Liquid ejection device

Abstract

To suppress erroneous operation of a valve caused by a user.SOLUTION: A recording device includes: a recording head that ejects ink; an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head; a cover member provided to be openable and closable with respect to the device; an ink supply path for supplying the ink from the ink tank to the recording head; a manual valve disposed in the ink supply path and capable of switching between an open state in which the ink tank and the recording head communicate with each other and a closed state in which they do not communicate with each other; and an operating portion disposed at a position exposed when the cover member is opened and capable of switching the manual valve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an inkjet recording apparatus is known in which a recording head that discharges ink and an ink tank that stores ink supplied to the recording head are connected by a tube. Patent Document 1 discloses a recording apparatus provided with a valve capable of closing the tube between the recording head and the ink tank on the front surface of the recording apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art, the valve is arranged at a position where it can be easily operated even during the recording operation of the recording apparatus. Therefore, if the valve is closed due to a user's incorrect operation or the like during the recording operation of the recording apparatus, there may be a problem in the supply of ink to the recording head.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for suppressing incorrect operation of the valve by the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a liquid ejection apparatus according to the present invention includes an injection part for injecting a liquid, a first tank and a second tank that store the liquid supplied to a discharge head that discharges the liquid, a supply path for supplying the liquid in the first tank to the discharge head, A valve unit having a valve portion that switches between an open state for opening the supply path and a closed state for closing the supply path, and an operation portion capable of operating the switching of the valve portion. A cover movable between a position covering the operation portion and a position not covering it. A platen disposed at a position facing the discharge head. Conveying means for conveying the recording medium in a first direction. Control means for notifying the user to set the valve portion to the closed state; A detection unit for detecting whether the valve portion is closed; Comprising: The first tank and the second tank are provided along a second direction intersecting the first direction. When the cover is in a position not covering and the operation portion is exposed, the platen is also exposed. When the valve portion is set to the closed state by the operation portion and the cover is in a covering position, the closed state of the valve portion is maintained. 、 The control means notifies the user to set the valve portion to the closed state until the detection unit detects that the valve portion is closed. Characterized in that.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, erroneous operation of the valve by the user can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 15

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0010] In this specification, "recording" (which may also be referred to as "printing" or "printing") refers not only to the case of forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also regardless of whether it is significant or not, and whether or not it is made manifest so that a human can visually perceive it. It also represents the case of forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc. on a recording medium, or performing processing on the medium.

[0011] Also, the "recording medium (sheet)" includes not only the recording paper used in a general image forming apparatus, but also widely includes media that can be conveyed, such as cloth, plastic film (OHP), metal plate, glass, ceramics, wood, leather, etc.

[0012] Also, "ink" (which may also be referred to as "liquid") should be interpreted widely in the same way as the above definition of "recording (printing)", and by being applied on a recording medium, it can be used for forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc., processing the recording medium, or processing the ink (for example, coagulation or insolubilization of a colorant in the ink applied to the recording medium).

[0013] <First Embodiment> <Schematic Configuration of Inkjet Recording Apparatus> FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view showing an inkjet recording apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as the recording apparatus 1) according to the first embodiment. A part of a cover member 112, which will be described later for internal explanation, is cut away and shown. The recording apparatus 1 includes a recording head 14 that discharges ink onto a recording medium, and an ink tank 17 that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head 14. Further, the recording apparatus 1 has a supply tube 15 that forms an ink supply path 155 (see FIG. 3) for supplying ink from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. Further, the recording apparatus 1 has a carriage 13 on which the recording head 14 is detachably mounted and reciprocates.

[0014] Further, the recording apparatus 1 has a plurality of rollers (conveying means) for feeding a sheet-like recording medium 19, and by these, the recording medium 19 is conveyed in a conveying direction orthogonal to the moving direction (main scanning direction) of the carriage 13 (recording head 14). Further, a platen 22 is provided below the range where the recording head 14 moves so as to face the recording head 14.

