tasks. More specifically, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 68 of printer 1, the control unit 80 controls the operation panel 68 to display a settings screen 100, as shown in Figure 3(a).

[0031] The settings screen 100 has multiple selection buttons 101. Figure 3(a) shows a case where the multiple selection buttons 101 include selection buttons 101 for "Maintenance," "Tray Settings," and "Network Settings." In this embodiment, the buttons displayed on the operation panel 68 correspond to the "operation buttons" of the present invention. The user can select a button by touching the part of the operation panel 68 where each button is displayed.

[0032] The "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected when performing maintenance, which will be explained in detail later. The "Tray Settings" selection button 101 is selected when making settings related to the paper feed tray (not shown) for supplying the recording paper S. The "Network" selection button 101 is selected when connecting the printer 1 to a network. Note that a detailed explanation of the operation when the "Tray Settings" and "Network" selection buttons 101 are selected is omitted here. In addition, among the multiple selection buttons 101, the selection buttons 101 other than "Maintenance" may include selection buttons 101 that are selected when performing operations other than those described above.

[0033] Furthermore, a back button 99, an exit button 98, and a numeric keypad 97 are always displayed at the right end of the control panel 68. When the back button 99 is selected while various screens such as the settings screen 100 are displayed on the control panel 68, the screen displayed on the control panel 68 returns from the currently displayed screen to the previously displayed screen. When the exit button 98 is selected while various screens such as the settings screen 100 are displayed on the control panel 68, the display of the currently displayed screen on the control panel 68 ends, and it returns to the initial screen (not shown). Also, when the exit button 98 is selected while image recording is in progress on the printer 1, recording to the recording paper S stops. The numeric keypad 97 consists of number buttons 97a from "0" to "9". The numeric keypad 97 is used for various inputs, such as inputting information about the head 4, which will be described later.

[0034] When the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the control unit 80 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 3(b) in order to display the maintenance selection screens 110A and 110B described below. Here, the ROM 82 stores a program to be executed by the CPU 81, and the control unit 80 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 3(b) when the CPU 81 executes the program stored in the ROM 82. The same applies to subsequent processing performed by the control unit 80 according to the flowchart. In this embodiment, the control unit 80 equipped with the CPU 81 that executes the above program corresponds to the "computer" of the present invention.

[0035] To explain the flowchart in Figure 3(b) in detail, the control unit 80 first displays the first maintenance selection screen 110A on the operation panel 68, as shown in Figure 4(a) (S101). The first maintenance selection screen 110A has a plurality of selection buttons 111. The plurality of selection buttons 111 include selection buttons 111 for "head cleaning," "cartridge replacement," and "waste liquid tank replacement." In this embodiment, the operation of selecting the selection buttons 111 for "cartridge replacement" and "waste liquid tank replacement" corresponds to the "second replacement start operation" of the present invention.

[0036] When the "head cleaning" selection button 111 is selected, the control unit 80 controls the carriage motor 86, cap lifting mechanism 88, suction pump 32, etc., to perform the suction purging described above. After the suction purging is completed, the control unit 80 displays an appropriate screen on the operation panel 68, such as an initial screen (not shown).

[0037] When the "Cartridge Replacement" selection button 111 is selected, the control unit 80 displays a cartridge replacement screen 121 on the operation panel 68, as shown in Figure 5(a). The cartridge replacement screen 121 displays the procedure for replacing the ink cartridge 24. The user can replace the ink cartridge 24 by following the instructions on the cartridge replacement screen 121, removing the ink cartridge 24 currently installed in the cartridge mounting unit 23, and installing a new ink cartridge 24 in the cartridge mounting unit 23. When a new ink cartridge 24 is installed in the cartridge mounting unit 23, the control unit 80 obtains information about the ink cartridge 24 by having the first chip reading unit 41 read the information stored in the IC chip 26 of the ink cartridge 24. As a result, the control unit 80 can detect that the ink cartridge 24 has been replaced based on the change in the information obtained from the IC chip 26.

[0038] When the "Waste Liquid Tank Replacement" selection button 111 is selected, the control unit 80 displays a tank replacement screen 122 on the operation panel 68, as shown in Figure 5(b). The tank replacement screen 122 displays the procedure for replacing the waste liquid tank 33. The user can replace the waste liquid tank 33 by removing the waste liquid tank 33 from the printer 1 and installing a new waste liquid tank 33 in the printer 1, following the instructions on the tank replacement screen 122. When the new waste liquid tank 33 is installed, the control unit 80 obtains information about the waste liquid tank 33 by having the second chip reading unit 42 read the information stored in the IC chip 34 of the waste liquid tank 33. As a result, the control unit 80 can detect that the waste liquid tank 33 has been replaced based on the change in the information obtained from the IC chip 34.

[0039] Returning to Figure 3(b), the control unit 80 displays the maintenance selection screen 110A on the operation panel 68 in S101, and then waits until an operation is performed that changes the screen displayed on the operation panel 68, or until the back button 99 is pressed and held down (S102: NO, S103: NO). Here, the operation that changes the screen displayed on the operation panel 68 is an operation in which one of the select button 111, the back button 99, or the exit button 98 is selected.

[0040] Furthermore, "long-pressing" the back button 99 means that the user touches the portion of the operation panel 68 where the back button 99 is displayed, and continues to touch that portion of the operation panel 68 for a predetermined time or longer. In contrast, "selecting" the back button 99 means that the user touches the portion of the operation panel 68 where the back button 99 is displayed, and continues to touch that portion of the operation panel 68 for less than the predetermined time. In other words, when the user touches the portion of the operation panel 68 where the back button 99 is displayed, the control unit 80 determines whether the back button 99 has been selected or long-pressed based on whether the user has continued to touch that portion of the operation panel 68 for a predetermined time or longer. In this embodiment, the back button 99 corresponds to the "specific operation button" of the present invention.

[0041] If an operation is performed that changes the screen displayed on the control panel 68 (S102: YES), the control unit 80 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 3(b). At this time, the control unit 80 executes the process corresponding to the selected button.

[0042] If the back button 99 is pressed and held (S103:YES), the control unit 80 displays the second maintenance selection screen 110B shown in Figure 4(b) on the operation panel 68 (S104). The second maintenance selection screen 110B also has a plurality of selection buttons 111, similar to the first maintenance selection screen 110A. However, the plurality of selection buttons 111 on the second maintenance selection screen 110B include a "head replacement" selection button 111, in addition to the "head cleaning," "cartridge replacement," and "waste liquid tank replacement" selection buttons 111, similar to the first maintenance selection screen 110A. In this embodiment, the "head replacement" selection button 111 corresponds to the "replacement start button" of the present invention. Furthermore, the operation of selecting the "head replacement" selection button 111 corresponds to the "replacement start operation" and "first replacement start operation" of the present invention. Furthermore, the second maintenance selection screen 11B, which includes the "head replacement" selection button 111, corresponds to the "first screen" of the present invention.

