System, control method, storage medium, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology that can perform a preferred action among multiple actions related to a liquid. [Solution] A system comprising: a storage means for storing a liquid container; a discharge means for discharging liquid into a medium; a stirring means for performing a stirring operation on the liquid container stored in the storage means so that the liquid contained in the liquid container is stirred; a supply means for performing a supply operation to supply liquid from the liquid container stored in the storage means to the discharge means; and a control means for performing a first control that prioritizes the supply operation over the stirring operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a control method, a storage medium, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] When using a liquid containing a substance having sedimentation properties, it may be necessary to stir the liquid to disperse the precipitate. For example, in a recording apparatus that discharges a liquid ink onto a recording medium for recording, when using an ink such as a pigment ink or a metallic ink, stirring may be required to disperse the precipitate. Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that performs control to stir ink in a mode having a higher stirring ability than a mode having a predetermined stirring ability when receiving print data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, liquid supply may be required to discharge the liquid. In such a case, if the liquid is stirred, it may interfere with the liquid supply. However, as described above, there are cases where stirring of the liquid is necessary. Therefore, a device for performing a prioritized operation is required. In this regard, there is room for improvement in the prior art.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique capable of executing a prioritized operation among a plurality of operations related to a liquid.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, storage means for storing a liquid container, Dispensing means for dispensing liquid into a medium, A stirring means is provided to perform a stirring operation on a liquid container stored in the storage means so that the liquid contained in the liquid container is stirred. A supply means that performs a supply operation to supply liquid from a liquid container stored in the storage means to the discharge means, The system includes a control means that performs a first control that prioritizes the supply operation over the stirring operation, A system characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that enables the execution of a preferred operation among several operations related to a liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Front view of the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 2B] An explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 3] Partially exploded perspective view of the liquid supply device. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the liquid container and support unit. [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating the operation of the handle and locking mechanism. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the operation of the locking mechanism. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the mounting position and insertion / removal method of the support unit in relation to the slot. [Figure 8] Operational diagram of the pressing unit. [Figure 9] Operational diagram of the pressing unit. [Figure 10] Diagram explaining the cam. [Figure 11] A perspective view of the case with stirring function and support unit in the separated state. [Figure 12] A perspective view of the case with stirring function and the support unit in the installed state. [Figure 13A] Explanatory drawing of the stirring operation. [Figure 13B] Explanatory drawing of the stirring operation. [Figure 14A] Front view of the liquid supply device [Figure 14B] Front view of the liquid supply device of another example. [Figure 15] Explanatory drawing of the supply operation and the stirring operation. [Figure 16] Block diagram of the control circuit of the system of FIG. 1 [Figure 17] Timing chart for explaining a control example of the stirring operation. [Figure 18] Timing chart for explaining control examples of the stirring operation and the supply operation. [Figure 19] (a) and (b) are timing charts for explaining control examples of the stirring operation and the supply operation. [Figure 20] Timing chart for explaining control examples of the stirring operation and the supply operation. [Figure 21] (a) and (b) are timing charts for explaining control examples of the stirring operation and the supply operation. [Figure 22] Flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the control unit. [Figure 23] Flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the control unit. [Figure 24] Perspective view of the liquid supply device according to another embodiment. [Figure 25] Explanatory drawing showing the internal structure of the liquid supply device of FIG. 24 [Figure 26] Perspective view of the liquid container. [Figure 27] Perspective view of the tray. [Figure 28] Perspective view of the tray. [Figure 29] Perspective view of the locking mechanism. [Figure 30] (a) to (c) are explanatory drawings of the operation of the locking mechanism of FIG. 29. [Figure 31] Perspective view of the tray on which the liquid container is placed. [Figure 32] Front view of the connection part of the liquid container. [Figure 33] A view of the tray on which the liquid container is placed, seen from the rear wall side. [Figure 34] A perspective view of the area around the tray holder. [Figure 35] Perspective view of the connection unit. [Figure 36] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the drive unit. [Figure 37] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the drive unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention to the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a perspective view of system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2A is a front view of system 100. In each figure, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions in which they intersect, and in this embodiment, they are orthogonal. When system 100 is installed on a horizontal surface, the left-right direction is the X direction, the front-back direction is the Y direction, and the up-down direction is the Z direction. Also, when system 100 is viewed from the front, the right side is the +X direction, the left side is the -X direction, the front side is the +Y direction, the back side is the -Y direction, the bottom side (downward in the direction of gravity) is the +Z direction, and the top side is the -Z direction (upward in the direction of gravity).

[0011] The system 100 of this embodiment is a recording system comprising a liquid supply device 1 and a liquid ejection device 101, which ejects ink onto a recording medium such as paper to record an image. In this embodiment, two liquid supply devices 1 are connected to each other. The liquid ejection device 101 and the two liquid supply devices 1 are arranged in the X direction. The liquid supplied by the liquid supply devices 1 to the liquid ejection device 101 is ink, and the liquid ejection device 101 is a recording device that ejects the ink onto the recording medium. However, the present invention is not limited to recording systems and can be applied to various liquid ejection systems whose purpose is to eject liquid onto a medium.

[0012] Furthermore, "recording" includes not only cases where meaningful information such as characters and figures is formed, but also broadly cases where images, patterns, etc. are formed on a recording medium, or where the medium is processed, regardless of whether it is meaningful or not, and does not depend on whether or not it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans.In addition, in this embodiment, a sheet of paper is assumed as the "recording medium," but it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0013] <Liquid discharge device> The liquid dispensing device 101 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2A, as well as Figure 2B. Figure 2B is an explanatory diagram of the internal structure of the liquid dispensing device 101. The liquid dispensing device 101 comprises a pair of left and right stands 102 and a main body 103 supported on the pair of stands 102. Each stand 102 is provided with casters 102a, allowing the liquid dispensing device 101 to be moved relatively easily on the floor. Below the main body 103 are a feeding unit 104 and a winding unit 105. In this embodiment, the recording medium M is a roll of paper, and the feeding unit 104 has a shaft on which the recording medium M is wound. The winding unit 105 has a shaft for winding the recording medium M. In this embodiment, a roll of paper is used as an example of the recording medium M, but cut paper may also be used.

[0014] The main body 103 is equipped with a transport unit 106. The transport unit 106 has a drive roller and a driven roller, and the recording medium M supplied from the feeding unit 104 is held between the nip portions of these rollers. The recording medium M is transported onto the platen 107 by the rotation of the drive roller. An ejection head 108 is positioned opposite the platen 107. The ejection head 108 is a recording head that ejects ink to form an image. An image is recorded on the recording medium M by ejecting ink from the ejection head 108 onto the recording medium M transported onto the platen 107.

[0015] The ejection head 108 has an ejection energy generating element, such as an electrothermal conversion element (heater) or a piezoelectric element, and ejects ink from the ejection port. When an electrothermal conversion element is used, the heat generated causes the ink to foam, and the foaming energy is used to eject the ink from the ejection port. The recording method of the ejection head 108 may be a serial scan method or a full line method. In the case of a serial scan method, the ejection head 108 is mounted on a carriage and moves back and forth in the X direction. The ejection of ink while moving the ejection head 108 in the X direction is called recording scanning. The transport operation of the recording medium M and the recording scanning of the ejection head 108 are repeated alternately to record an image on the recording medium M. In this embodiment, the use of a serial scan method is assumed. In the case of a full line method, a long ejection head 108 extending in the X direction is used to record an image while continuously transporting the recording medium M.

[0016] The recording medium M on which the image is recorded is wound up by the winding unit 105. The drying unit 14 reduces the liquid component contained in the ink applied to the recording medium M by the discharge head 108, thereby improving the adhesion between the recording medium M and the ink. The drying unit 14 has a heat source such as a heater and a blowing mechanism such as a fan, and dries the recording medium M by applying hot air to the passing recording medium M from at least the ink-applied side. In addition to the method of applying hot air, the drying method may also be configured by combining a method of irradiating the surface of the recording medium M with electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet or infrared rays, etc.) or a conduction heat transfer method by contact with a heating element. Furthermore, the drying unit 14 may not have a heat source and only blows air. The recording medium M on which the image has been recorded is cut by the user with scissors or the like, or is automatically cut by a cutter (not shown).

[0017] A recovery unit 109 is located on the main unit 103. The recovery unit 109 is located outside the recording area (outside the ejection area) of the ejection head 108 and performs processing related to the recovery and maintenance of the ejection performance of the ejection head 108. Examples of such processing include pre-ejection, which ejects a predetermined amount of ink before and after the recording operation, and processing to suck up any remaining ink from the ejection port of the ejection head 108. As shown in Figure 2A, the ejection head 108 is moved onto the recovery unit 109 when recovery processing is required.

[0018] In this embodiment, the stand 102 supports the main body 103 as well as the heavy feeding unit 104 and winding unit 105, and is therefore positioned slightly outside the width of the recording medium M in the ±X direction. The main body 103, which houses the recovery unit 109, protrudes outward from the stand 102 in the +X direction. The main body 103 also protrudes outward from the recording medium M on the opposite -X direction. Mechanisms for moving the carriage (not shown) equipped with the ejection head 108 are built into this area.

[0019] An operation panel 110 is provided on the front of the main unit 103. The operation panel 110 is, for example, a touch panel, and can accept input of various settings related to recording, display the status of recording jobs, and so on.

[0020] The liquid dispensing device 101 is also equipped with a waste liquid cartridge 111. The waste liquid cartridge 111 is located on the opposite side (-X side) from the liquid supply device 1, below the end of the main body 103. By installing the waste liquid cartridge 111 below the portion of the main body 103 that protrudes to the -X side, the installation area of ​​the liquid dispensing device 101 can be reduced.

[0021] The waste liquid (waste ink, etc.) sucked up by the recovery unit 109 flows into the waste liquid cartridge 111 and is collected. The waste liquid cartridge 111 may be placed near the recovery unit 109. However, in this embodiment, the installation area of ​​the liquid dispensing device 101 is reduced by placing the waste liquid cartridge 111 in the empty space below the end of the main body 103.

[0022] <Liquid supply device> Refer to Figures 1 and 2A. The liquid supply device 1 is a device that supplies ink ejected from the ejection head 108 to the liquid ejection device 101. The liquid supply device 1 comprises a box-shaped body 2 that forms a plurality of slots 3. Casters 2a are provided on the bottom surface of the body 2, allowing the liquid supply device 1 to be moved relatively easily on the floor. A plurality of slots 3 are opened in the front outer wall portion 2b of the body 2, and the plurality of slots 3 are arranged in the Z direction. The outer wall portion 2b forms the housing of the body 2. A support unit 4 is detachably inserted in the Y direction into each slot 3. The support unit 4 supports the liquid container 200 (also simply called the container 200), which will be described later. Each slot 3 functions as a storage portion for the container 200.

[0023] Each slot 3 is provided with a tube connecting the container 200 to the liquid dispensing device 101. Each tube is connected to the liquid dispensing device 101 through a single hose 121 that houses all the tubes. The ink from the container 200 is supplied to the dispensing head 108 via the tubes.

[0024] The liquid supply device 1 is positioned lower than the lower surface of the end of the main body 103 of the liquid discharge device 101 that protrudes to the +X side. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2A, the liquid supply device 1 can be placed under the main body 103. The liquid supply device 1 can be moved to a position where it is in contact with the stand 8 in the X direction. As shown in Figure 2A, the liquid supply device 1 can be fixed to the stand 102 using the connecting member 120. When moving the system 100, the liquid discharge device 101 and the liquid supply device 1 can be moved together as a single unit.

[0025] The system 100 of this embodiment has two liquid supply devices 1, allowing for the use of more containers 200. When increasing the number of ink colors for the purpose of improving image quality, or when increasing the number of ink colors of the same color for the purpose of increasing productivity, it is advantageous to provide multiple liquid supply devices 1 in this way. In such cases, as in this embodiment, by adopting a layout in which part or all of the liquid supply devices 1 overlap with the liquid dispensing device 101 in the X direction, the installation area of ​​the system 100 can be reduced. In this embodiment, one of the two liquid supply devices 1 fits within the size of the liquid dispensing device 101 in the X direction. When there are two or more, the size relationship is such that they slightly protrude from the system 100 in the X direction.

[0026] (Liquid container and support unit) Refer to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the liquid supply device 1, showing one support unit 4 removed from its corresponding slot 3. Figure 3 also shows a state in which a portion of the side wall of the outer wall of the liquid supply device 1 has been removed, exposing the internal mechanism. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the container 200 and the support unit 4. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the handle 45 and the locking mechanism 46. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the locking mechanism 46, corresponding to the cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 5.

[0027] The container 200 has a bag-shaped storage section 202 made of a flexible material. Gussets 202a are provided on both sides of the storage section 202, which are folded inward to increase the liquid storage capacity. The storage section 202 is formed into a bag shape by welding together the sheets that make up the top and bottom surfaces and the sheet that forms the gussets 202a, forming a flexible tank for storing liquid. When there is a large amount of liquid remaining inside, the gussets 202a expand, and when there is a small amount, the gussets 202a fold in, so that the shape of the storage section 202 changes according to the amount of liquid stored. The material of the storage section 202 is, for example, a material with a multi-layer structure such as PET. If there is a concern that the liquid inside has the property of solidifying by reacting with air, or that the concentration or remaining amount will change due to evaporation, then a layered material including an aluminum layer is advantageous as the material for the storage section 202.

[0028] The container 200 has one end 200a and the other end 200b in the longitudinal direction. When installed in the liquid supply device 1, end 200a is located on the rear side of the liquid supply device 1, and end 200b is located on the front side. A connection part 201 is provided at end 200a. The connection part 201 forms a supply port 201a that communicates with the intake port 203 inside the container 202. The liquid contained in the container 202 flows out to the outside through the intake port 203 and the supply port 201a. Inside the connection part 201, there is a spring-driven supply port opening / closing valve that opens and closes the supply port 201a. The supply port opening / closing valve keeps the supply port 201a closed under normal conditions.

[0029] The container 200 has a side with the connecting portion 201 that is approximately 180 mm long, and a side perpendicular to it (the side surface) that is approximately 400 mm long. The container 200 can hold approximately 1.5 L of liquid. The side with the connecting portion 201 may be the long side instead of the short side. Also, the container 202 may be a square instead of a rectangle in plan view.