[0015] The carriage 13 is provided with a detaching / attaching operation portion 143 rotatably supported. The user can detach the recording head 14 from the carriage 13 by operating the detaching / attaching operation portion 143. Further, a housing 11 is provided so as to cover the entire of these internal components. The housing 11 includes a main body 111 having an opening 111a, and a cover member 112 that covers the opening 111a. The cover member 112 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body 111 (apparatus).

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

[0017] In the case of this embodiment, the manual valve 16 is a valve for closing and communicating the ink supply path 155 formed by the supply tube 15, and includes an operation unit 161 that can be manually operated by the user. That is, the manual valve 16 is arranged in the ink supply path 155 and can be switched between an open state in which the ink tank 17 and the recording head 14 communicate and a closed state in which they do not communicate. Further, the operation unit 161 can operate the switching of the manual valve 16. Furthermore, a printing mark 166 and a maintenance mark 167 are shown so as to indicate the operation position of the operation unit 161. When the operation unit 161 is on the side indicated by the printing mark 166, the manual valve 16 does not block the ink supply path 155, and the ink can be supplied from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. Therefore, the recording device 1 can record on the recording medium 19. On the other hand, when the operation unit 161 is on the side indicated by the maintenance mark 167, the manual valve 16 blocks the ink supply path 155, and the ink is not supplied from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. Therefore, the user can perform the replacement work of the recording head 14 and the like in a state where the movement of the ink in the ink supply path 155 is suppressed. Also, the printing mark 166 and the maintenance mark 167 allow the user to intuitively recognize the state of the manual valve 16.

[0018] The recording medium width 191 indicates the width of the recording medium 19 of the maximum size that can be printed by the recording device 1 of this embodiment. Here, the width direction is the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 19 by the conveyance means. In this embodiment, the width 112a of the cover member 112 is larger than the recording medium width 191 in the width direction. And the manual valve 16 is arranged in the area covered by the cover member 112 and within the passing area of the conveyed recording medium 19. In other words, the manual valve 16 is arranged within the recording range in the width direction of the recording head 14. Thereby, the recording device 1 can be miniaturized in the width direction.

[0019] Furthermore, the recording apparatus 1 has a cover sensor 18 capable of detecting the state of the cover member 112. For example, the cover sensor 18 can detect the open state and the closed state of the cover member 112. Specifically, a protrusion 18a is provided inside the cover member 112. When the protrusion 18a is in contact with the cover sensor 18, it is detected that the cover member 112 is in the closed state, and when not in contact, it is detected that the cover member 112 is in the open state. Further, an ink tank cover 179 is rotatably and openably arranged so as to cover an ink injection port 176 and an ink tank cap 177 (see FIG. 3) on the upper part of the ink tank 17.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the ink tank 17 and the supply tube 15 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the ink tank 17 (ink storage section), the recording head 14, and the supply tube 15 connecting them. The recording apparatus 1 has a plurality of ink tanks 17 for each corresponding ink color. In the present embodiment, four ink tanks 17, namely a black ink tank 171, a cyan ink tank 172, a magenta ink tank 173, and a yellow ink tank 174, are provided. In the present embodiment, the black ink tank 171 is provided on one side in the width direction of the recording apparatus 1, and the cyan ink tank 172, the magenta ink tank 173, and the yellow ink tank 174 are provided side by side on the other side. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, between the black ink tank 171 and the color ink tanks, a recording medium 19 on which recording has been completed is provided so as to pass through.

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

[0022] In addition, supply tubes 15 for supplying ink to the recording head 14 are respectively attached to the ink tanks 17. In the case of this embodiment, the supply tube 15 is a supply path forming member that forms an ink supply path 155 for supplying ink from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. In this embodiment, the tube constituting the supply tube 15 is made of a material having flexibility such as an elastomer, and can be bent as the recording head 14 moves, or the internal ink supply path 155 can be blocked by crushing the tube.