[0043] When the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 is selected, the control unit 80 displays the head replacement screen 123 on the operation panel 68, as shown in Figure 6(a). The head replacement screen 123 has a message section 123A and a completion button 123B.

[0044] Message section 123A displays a message prompting the user to replace head 4 and instructions for replacing head 4. The user can replace head 4 by following the instructions on head replacement screen 123, removing head 4 from carriage 2, and installing a new head 4 into carriage 2.

[0045] The complete button 123B is selected when the replacement of the head 4 is complete. When the complete button 123B is selected, the control unit 80 displays the head information input screen 124 on the operation panel 68, as shown in Figure 6(b). The head information input screen 124 has a message section 124A, an input display section 124B, and a complete button 124C.

[0046] Message unit 124A displays a message prompting the user to input head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number as information about the replaced head 4. Head parameters are parameters that indicate, for example, the quality rank of the head 4. Media sensor parameters are parameters that indicate, for example, the degree of tilt of the media sensor 29 in the head 4. Serial number is a unique number assigned to the head 4 during manufacturing.

[0047] The input display unit 124B displays the entered head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number. The user can input the head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number by selecting the number buttons 97a on the numeric keypad 97. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 6(c), a sticker 4b with the head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number is attached to the front of the head 4. The user can then input the head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number indicated on the head 4. Alternatively, if an insert containing information on the head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number is included when purchasing a replacement head 4, the user may input the head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number based on the information on the insert.

[0048] In this embodiment, the information for the head 4 includes head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number, but only some of this information may be entered. Alternatively, information other than these may be entered as the information for the head 4.

[0049] The "Complete" button 124C is selected when the input of head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number is complete. When the "Complete" button 124C is selected, the control unit 80 displays an appropriate screen on the operation panel 68, such as an initial screen (not shown), and acquires information on the head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number of the replacement head 4 based on the entered serial number of the head 4. Then, based on the acquired information on the head 4, the control unit 80 makes settings such as adjusting the drive voltage and drive waveform of the head 4.

[0050] Returning to Figure 3(b), the control unit 80 displays the second maintenance selection screen 110B on the operation panel 68 in S104, and then waits until an operation is performed that changes the screen displayed on the operation panel 68 (S105: NO). When an operation is performed that changes the screen displayed on the operation panel 68 (S105: YES), the control unit 80 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 3(b). At this time, the control unit 80 executes the process corresponding to the operation performed, and as a result, the screen displayed on the operation panel 68 changes from the second maintenance selection screen 110B to another screen. These other screens correspond to the "second screen" of the present invention.

[0051] Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 80 can operate the operation panel 68 in a replacement operation impossible mode in which it is not possible to select the "head replacement" selection button 111, by displaying a first maintenance selection screen 110A on the operation panel 68 that does not include the "head replacement" selection button 111. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 80 can operate the operation panel 68 in a replacement operation possible mode in which it is possible to select the "head replacement" selection button 111, by displaying a second maintenance selection screen 110B on the operation panel 68 that includes the "head replacement" selection button 111.

[0052] In this embodiment, as described above, when the screen displayed on the operation panel 68 switches from the state in which the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed to a state in which a screen other than the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed, the control unit 80 terminates the process according to the flowchart in Figure 3(b). Therefore, after this, when the setting screen 100 in Figure 3(a) is displayed on the operation panel 68, and the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the setting screen 100, the process according to the flowchart in Figure 3(b) is started again, and the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the operation panel 68 by S101. In other words, when the screen displayed on the operation panel 68 changes from the second maintenance selection screen 110B to a different screen, the control unit 80 switches the operation panel 68 from a state in which it can be operated in selection operation mode to a state in which it cannot be operated.

[0053] In this explanation, the flowchart in Figure 3(b) is described assuming that the flowchart starts when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, but this is not the only option. The flowchart in Figure 3(b) may also be started at another time when it is necessary to display the maintenance selection screens 110A and 110B on the operation panel 68. For example, while the maintenance selection screens 110A and 110B are displayed on the operation panel 68, an operation is performed that changes the screen displayed on the operation panel 68, and after the process according to the flowchart in Figure 3(b) is completed, the flowchart in Figure 3(b) may be started when the back button 99 is selected while a different screen is displayed on the operation panel 68 as a result of the above operation.

[0054] <Effects> In this embodiment, the operation panel 68 is operated in two modes: a replaceable mode in which the second maintenance selection screen 111B is displayed and the "Replace Head" selection button 111 can be selected, and a non-replaceable mode in which the first maintenance selection screen 111A is displayed and the "Replace Head" selection button 111 cannot be selected. This ensures that the "Replace Head" selection button 111 on the operation panel 68 can only be selected when it is appropriate to replace the head 4.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by operating the operation panel 68 in replaceable mode and displaying the second maintenance selection screen 111B, which includes the "Head Replacement" selection button 111, on the operation panel 68, the user can be made aware that it is possible to start replacing the head 4. On the other hand, by operating the operation panel 68 in non-replaceable mode and displaying the first maintenance selection screen 111A, which does not include the "Head Replacement" selection button 111, on the operation panel 68, it is possible to prevent the user from mistakenly believing that it is possible to start replacing the head 4.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first maintenance selection screen 111A, which does not include the "head replacement" selection button 111, is displayed on the control panel 68, and the back button 99, which is displayed on the control panel 68 and is not normally pressed for a long time, is pressed for a long time, the second maintenance selection screen 111B, which includes the "head replacement" selection button 111, is displayed on the control panel 68. In other words, when the back button 99, which is displayed on the control panel 68 and is not normally pressed for a long time, is pressed for a long time while the control panel 68 is operating in non-replaceable mode, the control panel 68 is switched to replaceable mode. This makes it less likely that the user will accidentally operate the control panel 68 in replaceable mode and display the second maintenance selection screen 111B on the control panel 68.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, replacing the print head 4 is more difficult than replacing the ink cartridge 24 and waste ink tank 33. Also, when replacing the print head 4, information about the print head 4 is required, whereas this is not required when replacing the ink cartridge 24 and waste ink tank 33. From this point of view as well, replacing the print head 4 is more difficult than replacing the ink cartridge 24 and waste ink tank 33.

[0058] Therefore, in this embodiment, the selection of the "Head Replacement" button 111, which is the operation to start the replacement of the head 4, which is difficult to replace, can be performed when the operation panel 68 is operating in replaceable mode, but cannot be performed when the operation panel 68 is operating in non-replaceable mode. This makes it less likely for the user to accidentally operate the operation panel 68 in replaceable mode and select the "Head Replacement" button 111.