[0030] The main body 2 is equipped with a connection unit 50 at the back of the slot 3, which is connected to the connection part 201. The connection unit 50 is equipped with a needle-type flow path forming member 5 that is inserted into the supply port 201a. A connection unit 50 is provided for each slot 3. When the flow path forming member 5 is inserted into the supply port 201a and connected, the supply port opening valve opens due to the insertion of the flow path forming member 5. The flow path forming member 5 is in communication with the tube 51. The flow path forming member 5 forms a flow path that allows the liquid contained in the storage part 202 to flow out to the liquid discharge device 101, which is the supply destination, and the liquid that flows out into the flow path forming member 5 is supplied to the liquid discharge device 101 via the tube 51. An electric flow path valve 52 is provided in the middle of the tube 51. The tube 51 can be closed and opened by opening and closing the flow path valve 52.

[0031] The support unit 4 has a support portion 40 that supports the container 200, and as a whole, it has the form of a tray on which the container 200 is placed in a reclining position. The support unit 4 is displaceable in the approximately Y direction between a storage position in which the container 200 is stored in the main body 2 and an retrieval position in which the container 200 is exposed to the outside of the main body 2. Figure 3 shows one support unit 4 in the retrieval position, and all the other support units 4 are in the storage position. The container 200 can be replaced in the retrieval position, and the liquid contained in the container 200 can be supplied to the liquid dispensing device 101 in the storage position. In this embodiment, the support unit 4 is separated from the slot 3 in the retrieval position. However, the retrieval position may also be a position in which the end of the support unit 4 is held within the slot 3, as long as it is a position in which the container 200 can be replaced relative to the support unit 4.

[0032] The support portion 40 has a mounting surface 41 on which the container 200 is placed, and the four sides of the mounting surface 41 are defined by left and right side plates 44, a front end portion 42, and a rear end portion 43. Notches 44a are formed in the side plates 44. A recess 43a is formed in the rear end portion 43 where the connecting portion 201 is located.

[0033] The front end portion 42 is provided with a handle 45 that is rotatable around an axis 45a extending in the X direction, allowing the user to rotate the handle 45 in the d1 direction. The handle 45 also serves as the operating handle for the engaging portion 48. The handle 45 is provided with an engaging portion 48, and the bottom of the case 30 forming the slot 3 has an engaging portion 39 that engages with the engaging portion 48. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 48 is a convex portion, and the engaging portion 39 is a concave portion into which the engaging portion 48 is inserted. The engagement between the engaging portion 48 and the engaging portion 39 prevents the support unit 4, which is mounted in the slot 3 and located in the storage position, from falling out of the slot 3 even if vibrations are applied, for example, due to the movement of the liquid supply device 1. The handle 45 is constantly biased by an elastic member 421 toward the engagement position (position ST051 in Figure 5) where the engaging portion 48 and the engaging portion 39 engage. The elastic member 421 is, for example, a coil spring. When the user grasps the handle 45 and rotates it in the direction indicated by the arrow in state ST052 of Figure 5, the engagement between the engaging portion 48 and the engaging portion 39 is released, and the support unit 4 inserted into the slot 3 can be removed from the slot 3.

[0034] To prevent the support unit 4 installed in slot 3 from being unintentionally removed, a locking mechanism 46 is provided for each slot 3 to lock the support unit 4 in the storage position. The locking mechanism 46 includes a sliding member 461 built into the front end portion 42. The sliding member 461 has an operating portion 461a exposed from the front end portion 42 so that it can be operated by the user. The sliding member 461 is provided to be movable in the direction of arrow d2 (X direction) between a locked position that restricts the rotation of the handle 45 in the d1 direction and an unlocked position that allows the rotation of the handle 45.

[0035] State ST051 in Figure 5 and State ST061 in Figure 6 show the state in which the slide member 461 is in the locked position. That is, the locking mechanism 46 is in the locked state. The slide member 461 has a contact portion 461b, which contacts a rib-shaped contact portion 451 provided on the handle 45. In state ST051 in Figure 5 and State ST061 in Figure 6, the slide member 461 obstructs the handle 45 from being rotated in the disengagement direction. Therefore, the support unit 4 cannot be removed from the slot 3.

[0036] State ST062 in Figure 6 shows the state in which the slide member 461 is in the unlocked position. That is, the locking mechanism 46 is in the unlocked state. The notch of the contact portion 461b and the contact portion 451 are in opposing positions. At this time, as shown in state ST063 in Figure 6, the contact portion 451 can move away from the notch of the contact portion 461b, so that the handle 45 can be rotated in the disengagement direction, as shown in state ST052 in Figure 5. In this way, the user can slide the slide member 46a to the unlocked position and then operate the handle 45 to pull out the support unit 4 from the slot 3.

[0037] Slot 3 is provided with a sensor 38 that detects the position of the slide member 461. The sensor 38 is, for example, an optical sensor (e.g., a photointerrupter) capable of detecting the detection piece 461c of the slide member 461. When the slide member 461 is in the locked position, the detection piece 461c is located at the detection position of the sensor 38, as shown in Figure 4, and is detected by the sensor 38. When the slide member 461 is in the unlocked position, the detection piece 461c is not located at the detection position of the sensor 38, and is not detected by the sensor 38. In this way, based on the detection result of the sensor 38, it is possible to determine whether the position of the slide member 461 is in the locked position or the unlocked position, that is, whether the locking mechanism 46 is in a locked state or an unlocked state.

[0038] The opening and closing of the flow valve 52 can be linked to the detection result of the sensor 38. For example, if the flow valve 52 is in the open state and the sensor 38 detects that the position of the slide member 461 is in the unlocked position, the flow valve 52 is immediately closed in conjunction with the detection. This prevents the support unit 4 from being pulled out of the slot 3 while the flow valve 52 is open. If the support unit 4 is pulled out of the slot 3 while the flow valve 52 is open, air may enter the tube 51 from the flow channel forming member 5. This can cause problems such as liquid solidification inside the tube 51 or poor discharge at the discharge head 108. When the position of the slide member 461 is detected to be in the unlocked position, the flow valve 52 is immediately closed by automatic control in conjunction with the detection, preventing air from entering the tube 51.

[0039] (Slot tilt) Figure 7 shows the mounting position and insertion / removal method of the support unit 4 in relation to slot 3.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, each slot 3 in the liquid supply device 1 is inclined, and slopes downward (+Z) towards the rear side (back side, -Y side). Therefore, the support unit 4 is held in an inclined position when installed, and the container 200 has its end 200a positioned lower than its end 200b in the direction of gravity (Z direction). The effects of this will be described later, but the inclination angle is, for example, less than 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, and especially less than or equal to 10 degrees. In the example in Figure 7, an inclination angle of 3 degrees is assumed.

[0041] (Mechanism for stirring liquids) The container 200 can hold various types of liquids and can be used for image recording, maintenance of the ejection head 108, etc. For example, water-based inks, latex inks, and solvent-based inks such as eco-solvents can be stored in the container 200. Depending on the type of ink, the colorants (pigment components, etc.) in the ink may settle over time. The particle size of the colorants and the type and amount of additives may differ for each ink color, and the settling rate may differ depending on the ink color. The container 200 can also hold a reaction liquid that is ejected from the ejection head 108 and reacts with the ink to fix the ink to the surface of the recording medium M. For containers 200 that hold liquids whose components tend to separate, uniformity can be improved by appropriately stirring the stored liquid. This contributes, for example, to preventing a decrease in the quality of the recorded image.

[0042] In this embodiment, the orientation of the container 200 is changed (deformed) by physically pressing the container section 202 from the outside. This causes the liquid contained within to flow and be agitated within the container section 202. Depending on the type of liquid contained in the container 200, agitation may not be necessary. Therefore, in this embodiment, slots 3 with an agitation function and slots 3 without an agitation function are provided. Specifically, the upper slots 3 do not have an agitation function, while the middle and lower slots 3 do. Of course, all slots 3 may also have an agitation function.

[0043] Referring to Figures 3, 8, and 9, the configuration of the drive unit 6 that realizes the stirring function will be described. Figures 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the drive unit 6 as seen from the side of the main body 2. The drive unit 6 includes a plurality of pressing members 60 and a moving mechanism 63 common to the plurality of pressing members 60. A pressing member 60 is provided for each slot 3. The pressing members 60 are positioned opposite the support unit 4 mounted in the slot 3 and the container 200 supported by the support unit 4. The moving mechanism 63 rotates each pressing member 60 synchronously around the rotation axis 62 as the pivot point, so that the pressing portion 61 provided on the pressing member 60 presses the container 200 from above and also relieves the pressure. Figure 8 shows the state in which the pressing portion 61 (and pressing member 60) is in the pressure relief position, and Figure 9 shows the state in which the pressing portion 61 (and pressing member 60) is in the pressing position.

[0044] The configuration of the moving mechanism 63 will now be described. The output of the motor 635, which is the drive source of the moving mechanism 63, is transmitted to the cam 633 via a plurality of gears 634. The axis of rotation of each of these components is in the X direction. Now, the configuration of the cam 633 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the cam 633, and state ST101 in Figure 10 shows the state in which the cam 633 has been rotated 180 degrees from state ST102 in Figure 10.

[0045] The cam 633 is a disc-shaped member that can rotate around an axis 633b in the X direction, and gear teeth 633a are formed on its outer circumferential surface. The gear teeth 633a mesh with gear 634, and the rotation of gear 634 causes the cam 633 to rotate. A groove 633c is formed on the side surface of the cam 633, and the outer and inner sides of the groove 633c form an outer cam surface 633d and an inner cam surface 633e. A cam follower 637, which is connected to a drive transmission lever 632, is positioned in the groove 633c. The inner cam surface 633e is located inside the cam follower 637 in the radial direction of the cam 633, and when the cam 633 rotates, it contacts the cam follower 637 and lifts the cam follower 637. Furthermore, the outer cam surface 633d is located outside the cam follower 637 in the radial direction of the cam 633, and when the cam 633 rotates, it comes into contact with the cam follower 637 and pulls the cam follower 637 downward.

[0046] Refer again to Figures 3, 8, and 9. As the cam follower 637 moves up and down due to the rotation of the cam 633, the drive transmission lever 632 rotates around the rotation axis 632a. Since the drive transmission lever 632 is rotatably connected to the shaft portion 638 provided on the lifting member 631, the operation of the drive transmission lever 632 is converted into the lifting operation of the lifting member 631. When the cam 633 rotates once, the cam follower 637 makes one reciprocating motion in the Z direction, and similarly the lifting member 631 makes one reciprocating lifting motion via the drive transmission lever 632.

[0047] The plate-shaped lifting member 631 is attached to the side plate 28 of the main body 2 so as to be able to move up and down in the Z direction. In addition, two U-shaped columns 27, one at the front and one at the back, extending in the Z direction, are fixed to the side plate 28. These columns 27 are also attached to the side plate on the -X side, and the main body 2 has structural strength ensured by a total of four columns 27. This allows it to support the weight of numerous containers 200.

[0048] While column 27 is strong, it is also thick. Therefore, if a moving mechanism 63 is added to the column 27 attached to the side plate 28, the dimensions in the X direction would increase. For this reason, in this embodiment, the lifting member 631 and the drive mechanism such as the cam 633 are distributed to the front and back in the Y direction, with one column 27 as the boundary. The drive transmission lever 632 is then passed through a through hole 27a provided in that one column 27.

[0049] This allows for the placement of the drive unit 6's moving mechanism 63 while maintaining strength and minimizing the size increase of the main body 2 in the X direction. Furthermore, the drive transmission lever 632 is attached to a plate-shaped support member 639 that supports the moving mechanism 63. By removing fastening screws and other fixing elements, most of the components of the moving mechanism 63 can be removed as a single unit together with the support member 639 to the rear side of the main body 2. Therefore, parts replacement by service personnel can be easily performed. Note that fastening screws and other fixing elements can be tightened from the rear side of the main body 2 to facilitate fastening and unfastening.

[0050] Each pressing member 60 is subjected to a biasing force from two springs 64 and 65. One end of spring 64 is attached to the pressing member 60, and the other end is attached to the slot 3 (case 30). One end of spring 65 is attached to the pressing member 60, and the other end is attached to the lifting member 631. The pressing member 60 is a movable member (particularly a rotating member) that is rotatably mounted relative to the slot 3 (case 30) with the rotation axis 62 as the pivot point. The rotation axis 62 is an axis in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the pressing part 61 (Z direction). Both springs 64 and 65 bias the pressing member 60 in a direction that rotates it clockwise, as seen in Figures 8 and 9.

[0051] When the pressing member 60 is in the pressure release position (Figure 8), the lifting member 631 is in contact with the pressing member 60 and lifts itself up, so the biasing force of the spring 65 acts between the lifting member 631 and the pressing member 60. Therefore, the biasing force of the spring 65 acts only between the lifting member 631 and the pressing member 60 and does not become a load on the motor 635. In other words, the load on the moving mechanism 63 in the pressure release position is only the biasing force of the spring 64 and the weight of each component.

[0052] Furthermore, when the pressing member 60 is in the pressing position (Figure 9), the cam 633 is in the opposite phase to the pressure release position by 180 degrees, and the pressing portion 61 of the pressing member 60 is in contact with the container 200 and pressing it downward. Depending on the remaining amount in the container 200, the pressing distance of the pressing portion 61, that is, the amount of rotation of the pressing member 60, will differ. In Figure 9, the upper four stages of pressing members 60 show the configuration pressing a full container 200, while the lower four stages of pressing members 60 show the configuration pressing a deflated container 200 with almost no remaining amount. The biasing force of both springs 64 and 65, as well as the weight of each component, acts on the container 200. Since springs 64 and 65 are placed in each slot 3, the optimal pressing force can be applied to each container 200 even if the remaining amount of container 200 in each slot 3 is different.

[0053] At this time, the biasing force of spring 64 acts on the housing 200 but not on the lifting member 631. The biasing force of spring 65 acts between the housing 200 and the lifting member 631, which are in contact via the pressing member 60. Cam 633 works to pull the lifting member 631 downward from the housing 200. In this way, by utilizing two springs 64 and 65 with different mounting positions and a cam 633 that can both lift and lower, the load on the moving mechanism 63 during operation is reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, at the pressing position, the less liquid remaining in the container 200 and the more it is deflated, the less the springs 64 and 65 extend, and therefore the less pressing force acting on the container 200. When there is a lot of liquid remaining in the container 200, it is easier to receive a reaction force from the container 200 when pressed, and a larger pressing force is required to push it in deeply. Conversely, when there is little liquid remaining, the reaction force from the container 200 is small, so even with a small pressing force, it is easier to deform the container 200 and move the liquid inside. In other words, the amount of pressure the pressing member 60 applies to the container 200 differs depending on the amount of liquid remaining in the container 200. For this reason, springs 64 and 65 are positioned so that the pressing force decreases as the container 200 deflates. This eliminates the need to increase the biasing force of the springs unnecessarily. In this embodiment, the load applied to the pressing portion 61 is adjusted to be approximately 500 gf when the container 200 is full, and approximately 300 gf when there is almost no remaining amount.