[0023] In addition, atmosphere communication tubes 178 for communicating the inside thereof with the atmosphere are respectively attached to the ink tanks 17. Further, an ink injection port (injection portion) 176 for injecting ink is provided above the ink tank 17. An ink tank cap 177 for sealing the ink injection port 176 is attached to the ink injection port 176. The user can inject ink into the ink tank 17 from the ink injection port 176 by removing the ink tank cap 177.

[0024] In addition, ink tank valves 180 for blocking the communication of ink or air are respectively provided in the supply tubes 15 and the atmosphere communication tubes 178. In this embodiment, the ink tank valves 180 are respectively provided on the black side and the color side.

[0025] When the ink tank valve 180 on the black side closes, the communication of the ink supply path 155 of the supply tube 15 connected to the black ink tank 171 and the flow path in the atmosphere communication tube 178 is blocked respectively. When the ink tank valve 180 on the color side closes, the ink supply paths 155 of the supply tubes 15 connected to the cyan ink tank 172, the magenta ink tank 173, and the yellow ink tank 174 and the flow paths in the atmosphere communication tubes 178 are blocked.

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

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the ink tank 17 and the recording head 14. In the recording apparatus 1, in order to prevent ink from leaking out of the ink ejection port 142 of the recording head 14, the gas-liquid exchange section 175 of the ink tank 17 is provided at a position lower by a height H in the height direction than the ink ejection port 142 of the recording head 14. That is, a negative pressure due to a head difference of height H is applied to the ink ejection port 142. Note that the gas-liquid exchange section 175 is configured with an opening area that maintains the meniscus of the ink. Further, a buffer chamber 17a is provided below the ink tank 17. The buffer chamber 17a can store the ink that has broken and pushed out the meniscus of the gas-liquid exchange section 175 when the air in the ink storage chamber 17b that stores the ink expands due to changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature, or the like. This prevents the ink from leaking out of the ink tank 17 through the atmosphere communication tube 178.

[0028] The joint portion 182 is a member that connects the flow paths of the supply tube 15 and the recording head 14, and is provided in the attachment / detachment operation portion 143. When the user operates the attachment / detachment operation portion 143 in the opening direction to remove the recording head 14 from the carriage 13, the joint portion 182 is detached from the recording head 14. Thereby, the connection between the supply tube 15 and the recording head 14 is blocked. When the user attaches the recording head 14 to the carriage 13, the attachment / detachment operation portion 143 is closed, and the joint connection of the joint portion 182 is realized by pressing a pressing portion (not shown). By the joint connection of the joint portion 182, the flow paths of the supply tube 15 and the recording head 14 communicate again, and ink supply to the recording head 14 becomes possible.

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

[0030] When injecting ink, the user opens the ink tank cover 179, removes the ink tank cap 177, and injects ink from an ink bottle or the like into the ink tank 17 through the ink injection port 176. At this time, the ink tank valve 180 closes in conjunction with the opening of the ink tank cover 179 by a mechanism (not shown), and the flow paths of the ink supply path 155 and the atmosphere communication tube 178 are blocked. Further, when the ink injection is completed, the user seals the ink injection port 176 with the ink tank cap 177 and closes the ink tank cover 179. At this time, the ink tank valve 180 switches from the closed state to the open state in conjunction with the closing of the ink tank cover 179, and the flow paths of the ink supply path 155 and the atmosphere communication tube 178 communicate. That is, while the ink tank cap 177 is removed and the ink injection port 176 is open to the atmosphere, the flow paths of the ink supply path 155 and the atmosphere communication tube 178 are blocked by the ink tank valve 180.