[0059] On the other hand, the selection of the "Cartridge Replacement" and "Waste Tank Replacement" buttons 111, which initiate the replacement of the ink cartridge 24 and waste tank 33 (which are relatively easy to replace), can be performed regardless of whether the control panel 68 is operating in replaceable mode or non-replaceable mode. This simplifies the operation when replacing the ink cartridge 24 and waste tank 33.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ink cartridge 24 and the waste liquid tank 33 each have IC chips 26 and 34, respectively, and it is possible to detect that they have been replaced based on the reading results of the IC chips 26 and 34 by the chip reading units 41 and 42. In contrast, the print head 4 does not have an IC chip and it is not possible to detect that it has been replaced. Therefore, if the "Replace Print Head" selection button 111 is easily accessible, the user may mistakenly select the "Replace Print Head" selection button 111, making it impossible to know whether the print head 4 has actually been replaced or not.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, the selection of the "Head Replacement" button 111, which is the operation to initiate the replacement of a head 4 whose replacement cannot be detected, can be performed when the operation panel 68 is operating in replaceable mode, but cannot be performed when the operation panel 68 is operating in non-replaceable mode. This makes it less likely for the user to accidentally operate the operation panel 68 in replaceable mode and select the "Head Replacement" button 111.

[0062] On the other hand, the selection of the "Cartridge Replacement" button 111, which initiates the replacement of the ink cartridge 24 and waste ink tank 33, can be performed regardless of whether the operation panel 68 is in replaceable mode or non-replaceable mode. This simplifies the operation when replacing the ink cartridge 24 and waste ink tank 33.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the operation panel 68 switches from a state where it is operating in replaceable mode and the second maintenance selection screen 111B is displayed on the operation panel 68 to a state where another screen is displayed on the operation panel 68, the first maintenance selection screen 111A is displayed on the operation panel 68 when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the setting screen 100. In other words, the operation panel 68 is operated in non-replaceable mode. This prevents the operation panel 68 from unnecessarily continuing to operate in replaceable mode.

[0064] <Variation> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible as long as they are within the scope of the claims.

[0065] For example, in the above embodiment, the operation of selecting the "Head Replacement" button 111 was made impossible by not displaying the "Head Replacement" button 111 on the first maintenance selection screen 110A, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0066] In Modification 1, the control unit 80 displays the first maintenance selection screen 130, as shown in Figure 7, on the operation panel 68 at S101 in the flowchart of Figure 3(b). The first maintenance selection screen 130 includes multiple selection buttons 111 similar to the first maintenance selection screen 110A, and a "Head Replacement" selection button 111 similar to the second maintenance selection screen 110B. However, in the first maintenance selection screen 130, the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 is grayed out, indicating that it cannot be selected. In other words, in the first maintenance selection screen 130, the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 is displayed in a way that makes it unselectable. Note that in Figure 7, the outer frame of the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 is shown as a dashed line to indicate that the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 is grayed out.

[0067] In the first modification, by displaying a second maintenance selection screen 110B on the control panel 68, which includes a "head replacement" selection button 111 displayed in a selectable manner, the user can be made aware that they can start replacing the head 4 by selecting the "head replacement" selection button 111. On the other hand, by displaying a first maintenance selection screen 130 on the control panel 68, which includes a "head replacement" selection button 111 displayed in a non-selectable manner, the user can be prevented from mistakenly believing that they can start replacing the head 4 by selecting the "head replacement" selection button 111.

[0068] Furthermore, in Modification 1, the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 is grayed out to indicate that it cannot be selected, but this is not the only way. For example, the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 may be displayed in another way to indicate that it cannot be selected, such as by displaying a key mark or an X mark on it.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed on the operation panel 68 when the back button 99 is pressed and held down while the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the operation panel 68, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0070] For example, in modified example 2, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the control unit 80 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 8. The flowchart in Figure 8 is the same as the flowchart in Figure 3(b), but with S103 replaced by S203, and S201, S202, S204, and S205 being the same as S101, S102, S104, and S105 in the flowchart in Figure 3(b). Then, in S203, it is determined whether or not the exit button 98 has been pressed and held down.

[0071] In other words, in the modified example 2, when the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the control panel 68 and the exit button 98 is pressed and held (S203:YES), the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed on the control panel 68 (S204).

[0072] In the modified example 2, with the first maintenance selection screen 111A, which does not include the "head replacement" selection button 111, displayed on the control panel 68, when the exit button 98, which is displayed on the control panel 68 and is not normally pressed for a long time, is pressed for a long time, the second maintenance selection screen 111B, which includes the "head replacement" selection button 111, is displayed on the control panel 68. In other words, with the control panel 68 operating in non-replaceable mode, when the exit button 98, which is displayed on the control panel 68 and is not normally pressed for a long time, is pressed for a long time, the control panel 68 is switched to replaceable mode. This makes it less likely for the user to accidentally operate the control panel 68 in replaceable mode and display the second maintenance selection screen 111B on the control panel 68.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, recording was stopped when the end button 98 was selected during recording, but this is not limited to this. A separate recording stop button may be provided in addition to the end button 98. Also, when the recording stop button is pressed and held down while the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the operation panel 68, the second maintenance selection screen 110B may be displayed on the operation panel 68.

[0074] Furthermore, when the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the control panel 68, the second maintenance selection screen 110B may be displayed on the control panel 68 when a button other than the buttons described above is pressed and held down.

[0075] In the third modified example, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the control unit 80 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 9. The flowchart in Figure 9 is the same as the flowchart in Figure 3(b), but with S103 replaced by S303, and S301, S302, S304, and S305 being the same as S101, S102, S104, and S105 in the flowchart in Figure 3(b). Then, in S303, it is determined whether the back button 99 and the exit button 98 were pressed simultaneously. Here, being pressed simultaneously means being selected at the same time.

[0076] In other words, in the modified example 3, when the back button 99 and the exit button 98 are pressed simultaneously while the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the operation panel 68 (S303:YES), the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed on the operation panel 68 (S304).

[0077] In the third variation, when the first maintenance selection screen 111A, which does not include the "head replacement" selection button 111, is displayed on the control panel 68, and the back button 99 and the exit button 98, which are not normally operated at the same time, are selected simultaneously, the second maintenance selection screen 111B, which includes the "head replacement" selection button 111, is displayed on the control panel 68. In other words, when the control panel 68 is operating in non-replaceable mode, and the back button 99 and the exit button 98, which are not normally operated at the same time, are selected simultaneously, the control panel 68 is switched to replaceable mode. This makes it less likely that the user will accidentally operate the control panel 68 in replaceable mode and display the second maintenance selection screen 111B on the control panel 68.

[0078] Furthermore, in Modification Example 3, S303 determines whether the back button 99 and the exit button 98 were pressed simultaneously, but this is not limited to this. For example, in S303 of Modification Example 3, it may be determined whether any of the multiple buttons displayed on the operation panel 68, other than the back button 99 and the exit button 98, were pressed simultaneously. Alternatively, in S303 of Modification Example 3, it may be determined whether any of the multiple buttons displayed on the operation panel 68, other than the back button 99, were pressed simultaneously with the exit button 98. Alternatively, in S303 of Modification Example 3, it may be determined whether any two of the multiple buttons displayed on the operation panel 68, other than the back button 99 and the exit button 98, were pressed simultaneously. Alternatively, in S303 of Modification Example 3, it may be determined whether any three or more of the multiple buttons displayed on the operation panel 68 were pressed simultaneously.