[0055] The configuration of the pressing member 60 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the case with stirring function and the support unit in the separated state, and Figure 12 is a perspective view of the case with stirring function and the support unit in the mounted state.

[0056] The pressing member 60 has a pair of side plates 60a located on each side of the case 30 in the X direction, and a top plate 60b connected between the pair of side plates 60a so as to straddle the case 30 in the X direction. The pressing member 60 is rotatably supported on the case 30 via a rotating shaft 62 at each side plate 60a, and a pressing portion 61b is formed at the tip of the top plate 60b.

[0057] Each side plate 60a has a locking portion 60c into which the end of the spring 64 is locked, and a contact portion 60d into which the end of the spring 65 is locked, and which contacts the lifting member 631 when the lifting member 631 is raised, causing the pressing member 60 to rotate. Both the locking portion 60c and the contact portion 60d are formed in the form of a protruding piece that protrudes in the X direction.

[0058] A remaining volume detection sensor 31 is provided on the side of the case 30. The remaining volume detection sensor 31 is, for example, an optical sensor. The remaining volume detection sensor 31 is a position detection sensor that detects the side plate 60a and the position of the pressing part 61, and is a sensor that detects the remaining volume of the container 200 based on the position detection result. Specifically, the detection position of the remaining volume detection sensor 31 is positioned to detect the side plate 60a when the container 200, which has shrunk due to a decrease in remaining volume, is pressed. This utilizes the fact that the amount of pressure applied when pressing changes depending on the degree of shrunkness of the container 200. In this embodiment, since the pressing part 61 is in contact with the container 200, the position of the side plate 60a reflects the remaining volume of the container 200, so the accuracy of remaining volume detection is high. The detection position of the remaining volume detection sensor 31 is designed so that, for example, the side plate 60a is detected when the container 200 with a remaining volume of approximately 100 ml is pressed.

[0059] The pressing member 60 can be made from, for example, a metal plate (steel plate, etc.). Because it is thinner but stronger than resin or other materials, the height of the slot 3 can be reduced. The rotating shaft 62 of the pressing member 60 is positioned outside the container 200 in the X direction, and is located in a position where the rotating shaft 62 and the container 200 overlap in the X direction when the container 200 is full. By making these efforts to reduce the size in the Z direction, even if a pressing member 60 is installed in each stage of the slot 3 to provide a stirring function, the multi-stage container 200 can be fitted into the limited space below the housing of the system 100.

[0060] Furthermore, the width of the pressing member 60 in the X direction is shorter near the pressing portion 61 than near the rotation axis 62. This prevents parts other than the pressing portion 61 from coming into contact with the container 200 when the pressing portion 61 presses against the tank, thereby preventing damage to the container 200.

[0061] By making the width of the pressing member 60 in the X direction shorter at the pressing portion 61 than near the rotation axis 62, the following advantages are also obtained. As mentioned above, the container 200 is provided with a gusset portion 202a on its side. This gusset portion 202a includes a welded portion between flexible members and is more rigid than other parts. A considerable pressing force is required to fold the gusset portion 202a inward and deflate the container 200 as the remaining amount decreases. When the container 200 has a large amount of remaining amount, the gusset portion 202a is spread in the vertical direction, and in some cases the gusset portion 202a may be bulging outward rather than inward. A considerable pressing force is required to crush the gusset portion 202a.

[0062] By positioning the pressing portion 61 inward in the X direction from the gusset portion 202a, the container 200 can be efficiently pressed and deformed for agitation. In other words, the pressing portion 61 is positioned to press the container 200 closer to the center than the gusset portion 202a. The height of the gusset portion 202a is, for example, about 20 mm on both sides, and because the pressing portion 61 is inward from the gusset portion 202a on both sides, it is less affected by the reaction force of the gusset portion 202a and can efficiently press the container 200. Designing the width of the pressing portion 61 in the X direction to be, for example, 10 mm or more inward from the gusset portion 202a will result in better pressing efficiency. This is because the effect of the reaction force of the gusset portion 202a is reduced as the pressing portion 61 is further away from the gusset portion 202a in the X direction. The width of the pressing portion 61 in the X direction should be designed to be at least 1 mm away from the gusset portion 202a, and may be designed to be, for example, 5 mm or 10 mm away.

[0063] To minimize the width of the pressing portion 61 in the X direction, for example, the pressing portion 61 may be shaped to make point contact with the container 200. However, in the case of the container 200 being elongated in the Y direction, as in this embodiment, if the pressing portion 61 is shaped to make point contact with the container 200, the fluidity of the liquid inside the container 200 may decrease. Specifically, if the width of the pressing portion 61 in the X direction is too small, the liquid flow that is pushed in by pressing the container 200 will be dispersed outward in the X direction, so the amount of liquid flowing in the Y direction will be reduced accordingly.

[0064] Therefore, for example, if the width of the pressing portion 61 in the X direction is set to be at least one-third of the width of the housing portion 202 of the housing 200 in the X direction, the fluidity of the liquid in the Y direction within the housing portion 202 during pressing can be improved. For example, if the width of the housing portion 202 in the X direction is 180 mm, setting the width of the pressing portion 61 in the X direction to 60 mm or more can improve the fluidity of the liquid in the Y direction within the housing portion 202 during pressing.

[0065] In summary, if the storage section 202 has a width of 180 mm in the X direction and the gusset section 202a has a height of 20 mm, then the width of the pressing section 61 in the X direction is suitable to be between 60 mm and 120 mm, and in particular, it may be 90 mm.

[0066] (stirring operation) Referring to Figure 13A, the stirring operation of the liquid inside the container 200 due to the pressing of the pressing part 61 against the container 200 will be explained. Figure 13A is an explanatory diagram of the stirring operation. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment the mounting position of the support unit 4 is inclined. In Figure 13A, the direction parallel to the inclination angle of this mounting position is defined as the Y' direction. In the following explanation, the side of the connection part 201 of the container 200 may be referred to as the -Y' direction, and the opposite side as the +Y' direction. Note that the arrows in Figure 13 indicate the flow direction of the liquid generated inside the container part 202 of the container 200.

[0067] In this embodiment, the stirring operation consists of a pressing operation and a pressure release operation. The pressing part 61 is positioned opposite the mounting surface 41 of the support unit 4. The pressing part 61 is moved back and forth between the pressure release position and the pressing position. This changes the posture of the housing section 202, causing the liquid inside to flow and to be stirred.

[0068] State ST131 in Figure 13A shows the state in which the pressing portion 61 (and pressing member 60) is in the pressure relief position. In this embodiment, in the pressure relief position, the pressing portion 61 is spaced apart from the mounting surface 41 and is at a height that does not contact the housing portion 202, and is not pressing the housing portion 202. Therefore, the pressure relief position can also be called the pressure release position.

[0069] From state ST131 as shown in Figure 13A, the moving mechanism 63 is driven to perform a pressing operation as shown in state ST132 as shown in Figure 13A. During the pressing operation, the pressing member 60 rotates, causing the pressing part 61 to move to a position closer to the mounting surface 41 than the pressure release position, pressing the housing part 202 toward the mounting surface 41. As a result, the housing part 202 changes its posture so that it is partially concave, and the liquid inside flows toward the end 200b and is agitated.

[0070] In this embodiment, the container 200 is mounted in slot 3 in a position inclined with the connection portion 201 facing downward in the Z direction. Therefore, in state ST131 as shown in Figure 13A, the liquid inside the container 200 tends to be distributed unevenly towards the connection portion 201 due to its own weight, and the container 202 bulges more on the side of the connection portion 201 than in the center in the Y' direction. The pressing portion 61 is designed to press the end 43 of the container 200 where the connection portion 201 is provided. Since the pressing portion 61 presses the bulging portion of the container 202 or a portion close to it, the flow of liquid inside the container 202 can be promoted. The portion pressed by the pressing portion 61 may be the most bulging part of the container 202.

[0071] If the inclination angle is too large, the liquid in the container 200 will become unevenly distributed, increasing the reaction force due to the weight of the collected liquid. As a result, the load on the pressing member 60 increases when pressing with the pressing member 60. Therefore, as mentioned above, the inclination angle should be set to less than 45 degrees, and it is particularly preferable that it be 10 degrees or less. In this embodiment, the inclination angle is set to 3 degrees. These inclination angles may be set according to the amount of liquid that can be contained in the container 200. For example, if the amount of liquid is small, the inclination angle may be set larger compared to when the amount is large.

[0072] The pressing portion 61 presses the side of the housing portion 202 that is on the side of the connection portion 201, so when the liquid flows to the opposite side, agitation can be effectively performed. The rotation axis 62 of the pressing member 60 is located on the opposite side of the housing portion 201 from the pressing portion 61 when viewed from the Y' direction of the housing 200. In the pressing operation, the rotation direction of the pressing member 60 is clockwise in state ST132 of Figure 13A. That is, the pressing member 60 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 62 as the center of rotation. This setting of the rotation direction generates a vector directed towards the +Y' direction, making it easier for the liquid to flow in the +Y' direction. In other words, the liquid is more likely to flow to the end of the housing portion 202 that is on the opposite side of the connection portion 201.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the pressing portion 61 is designed to press the end 43 of the container 200, where the connecting portion 201 is provided, out of the two ends 42 and 43 of the container 200. The area of ​​the container 202 near the water intake 203 is pressed, and the agitation of the fluid in this area is particularly promoted. During recording, the liquid in the container 200 flows out into the tube 51 from the area near the water intake 203. By pressing and agitating the area near the water intake 203, a liquid with a more uniform concentration can be sent into the tube 51.

[0074] From state ST132 in Figure 13A, the moving mechanism 63 is driven to perform a pressure release operation as shown in state ST133 in Figure 13A. In the pressure release operation, the pressing part 61 returns from the pressing position to the pressure release position due to the rotation of the pressing member 60. The pressing member 60 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 62 as the center of rotation in state ST133 in Figure 13. That is, when transitioning from state ST132 in Figure 13 to state ST133 in Figure 13, the pressing member 60 reverses its direction of rotation. As the pressure by the pressing member 60 is released, the liquid inside the housing 202 flows, and the housing 202 attempts to return to its original shape. In other words, the pressure release operation is an operation to return the posture of the housing 202, which has been changed by the pressing operation, to its original posture. Of course, it does not need to be in exactly the same posture as the original. After that, the pressing operation can be performed again.

[0075] By repeatedly performing pressing and releasing actions, the liquid inside the container 202 is agitated. That is, when the pressing part 61 is in the pressed position as shown in state ST132 of Figure 13A, the area around the pressing part 61 of the container 200 is indented, the liquid flows in the +Y' direction, and the side of the container 200 opposite to the connection part 201 bulges. Then, when the pressure is released as shown in state ST133 of Figure 13A, the ink that flowed due to the pressure flows in the -Y' direction due to its own weight. By repeatedly performing pressing and releasing actions, the liquid inside the bag 202 oscillates back and forth in the Y' direction and is agitated. The liquid flow caused by the pressure releasing action utilizes its own weight. By utilizing its own weight, the mechanism required for agitating the liquid can be made simpler.

[0076] During the series of pressing operations shown in Figure 13A, the flow path valve 52 may be in either an open or closed state. That is, the flow path valve 52 is controlled to be open in the flow path where liquid is supplied to the discharge head 108, and closed in the flow path where liquid is not supplied to the discharge head 108. Therefore, the recording operation by the discharge head 108 can be performed in parallel during the series of pressing operations shown in Figure 13A.

[0077] Referring to Figure 13B, the operation of the pressing member 60 and the moving mechanism 63 in the series of pressing operations shown in Figure 13A will be explained. The pressing member 60 rotates around the pivot axis 62, and when it rotates in the CW direction, the pressing part 61 is in a pressed state, and when it rotates in the CCW direction, the pressing is released.

[0078] The action of the spring 64 will now be explained. The pressing member 60 has a locking portion 60c formed thereon, and the case 30 has a locking portion 30a formed thereon. The spring 64 is provided between these locking portions 60c and 30a. The tensile force of the spring 64 biases the pressing member 60 to rotate in the CW direction, causing the pressing portion 61 to be in a pressed state.

[0079] The lifting member 631 is provided with a contact portion 631a. As shown in state ST142 in Figure 13B, when the lifting member 631 moves upward, the contact portion 631a of the lifting member 631 comes into contact with the contact portion 60d of the pressing member 60. This position is defined as the contact reference height H0. As shown in state ST143 in Figure 13B, as the lifting member 631 moves further upward, the pressing member 601 rotates in the CCW direction around the pivot axis 62, and the pressing portion 61 enters a state of pressure relief.

[0080] Conversely, when the lifting member 631 moves downward, the contact portion 631a of the lifting member 631 separates from the contact portion 60d of the pressing member 60. Due to the tensile force of the spring 64, the pressing member 60 is biased to rotate in the CW direction, and the pressing portion 61 returns to a pressing state. In this way, the lifting motion of the lifting member 631 causes the pressing member 60 to rotate between the pressing position and the pressure release position.

[0081] In state ST141 shown in Figure 13B, the rotation of the pressing member 60 stops when the pressing load F of the pressing part 61 by the spring 64 balances the reaction force of the container 200. Therefore, as the amount of liquid remaining in the container 200 decreases, the position where the forces balance (pressing position) decreases accordingly. In this way, the pressing height of the pressing member 60 changes according to the amount of liquid remaining in the container 200, making it possible to press and agitate the container 200 in accordance with the amount of liquid remaining in the container 200.

[0082] Next, when repeating the stirring operation, the stirring performance of the liquid can be adjusted by the cycle. During the pressure release operation, the liquid in the storage section 202 flows slightly after the rotation of the pressing member 60. The higher the fluidity of the liquid during the pressure release operation, the greater the stirring effect. Also, if the pressing operation is performed after the liquid has flowed sufficiently, the amount of liquid in the storage section 202 increases near the pressing part 61, causing the storage section 202 to expand, and pressing this area further enhances the stirring performance. The frequency of the stirring operation is, for example, lower than a few Hz, and in particular, lower than 1 Hz. If the frequency of the stirring operation is too low, that is, if the cycle is too slow, the total time of the stirring operation increases, which may increase the amount of power consumed by the motor 635. Therefore, the frequency of the stirring operation may be, for example, in the range of 0.5 to 0.7 Hz, and especially 0.6 Hz.