[0031] After detecting the completion of ink injection, the recording device 1 can press the suction cap 211 (see Fig. 6) against the discharge port surface of the recording head 14 to perform an ink suction operation from the ink discharge port 142. By this suction operation, the supply tube 15 and the recording head 14 are filled with ink. Note that the detection of the completion of ink injection is performed by detecting that the cover member 112 has been closed by the cover sensor 18. However, this is not the only way, and the completion of ink injection may be detected by detecting that a predetermined amount or more of ink has been injected by a remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 17. When ink is discharged from the ink discharge port 142 of the recording head 14 filled with ink during the recording operation, the negative pressure in the recording head 14 increases by the amount of the decrease in ink, and ink is supplied from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. As a result, ink is continuously supplied from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14 until the ink in the ink tank 17 becomes less than the predetermined amount.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the manual valve 16 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figs. 4(a) and 4(b) are perspective views showing the outline of the manual valve 16 according to the present embodiment. Also, Figs. 5(a) and 5(b) are cross-sectional views showing the outline of the manual valve 16 according to the present embodiment. The positions of the printing mark 166 and the maintenance mark 167 in Fig. 5 are virtual positions. In the recording device 1, the printing mark 166 and the maintenance mark 167 are arranged at the positions occupied in Fig. 1(b).

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

[0034] The holding part 162 holds the supply tube 15. One end of the supply tube 15 is connected to the recording head 14 and the other end is connected to the ink tank 17. And the supply tube 15 includes a bendable region that can bend as the recording head 14 moves. In the supply tube 15, the manual valve 16 is arranged so that the bendable region is between the recording head 14 and the holding part 162. That is, the manual part 16 is arranged in a region of the supply tube 15 that does not move as the carriage 13 moves. Also, the supply tube 15 is fixed by the first fixing part 184 on the recording head 14 side and the second fixing part 183 on the ink tank 17 side. In this embodiment, the holding part 162 also serves as the second fixing part 183. Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0035] The displacement member 164 is a member that can be displaced in a direction interfering with the supply tube 15. In other words, the displacement member 164 is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward toward the supply tube 15. Also, the receiving member 163 is a member for receiving the displacement member 164 that is displaced in a direction interfering with the supply tube 15. The receiving member 163 is provided on the side opposite to the side where the displacement member 164 is provided with respect to the supply tube 15. And the ink supply path 155 is blocked by the displacement member 164 pressing against the supply tube 15 while crushing the supply tube 15 with respect to the receiving member 163.

[0036] The cam 165 displaces the displacement member 164. In the case of this embodiment, the cam 165 is provided integrally with the operation part 161. The cam 165 is in contact with the displacement member 164 on the cam surface 1651. When the user operates the operation part 161, the cam 165 rotates accordingly, and the displacement member 164 pressed by the cam surface 1651 is displaced. Thereby, the user can block and communicate the ink supply path 155 via the operation part 161.

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

[0038] Fig. 4(b) shows a state (closed state) in which the displacement member 164 crushes the supply tube 15 and the ink supply path 155 is blocked. As shown in Fig. 5(b), the supply tube 15 is crushed between the displacement member 164 and the receiving member 163, and its ink supply path 155 is blocked. At this time, the supply tube 15 is in a state where it cannot supply the ink in the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14, and when there is no ink, the atmosphere is not in communication.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the manual valve 16 is closed, the ink supply paths 155 of the supply tubes 15 for all ink colors are simultaneously blocked. However, a plurality of manual valves 16 may be provided for each supply tube 15 of each ink color, and each ink supply path 155 may be individually blocked. Also, manual valves 16 may be provided on each of the black side and the color side.

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

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

[0042] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the manual valve 16 is provided with a manual valve sensor 168 that detects the open / closed state of the manual valve 16. In the present embodiment, the manual valve sensor 168 is a mechanically operated switch. When the user operates the operation unit 161, the operating member 16a provided on the operation unit 161 moves the movable part of the manual valve sensor 168, thereby operating the manual valve sensor 168. Thereby, the closed state and the open state of the manual valve 16 can be detected. Note that an optical sensor or other well-known configurations can be adopted for the manual valve sensor 168.