[0079] In the modified example 4, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the control unit 80 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 10. The flowchart in Figure 10 is the same as the flowchart in Figure 3(b), but with S103 replaced by S403, and S401, S402, S404, and S405 being the same as S101, S102, S104, and S105 in the flowchart in Figure 3(b). Then, in S403, it is determined whether two or more buttons among the multiple buttons displayed on the operation panel 68 have been selected in a predetermined order.

[0080] In other words, in the modified example 4, when the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the operation panel 68, and two or more predetermined buttons from among the multiple buttons displayed on the operation panel 68 are selected in a predetermined order (S403: YES), the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed on the operation panel 68 (S404).

[0081] In Modification 4, when the first maintenance selection screen 111A, which does not include the "head replacement" selection button 111, is displayed on the control panel 68, and two or more buttons displayed on the control panel 68 are selected in a predetermined order that is not normally performed, the second maintenance selection screen 111B, which includes the "head replacement" selection button 111, is displayed on the control panel 68. In other words, when the control panel 68 is operating in non-replaceable mode, and two or more buttons displayed on the control panel 68 are selected in a predetermined order that is not normally performed, the control panel 68 is switched to replaceable mode. This makes it less likely that the user will accidentally operate the control panel 68 in replaceable mode and display the second maintenance selection screen 111B on the control panel 68.

[0082] Furthermore, the system is not limited to switching from a state in which the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the control panel 68 to a state in which the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed on the control panel 68, based on the user's operation of the control panel 68.

[0083] In Modification 5, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the control unit 80 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 11(a). More specifically, the control unit 80 determines whether the total amount of ink ejected from the head 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (S501). Here, the control unit 80 counts the amount of ink ejected from multiple nozzles 10 in the head 4 and stores the total amount of ink ejected in the memory 84. The control unit 80 makes the determination in S501 based on the total amount of ink ejected stored in the memory 84. In Modification 5, the condition that the total amount of ink ejected is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0084] If the total discharge volume is less than a predetermined amount (S501: NO), the control unit 80 displays the first maintenance selection screen 110A on the operation panel 68 (S502), and then the process according to the flowchart in Figure 11(a) is completed. If the total discharge volume is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (S501: YES), the control unit 80 displays the second maintenance selection screen 110B on the operation panel 68 (S503), and then the process according to the flowchart in Figure 11(a) is completed.

[0085] When the total discharge volume in head 4 is low, there is little need to replace head 4. Conversely, when the total discharge volume in head 4 increases, there may be a greater need to replace head 4.

[0086] Therefore, in Modification 5, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the setting screen 100, if the total discharge volume from the head 4 is less than a predetermined amount, the first maintenance selection screen 111A is displayed on the operation panel 68. In other words, the operation panel 68 is operated in non-replaceable mode. On the other hand, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the setting screen 100, if the total discharge volume from the head 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the second maintenance selection screen 111B is displayed on the operation panel 68. In other words, the operation panel 68 is operated in replaceable mode. This allows the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 to be selected when there is a high need to replace the head 4. Conversely, it prevents the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 from being selected when there is a low need to replace the head 4.

[0087] In Modification 6, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the control unit 80 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 11(b). More specifically, the control unit 80 determines whether the number of pages recorded on the printer 1 since the start of use of the printer 1 or since the last time the head 4 was replaced is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (S601). Here, the control unit 80 counts the number of pages recorded since the start of use of the printer 1 or since the last time the head 4 was replaced and stores it in the memory 84. The control unit 80 makes the determination in S601 based on the number of pages recorded stored in the memory 84. In Modification 5, the condition that the number of pages recorded is greater than or equal to a predetermined number corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0088] If the number of recorded pages is less than the predetermined number (S601: NO), the control unit 80 displays the first maintenance selection screen 110A on the operation panel 68 (S602), and then the process according to the flowchart in Figure 11(b) is completed. If the number of recorded pages is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (S601: YES), the control unit 80 displays the second maintenance selection screen 110B on the operation panel 68 (S603), and then the process according to the flowchart in Figure 11(b) is completed.

[0089] When the number of pages recorded on printer 1 is small, there is little need to replace head 4. Conversely, when the number of pages recorded on printer 1 increases, there may be a greater need to replace head 4.

[0090] Therefore, in Modification 6, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, if the number of pages recorded on the printer 1 is less than a predetermined number, the first maintenance selection screen 111A is displayed on the operation panel 68. In other words, the operation panel 68 is operated in non-replaceable mode. On the other hand, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, if the number of pages recorded on the printer 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the second maintenance selection screen 111B is displayed on the operation panel 68. In other words, the operation panel 68 is operated in replaceable mode. This allows the "Replace Head" selection button 111 to be selected when there is a high need to replace the head 4. Conversely, it prevents the "Replace Head" selection button 111 from being selected when there is a low need to replace the head 4.

[0091] In modified example 7, as shown in Figure 12, the purge unit 8 is provided with a discharge inspection unit 150. The discharge inspection unit 150 includes an electrode 151, a high-voltage power supply circuit 152, a signal processing circuit 153, and a resistor 154.

[0092] The electrode 151 has a rectangular planar shape and is placed inside the cap 31. The electrode 151 is connected to the high-voltage power supply circuit 152 via a resistor 154. The high-voltage power supply circuit 152 applies a predetermined voltage, for example, about 600V, to the electrode 151 under the control of the control unit 80. Meanwhile, the head 4 is held at ground potential. This creates a potential difference between the head 4 and the electrode 151. The signal processing circuit 153 is connected to the electrode 151. The signal processing circuit 153 includes a differentiating circuit and outputs a signal to the control unit 80 corresponding to the voltage of the electrode 151. In modified example 7, the signal output from the signal processing circuit 153 is a voltage signal. However, the signal output from the signal processing circuit 153 may also be a current signal.

[0093] In the modified example 7, with the cap in place, a voltage is applied to the electrode 151 by the high-voltage power supply circuit 152, and each of the multiple nozzles 10 of the head 4 is driven to eject ink from the nozzle 10 toward the electrode 151.

[0094] In this case, with the capped state described above, and with a predetermined voltage applied to the electrode 151 by the high-voltage power supply circuit 152, and with the discharge drive not being performed, the voltage of the signal output from the signal processing circuit 153 is approximately the voltage V0 shown in Figures 13(a) and (b).

[0095] When ink is ejected from the nozzle 10 by the ejection drive, the ejected ink becomes charged due to the potential difference between the electrode 151 and the head 4. Therefore, the potential of the electrode 151 changes as the charged ink approaches the electrode 151 and lands on it. After the charged ink lands on the electrode 151, the potential of the electrode 151 decreases and returns to the potential it was at before the ink was ejected.