[0083] Furthermore, as the remaining amount decreases and the container 200 shrinks, the ink flows from the upper side (+Y' side) of the inclined container 200 to the -Y' side due to its own weight, reducing the capacity in this area. Conversely, liquid accumulates on the lower side (-Y' side). In this state, the flow distance of the liquid in the +Y' direction during the pressing operation becomes shorter, and the time it takes for the liquid to return during the release operation also becomes shorter. Therefore, the cycle of the stirring operation may be shortened in accordance with the decrease in the remaining amount in the container 200.

[0084] In the stirring operation, the pressing and releasing operations may be repeated with a time interval between the releasing and subsequent pressing operations. After the releasing operation, the time for the liquid to flow within the containment section 202 until the next pressing operation begins can be extended, further promoting the flow of the liquid due to its own gravity. For example, stopping for 0.1 to 0.5 seconds in states ST132 and ST133 of Figure 13A can promote liquid flow and increase stirring efficiency. The stopping time should be set appropriately according to the amount of liquid that can be contained in the containment section 202.

[0085] There are several methods for adjusting the period of the stirring operation. First, one method utilizes the stationary angle, which is the range in which the cam follower 637, which is in contact with the inner cam surface 633e or the outer cam surface 633d, does not displace even when the cam 633 rotates. For example, the stationary angle at the highest point of the cam follower 637 can be set to 40 degrees, and the stationary angle at the lowest point can also be set to 40 degrees. In particular, by ensuring a stationary angle of 40 degrees at the highest point, the pressure relief position can be maintained.

[0086] Furthermore, the allocation angle, which is the angle range for raising or lowering the cam follower 637, may be set to a large 140-degree range. This reduces the load on the cam 633 during rotation and allows the connecting pressing member 60 to slowly transition from the pressed state to the release position, thereby ensuring that there is time for the ink to move to the vicinity of the pressing part 61. As a result, sufficient ink movement occurs when the pressure is released, and the stirring effect is enhanced.

[0087] Another method involves temporarily stopping the motor 635 at the pressure release position. By stopping the motor for the duration of the aforementioned 40-degree stationary angle, the stationary angle can be made smaller, allowing for a larger allocation angle, which in turn reduces the load during cam rotation.

[0088] The stirring operation can be performed at any time, such as during the liquid supply operation to the liquid discharge device 101, during the recovery operation of the discharge head 108 in the liquid discharge device 101, or while the recording operation is in standby mode.

[0089] The stirring period, during which the stirring operation is repeated, may be based on time or on the number of operations. For example, one cycle may consist of several tens of minutes, and the stirring operation may be repeated only once a day. Alternatively, one cycle may consist of several dozen operations, and the stirring operation may be repeated only once a day. The required stirring period and timing may be set considering the settling rate of the colorant in the liquid.

[0090] Referring to Figure 7, the container 200 and support unit 4 are mounted in slot 3 as described above, and are tilted with respect to the horizontal plane. In terms of the liquid stirring effect, a tilt angle smaller than 45 degrees is advantageous, and for example, less than 20 degrees, especially 10 degrees or less, is even more advantageous. In the example in Figure 7, a tilt angle of 3 degrees is assumed.

[0091] Even when the inclination angle approaches 90 degrees, stirring by pressing is still possible, but the weight of the ink acts in a direction that resists the flow of the liquid caused by pressing. Therefore, a stronger pressing force is required to allow the liquid to flow sufficiently. When the inclination angle is less than 45 degrees, the flow vector of the liquid in the -Y direction becomes relatively small due to the weight of the liquid. In terms of the amount of expansion of the -Y side portion of the housing 202 during the pressing operation, a larger expansion can be obtained with less pressing force when the inclination angle is 10 degrees or less. A larger expansion of the housing 202 during pressing indicates a larger flow rate of the liquid inside. In other words, it means that the pressing is more efficient.

[0092] In this embodiment, the pressing portion 61 is positioned at a height that does not contact the housing portion 202 in the pressure release position, but it may be in contact with the housing portion 202, or the pressing portion 61 may be positioned to press the housing portion 202 with a smaller amount of pressure than in the pressure release position. In this way, if the pressure release position is a small pressing state, the upper limit position of the pressing member 60 in the Z direction can be kept low, and the dimensions of the liquid supply device 1 in the Z direction can be reduced.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressing member 60 is provided on the case 30 of the slot 3, but it may also be configured to provide the pressing member 60 on the support unit 4. In this case, when the support unit 4 is mounted on the slot 3, a configuration that enables drive transmission between the moving mechanism 63 and the pressing member 60 should be added.

[0094] Furthermore, although this embodiment has described a configuration in which the containment container 200 is pressed by the pressing part 61, the containment container 200 may also be deformed by repeatedly applying and stopping compressed air. Alternatively, the containment container 200 may be deformed by pressurizing and depressurizing the space around the containment container 200.

[0095] (display device) The display device provided in the liquid supply device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 14A. Figure 14A is a front view of the liquid supply device 1. The main body 2 is provided with a status display unit 21 and a type display unit 22 for each slot 3. The status display unit 21 and the type display unit 22 are located on the outer wall 2b adjacent to the opening of the corresponding slot 3. In this embodiment, the status display unit 21 is an electronic display that provides information about the status of the container 200 installed in the corresponding slot 3. Specifically, the status display unit 21 is composed of two light-emitting elements 21a and 21b. The light-emitting elements 21a and 21b are, for example, LEDs with different light-emitting colors. The light-emitting elements 21a and 21b are driven independently and can be switched between driving modes such as on, blinking, and off. The status of the corresponding container 200 can be communicated to the user by combinations of driving modes (for example, on and blinking, on and off, blinking and on, etc.).

[0096] The status of the container 200 communicated to the user is, for example, the remaining amount of liquid in the container 200. The amount of liquid consumed (discharged) in the container 200 can be estimated from the discharge control amount of the discharge head 108. The remaining amount of liquid in the container 200 is estimated from this estimated consumption, and when the remaining amount falls below a threshold, one of the two light-emitting elements 21a and 21b is made to blink. This notifies the user that it is time to replace the container 200 and prompts them to prepare a container 200 full of liquid.

[0097] The type indicator unit 22 displays information about the type of liquid assigned to the corresponding slot 3. The type indicator unit 22 may be an electronic display, but in this embodiment, it is a non-electronic display, and is a plate or sheet (color label) made of paper, plastic, or other material colored with the color of the liquid. The type indicator unit 22 allows the user to visually understand which type of liquid container 200 should be installed in which slot 3.

[0098] In this embodiment, the pairs of status display units 21 and type display units 22 corresponding to each slot 3 are arranged together on the X-side of the slot 3, and in particular, they are arranged side by side in the Z-direction. By arranging the status display units 21 and type display units 22 to overlap in the X-direction in this way, the width of the main body 2 in the X-direction can be narrowed. In this embodiment, the pairs of status display units 21 and type display units 22 are arranged on the +X-side of the slot 3, and as mentioned above, the moving mechanism 63 is also arranged on the +X-side of the main body 2. The moving mechanism 63 is located behind the space where the pairs of status display units 21 and type display units 22 are arranged. By concentrating these configurations on the +X-side of the main body 2 and overlapping them in the X-direction, the -X-side of the main body 2 can be made thinner. Overall, miniaturization of the liquid supply device 1 can be achieved.

[0099] Furthermore, the operating section 461a of the locking mechanism 46 is also located at the +X end of the support unit 4. In addition, the sensor 38 that detects the position of the slide member 461 is located behind the space where the state display unit 21 and the type display unit 22 are arranged. By providing the locking mechanism 46 itself on the support unit 4 and arranging the relatively small sensor 38 on the outside of the support unit 4 in the +X direction, the liquid supply device 1 can be made smaller. Furthermore, by consolidating the components related to user operation and user display at the +X end of the front of the main body 2, usability can also be improved.

[0100] Furthermore, the example shown in Figure 14B can also be used as an example of the arrangement of the control unit 461a. The main difference between Figure 14A and Figure 14B is the position of the control unit 461a, which is located on the main body 2 instead of the support unit 4. In other words, when the support unit 4 is removed from the slot 3, the control unit 461a remains on the main body 2 side. This simplifies the configuration of the support unit 4.

[0101] The stirring and supplying operations will be further explained with reference to Figure 15. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of each device in System 100 for illustrating the stirring and supplying operations.

[0102] The liquid dispensing device 101 includes a supply pump 500, a storage unit 700, a sensor 701, and a circulation unit 800. In Figure 15, for the sake of simplicity, an example is shown in which the supply pump 500, storage unit 700, sensor 701, circulation unit 800, and dispensing head 108 are each provided in the liquid dispensing device 101 for two containers 200. In reality, the liquid dispensing device 101 is provided with the same number of the above-described components as there are containers 200 stored in the multiple slots 3 of the liquid dispensing device 101.

[0103] The supply pump 500 is a pump that performs a supply operation to supply ink from the container 200 stored in slot 3 to the ejection head 108. The supply pump 500 is installed between the container 200 and the storage unit 700. The supply pump 500 is connected to the container 200 via a tube 51. The supply pump 500 is also connected to the storage unit 700 via a tube. Driven by the liquid supply motor 911 described later, the supply pump 500 sucks ink from the container 200 and supplies the ink to the storage unit 700. The remaining amount of ink in the container 200 is controlled by the amount the supply pump 500 is driven.

[0104] The storage unit 700 is a tank that stores ink to supply ink to the ejection head 108. The storage unit 700 stores ink supplied from the container 200 by the supply pump 500. The sensor 701 detects the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage unit 700. When ink is consumed by the ejection head 108 by ejecting (discharging) ink from the ejection head 108, such as during recording or recovery operations, the amount of ink stored in the storage unit 700 decreases. The timing of the supply operation by the supply pump 500 is when the sensor 701 detects that the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage unit 700 has fallen below a predetermined amount.

[0105] In this embodiment, the liquid dispensing device 101 includes a supply pump 500 and a storage unit 700, but the system is not limited to this configuration. The supply pump 500 and the storage unit 700 may be provided outside the liquid dispensing device 101 in the system 100. Alternatively, the supply pump 500 and the storage unit 700 may be provided in the liquid supply device 1.

[0106] The circulation unit 800 circulates ink between the storage unit 700 and the discharge head 108. The circulation unit 800 includes a supply path 800a for supplying ink from the storage unit 700 to the discharge head 108, and a recovery path 800b for recovering ink from the discharge head 108 to the storage unit 700. The circulation unit 800 also includes a supply pump 801 provided in the supply path 800a for supplying ink from the storage unit 700 to the discharge head 108. The circulation unit 800 also includes a recovery pump 802 provided in the recovery path 800b for recovering ink from the discharge head 108 to the storage unit 700.

[0107] The stirring operation is performed by the drive unit 6. Specifically, as described above using Figures 8 and 9, when the motor 635 is driven, the output of the motor 635 is transmitted to the gear 634, cam 633, etc. In Figure 15, the transmission members such as the gear 634 and cam 633 are omitted from the illustration. The motor 635 drives the lifting member 631 up and down, and the pressing part 61 reciprocates between the pressure release position and the pressure position. This stirring operation by the drive unit 6 stirs the ink in the container 200. In other words, the drive unit 6 is a stirring unit that performs a stirring operation on the container 200 stored in the slot 3, which is the storage section, so that the ink contained in the container 200 is stirred.

[0108] As described above, the moving mechanism 63 rotates each pressing member 60 synchronously around the rotation axis 62 as the pivot point, causing the pressing portion 61 provided on the pressing member 60 to press down on the container 200 from above and also to release the pressure. In other words, in this embodiment, the drive unit 6 performs a synchronous stirring operation on the containers 200 stored in the multiple slots 3 so that the ink contained in each container 200 is stirred.

[0109] The stirring operation is necessary, for example, when a container 200 is replaced. This is because the colorants in the ink contained in the new container 200 may have settled. As described above, the stirring operation by the drive unit 6 is performed synchronously on multiple containers 200. Therefore, if at least one container 200 is replaced, the other containers 200 that have not been replaced will be stirred even if it is not the time when stirring is required.

[0110] However, for example, the supply pump 500 may be supplying ink to other containers 200 that have not been replaced. For example, if stirring is performed synchronously on a container 200 that requires stirring and a container 200 that is receiving a supply, it may interfere with ink supply. Specifically, if stirring is performed during a supply operation, the ink contained in the container 200 will pulsate. When the ink in the container 200 pulsates, the amount of ink supplied will not be stable, which may interfere with ink supply. Therefore, in this embodiment, the stirring operation and the supply operation are performed mutually exclusive in the system 100.

[0111] Thus, in system 100, there are cases where both a supply operation and a stirring operation are required simultaneously for the container 200. In such cases, for example, if the supply operation is stopped and the stirring operation is performed, the amount of ink in the storage unit 700 may become insufficient, and ink may not be able to be ejected from the ejection head 108. In such cases, the image recording operation to the recording medium M cannot be performed until the stirring operation is completed. In other words, the time required for the stirring operation can become a waiting time for the user. Therefore, in system 100, measures are needed to prioritize the execution of the supply operation as much as possible.

[0112] Furthermore, for example, it is necessary to periodically agitate the container 200. This is because even after agitation has been performed on the container 200, the colorants in the ink may settle over time. However, at the same time as the periodic agitation, the supply pump 500 may be supplying ink to the container 200. In other words, even if the container 200 is being supplied, agitation may still be necessary. However, if the supply operation is prioritized in such cases, there is a possibility that the supply operation will be performed while the colorants in the ink are in a state where they may settle.

[0113] Therefore, in system 100, when a supply operation and a stirring operation are required simultaneously for the container 200, a technology is needed to execute the operation that should be prioritized among the supply operation and the stirring operation. In this embodiment, system 100 performs control to execute the operation that should be prioritized when a supply operation and a stirring operation are required simultaneously.

[0114] <Control circuit> The configuration of the control circuit of system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 16. Figure 15 is a block diagram of the control circuit of system 100. The main control unit 317 controls the entire system 100 in response to instructions from the host computer 918 and the operation panel 110. The control unit 915 controls the liquid dispensing device 101 based on instructions from the main control unit 317, and the control unit 916 controls the liquid supply device 1 based on instructions from the main control unit 317. The main control unit 917, and the control units 915 and 916 each include, for example, at least one processor, at least one storage device, and at least one input / output interface. The storage device is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as RAM or ROM. The input / output interface performs signal input and output between the processor and external devices (sensors, motors, etc.).