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

[0044] Further, the recovery unit 21 includes a wiper 221 for wiping the discharge surface of the ink discharge port 142, a holding member (not shown) for holding the wiper 221, an ink removing member (not shown) for removing the ink adhering to the wiper 221, and the like. Note that these configurations are well-known and the description thereof is omitted.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the recording head 14 and the suction cap 211. The supply tube 15 is connected to the upper part of the recording head 14. Also, the suction cap 211 is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the ink discharge port 142 of the recording head 14 by a cap driving unit 217 (see FIG. 9) described later, and can cap the discharge surface provided with the ink discharge port 142 from below. The inside of the recording head 14 is not completely filled with ink, and an air layer 144 always exists. Note that the suction cap 211 is provided at a predetermined position inside the recording apparatus 1, and when the recovery operation is performed, the carriage 13 moves the recording head 14 to a recovery position above the suction cap 211.

[0046] Here, the suction operation of the ink in the suction cap 211 by the suction mechanism 212 will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the suction pump 214. In the case of the present embodiment, the suction mechanism 212 includes two suction tubes 213 for black and color.

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

[0048] The roller 215 is provided so as to be able to orbit around the rotation axis of the rotating member 219. When the rotating member 219 rotates (spins), the roller drive member 218 orbits around the axis of the rotating member 219. Then, by orbiting around the axis of the rotating member 219 with the roller drive member 218 in contact with the roller 215, the roller 215 orbits around the axis of the rotating member 219. And, with the ink discharge port 142 covered by the suction cap 211, the suction mechanism 212 performs suction by generating a negative pressure inside the suction cap 211 by the roller 215 orbiting around the rotating member 219 and squeezing the suction tube 213.

[0049] In the case of the present embodiment, the two suction tubes 213 are provided side by side vertically with the rotating member 219 interposed therebetween. Also, in the case of the present embodiment, three rollers 215 are provided, and the three rollers squeeze the two suction tubes 213 sequentially by rotation, so that suction is performed simultaneously with the two suction tubes 213.

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

[0051] Also, in the case of this embodiment, the suction pump 214 can block the ink suction passage 2131 by stopping the drive of the pump drive unit 216 with the roller 215 crushing the suction tube 213. That is, in this embodiment, it can be said that the suction pump 214 also serves as a blocking valve for the ink suction passage 2131. Therefore, since the suction pump 214 for recovery operation conventionally provided in the recording apparatus 1 also serves as a blocking valve for the ink suction passage 2131, the number of parts of the recording apparatus 1 can be reduced. However, a configuration in which a blocking valve for the ink suction passage 2131 is provided separately from the suction pump 214 can also be adopted. In this case, various types of valves can be adopted, such as a valve that can be manually operated like the manual valve 16, or a valve that can be automatically opened and closed by a drive source such as a motor.

[0052] <Hardware Configuration> FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the recording apparatus 1. The CPU 201 comprehensively controls the recording apparatus 1. The ROM 202 stores the control program of the CPU 201, various data, and the like. The RAM 203 temporarily stores various data. For example, the CPU 201 reads the program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executes it, thereby performing the operation control and data processing of the printer 100.

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

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

[0055] <Operation of the recording apparatus> The operation of the recording apparatus 1 will be described. If the user accidentally closes the manual valve 16 during the recording operation of the recording apparatus 1, there may be a problem in the supply of ink from the ink tank 17 to the recording head 14. As described above, in the recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the operation unit 161 is provided so as to be covered by the cover member 112, thereby suppressing an erroneous operation of the manual valve 16 by the user. In addition, the following processing is performed in order to more effectively prevent an erroneous operation of the manual valve 16 by the user during the recording operation.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the CPU 201 for preventing an erroneous operation of the manual valve 16 by the user during the recording operation. For example, this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 reading a program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Also, for example, this flowchart starts when the recording apparatus 1 starts the recording operation.

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

[0058] In S1003, the CPU 201 moves the carriage 13. Here, refer to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the manual valve 16 and the carriage 13. In the present embodiment, the CPU 201 stops the carriage 13 above the operation unit 161 so as to cover the operation unit 161. For example, the carriage 13 may be stopped at a position where at least a part of the operation unit 161 is covered by the attachment / detachment operation unit 143 of the carriage 13. Thereby, it becomes difficult for the user to operate the manual valve 16, and an erroneous operation of the manual valve 16 by the user can be prevented.