[0096] As a result, when ink is ejected normally from the nozzle 10 by the ejection drive, the signal output from the signal processing circuit 153 rises from voltage V0 to a voltage higher than voltage V0, V1 or higher, then drops to a voltage lower than voltage V0, V2 or lower, and then returns to voltage V0 while repeatedly rising and falling with attenuation.

[0097] On the other hand, if there is a problem with nozzle 10 and the amount of ink ejected from nozzle 10 by the ejection drive is less than normal, the change in the signal output from signal processing circuit 153 is smaller than when ink is ejected normally from nozzle 10, as shown in Figure 13(b). Here, less ink ejected than when ink is ejected normally from nozzle 10 also includes cases where no ink is ejected at all. When no ink is ejected from nozzle 10 by the ejection drive, the signal output from signal processing circuit 153 hardly changes from the voltage V0.

[0098] Thus, in Modification 7, the signal output from the signal processing circuit 153 differs depending on whether or not ink was ejected normally from the nozzle 10 when the ejection drive was performed. In other words, the signal output from the signal processing circuit 153 indicates whether the nozzle 10 is a normal nozzle with normal ink ejection or an abnormal nozzle with abnormal ink ejection. In Modification 7, whether the ink ejection is normal or abnormal corresponds to the "ink ejection state from the nozzle" of the present invention.

[0099] In Modification 7, the control unit 80 can, at appropriate timings, drive each of the multiple nozzles 10 of the head 4 to discharge, and, based on the signal output from the signal processing circuit 153, can check whether the nozzle 10 is a normal nozzle or an abnormal nozzle. In Modification 7, when the above check is performed, the memory 84 stores information on whether each nozzle 10 is a normal nozzle or an abnormal nozzle.

[0100] In this modified example 7, a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrode 151, the head 4 is held at ground potential, and the signal processing circuit 153 is configured to output a signal corresponding to the voltage of the electrode 151. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the electrode 151 may be held at ground potential, and a predetermined voltage may be applied to the head 4 to create a potential difference between the electrode 151 and the head 4. The signal processing circuit 153 may then be configured to output a signal corresponding to the voltage of the head 4 when it is connected to the head 4 and ejection is performed.

[0101] In Modification 7, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the control unit 80 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 14. More specifically, the control unit 80 determines whether the number of abnormal nozzles is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (S701). The control unit 80 makes the determination in S701 based on the information stored in the memory 84 regarding whether each nozzle 10 is a normal nozzle or an abnormal nozzle. In Modification 7, the condition that the number of abnormal nozzles is greater than or equal to a predetermined number corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0102] If the number of abnormal nozzles is less than a predetermined number (S701: NO), the control unit 80 displays the first maintenance selection screen 110A on the operation panel 68 (S702), and then the process according to the flowchart in Figure 14 is completed. If the number of abnormal nozzles is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S701: YES), the control unit 80 displays the second maintenance selection screen 110B on the operation panel 68 (S703), and then the process according to the flowchart in Figure 14 is completed.

[0103] When the number of faulty nozzles in head 4 is small, there is little need to replace head 4. Conversely, when the number of faulty nozzles in head 4 increases, there is a higher need to replace head 4.

[0104] Therefore, in the modified example 7, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the setting screen 100, if the number of abnormal nozzles in the head 4 is less than a predetermined number, the first maintenance selection screen 111A is displayed on the operation panel 68. In other words, the operation panel 68 is operated in non-replaceable mode. On the other hand, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the setting screen 100, if the number of abnormal nozzles in the head 4 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the second maintenance selection screen 111B is displayed on the operation panel 68. In other words, the operation panel 68 is operated in replaceable mode. This allows the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 to be selected when there is a high need to replace the head 4. Conversely, it prevents the selection of the "Head Replacement" selection button 111 when there is a low need to replace the head 4.

[0105] Furthermore, in Modification 7, the printer is equipped with an ejection inspection unit 150, and whether each nozzle 10 is a normal nozzle or an abnormal nozzle is determined based on the results of the inspection using the ejection inspection unit 150, but this is not the only option. For example, in printer 1, an inspection pattern that allows visual confirmation of whether ink was ejected normally from each nozzle 10 may be recorded, and whether each nozzle 10 is a normal nozzle or an abnormal nozzle may be determined by having the user input a result corresponding to the recorded result of this inspection pattern. Moreover, if the printer is a so-called multifunction device equipped with a scanner, the inspection pattern may be read by the scanner, and whether each nozzle 10 is a normal nozzle or an abnormal nozzle may be determined based on the result of reading the inspection pattern. In these cases, the printer does not need to be equipped with an ejection inspection unit.

[0106] Furthermore, in Modification Example 7, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the setting screen 100, either the first maintenance selection screen 111A or the second maintenance selection screen 111B is displayed on the operation panel 68 based on whether the number of abnormal nozzles is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, but this is not limited to this. When the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the setting screen 100, either the first maintenance selection screen 111A or the second maintenance selection screen 111B may be displayed on the operation panel 68 based on whether each nozzle 10 satisfies another condition regarding information on whether it is a normal nozzle or an abnormal nozzle.

[0107] Furthermore, in Modification 7, information on whether nozzle 10 is a normal nozzle or an abnormal nozzle is stored in memory 84 based on the amount of ink ejected. However, information on whether nozzle 10 is a normal nozzle or an abnormal nozzle may also be stored in memory 84 based on the ink ejection state from nozzle 10, such as the direction of ink ejection from nozzle 10, rather than the amount of ink ejection.

[0108] In Modification 8, as shown in Figure 15(a), the printer 160 has the same configuration as the printer 1 in the above-described embodiment, in addition to being equipped with a paper jam detection sensor 161. The paper jam detection sensor 161 is for detecting whether or not a paper jam has occurred during recording, where the recording paper S gets jammed. The paper jam detection sensor 161 is placed, for example, on the transport path of the recording paper S by the transport rollers 6 and 7, and detects the presence or absence of the recording paper S. The control unit 80 can then determine, for example, that the recording paper S is jammed if the recording paper S is not detected at the timing when the recording paper S should be detected if a paper jam has not occurred during recording, based on the paper jam detection sensor 161. In Modification 8, the paper jam detection sensor 161 corresponds to the "jam detection unit" of the present invention.

[0109] The control unit 80 then stores information in the memory 84 about the number of times a paper jam has occurred since the printer 160 was first used or since the head 4 was last replaced, based on the detection result of the paper jam detection sensor 161.

[0110] In Modification 8, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the control unit 80 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 15(b). More specifically, the control unit 80 determines whether the number of paper jam occurrences stored in the memory 84 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (S801). In Modification 8, the condition that the number of paper jam occurrences is greater than or equal to a predetermined number corresponds to the "predetermined condition" of the present invention.