[0115] The discharge control unit 901 controls the discharge head 108, particularly the discharge of liquid. The transport motor 902 drives the transport unit 106. The carriage motor 903 is the drive source for the carriage (not shown) movement mechanism. The winding motor 904 is the drive source for the winding unit 105. The cutter motor 905 is the drive source for the cutter (not shown) that cuts the recording medium M after image recording. The recovery motor 906 is the drive source for the recovery unit 109. These are controlled by the control unit 915.

[0116] The clock unit 909 has a timer function and counts the elapsed time. The clock unit 909 also outputs the elapsed time count result to the control unit 916. When the stirring period is managed by time, the count result of the clock unit 909 can be used. The stirring timing can also be determined using the count result of the clock unit 909. For example, the clock unit 909 resets the remaining time of the timer each time the stirring operation is completed. The timing when the remaining time of the timer after the reset becomes a predetermined time (threshold A described later) can be set as the stirring timing.

[0117] Sensors 31, 38, and 701 detect the remaining amount in the container 200, the position of the slide member 461, and the remaining amount of ink in the storage unit 700, respectively, as described above, and these detection results are acquired by the control unit 916. The liquid circulation motor 907 is a drive source for circulating ink between the storage unit 700 and the discharge head 108. The liquid circulation motor 907 drives the supply pump 801 and the recovery pump 802, causing the ink in the circulation path to circulate. Motor 635 drives the moving mechanism 63, and the flow path valve switching motor 913 switches the flow path valve 52 between closing and opening. The liquid supply motor 911 is a drive source for sending liquid from the container 200 to the liquid discharge device 101. When the flow path valve 52 is open, driving the liquid supply motor 911 causes liquid to be drawn out of the container 200 and supplied to the liquid discharge device 101. In other words, the liquid supply motor 911 drives the supply pump 500, supplying liquid from the container 200 to the storage unit 700. These motors are controlled by the control unit 916. The status display unit 21 is also controlled by the control unit 916.

[0118] (Examples of control operations related to stirring and supplying) Examples of control performed by the control unit 916 for the ink stirring and supply operations in system 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 17 to 21(b). Figures 17 to 21(b) are timing charts for explaining control examples of each operation, stirring and supply. In each of Figures 17 to 21(b), the horizontal axis represents elapsed time. The vertical axis represents the supplyable time during which the supply operation can be performed by the supply pump 500. The supplyable time is counted by the timer function of the clock unit 909 and decreases over time.

[0119] (Example of timing for performing stirring operations) First, referring to Figure 17, an example of the timing at which the stirring operation is performed in system 100 will be explained. In the timing chart of Figure 17, time T0 is the time when the container 200 is set. That is, time T0 is the timing when the container 200 is replaced. For example, at time T0, if the control unit 916 detects that the position of the slide member 461 has changed from the unlocked position to the locked position by the sensor 38, it considers that the container 200 has been replaced and sets the supplyable time to threshold B. In other words, the control unit 916 sets the remaining time of the timer counted by the clock unit 909 to threshold B. When the supplyable time is threshold B, the colorant in the ink of the container 200 is in a state where it may settle, so the supply operation is prohibited. Then, the control unit 916 starts the stirring operation with the drive unit 6. That is, when the container 200 is replaced, the control unit 916 executes control that prioritizes the stirring operation over the supply operation. In the following explanation, the control that prioritizes the stirring operation over the supply operation may be called stirring priority control. Subsequently, the control unit 916 stops the stirring operation by the drive unit 6 when time T1 arrives. Once the stirring operation is complete, the supplyable time increases to an approximate value. In other words, the supplyable time is the remaining time on the timer, which is reset when the stirring operation is performed.

[0120] After the stirring operation stops at time T1, the supplyable time decreases over time. Then, at the timing when the supplyable time falls below threshold A (time T2), the stirring start condition C1 (hereinafter referred to as the stirring start condition) is met. In other words, when the supplyable time falls below threshold A, the stirring start trigger is generated. When the stirring start condition C1 is met at time T2, the control unit 916 starts the stirring operation using the drive unit 6. Subsequently, the control unit 916 stops the stirring operation at time T3. Upon completion of the stirring operation, the supplyable time increases to an approximate value.

[0121] However, for example, suppose the stirring operation stops at time T3, and before time T5, the power to system 100 is turned OFF at time T4. Time T5 is the time when the supplyable time falls below threshold A, and the stirring start condition C1 is met. Although the stirring start condition C1 is met at time T5, the stirring operation is not performed because the power to system 100 was turned OFF at time T4. Therefore, the supplyable time decreases over time and reaches threshold B at time T6. When the supplyable time reaches threshold B, as described above, the ink can settle in the container 200. So, if the power to system 100 is turned ON at time T7 after the power to system 100 was turned OFF at time T4, the control unit 926 starts the stirring operation using the drive unit 6, provided that the supplyable time is at threshold B. Specifically, for example, the time T4 when the power to system 100 was turned OFF is stored in the storage device. Subsequently, when the power to the system 100 is turned ON, the control unit 916 determines whether the supply time has reached threshold B based on the time T7 when the power to the system 100 was turned ON and the time T4 stored in the storage device. If the control unit 916 determines that the supply time has reached threshold B, it causes the drive unit 6 to start the stirring operation.

[0122] Although the example given was that the power to system 100 was turned off at time T4, the control unit 916 also performs the above control when an error occurs in system 100 at time T4. That is, the stirring start condition C1 is met at time T5, but since an error occurred in system 100 at time T4, the stirring operation is not performed. Therefore, after the error occurred in system 100 at time T4, if the error is resolved at time T7, the control unit 926 starts the stirring operation, provided that the available supply time is threshold B. Specifically, for example, the time T4 when the error occurred in system 100 is stored in the storage device. Then, when the power to system 100 is turned on, the control unit 916 determines whether the available supply time has reached threshold B based on the time T7 when the power to system 100 was turned on and the time T7 stored in the storage device. If the control unit 916 determines that the available supply time has reached threshold B, it starts the stirring operation using the drive unit 6.

[0123] (Example of control when the stirring start condition is met during the supply operation) The timing chart in Figure 17 illustrates an example of the timing for performing the stirring operation. However, in system 100, the stirring start condition C1 may also be met when the supply operation is being performed by the supply pump 500. An example of controlling the supply operation and stirring operation in system 100 in such a case will be explained using Figures 18 to 19(b).

[0124] First, refer to Figure 18. Time T10 in the timing chart of Figure 18 indicates the timing when the stirring operation is completed. At time T10, since the stirring operation is complete, the supplyable time increases to the approximate value.

[0125] Next, after time T10, and before time T12 when the conditions for starting the stirring operation are met, the conditions for starting the supply operation C2 (hereinafter referred to as the supply start condition) are met at time T11. The supply start condition C2 is met when the sensor 701 detects that the amount of ink remaining in the storage unit 700 has fallen below a predetermined amount. In other words, the trigger for starting the supply operation occurs at time T11. Note that at time T11, the stirring operation is not being performed by the drive unit 6. In this case, the control unit 916 drives the liquid supply motor 911 at time T11 and starts the supply operation with the supply pump 500.

[0126] Subsequently, at time T12, the supplyable time falls below threshold A, and the stirring start condition C1 is met. However, at time T12, the supply operation that started at time T11 is still in progress. In the example in Figure 18, the time Tn required for the remaining supply operation is shorter than the time Tm required for the supplyable time to reach threshold B. In the following explanation, the time required for the remaining supply operation may be called the supply time, and the time required for the supplyable time to reach threshold B may be called the supply grace period. If the supply time Tn is shorter than the supply grace period Tm, the supplyable time will not reach threshold B even if the supply operation is continued. Therefore, the control unit 916 executes a control that prioritizes the supply operation over the stirring operation (hereinafter referred to as supply priority control). That is, when the supply operation is being performed by the supply pump 500, if the stirring start condition C1 is met, the control unit 916 executes supply priority control based on the fact that the supply operation continuation condition (supply time Tn is shorter than supply grace period Tm) is met. In other words, at the start timing of the stirring operation (time T12), the control unit 916 selects supply priority control based on the fact that the supply time Tn is shorter than the supply grace time Tm, if the supply operation is being performed. Specifically, as supply priority control, the control unit 916 continues the supply operation by the supply pump 500 while the stirring operation is stopped, and starts the stirring operation by the drive unit 6 at time T13 after the completion of the supply operation. In this way, when the stirring start condition is met during the supply operation, if the supply operation is completed within the supply grace time Tm, the supply operation is prioritized. With this control, the supply of ink to the ejection head 108 can be completed more quickly compared to when the supply operation is interrupted to perform the stirring operation.

[0127] Figure 18, a timing chart, illustrates a control example where the stirring start condition C1 is met during the supply operation, and the required supply time Tn is shorter than the remaining supply grace period Tm. Next, a comparative example of control where the stirring start condition C1 is met during the supply operation, and the required supply time Tn is longer than the supply grace period Tm will be described.

[0128] In the timing chart in Figure 19(a), time T20 indicates the completion of the stirring operation. At time T20, since the stirring operation is complete, the supplyable time increases to the approximate value.

[0129] Next, after time T20, and before time T22 when stirring start condition C1 is met, supply start condition C2 is met at time T21. Assume that no stirring operation is performed at time T21. In this case, the control unit 916 starts the supply operation using the supply pump 500 at time T21.

[0130] Subsequently, at time T22, the supplyable time falls below threshold A, and stirring start condition C1 is met. At time T22, the supply operation that started at time T11 is assumed to be continuing. Also, at time T22, the time from time T22 to time T25 is assumed to be required for the remaining supply operation. Time T25 is after time T23, when the supplyable time reaches threshold B.

[0131] In other words, after the supply operation has started, we consider a case where the required supply time Tn is longer than the supply grace period Tm at the timing (time T22) when the stirring start condition C1 is met. In such a case, if the supply operation continues, the supplyable time will reach threshold B during the supply operation, and the colorant in the ink contained in the container 200 will be in a state where it can settle.

[0132] Therefore, in this embodiment, in cases where the required supply time Tn is longer than the supply grace time Tm, the control unit 916 performs stirring priority control. Refer to Figure 19(b) here. Figure 19(b) is a timing chart to explain an example of control by the control unit 916 when the stirring start condition C1 is met during the supply operation and the supply operation time Tn is longer than the supply grace time Tm.

[0133] In the comparative example described in Figure 19(a), the supply operation continued without performing the stirring operation at time T22. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in Figure 19(b), the control unit 916 performs stirring priority control at time T22. That is, when the supply operation is being performed by the supply pump 500, the control unit 916 performs stirring priority control based on the condition for interrupting the supply operation (the supply time Tn is longer than the supply grace period Tm) being met when the stirring start condition C1 is met. In other words, in this example, the control unit 916 selects stirring priority control based on the fact that the supply time Tn is longer than the supply grace period Tm when the supply operation is being performed at the start timing of the stirring operation (time T22). Specifically, as stirring priority control, the control unit 916 interrupts the supply operation at time T22 and performs the stirring operation while the supply operation is stopped. Then, when the stirring operation ends at time T23', the supply operation is resumed. In this way, if the stirring start condition is met during the supply operation and the supply operation does not finish within the supply grace period Tm, the stirring operation is prioritized. This control prevents the supply operation from being performed in a state where the colorant may settle in the ink of the container 200.

[0134] (Example of control when the supply start condition is met during stirring operation) The above describes an example of control when the stirring start condition C1 is met during the supply operation. Next, we will describe an example of control when the supply start condition C2 is met during the stirring operation.

[0135] First, refer to Figure 20. Time T30 in the timing chart of Figure 20 indicates the completion of the stirring operation. At time T30, since the stirring operation is complete, the supplyable time increases to the approximate value.

[0136] After time T30, the supplyable time decreases over time. Then, at time T31, the supplyable time falls below threshold A, and the stirring start condition C1 is met. In this example, it is assumed that no supply operation has been performed at time 31. Therefore, the control unit 916 starts the stirring operation using the drive unit 6 at time T31.

[0137] Assume that the stirring operation starts at time T31, and the supply start condition C2 is met at time T32, before the stirring operation ends. Also, assume that the supply operation ends at time T33, before time T32, when the supplyable time reaches threshold B. That is, the supply required time Tn is shorter than the supply grace period Tm. In such a case, even if the supply operation is started, the supply operation will end before the supplyable time reaches threshold B. Therefore, at time T32, the control unit 916 executes supply priority control. That is, when the stirring operation is being performed by the drive unit 6 and the supply start condition C2 is met, the control unit 916 executes supply priority control based on the fact that the stirring operation interruption condition (supply required time Tn is shorter than supply grace period Tm) is met. In other words, the control unit 916 selects supply priority control based on the fact that the supply required time Tn is shorter than the supply grace period Tm when the stirring operation is being performed at the start timing of the supply operation (time T32). Specifically, the control unit 916, as a supply priority control, interrupts the stirring operation and starts the supply operation while the stirring operation is stopped. In this way, if the supply start condition is met during the stirring operation and the supply operation can be completed within the supply grace period Tm, the supply operation is prioritized. With this type of control, the supply of ink to the ejection head 108 can be completed more quickly compared to when the supply operation is performed after the stirring operation is completed.

[0138] The supply operation starts at time T32 and ends at time T33. Then the control unit 916 restarts the stirring operation at time T33.

[0139] The above describes an example of control when the supply start condition C2 is met during the stirring operation, and the required supply time Tn is shorter than the supply grace period Tm. Next, a comparative example of control when the supply start condition C2 is met during the stirring operation, and the required supply time Tn is longer than the supply grace period Tm will be described.

[0140] In the timing chart of Figure 21(a), time T40 indicates the completion of the stirring operation. At time T40, since the stirring operation is complete, the supplyable time increases to an approximate value.

[0141] After time T40, the supplyable time decreases over time. Then, at time T41, the supplyable time falls below threshold A, and the stirring start condition C1 is met. In this example, it is assumed that no supply operation was performed at time 41. Therefore, the control unit 916 starts the stirring operation using the drive unit 6 at time T41.

[0142] Assume that after the stirring operation starts at time T41, the supply start condition C2 is met at time T42 before the supplyable time reaches threshold B at time 43. If the supply operation starts at time T42, the supply operation will continue until time T44, after the supplyable time reaches threshold B at time T43. In other words, the supply required time Tn is longer than the supply grace period Tm. In such a case, as shown in Figure 21(a), if the stirring operation is interrupted at time T42 and the supply operation is started, the supplyable time will reach threshold B during the supply operation.