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

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

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

[0062] As described above, when the cover member 112 is opened during the recording operation, the recording apparatus 1 operates to prevent the user from operating the operation unit 161, so that erroneous operation of the manual valve 16 by the user can be prevented. Note that both the movement of the carriage 13 in S1002 and the notification in S1003 are for suppressing erroneous operation of the manual valve 16 by the user, and only one of the processes may be performed. Further, even when the cover member 112 is opened in a situation where there is no need to open the cover member 112, not limited to during the recording operation, the CPU 201 may issue the notification of S1003.

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

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

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

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

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

[0068] In S1205, the CPU 201 checks whether the manual valve 16 is closed. For example, the CPU 201 checks whether the manual valve 16 is closed based on the detection result of the manual valve sensor 168. If the CPU 201 confirms that the manual valve 16 is closed, it proceeds to the process of S1206; if not, it repeats the process of S1205.

[0069] Note that the CPU 201 may confirm that the operation of the manual valve 16 is completed based on the input received by the input unit 204 from the user regarding the completion of the operation of the manual valve 16. Thereby, even when the manual valve sensor 168 is not provided, the CPU 201 can check whether the manual valve 16 is closed.

[0070] In S1206, the CPU 201 moves the carriage 13 to the head replacement position. The head replacement position is, for example, the position where the recording head 14 is exposed from the opening 111a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11 described above, the CPU 201 may set the position where at least a part of the operation unit 161 is covered by the carriage 13 as the head replacement position of the carriage 13. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally re-operating the operation unit 161 and opening the manual valve 16.

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

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

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

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

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

[0076] In S1213, the CPU 201 moves the carriage 13 to the cap position. In S1214, the CPU 201 brings the suction cap 211 into close contact with the ejection port surface of the recording head 14 and drives the suction pump 214. Thereby, ink filling into the recording head 14 is performed, and the flowchart ends.

[0077] As described above, when replacing the recording head 14, it is possible to prevent incorrect operations by the user by prompting the user to open and close the manual valve 16 as necessary. In addition, since the replacement notification of the recording head 14 is made after it is confirmed that the manual valve 16 is closed, ink leakage during replacement can be suppressed.

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

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

[0080] As described above, in the case of the transport setting mode, the CPU 201 performs a soft shutdown process after confirming that the manual valve 16 is closed. Therefore, when the power of the recording apparatus 1 is turned off while the transfer setting mode is selected, the manual valve 16 is always in the closed state. This can prevent the user from forgetting to take measures against ink leakage when transporting the recording apparatus 1 from the user to the service.

[0081] <Function and Effect> As described above, according to the recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the operation unit 161 is disposed at a position that is exposed when the cover member 112 is opened. Therefore, it is necessary to open the cover member 112 before the user operates the manual valve 16, and it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally operating the operation unit 161. Further, at the time of replacing the recording head 14, in order to prompt the user to replace the recording head 14 after the manual valve 16 is closed, it is possible to prevent ink leakage caused by the user replacing the recording head 14 with the manual valve 16 open. Here, when the distance between the manual valve 16 and the detachable operation unit 143 is long, the user may replace the recording head 14 while forgetting to operate the manual valve 16. However, in the present embodiment, by moving the detachable operation unit 143 to a position covered by the main body 111 of the housing 11, it is possible to prevent the user from replacing the recording head 14 until the manual valve 16 is closed.

[0082] Furthermore, when the recording apparatus 1 is being transported, by selecting the transport setting mode, the power is turned off with the manual valve 16 closed, so that it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to close the manual valve 16. Also, since the manual valve 16 is closed during transportation, for example, even if an impact is applied to the recording apparatus 1 during transportation and the recording head 14 and the suction cap 211 are separated, it is possible to reduce ink leakage from the recording head 14. This is particularly effective when a large-capacity ink tank 17 is provided, as it can suppress ink in the ink tank 17 from leaking from the recording head 14 during transportation and reduce contamination of the recording apparatus 1. Further, when the cover sensor 18 detects that the cover member 112 has been opened during printing, the recording apparatus 1 can also notify the user not to operate the manual valve 16.