[0111] If the number of paper jams is less than a predetermined number (S801: NO), the control unit 80 displays the first maintenance selection screen 110A on the operation panel 68 (S802), and then the process according to the flowchart in Figure 15(b) is completed. If the number of paper jams is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S801: YES), the control unit 80 displays the second maintenance selection screen 110B on the operation panel 68 (S803), and then the process according to the flowchart in Figure 15(b) is completed.

[0112] When a paper jam occurs, the recording paper S may come into contact with the print head 4, damaging the nozzle 10. Therefore, if there are no paper jams or if paper jams occur infrequently, there is little need to replace the print head 4. On the other hand, if paper jams occur repeatedly, there is a high need to replace the print head 4.

[0113] Therefore, in the modified example 8, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the setting screen 100, if the number of paper jams is less than a predetermined number, the first maintenance selection screen 111A is displayed on the operation panel 68. In other words, the operation panel 68 is operated in non-replaceable mode. On the other hand, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the setting screen 100, if the number of paper jams is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the second maintenance selection screen 111B is displayed on the operation panel 68. In other words, the operation panel 68 is operated in replaceable mode. This allows the "Replace Head" selection button 111 to be selected when there is a high need to replace the head 4. Conversely, it prevents the "Replace Head" selection button 111 from being selected when there is a low need to replace the head 4.

[0114] Furthermore, in Modification Example 8, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, either the first maintenance selection screen 111A or the second maintenance selection screen 111B is displayed on the operation panel 68 based on whether the number of paper jam occurrences exceeds a predetermined number, but this is not limited to this. When the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, either the first maintenance selection screen 111A or the second maintenance selection screen 111B may be displayed on the operation panel 68 based on whether other conditions regarding the paper jam occurrence status are met. For example, either the first maintenance selection screen 111A or the second maintenance selection screen 111B may be displayed on the operation panel 68 based on the type of recording paper S that caused the paper jam. Alternatively, for example, either the first maintenance selection screen 111A or the second maintenance selection screen 111B may be displayed on the operation panel 68 depending on whether the paper jam occurred during transport operation or during the recording path.

[0115] Furthermore, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, either the first maintenance selection screen 110A or the second maintenance selection screen 110B may be displayed on the operation panel 68 based on whether or not predetermined conditions other than those described in the modified examples 5 to 8 regarding the state of the head 43 are met.

[0116] Furthermore, while all buttons were displayed on the control panel 68 in the above examples, this is not the only way.

[0117] In Modification 9, as shown in Figure 16, the back button 99, the exit button 98, and the numeric keypad 97a, which are always displayed on the operation panel 68 in the above-described embodiment, are hard keys provided on the printer's casing. When the back button 99, which is a hard key, is pressed and held while the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the operation panel 68, the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed on the operation panel 68. In the case of hard keys, "pressed and held" means that the pressed state continues for a predetermined time or longer. Although various screens can be displayed on the operation panel 68 as described in the above examples, Figure 16 shows, as an example, the state in which the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the operation panel 68.

[0118] In Modification 9, with the first maintenance selection screen 111A, which does not include the "head replacement" selection button 111, displayed on the control panel 68, when the back button 99, which is configured by a hard key and is not normally pressed for a long time, is pressed for a long time, the second maintenance selection screen 111B, which includes the "head replacement" selection button 111, is displayed on the control panel 68. In other words, with the control panel 68 operating in non-replaceable mode, when the back button 99, which is configured by a hard key and is not normally pressed for a long time, is pressed for a long time, the control panel 68 is switched to replaceable mode. This makes it less likely for the user to accidentally operate the control panel 68 in replaceable mode and display the second maintenance selection screen 111B on the control panel 68.

[0119] Furthermore, buttons displayed on the control panel 68, such as the selection button 101 on the settings screen 100 and the selection button 111 on the maintenance selection screen 110, are not limited to being selected by touching the part of the control panel 68 where the buttons are displayed. For example, the printer may have hard keys, and the buttons displayed on the control panel 68 may be selected by operating these hard keys.

[0120] Furthermore, the printer's control panel 68 can be operated in a replaceable mode and a non-replaceable mode based on the operation of an external device connected to the printer. For example, Modification 10, as shown in Figure 17, relates to a system including a printer 170 and an external device 180. The printer 170 has the same configuration as the printer 1 in the above-described embodiment, in addition to a communication unit 171. The communication unit 171 is connected to a network 175 such as a LAN. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. Here, the communication unit 171 may be connected to the network 175 by wire or by wireless connection.

[0121] The external device 180 is a PC, smartphone, etc. The external device 180 comprises a communication unit 181, a display unit 182, an operation unit 183, and a control unit 184. The communication unit 181 is connected to the network 175. Here, the communication unit 181 may be connected to the network 175 by wire or by wireless connection.

[0122] In the modified example 10, the printer 170 and the external device 180 are connected via the network 175. Alternatively, the printer 170 and the external device 180 may be directly connected by wire or wireless connection. In this case, the printer 170 and the external device 180 do not need to be connected to the network 175.

[0123] The display unit 182 is a liquid crystal display or the like. The operation unit 183 is the part of the external device 180 that is operated by the user, such as a keyboard and mouse when the external device 180 is a PC, or a touch panel integrated with the display unit 182 when the external device 180 is a smartphone. The control unit 184 consists of a CPU, ROM, RAM, memory, etc. The control unit 184 controls the operation of the external device 180 and the operation of the printer 170.

[0124] In modified example 10, when the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the control unit 80 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 18. The flowchart in Figure 18 is the same as the flowchart in Figure 3(b), but with S103 replaced by S903, and S901, S902, S904, and S905 being the same as S101, S102, S104, and S105 in the flowchart in Figure 3(b). Then, at S903, the control unit 80 determines whether or not a predetermined signal has been input from the external device 180. The predetermined signal is sent from the external device 180 to the printer 170 when a specific operation is performed on the operation unit 183 of the external device 180.

[0125] As a result, in the modified example 10, when the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the control panel 68 and a predetermined signal is input from the external device 180 to the printer 170 (S903: YES), the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed on the control panel 68 (S904).

[0126] In modified example 10, when the first maintenance selection screen 111A, which does not include the "head replacement" selection button 111, is displayed on the control panel 68, and a predetermined signal is received from the external device 180, the second maintenance selection screen 111B, which includes the "head replacement" selection button 111, is displayed on the control panel 68. In other words, when the control panel 68 is operating in non-replaceable mode and a predetermined signal is received from the external device 180, the control panel 68 is operated in replaceable mode. This makes it less likely for the user to accidentally operate the control panel 68 in replaceable mode and display the second maintenance selection screen 111B on the control panel 68.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above example, the printer's control panel 68 was operated in a replaceable mode, which allows the start of the head 4 replacement operation, and a non-replaceable mode, which does not allow the start of the replacement operation, but it is not limited to this.