[0143] Therefore, in this embodiment, if the supply start condition C2 is met during the stirring operation, and the required supply time Tn is longer than the supply grace period Tm, the control unit 916 executes stirring priority control. Now, refer to Figure 21(b). Figure 21(b) is a timing chart to explain an example of control when the required supply time Tn is longer than the supply grace period Tm, when the supply start condition C2 is met during the stirring operation.

[0144] In the comparative example described in Figure 21(a), the stirring operation was interrupted at time T42 and the supply operation was continued. With this type of control, the supplyable time reaches threshold B during the supply operation. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 21(b), after the stirring operation is started at time 41, if the supply start condition C2 is met at time T42, the control unit 916 executes stirring priority control. That is, when the supply start condition C2 is met while the drive unit 6 is performing the stirring operation, the control unit 916 executes stirring priority control based on the fact that the conditions for continuing the stirring operation (the supply required time Tn is longer than the supply grace period Tm) are met. In other words, in this example, the control unit 916 selects stirring priority control based on the fact that the supply required time Tn is longer than the supply grace period Tm when the stirring operation is being performed at the start timing of the supply operation (time T42). Specifically, as stirring priority control, the control unit 916 continues the stirring operation by the drive unit 6 while the supply operation is stopped. Then, at time T43', the control unit 916 terminates the stirring operation by the drive unit 6 and starts the supply operation using the supply pump 500. In this way, if the supply start condition is met during the stirring operation and the supply operation does not finish within the supply grace period Tm, the stirring operation is prioritized. This type of control prevents the ink colorants from settling during the supply operation.

[0145] (Example of control circuit processing) An example of the processing performed by the control unit 916 regarding the supply operation will be described. Figure 22 is a flowchart of this process. This flowchart is started by the control unit 916, for example, when the amount of ink remaining in the storage unit 700, as detected by the sensor 701, falls below a predetermined amount. In other words, this flowchart is started when the supply start condition is met.

[0146] In S100, the control unit 916 determines whether the supply time has reached threshold B. If the control unit 916 determines that it has reached the threshold, it terminates the process shown in Figure 22. When the supply time reaches threshold B, sedimentation of the colorant in the ink stored in the container 200 may occur. Therefore, if the supply time reaches threshold B, the control unit 916 terminates the process without performing the ink supply operation. On the other hand, if the control unit 916 determines that it has not reached the threshold, it proceeds to S101. The control unit 916 makes this determination, for example, based on the count result from the clock unit 909.

[0147] In S101, the control unit 916 sets the supply time for supplying ink from the container 200 to the storage unit 700. The supply time is the operating time of the supply pump 500 and the time required for the supply operation. The control unit 916 may, for example, calculate the amount to be supplied to the storage unit 700 based on the remaining amount of ink in the storage unit 700 detected by the sensor 701. The control unit 916 may then set the supply time based on the calculated supply amount. The control unit 916 may also refer to temperature information and ink viscosity information when setting the supply time. Temperature information is, for example, the temperature of the environment in which the system 100 is operating. Since temperature and viscosity affect the fluidity of the ink, the control unit 916 may adjust the supply time based on this information.

[0148] In S102, the control unit 916 starts the supply operation using the supply pump 500. Specifically, the control unit 916 drives the liquid supply motor 911. This drives the supply pump 500, and the ink in the container 200 is supplied to the storage unit 700. Also in S102, when the control unit 916 drives the liquid supply motor 911, for example, the clock unit 909 starts counting the supply time.

[0149] In S103, the control unit 916 determines whether the stirring start condition has been met. If the control unit 916 determines that the stirring start condition has been met, it proceeds to S104. On the other hand, if the control unit 916 determines that the stirring start condition has not been met, it proceeds to S108. For example, the control unit 916 determines that the stirring start condition has been met when the supplyable time counted by the clock unit 909 falls below threshold A.

[0150] In S104, the control unit 916 determines whether the supply grace period Tm is longer than the required supply time Tn. If the control unit 916 determines that it is longer, it proceeds to S105. On the other hand, if the control unit 916 determines that it is shorter, it proceeds to S106. If the supply grace period Tm is longer than the required supply time Tn, ink sedimentation will not occur in the container 200 even if the supply operation is continued. On the other hand, if the supply grace period Tm is shorter than the required supply time Tn, ink sedimentation may occur in the container 200 if the supply operation is continued. Therefore, if the stirring start condition is met during the supply operation, the determination in S104 is made.

[0151] In S105, the control unit 916 sets the stirring reservation to ON in order to start the stirring operation by the drive unit 6. For example, the control unit 916 stores information for starting the stirring operation (such as a reservation flag and reservation queue) in the storage device.

[0152] In S106, the control unit 916 interrupts the supply operation by the supply pump 500. Specifically, the control unit 916 stops the driving of the liquid supply motor 911. This also stops the driving of the supply pump 500. In addition, in S106, the control unit 916 stops the clock unit 909 from counting the supply time.

[0153] In S107, the control unit 916 performs a stirring operation using the drive unit 6. This process will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 23. After the process in S107, the control unit 916 proceeds to the process in S102 and resumes the supply operation by the supply pump 500.

[0154] In S108, the control unit 916 determines whether the time counted by the clock unit 909 has elapsed beyond the supply time set in S101. If the control unit 916 determines that the time has elapsed, it proceeds to S109. On the other hand, if the control unit 916 determines that the time has not elapsed, it proceeds to S103.

[0155] In S109, the control unit 916 stops the running supply motor 500 and terminates the supply operation by the supply pump 500.

[0156] In S110, the control unit 916 determines whether the stirring reservation is ON or OFF. If the control unit 916 determines that the stirring reservation is ON, it proceeds to S111. On the other hand, if the control unit 916 determines that the stirring reservation is OFF, it terminates the process shown in Figure 22. For example, the control unit 916 determines whether the memory device has information stored to start the stirring operation.

[0157] In S111, the control unit 916 turns off the stirring reservation. For example, the control unit 916 erases the information stored in the memory device for starting the stirring operation.

[0158] In step S112, the control unit 916 performs stirring operations to enable the drive unit 6 to perform stirring. This process will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 23.

[0159] Next, we will describe an example of the process performed by the control unit 916 regarding the stirring operation. Figure 23 is a flowchart of this process. This flowchart is started, for example, at S107 in Figure 22 above. This flowchart is also executed, for example, at S112 in Figure 22 above. This flowchart is also executed, for example, after the replacement of the container 200. This flowchart is also started, for example, when a user operation to start the stirring operation is received.

[0160] In S200, the control unit 916 sets the stirring time. The stirring time is the operating time of the motor 635. The control unit 916 may, for example, set a predetermined time as the stirring time. Alternatively, the control unit 916 may adjust the stirring time based on temperature information or ink viscosity information.

[0161] In S201, the control unit 916 initiates the stirring operation using the drive unit 6. Specifically, the control unit 916 drives the motor 635 to drive the moving mechanism 63, which in turn rotates the pressing member 60. This causes the pressing part 61 to reciprocate between the pressure release position and the pressing position, repeating the pressing and pressure release operations. Also in S201, for example, when the control unit 916 drives the motor 935, the clock unit 909 starts counting the stirring time.

[0162] In S202, the control unit 916 determines whether the supply start condition has been met. If the control unit 916 determines that the supply start condition has been met, it proceeds to S203. On the other hand, if the control unit 916 determines that the supply start condition has not been met, it proceeds to S207. Specifically, the control unit 916 makes this determination based on the detection result of the sensor 701.

[0163] In S203, the control unit 916 determines whether the supply grace period Tm is longer than the supply required time Tn. If the control unit 916 determines that it is longer, it proceeds to S204. On the other hand, if the control unit 916 determines that it is shorter, it proceeds to S206.

[0164] In S204, the control unit 916 stops the motor 635 from driving and stops the stirring operation by the drive unit 6. Also in S204, the control unit 916 stops the clock unit 909 from counting the stirring time.

[0165] In S205, the control unit 916 performs supply processing to execute the supply operation using the supply pump 500. In S205, the process shown in Figure 22 above is performed.

[0166] In S206, the control unit 916 sets the supply reservation to ON to start the supply operation. For example, the control unit 916 stores information for starting the stirring operation (reservation flag, reservation queue, etc.) in the storage device.

[0167] In S207, the control unit 916 determines whether the time counted by the clock unit 909 has elapsed beyond the stirring time set in S200. If the control unit 916 determines that the time has elapsed, it proceeds to S208. On the other hand, if the control unit 916 determines that the time has not elapsed, it proceeds to S202.

[0168] In S208, the control unit 916 stops the motor 635 from driving, and terminates the stirring operation by the drive unit 6.

[0169] In S209, the control unit 916 determines whether the supply reservation is ON or OFF. If the control unit 916 determines that the supply reservation is ON, it proceeds to S210. On the other hand, if the control unit 916 determines that the supply reservation is OFF, it terminates the process shown in Figure 23. For example, the control unit 916 determines whether the storage device has information stored to start the supply operation.

[0170] In S210, the control unit 916 turns off the supply reservation. For example, the control unit 916 erases the information stored in the memory device for initiating the supply operation.

[0171] In S211, the control unit 916 performs supply processing to execute the supply operation by the supply pump 500. In this process, the process shown in Figure 22 is executed.

[0172] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the moving mechanism 63 was shared by all the pressing members 60. However, even while sharing the moving mechanism 63, a mechanism for switching the transmission / interruption of driving force to each pressing member 60 may be provided for each pressing member 60, allowing each pressing member 60 to rotate individually. Alternatively, an independent moving mechanism may be provided for each pressing member 60, allowing each pressing member 60 to rotate independently. Furthermore, the movement of the pressing members 60 during the stirring operation may be translational motion rather than rotational motion.

[0173] <Third Embodiment> A liquid supply device with a different stirring mechanism will be described. The control examples performed by the control unit 916 described above in Figures 22 and 23 are also applicable to the liquid supply device 1100 described in this embodiment. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the liquid supply device 1100 of this embodiment, and Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the liquid supply device 1100. The main body 1100a of the liquid supply device 1100 is provided with a plurality of storage sections 1101 capable of housing liquid containers 1200 (Figure 27) that contain ink. In this embodiment, six storage sections 1101 are provided. The six storage sections 1101 are arranged in three rows in the Z direction and two rows in the X direction. Each storage section 1101 is a flat rectangular parallelepiped space in which the length in the X and Y directions is longer than the length in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the length in the Y direction of each storage section 1101 is longer than the length in the X direction. Each storage compartment 1101 is provided with a connection unit 1104 at its rear end (the end in the Y direction) which connects to a liquid container 1200.

[0174] Each storage section 1011 is detachably fitted with either a tray 1110 or a tray 1111 in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the liquid container 1200 is placed on either a tray 1110 or a tray 1111 and detachably stored in the storage section 1101. Of the three storage sections 1101, the uppermost storage section 1101 is fitted with a tray 1110, and the middle and lower storage sections 1101 are fitted with trays 1111. Therefore, two trays 1110 are used, and four trays 1111 are used. Trays 1110 and 1111 have basically the same structure, but tray 1110 has a structure for stirring the ink in the liquid container 1200, as will be described later.

[0175] Each storage compartment 1011 is also provided with an operating member 1103 that restricts the removal of trays 1110 and 1111 and locks them to the corresponding storage compartment 1101. The operating member 1103 is slidable in the X direction and can be operated by the user.

[0176] (Liquid dispenser) The liquid container 1200 will now be described. Figure 26 is a perspective view of the liquid container 1200. The liquid container 1200 comprises a storage section 1201 for storing ink and a connecting section 1202 that connects to a connecting unit 1104 of the storage section 1101. The storage section 1201 is a bag-type ink pack made of a flexible material. The flexibility of the storage section 1201 may be such that it bends under its own weight, or it may maintain its shape under its own weight and bend only when a load greater than its own weight is applied.

[0177] The storage section 1201 is formed in a bag-like shape by welding together the sheets that make up the top and bottom surfaces and the sheets that form the gussets on the left and right sides (sides in the X direction), and has a rectangular shape in plan view, forming a flexible tank for storing liquid. The material of the storage section 1201 is, for example, a material with a multi-layer structure such as PET, and the multi-layer structure may include an aluminum layer.

[0178] The connecting portion 1202 is located at the Y-direction end of the housing portion 1201 and in the center in the X-direction. The connecting portion 1202 is detachably connected to the connecting unit 1104 and forms an ink flow path between the housing portion 1201 and the connecting unit 1104.

[0179] (Tray) Tray 1110 and tray 1101 will now be described. Figure 27 is a perspective view of tray 1110. Tray 1110 has a tray body 1113. The tray body 1113 is a rectangular, shallow, box-shaped member with an open top, comprising a bottom wall 1113a, left and right side walls 1113b, a front wall 1113c, and a rear wall 1113d. A roller 1113e is rotatably supported on the side wall 1113b. The rolling of the roller 1113e allows for smooth insertion and removal of tray 1110 from the storage section 1101.

[0180] Refer to Figures 24 and 28. Figure 28 is a perspective view of the tray 1110, showing a portion of the bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 1113a. The bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 1113a of the tray body 1113 is provided with an engaging portion 1119 that engages with the operating member 1103. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 1119 is a cylindrical projection. The operating member 1103 comprises an arm member 1141 with a C-shaped engaging portion 1141a that engages with the engaging portion 1119, and a gripping portion 1142 that can be grasped by the user.

[0181] The arm member 1141 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the X direction along the bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 1113a and is connected to the knob portion 1142. Figure 28 shows the state in which the engaging portion 1119 and the engaging portion 1141 are engaged, and the movement of the tray 1110 in the Y direction (i.e., removal from the storage portion 1101) is restricted. By moving the knob portion 1142 in the X direction from the state in Figure 28, the arm member 1141 is displaced in the X direction, and the engagement between the engaging portion 1119 and the engaging portion 1141 can be released. This allows the tray 1110 to be removed from the storage portion 1101. This engagement mechanism prevents the tray 1110 from unintentionally coming out of the storage portion 1101.

[0182] Returning to Figure 27, the tray body 1113 is fitted with a mounting member 1112. The mounting member 1112 comprises a bottom wall portion 1112a that overlaps with the bottom wall portion 1113a, left and right side wall portions 1112b located inside the left and right side wall portions 1113b, and a front wall portion 1112c located inside the front wall portion 1113c, and is a rectangular, shallow, box-shaped member with an open top and rear end. Thus, the tray 1110 of this embodiment has a double-tray structure in which the tray body 1113 is the outer tray and the mounting member 1112 is the inner tray.