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

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

[0085] FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) are perspective views showing an outline of a manual valve 30 according to another embodiment. The manual valve 30 is different from the manual valve 16 according to the first embodiment in that its operation portion 301 is formed in a shape that can cover the attachment / detachment operation portion 143. As shown in FIG. 14(a), when the manual valve 30 is open, the attachment / detachment operation portion 143 of the carriage 13 is covered by the operation portion 301 of the manual valve 30, and the user cannot operate the attachment / detachment operation portion 143. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when the manual valve 30 is closed, the operation portion 301 is positioned at a position where the attachment / detachment operation portion 143 can be operated. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the recording head 14 from being removed and ink leakage from occurring when the manual valve 30 is open. That is, it can be said that the operation portion 301 has a function of suppressing the user from replacing the recording head 14 at the wrong timing.

[0086] Figs. 15(a) and 15(b) are perspective views showing the outline of the manual valve 40 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 15(b), when the manual valve 40 is in the closed state, the operation portion 401 is arranged in a positional relationship where it abuts against a part of the carriage 13. Also, as shown in Fig. 15(a), when the manual valve 40 is in the open state, the operation portion 401 is arranged in a positional relationship where it does not abut against the carriage 13. With such a configuration, in this embodiment, by moving the carriage 13 while bringing it into contact with the operation portion 401 from the state of Fig. 15(b) to the state of Fig. 14(b), the manual valve 40 can be switched from the closed state to the open state. That is, the operation portion 401 is interlocked by the movement of the carriage 13, and the manual valve 40 can be switched from the closed state to the open state. For example, in the above-described transport setting mode, if the user makes a mode selection, the CPU 201 can move the carriage 13 to close the manual valve 40 and perform a shutdown process. On the other hand, since the open manual valve 40 does not abut against the carriage 13, it also has no influence on the recording operation. Thus, the operation of the manual valve 40 from the closed state to the open state is made possible without an operation by the user.

[0087] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1 Recording device, 14 Recording head, 16 Manual valve, 201 CPU, 112 Cover member

Claims

1. a first tank and a second tank having an injection section for injecting the liquid and containing the liquid to be supplied to an ejection head that ejects the liquid; a supply path for supplying the liquid in the first tank to the ejection head; a valve unit including a valve section that switches between an open state that opens the supply path and a closed state that closes the supply path, and an operation section that can operate the switching of the valve section; a cover that is movable between a position that covers the operation unit and a position that does not cover the operation unit; a platen disposed at a position facing the ejection head; A conveying means for conveying the recording medium in a first direction; a control means for informing a user to place the valve unit in the closed state; A detection unit for detecting whether the valve portion is closed or not, the first tank and the second tank are provided along a second direction intersecting the first direction, When the cover is in an uncovered position and the operation unit is exposed, the platen is also exposed; When the valve unit is closed by the operation unit and the cover is in a covering position, the closed state of the valve unit is maintained, The liquid ejection device, wherein the control means notifies a user to keep the valve portion in the closed state until the detection unit detects that the valve portion is closed.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein a tank cap is attached to the injection section, and a user can inject liquid into the first and second tanks by removing the tank cap.

3. 2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second tanks each have a buffer chamber for storing air.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , further comprising a display unit for displaying notifications to a user.

5. The liquid ejection device as described in Claim 1, characterized in that the control means notifies the user to operate the operating unit when the valve unit is in the closed state.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , further comprising a carriage that moves and carries the ejection head.

7. 7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 6, wherein the operation portion is operable when the carriage is located at a predetermined position.

8. a second supply path for supplying the liquid in the second tank to the ejection head; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the valve portion closes the second supply path in the closed state.

9. 9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 8, wherein the first tank contains black ink, and the second tank contains color ink.

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