[0128] Modification 11, like Modification 10, relates to a system including a printer 170 and an external device 180, as shown in Figure 17.

[0129] In the modified example 11, when a user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 183 of the external device 180, the control unit 184 displays a setting screen 100 on the display unit 182, similar to that shown in Figure 3(a).

[0130] Then, when the user operates the operation unit 183 and selects the "Maintenance" selection button 101, the control unit 184 processes according to the flowchart in Figure 3(b). As a result, the control unit 184 displays a first maintenance selection screen 110A on the display unit 182 that does not include the "Head Replacement" selection button 111, thereby allowing the operation unit 183 to operate in a replacement operation impossible mode in which it is not possible to select the "Head Replacement" selection button 111. Alternatively, the control unit 184 can operate the operation unit 183 in a replacement operation possible mode in which it is possible to select the "Head Replacement" selection button 111, by displaying a second maintenance selection screen 110B on the display unit 182 that includes the "Head Replacement" selection button 111.

[0131] In the modified example 11, the control unit 184 can display on the display unit 182 a cartridge replacement screen 121 similar to that shown in Figure 5(a), a tank replacement screen 122 similar to that shown in Figure 5(b), and a head replacement screen 123 similar to that shown in Figure 6(a), depending on the selection of each selection button 111 on the maintenance selection screens 110A and 110B, as described in the above embodiment. In addition, the control unit 184 can display on the display unit 182 a head information input screen 124 similar to that shown in Figure 6(b), depending on the selection of the completion button 123B on the head replacement screen 123.

[0132] In modification 11, when each selection button 111, etc., on the maintenance selection screens 110A and 110B is selected, the control unit 184 sends a signal to the printer 170 via the network 175 to cause the printer 170 to perform the operation corresponding to the selected selection button 111, as needed. The control unit 80 of the printer 170 performs the operation based on the received signal.

[0133] Furthermore, when the head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number are entered on the head information input screen 124 as described in the above embodiment, and the complete button 124C is selected, the control unit 184 transmits the head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number information for the replaced head 4 to the printer 170 via the network 175. The control unit 80 of the printer 170 performs settings on the printer 170 based on the received head parameters, media sensor parameters, and serial number information.

[0134] In modified example 11, the operation unit 183 of the external device 180 is operated in two modes: a replaceable mode in which the "head replacement" selection button 111 can be selected when the second maintenance selection screen 111B is displayed on the display unit 182, and a non-replaceable mode in which the "head replacement" selection button 111 cannot be selected when the first maintenance selection screen 111A is displayed on the display unit 182. This makes it possible to select the "head replacement" selection button 111 on the operation panel 68 only when it is appropriate to replace the head 4.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the ink cartridge 24 has an IC chip 26. By obtaining information from the IC chip 26, it is possible to detect when the ink cartridge 24 has been replaced. Also, the waste liquid tank 33 has an IC chip 34. By obtaining information from the IC chip 34, it is possible to detect when the waste liquid tank 33 has been replaced. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0136] For example, the cartridge mounting section 23 may be provided with an ink level sensor for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 24. The system may then detect that the ink cartridge 24 has been replaced based on the change in the remaining ink level detected by the ink level sensor from below a predetermined level to above a predetermined level. In this case, the ink cartridge 24 does not necessarily have an IC chip 26.

[0137] Furthermore, for example, the waste liquid tank 33 may be equipped with a storage volume sensor for detecting the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank 33. The system may then detect that the waste liquid tank 33 has been replaced based on a change in the amount of waste liquid stored, from a state where it was above a predetermined storage volume to a state where it was below a predetermined storage volume. In this case, the waste liquid tank 33 does not necessarily have an IC chip 34.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above example, the printer's replacement parts are classified into two categories: first replacement parts, which cannot be replaced when the control unit is operating in a non-replaceable mode, and second replacement parts, which can be replaced regardless of whether the control unit is operating in a replaceable or non-replaceable mode.

[0139] The print head 4, whose replacement cannot be detected, is the first replacement part, while the ink cartridge 24 and waste ink tank 33, whose replacement can be detected, are the second replacement parts. However, this is not limited to this. Whether a part is a first replacement part or a second replacement part may be determined regardless of whether or not it is detectable that it has been replaced.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above example, the print head 4, which requires user input upon replacement, is the first replacement part, while the ink cartridge 24 and waste ink tank 33, which do not require user input upon replacement, are the second replacement parts. However, this is not limited to this. Whether a part is a first or second replacement part may be determined regardless of whether or not user input is required upon replacement.

[0141] Furthermore, while the above examples described cases where the printer head, ink cartridges, and waste ink tank are replaceable parts, this is not limited to these cases. Other parts besides the printer head, ink cartridges, and waste ink tank may also be replaceable parts.

[0142] Furthermore, while the above examples classify printer replacement parts into first replacement parts and second replacement parts, this is not limited to this classification. For all replacement parts in a printer, it may be possible to initiate the replacement operation via the control panel when the control panel is operating in replacement-operable mode, and it may be impossible to initiate the replacement operation via the control panel when the control panel is operating in non-replacement-operable mode.

[0143] For example, in the embodiment described above, the selection buttons 111 on the first maintenance selection screen 110A may not include the selection buttons 111 for "cartridge replacement," "waste liquid tank replacement," and "head replacement." Then, when the back button 99 is pressed and held while the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the operation panel 68, the operation panel 68 may display a second maintenance selection screen 110B, which includes the selection buttons 111 for "cartridge replacement," "waste liquid tank replacement," and "head replacement," similar to the embodiment described above.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the screen displayed on the operation panel 68 switches from the second maintenance selection screen 110B to another screen, and then the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the first maintenance selection screen 110A is displayed on the operation panel 68. However, this is not the only option. For example, when the screen displayed on the operation panel 68 switches from the second maintenance selection screen 110B to another screen, and then the "Maintenance" selection button 101 is selected on the settings screen 100, the second maintenance selection screen 110B may be displayed on the operation panel 68. In this case, for example, when the second maintenance selection screen 110B is displayed on the operation panel 68, and a specific operation such as pressing and holding the back button 99 is performed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 68 may switch from the second maintenance selection screen 110B to the first maintenance selection screen 110A.

[0145] Furthermore, while the above describes an example of applying the present invention to an inkjet printer equipped with a so-called serial head that ejects ink from multiple nozzles while moving left and right with the carriage, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an inkjet printer equipped with a so-called line head that extends along the entire length of the platen 5 in both left and right directions. The present invention can also be applied to a laser printer that has a toner cartridge as a replaceable part and records images by adhering toner to recording paper. The present invention can also be applied to a device equipped with replaceable parts other than an image recording device for recording images. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0146] 1. Printer 4 heads 24 Ink Cartridges 26 IC chips 33 Waste liquid tank 34 IC chips 41 First chip reading unit 42 Second chip reading unit 68 Control Panel 80 Control Unit 97a Number buttons 98 Exit button 99 Back button 110A First Maintenance Selection Screen 110B Second Maintenance Selection Screen Select button 111 130 First Maintenance Selection Screen 150 Discharge Inspection Department 160 Printers 161 Paper jam detection sensor 170 Printers 180 External device

Claims

1. Replaceable replacement parts, A control unit operated by the user, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, A device equipped with a replacement part, characterized in that the operating unit is operated in a replaceable mode in which a replacement start operation for initiating the replacement of the replacement part can be performed, and a non-replaceable mode in which the replacement start operation cannot be performed.