[0183] The bottom wall portion 1112a of the mounting member 1112 is shorter in the Y direction than the bottom wall portion 1113a of the tray body 1113, and the Y-direction edge (rear edge) of the bottom wall portion 1112a is spaced apart from the rear wall portion 1113d of the tray body 1113. The mounting member 1112 is rotatably supported on the tray body 1113 via its shaft 1116. The left and right side walls 1112b are supported on the left and right side walls 1113b of the tray body 1113 via the shaft 1116 (only one shaft 1116 is shown in Figure 27). The mounting member 1112 is rotatable relative to the tray body 1113 with the rotation centerline C1 passing through the shaft 1116 as the rotation center. In this respect, the mounting member 1112 can also be called a movable member or a rotating member. Figure 27 shows the state in which the mounting member 1112 is in its initial position relative to the tray body 1113. In the initial position, the bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 1112a of the mounting member 1112 is in contact with the top surface of the bottom wall portion 1113a of the tray body 1113, and the two are overlapping in the Z direction.

[0184] An engaging portion 1134 is fixed to each side wall portion 1112b of the mounting member 1112. The engaging portion 1134 receives a rotational biasing force from the drive unit 1120, which will be described later, and this causes the mounting member 1112 to rotate. The engaging portion 1134 has a C-shape that is open to one side (rear side) in the Y direction.

[0185] The tray body 1113 is also provided with a locking mechanism 1131 that locks the mounting member 1112 to the tray body 1113, restricting its rotation from its initial position. The locking mechanism 1131 operates in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the tray 1110 to the storage unit 1101. When the tray 1110 is attached to the storage unit 1101, the rotation of the mounting member 1112 is permitted, and when the tray 1110 is removed from the storage unit 1101, the rotation of the mounting member 1112 is restricted. Figure 29 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 1131.

[0186] The locking mechanism 1131 includes a pivot shaft 1132 provided on one side wall portion 1113b of the tray body 1113, and a locking member 1133 rotatably supported on the tray body 1113 via the pivot shaft 1132. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 1131 includes a biasing member 1136 that biases the locking member 1133 in the rotational direction RR. The biasing member 1136 is an elastic member such as a coil spring connected between the side wall portion 1113b and the locking member 1133. The unlocking member 1137 is fixed to the storage portion 1101, and the engaging member 1134 is provided on the mounting member 1112. The engaging member 1134 is an axial member protruding in the X direction from the side wall portion 1112b. The locking member 1133 has a roller-shaped locking portion 1138 that engages with the engaging member 1134 and a recessed contact portion 1139 that contacts the unlocking member 1137.

[0187] Figures 30(a) to 30(c) are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the locking mechanism 1131. Figure 30(a) shows the state of the locking mechanism 1131 when the tray 1110 is stored in the storage section 1101. The locking member 1133 is subjected to a biasing force by the biasing member 1136 that causes it to rotate in the rotational direction RR, and the contact portion 1139 is in contact with the unlocking member 1137. The contact portion 1139 is in contact with the unlocking member 1137, which prevents the engagement of the locking portion 1138 and the engaging member 1134. The mounting member 1112 is in the unlocked state, that is, in a state in which it can rotate from its initial position relative to the tray body 1113.

[0188] Figure 30(b) shows the state of the locking mechanism 1131 when the tray 1110 is pulled out from the storage section 1101. The locking member 1133 receives a biasing force from the biasing member 1136 that causes it to rotate in the rotational direction RR, and the locking portion 1138 engages with the engaging member 1134. When the locking portion 1138 engages with the engaging member 1134, the mounting member 1112 is in a locked state, that is, its rotation relative to the tray body 1113 is restricted and it is locked in its initial position.

[0189] Figure 30(c) shows the state of the locking mechanism 1131 when the tray 1110 is in the process of being inserted into the storage section 1101. The locking member 1133 is subjected to a biasing force by the biasing member 1136, causing it to rotate in the rotational direction RR, and the locking portion 1138 is engaged with the engaging member 1134. As the tray 1110 is inserted into the storage section 1101, the contact portion 1139 comes into contact with the unlocking member 1137, and the locking member 1133 rotates in the rotational direction RL. When the tray 1110 is stored in the storage section 1101, the locking mechanism 1131 returns to the state shown in Figure 30(a), and the engagement between the locking portion 1138 and the engaging member 1134 is released.

[0190] Refer to Figures 27 and 31. Figure 31 is a perspective view of a tray 1110 on which a liquid container 1200 is placed. The storage section 1201 of the liquid container 1200 is placed on the mounting member 1112. A portion of the storage section 1201 on the side of the connection section 1202 is placed on the tray body 1113, and the rotation centerline C1 passes through the storage section 1201, spaced apart from the connection section 1202 in the Y direction.

[0191] A holding portion 1150 is formed in the center of the rear wall portion 1113d in the X direction, which holds the connection portion 1202 of the liquid container 1200. The structure of the connection portion 1202 and the holding portion 1150 will be described with reference to Figures 27 and 31, as well as Figures 32 to 34. Figure 32 is a front view of the connection portion 1202 as seen in the Y direction. Figure 33 is a view of the tray 1110 on which the liquid container 1200 is placed, as seen in the Y direction from the side of the rear wall portion 1113d. Figure 34 is a perspective view of the area around the holding portion 1150.

[0192] The retaining portion 1150 comprises a recess 1151 that is recessed downward in the Z direction from the upper surface of the rear wall portion 1113d, and engaging portions 1152 formed on both sides of the recess 1151 in the X direction. The engaging portion 1152 is a groove that extends in the Z direction and has depth in the X direction, and is formed by vertical walls 1152a and 1152b that are spaced apart in the Y direction. The left and right engaging portions 1250 of the connecting portion 1202 are inserted into the engaging portion 1152 in the Z direction, and the remaining portion of the connecting portion 1202 is positioned in the recess 1151. The engaging portion 1250 is a plate-shaped member that protrudes from both sides of the connecting portion 1202 in the X direction.

[0193] The holding portion 1150 positions the connecting portion 1202 relative to the tray 1110 in the X, Y, and Z directions. Furthermore, since the engaging portion 1152 has a pair of vertical walls 1152a and 1152b spaced apart in the Y direction, the displacement of the engaging portion 1250 in the Y direction is restricted. As a result, the displacement of the connecting portion 1202 relative to the tray 1110 is restricted in the Y direction by the engaging portion 1152.

[0194] The engaging portion 1250 is located at the bottom of the side of the connecting portion 1202. The connecting portion 1202 has a shape that is generally convex upward in the XZ plane and convex in the Y direction in the XY plane. The width of the engaging portion 1152 and the engaging portion 1250 in the Z direction is the same, and the connecting portion 1202 protrudes upward in the Z direction from around the holding portion 1150. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the connecting portion 1202 and to remove the connecting portion 1202 from the recess 1151. This improves the convenience of the replacement work when replacing the liquid container 1200 with the tray 1110.

[0195] An engaging portion 1153 is also formed on the vertical wall 1152a of the engaging portion 1152. The engaging portion 1153 is a projection that protrudes in the Y direction from the vertical wall 1152a. The engaging portion 1250 has an engaging portion 1251 that engages with the engaging portion 1153. The engaging portion 1251 is formed as a hole that penetrates the engaging portion 1250 in the Y direction or as a recess that is recessed in the Y direction.

[0196] When the liquid container 1200 is attached to the tray 1110, the lower surface of the engaging portion 1250 comes into contact with the surface (slant) of the engaging portion 1153 as the engaging portion 1250 is inserted into the engaging portion 1152. As a result, the vertical wall 1152a of the engaging portion 1152 is elastically displaced backward in the Y direction. As the insertion of the engaging portion 1250 into the engaging portion 1152 progresses, the engaging portion 1153 reaches the engaging portion 1251. As a result, the vertical wall 1152a returns to its original position, and the engaging portion 1153 and the engaging portion 1251 engage.

[0197] The engagement direction between the engaging portion 1153 and the engaging portion 1251 is the Z direction, which is different from the direction (Y direction) in which the tray 1110 is attached to and detached from the storage portion 1101. This prevents the connecting portion 1202 from falling off the holding portion 1150 when the tray 1110 is attached to or detached.

[0198] (Flow channel connection structure) The connection structure between the connection part 1202 of the liquid container 1200 and the connection unit 1104 of the storage unit 1101 will be explained with reference to Figures 25, 32, and 35. Figure 35 is a perspective view of the connection unit 1104. The connection part 1202 of the liquid container 1200 is connected to the connection unit 1104 by attaching the tray 1110 on which the liquid container 1200 is mounted to the storage unit 1101 and pushing it towards the back. Conversely, the connection between the connection part 1202 and the connection unit 1104 is released by pulling the tray 1110 on which the liquid container 1200 is mounted towards the front from the storage unit 1101.

[0199] The connecting portion 1202 is manufactured, for example, by molding a resin material such as polypropylene. The connecting portion 1202 is provided with a connecting hole 1210, an electrical connecting portion 1220, a plurality of positioning holes 1230, and a fitting portion 1240.

[0200] The connection unit 1104 has a tube connecting pipe 1102 extending to the outside of the storage section 1101 (Figure 25), and a tube connected to the storage section 700 is connected to the tube connecting pipe 1102. These form the ink flow path. Ink stored in the liquid container 1200 is supplied to the discharge head 108 via the storage section 700.

[0201] The connection hole 1210 opens in the Y direction and is the opening of a flow path that communicates with the inside of the containment section 1201. The central axis of the connection hole 1210 is parallel to the Y direction. The introduction pipe 1105 of the connection unit 1104 is connected to the connection hole 1210 in the Y direction. The introduction pipe 1105 communicates with the tube connection pipe 1102, and the ink from the liquid containment container 1200 is discharged through the connection hole 1210 and the introduction pipe 1105.

[0202] Furthermore, a structure to prevent ink leakage can be provided inside the connection part 1202. This structure may be a valve or seal structure that remains closed before the introduction tube 1105 is inserted into the connection hole 1210 and opens when the introduction tube 1105 is inserted.

[0203] In this embodiment, in the connection portion 1202, the entire peripheral edge 1211 of the connection hole 1210 is recessed in the Y direction, and the connection hole 1210 opens at a position that protrudes in the Y direction from the peripheral edge 1211. As a result, the connection hole 1210 is surrounded by a wall formed by the peripheral edge 1211, thereby enhancing the protection of the connection hole 1210. For example, it is prevented from the user accidentally touching the connection hole 1210. Also, if the liquid container 1200 is accidentally dropped, damage, deformation, and other deterioration of the connection hole 1210 due to impact are suppressed. Peripheral ribs may be formed on the peripheral edge 1211, surrounding the connection hole 1210 and protruding in the Y direction.

[0204] The electrical connection section 1220 is structurally and electrically connected to the electrical connection section 1106 of the connection unit 1104 by being inserted in the Y direction. The electrical connection section 1220 includes a circuit board and electrical connection terminals. The circuit board includes a memory for storing information about the liquid container 1200. The electrical connection between the electrical connection section 1220 and the electrical connection section 1106 allows the control unit 961 to read the information from the memory.

[0205] The shaft member 1107 of the connecting unit 1104 is inserted into the positioning hole 1230. The connecting portion 1202 and the connecting unit 1104 are positioned relative to each other. In this embodiment, two sets of positioning hole 1230 and shaft member 1107 are provided spaced apart in the X direction, and the connecting hole 1210 and the introduction pipe 1105 are positioned between them in the X direction. The positioning accuracy of the connecting hole 1210 relative to the introduction pipe 1105 in the X direction is improved.

[0206] In this embodiment, the type of liquid container 1200 to be stored in each storage section 1101 (or the type of ink to be stored) is predetermined. The fitting section 1240 structurally prevents different types of liquid containers 1200 from being mistakenly installed in the storage section 1101.

[0207] The mating portion 1240 is formed in the connecting portion 1202, divided in the X direction. The mating portion 1240 has a concave-concave structure in which a plurality of substantially rectangular projections 1241 are arranged, each protruding for the same length in the X direction and extending in parallel in the Y direction. Sealing portions 1243 are arranged in a predetermined pattern in the recesses 1242 between the projections 1241 in the mating portion 1240. The sealing portions 1243 are the parts that close the recesses 1242, and the arrangement pattern of the sealing portions 1243 differs depending on the type of liquid container 1200.

[0208] The connection unit 1104 is provided with a fitting portion 1108 that fits with the fitting portion 1240. The arrangement of the sealing portion 1243 seals the valley portion 1242, so the arrangement pattern of the uneven structure of the fitting portion 1240 is the opposite of the arrangement pattern of the uneven structure of the fitting portion 1108 that it is connected to. When the connection portion 1202 is connected to the connection unit 1104, if the types of liquid containers 1200 match, fitting between the uneven structure of the fitting portion 1108 and the uneven structure of the fitting portion 1240 is permitted. On the other hand, if the types of liquid containers 1200 do not match, the uneven structure of the fitting structure 1108 does not match the uneven structure of the fitting portion 1240, and fitting is not possible. Therefore, it is prevented that the wrong liquid container 1200 will be connected to the connection unit 1104.

[0209] (Other trays) Trays 1110 and 1111 have basically the same structure, but tray 1110 has a structure for stirring the ink in the liquid container 1200, while tray 1111 does not. For this reason, tray 1111 does not have a mounting member 1112 (and engaging part) or a locking mechanism 1131.

[0210] (Drive unit and liquid stirring) In this embodiment, the ink contained in the liquid container 1200 can be agitated by rotating the liquid container 1200 which is placed on the tray 1110. In this embodiment, the liquid container 1200 is rotated by rotating the mounting member 1112. The configuration of the drive unit 1120 that rotates the mounting member 1112 will be explained with reference to Figures 24, 36(a) to 37(b). Figures 36(a) and 36(b), and Figures 37(a) and 37(b) are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the drive unit 1120.

[0211] Figures 36(a) and 37(a) show the state of the drive unit 1120 when the mounting member 1112 is in its initial position. Figures 36(b) and 37(b) show the state of the drive unit 1120 when the mounting member 1112 is in the maximum rotation position from its initial position. The rotational movement from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is called the tilting movement, and the rotational movement from the maximum rotation position to the initial position is called the return movement. In the tilted position, the liquid in the storage section 1201 of the liquid container 1200 is more likely to flow downward (towards the end on the connection section 1202 side). The return movement is the movement to return the posture of the liquid container 1200 to its original posture (initial position).

[0212] The initial position is where the tray 1110 can be inserted into and removed from the storage section 1101, and the entire tray 1110 and the entire liquid container 1200 are in a nearly horizontal position (the side with the connection section 1202 is slightly lower). The maximum rotation position is where the amount of rotation of the mounting member 1112 is maximum, and in this embodiment, it is at a position of approximately 45° from the initial position, where the storage section 1201 of the liquid container 1200 is in an inclined position. At the maximum rotation position, the tray 1110 cannot be inserted into or removed from the storage section 1101. Comparing the position of the storage section 1201 of the liquid container 1200, the storage section 1201 is closer to horizontal at the initial position than at the maximum rotation position.

[0213] The drive units 1120 are provided in each of the two uppermost storage compartments 1110. The drive unit 1120 comprises a drive source 1300, a drive mechanism 1122 that rotates the mounting member 1112 using the driving force of the drive source 1300, and a biasing member 1304.

[0214] The drive source 1300 is, for example, a stepper motor. In the drawing, the main body of the drive source 1300 is hidden behind the base plate 1121, and only a part of it is shown. The amount of rotation of the mounting member 1112 can be controlled by the amount of rotation of the drive source 1300. The drive source 1300 may also be a DC motor, in which case a rotation amount sensor such as a rotary encoder may be provided to control its amount of rotation.

[0215] The drive mechanism 1122 is a drive force transmission mechanism that rotates the mounting member 1112 using the driving force of the drive source 1300, and is a conversion mechanism that converts the driving force of the drive source 1300 into rotational motion of the mounting member 1112. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 1122 includes a gear device 1123 and a pair of link mechanisms 1124R and 1124L. The configuration of the drive mechanism 1122 is an example, and other types of mechanisms may be used.

[0216] The drive source 1300 and the gear unit 1123 are mounted on a base plate 1121 located on one side of the storage unit 1101 in the X direction. The rotational force of the drive source 1300 is transmitted to the gear unit 1123 via a belt drive mechanism 1310. The gear unit 1123 includes a gear 1311 rotated by the belt drive mechanism 1310, a gear 1312 that meshes with gear 1311, a gear 1313 that meshes with gear 1312, and a gear 1314 that meshes with gear 1313.

[0217] The pair of link mechanisms 1124R and 1124L are arranged separately on the X-direction side of the storage unit 1101, with link mechanism 1124L on the side of the drive source 1300 and link mechanism 1124R on the opposite side. Link mechanism 1124L is the drive mechanism, and link mechanism 1124R is the driven mechanism. Both have basically the same configuration and constitute the crank mechanism described below.

[0218] Link mechanisms 1124R and 1124L each include arm members 1301 to 1303. Arm member 1301 rotates around one end as the pivot point, and its other end is rotatably connected to one end of arm member 1302 via shaft 1301a. One end of arm member 1301 of link mechanism 1124L is fixed coaxially to gear 1314 and rotates together with gear 1314. One end of arm member 1301 of link mechanism 1124R is supported so as to be freely rotatable (not shown).

[0219] The other end of the arm member 1302 is rotatably connected to the middle part of the arm member 1303 via shaft 1302a. A pair of side plates 1118 are arranged on both sides of the storage section 1101 in the X direction. One end of the arm member 1303 is rotatably supported by the side plate 1118 via shaft 1316. The shaft 1316 is located coaxially with the rotation center line C1 (Figure 27) to such an extent that the rotation of the mounting member 1112 and the rotation of the arm member 1303 are synchronized.

[0220] The side plate 1118 has an arc-shaped guide hole 1118a that defines the oscillation trajectory of the oscillation shaft 1114. The oscillation shaft 1114 extends across the storage section 1101 in the X direction. The oscillation shaft 1114 is mounted between the other ends of the arm members 1303 of the link mechanisms 1124R and 1124L.

[0221] When the tray 1110 is mounted in the storage unit 1101, the pivot shaft 1114 engages with the engagement portion 1134. Since the engagement portion 1134 has a C-shape that is open on one side (rear side) in the Y direction, the pivot shaft 1114 does not get in the way when attaching or detaching the tray 1110. When the tray 1110 is mounted in the storage unit 1101, the pivot shaft 1114 engages with the engagement portion 1134 in the Z direction, and when the tray 1110 is removed from the storage unit 1101, the engagement between the pivot shaft 1114 and the engagement portion 1134 is also released.

[0222] A biasing member 1304 is provided between the other end of the arm member 1303 of the link mechanism 1124L and the adjacent side plate 1118. The biasing member 1304 is an elastic member such as a coil spring, and exerts a biasing force on the arm member 1303 in the direction that the mounting member 1112 is positioned at its maximum rotational position. A similar biasing member may also be provided between the other end of the arm member 1303 of the link mechanism 1124R and the adjacent side plate 1118.

[0223] In Figure 36(b), when the drive source 1300 is driven in one direction in the direction of arrow A, the rotational motion of the motor shaft is converted into the oscillating motion of the oscillating shaft 1114 via the drive mechanism 1122, causing the oscillating shaft 1114 to continuously reciprocate in the directions of arrows B and C. As the oscillating shaft 1114 moves, the mounting member 1112 and the liquid container 1200 set inside it rotate, and the ink contained in the liquid container 1200 is agitated. To correspond to the agitation, the mounting member 1112 may be continuously rotated between the initial position and the maximum rotation position, or it may be stopped for a predetermined time at the maximum rotation position or the initial position and then rotated.

[0224] The biasing member 1304 is configured to bias the mounting member 1112 to its maximum rotation position. For the rotation of the mounting member 1112 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, the driving force of the drive source 1300 is minimized, thereby reducing power consumption. The sensor 1315 is a sensor that detects the posture of the mounting member 1112. The sensor 1315 is an optical sensor configured to detect the position of the arm member 1301, and is positioned to detect the arm member 1301 when the mounting member 1112 is in its initial position. Therefore, when the arm member 1301 is detected by the sensor 1315, the excitation of the drive source 1300 is turned off, and the mounting member 1112 can be rotated to its maximum rotation position by the biasing force of the biasing member 1304. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the sensor 1315 detected the arm member 1301, it is also possible to assume that the mounting member 1112 has rotated to its maximum rotational position, and to drive the drive source 1300 to return the mounting member 1112 to its initial position.

[0225] When replacing the liquid container 1200, the mounting member 1112 can be held in its initial position by energizing the drive source 1300 while the mounting member 1112 is in its initial position. This allows for the insertion and removal of the tray 1110. The sensor 1315 is not limited to an optical sensor; it may also be an encoder sensor that detects an angle, or another type of sensor that directly detects the mounting member 1112.

[0226] <Other Embodiments> Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0227] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose inventions relating to the following items. (Item 1) A storage means for storing a liquid container, Dispensing means for dispensing liquid into a medium, A stirring means is provided to perform a stirring operation on a liquid container stored in the storage means so that the liquid contained in the liquid container is stirred. A supply means that performs a supply operation to supply liquid from a liquid container stored in the storage means to the discharge means, The system includes a control means that performs a first control that prioritizes the supply operation over the stirring operation, A system characterized by the following features. (Item 2) The control means is When the supply operation is being performed by the supply means, if the start condition for the stirring operation is met, the first control is executed based on the condition for continuing the supply operation being met. The system described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 3) The control means is When the stirring operation is being performed by the stirring means, if the start condition for the supply operation is met, the first control is executed based on the condition for interrupting the stirring operation being met. The system described in item 1, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 4) In the first control described above, When the stirring operation by the stirring means is stopped, the supply operation is performed by the supply means. A system according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 5) The control means is A second control is executed that prioritizes the stirring operation over the supply operation. The system described in item 1, characterized by the following: (Item 6) The control means is When the supply operation is being performed by the supply means, if the start condition for the stirring operation is met, the second control is executed based on the condition for interrupting the supply operation being met. The system described in item 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 7) The control means is When the stirring operation is being performed by the stirring means, if the start condition for the supply operation is met, the second control is executed based on the condition for continuing the stirring operation being met. The system described in item 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 8) The control means is When the liquid container stored in the storage means is replaced, the second control is executed. The system described in item 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 9) In the second control described above, When the supply operation by the supply means is stopped, the stirring operation is performed by the stirring means. A system according to any one of items 5 to 8, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 10) The control means is Based on the remaining time of the timer, which is reset when the aforementioned stirring operation is performed, either the first control or the second control is selected. The system described in item 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 11) The control means is If the supply operation is being performed by the supply means at the start timing of the stirring operation by the stirring means, the first control is selected based on the fact that the supply time required for the supply operation is shorter than the remaining time. The system described in item 10, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 12) The control means is As the first control, the supply means is made to perform the supply operation, and then the stirring means is made to perform the stirring operation. The system described in item 11, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 13) The control means is If the supply operation is being performed by the supply means at the start timing of the stirring operation by the stirring means, the second control is selected based on the fact that the supply time required for the supply operation is longer than the remaining time. The system described in item 10, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 14) The control means is As the second control, the supply operation by the supply means is interrupted, and the stirring operation is performed by the stirring means. The system described in item 13, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 15) The control means is If the stirring operation is being performed by the stirring means at the start timing of the supply operation by the supply means, the first control is selected based on the fact that the supply time required for the supply operation is shorter than the remaining time. The system described in item 10, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 16) The control means is As the first control, the stirring operation is interrupted by the stirring means and the supply operation is performed. The system described in item 15, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 17) The control means is If the stirring operation is being performed by the stirring means at the start timing of the supply operation by the supply means, the second control is selected based on the fact that the supply time required for the supply operation is longer than the remaining time. The system described in item 10, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 18) The control means is As the second control, the stirring operation is performed by the stirring means, and then the supply operation is performed by the supply means. The system described in item 17, characterized by the features described herein. (Item 19) Multiple storage means for storing liquid containers, Dispensing means for dispensing liquid into a medium, A stirring means that performs a synchronous stirring operation on each liquid container stored in the plurality of storage means so that the liquid contained in each liquid container is stirred, A plurality of supply means for performing a supply operation for supplying liquid from each liquid storage container stored in the plurality of storage means to the discharge means, Control means for executing a first control for prioritizing the supply operation by the first supply means among the plurality of supply means with respect to the stirring operation, A system characterized by the above. (Item 20) Storage means for storing a liquid storage container, Discharge means for discharging liquid to a medium, Stirring means for performing a stirring operation on the liquid storage container stored in the storage means so that the liquid stored in the liquid storage container is stirred, A control method for a system including supply means for performing a supply operation for supplying liquid from the liquid storage container stored in the storage means to the discharge means, A first step of executing a first control for prioritizing the supply operation with respect to the stirring operation, A control method characterized by the above. (Item 21) A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to Item 20. (Item 22) A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to Item 20.

[0228] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0229] 1 Liquid supply device, 6 Drive unit, 100 System, 101 Liquid discharge device, 108 Discharge head, 200 Liquid storage container, 500 Supply pump, 916 Control unit

Claims

1. A storage means for storing a liquid container, Dispensing means for dispensing liquid into a medium, A stirring means is provided to perform a stirring operation on a liquid container stored in the storage means so that the liquid contained in the liquid container is stirred. A supply means that performs a supply operation to supply liquid from a liquid container stored in the storage means to the discharge means, The system includes a control means that performs a first control that prioritizes the supply operation over the stirring operation, A system characterized by the following features.

2. The control means is When the supply operation is being performed by the supply means, if the start condition for the stirring operation is met, the first control is executed based on the fact that the continuation condition for the supply operation is also met. The system according to feature 1.

3. The control means is When the stirring operation is being performed by the stirring means, if the start condition for the supply operation is met, the first control is executed based on the fact that the interruption condition for the stirring operation is also met. The system according to feature 1.

4. In the first control described above, When the stirring operation by the stirring means is stopped, the supply operation is performed by the supply means. The system according to feature 1.

5. The control means is A second control is executed that prioritizes the stirring operation over the supply operation. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that...

6. The control means is When the supply operation is being performed by the supply means, if the start condition for the stirring operation is met, the second control is executed based on the condition for interrupting the supply operation being met. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 5.

7. The control means is When the stirring operation is being performed by the stirring means, if the start condition for the supply operation is met, the second control is executed based on the condition for continuing the stirring operation being met. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 5.

8. The control means is When the liquid container stored in the storage means is replaced, the second control is executed. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 5.

9. In the second control described above, When the supply operation by the supply means is stopped, the stirring operation is performed by the stirring means. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 5.

10. The control means is Based on the remaining time of a timer that is reset when the stirring operation is performed, either the first control or the second control is selected. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 5.

11. The control means is If the supply operation is being performed by the supply means at the start timing of the stirring operation by the stirring means, the first control is selected based on the fact that the supply time required for the supply operation is shorter than the remaining time. The system according to feature 10.

12. The control means is As the first control, the supply means is made to perform the supply operation, and then the stirring means is made to perform the stirring operation. The system according to feature 11.

13. The control means is If the supply operation is being performed by the supply means at the start timing of the stirring operation by the stirring means, the second control is selected based on the fact that the supply time required for the supply operation is longer than the remaining time. The system according to feature 10.

14. The control means is As the second control, the supply operation by the supply means is interrupted, and the stirring operation is performed by the stirring means. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that way.

15. The control means is If the stirring operation is being performed by the stirring means at the start timing of the supply operation by the supply means, the first control is selected based on the fact that the supply time required for the supply operation is shorter than the remaining time. The system according to feature 10.

16. The control means is As the first control, the stirring operation is interrupted by the stirring means and the supply operation is performed. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that it is the same as described above.

17. The control means is If the stirring operation is being performed by the stirring means at the start timing of the supply operation by the supply means, the second control is selected based on the fact that the supply time required for the supply operation is longer than the remaining time. The system according to feature 10.

18. The control means is As the second control, the stirring operation is performed by the stirring means, and then the supply operation is performed by the supply means. The system according to feature 17.

19. Multiple storage means for storing liquid containers, Dispensing means for dispensing liquid into a medium, A stirring means that performs a synchronous stirring operation on each liquid container stored in the plurality of storage means so that the liquid contained in each liquid container is stirred, Multiple supply means that perform a supply operation to supply liquid from each liquid container stored in the multiple storage means to the discharge means, The system includes a control means that performs a first control to prioritize the supply operation by the first supply means among the plurality of supply means for the stirring operation, A system characterized by the following features.

20. A storage means for storing a liquid container, Dispensing means for dispensing liquid into a medium, A stirring means is provided to perform a stirring operation on a liquid container stored in the storage means so that the liquid contained in the liquid container is stirred. A control method for a system comprising: a supply means that performs a supply operation to supply liquid from a liquid container stored in the storage means to the discharge means, The system includes a first step of performing a first control that prioritizes the supply operation over the stirring operation, A control method characterized by the following:

21. A storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the control method described in claim 20.

22. A program that causes a computer to execute the control method described in claim 20.

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