2. The aforementioned operating unit has an operating panel on which operating buttons are displayed. The control unit, When the operating unit is operated in the replaceable mode, the replacement start button, which is the operation button for performing the replacement start operation, is displayed on the operation panel. The apparatus for replacement parts according to claim 1, characterized in that the replacement start button is not displayed on the operation panel when the operation unit is operated in the non-replaceable mode.

3. The aforementioned operating unit has an operating panel on which operating buttons are displayed. The control unit, When the operating unit is operated in the replaceable mode, the replacement start button, which is the operation button for performing the replacement start operation, is displayed on the operation panel in a manner that allows the user to operate it. The apparatus for replacement parts according to claim 1, characterized in that when the operating unit is operated in the non-replaceable mode, the replacement start button is displayed on the operating panel in a manner that prevents user operation.

4. The aforementioned operating unit has operating buttons, The control unit, The apparatus for replacement parts according to claim 1, characterized in that when a specific operation button is pressed and held while the operation unit is operating in the non-replaceable mode, the operation unit is operated in the replaceable mode.

5. The device equipped with the aforementioned replacement parts is an image recording device that records images onto a recording medium, The apparatus equipped with the replacement part according to claim 4, characterized in that the specific operation button is a recording stop button for stopping the recording of an image to the recording medium.

6. Equipped with a display unit, The apparatus equipped with the replacement part according to claim 4, characterized in that the specific operation button is a button for ending the display of the screen currently displayed on the display unit, or a button for returning the screen displayed on the display unit from the currently displayed screen to the screen that was displayed immediately before.

7. The apparatus comprising the replacement part according to claim 4, characterized in that the aforementioned specific operation button is configured as a hard key.

8. The apparatus comprising the replacement part according to claim 4, characterized in that the operating unit has an operating panel on which the specific operating button is displayed.

9. The aforementioned replacement parts include a first replacement part and a second replacement part, which is different from the first replacement part. The control unit controls the operation unit, The replaceable mode is such that a first replacement start operation, which is the replacement start operation for starting the replacement of the first replacement part, is possible, and a second replacement start operation, which is the replacement start operation for starting the replacement of the second replacement part, The apparatus comprising a replacement part according to claim 1, characterized in that it operates in a non-replaceable mode in which the first replacement initiation operation is impossible and the second replacement initiation operation is possible.

10. The control unit, In response to the replacement of the first replacement part, the user is prompted to input from the operating unit. The apparatus equipped with the replacement part according to claim 9, characterized in that the user is not required to provide input from the operating unit in response to the replacement of the second replacement part.

11. The device equipped with the aforementioned replacement parts is an image recording device that records an image on a recording medium, The head that ejects ink from the nozzle, An ink cartridge containing ink to be supplied to the head, The system includes a waste liquid tank for storing ink discharged from the head, The first replacement part is the head, The apparatus comprising the replacement part according to claim 9, characterized in that the second replacement part is at least one of the ink cartridge and the waste liquid tank.

12. The apparatus comprising replacement parts according to claim 9, characterized in that it is not possible to detect that the first replacement part has been replaced, but it is possible to detect that the second replacement part has been replaced.

13. The first replacement part does not have an IC chip. The second replacement part has the IC chip on which information about itself is stored, The second replacement part includes a reading unit that reads information from the IC chip, The apparatus equipped with a replacement part according to claim 12, characterized in that the control unit detects that the second replacement part has been replaced based on the reading result of the IC chip of the second replacement part by the reading unit.

14. It is configured to communicate with external devices, The control unit, The apparatus with replaceable parts according to claim 1, characterized in that when a predetermined signal is received from the external device while the operating unit is operating in the non-replaceable mode, the operating unit is operated in the replaceable mode.

15. The device equipped with the aforementioned replacement parts is an image recording device that records an image on a recording medium, The aforementioned replacement part includes a head that ejects ink from a nozzle, The control unit, When the predetermined conditions related to the state of the head are not met, the operating unit is operated in the non-replaceable mode. The apparatus equipped with the replaceable part according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating unit is operated in the replaceable mode when the predetermined conditions are met.

16. The apparatus equipped with the replacement part according to claim 15, characterized in that the predetermined condition is that the total amount of ink ejected from the nozzle in the head is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

17. The apparatus equipped with the replacement part according to claim 15, characterized in that the predetermined condition is that the number of recording media on which images are recorded by the head is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.

18. It includes an ejection inspection unit for inspecting the ink ejection state from the nozzle, The apparatus equipped with replacement parts according to claim 15, characterized in that the predetermined conditions are conditions relating to the results of the inspection by the discharge inspection unit.

19. The recording medium is equipped with a jam detection unit that detects jams in the recording medium, The apparatus equipped with the replacement part according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined conditions are conditions relating to the detection of a blockage in the recording medium by the blockage detection unit.

20. The aforementioned operating unit has multiple operating buttons, The control unit, The apparatus with the replaceable part according to claim 1, characterized in that when the operation unit is operating in the non-replaceable mode, the operation unit is operated in the replaceable mode when the plurality of operation buttons are operated in a predetermined order, or when the plurality of operation buttons are operated simultaneously.

21. The aforementioned operating unit includes an operating panel, The control unit, When the operating unit is operated in the replaceable mode, a first screen that enables the replacement start operation is displayed on the operating panel. The apparatus equipped with a replaceable part according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating unit is operated in the non-replaceable mode when the screen displayed on the operating panel switches from the first screen to a second screen different from the first screen.

22. An external device that can communicate with a device equipped with replaceable parts, A control unit operated by the user, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, An external device characterized in that the operating unit is operated in a replaceable mode in which a replacement start operation can be performed to start the replacement of the replaceable parts in a device equipped with the replaceable parts, and a non-replaceable mode in which the replacement start operation cannot be performed.

23. A program for controlling a device equipped with a replacement part, which includes replaceable replacement parts and an operating unit operated by a user, On the computer, A program characterized by causing the operating unit to execute a process that enables a replacement start operation to initiate the replacement of the replacement parts, and an inoperable mode that prevents the replacement start operation.

24. In a device equipped with replaceable parts and an operating unit operated by the user, A control method for a device equipped with a replaceable part, characterized in that the operating unit is operated in a replaceable mode in which a replacement start operation for initiating the replacement of the replaceable part can be performed, and a non-replaceable mode in which the replacement start operation cannot be performed.

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