Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device which can suppress the occurrence of a malfunction due to intentional or erroneous manual operation to a liquid discharge device in the power source off state.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device comprises: a liquid discharge part which performs printing by discharging liquid from a nozzle; a liquid storage part which has a storage chamber that stores the liquid and an injection port that communicates to the storage chamber and can inject the liquid from the outside; a supply channel which makes the liquid discharge part communicate to the liquid storage part; and an opening / closing mechanism. The opening / closing mechanism is configured so as to be able to switch between the open state of opening the supply channel and the close state of closing the supply channel in the time of power source on and to be unable to switch in the time of power source off. The liquid discharge device is configured to be able to select the first mode (e.g. normal mode) of turning off the power source while the opening / closing mechanism maintains the open state when turning off the power source, and the second mode (e.g. transport mode of turning off the power source while the opening / closing mechanism maintains the close state when turning off the power source (steps S16-S21).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device including a liquid discharge unit that discharges a liquid.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid discharge device including a liquid discharge unit that discharges a liquid. This liquid discharge device includes a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid, a liquid discharge unit that discharges the liquid, and a supply flow path that supplies the liquid from the liquid storage unit to the liquid discharge unit. Further, this liquid discharge device includes an opening / closing mechanism having a manually operable lever that can open and close the supply flow path. A user, a repairer, or the like can close the supply flow path when necessary by operating the lever of the opening / closing mechanism. For example, when transporting the liquid discharge device, the lever is operated to close the supply flow path.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the liquid discharge device described in Patent Document 1, if a user, a transporter, a repairer, or the like intentionally or accidentally operates a manual operation unit such as a lever on the liquid discharge device in a power-off state, the liquid discharge device may be transported with the supply flow path open. In this case, there is a possibility that a liquid such as ink may leak from the liquid discharge unit during transportation. Thus, in the conventional liquid discharge device, there is a problem that a malfunction occurs due to the fact that a manual operation can be performed intentionally or accidentally on the liquid discharge device in a power-off state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problems comprises: a liquid ejection unit that performs printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle; a liquid storage unit having a storage chamber for storing liquid and an inlet that communicates with the storage chamber and allows liquid to be injected from the outside; a supply channel connecting the liquid ejection unit and the liquid storage unit; and an opening / closing mechanism configured to be switchable between an open state for opening the supply channel and a closed state for closing the supply channel when the power is turned on, but not switchable when the power is turned off; and a first mode in which the opening / closing mechanism maintains the open state when the power is turned off and the power is turned off, and a second mode in which the opening / closing mechanism maintains the closed state when the power is turned off. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a liquid dispensing device in an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a liquid dispensing device showing how liquid is injected into the liquid storage section. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing a liquid dispensing device with a portion of it broken open to reveal the liquid storage section. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the liquid storage section, opening / closing mechanism, liquid discharge section, carriage, etc. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the liquid storage section, supply channel, atmospheric communication channel, opening / closing mechanism, liquid discharge section, etc. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the opening and closing mechanism. [Figure 7] This is a disassembled perspective view of the opening and closing mechanism. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the opening / closing mechanism opens the flow path. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the opening / closing mechanism closes the flow path. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the liquid storage section, flow path, opening / closing mechanism, and liquid discharge section. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the settings screen. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 13]This is a table showing the four switching positions of the opening and closing mechanism. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows the control details when the transport mode is turned on or off. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows the control procedures when replacing the liquid dispensing unit. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows the control procedures when the cover is opened and closed. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing the liquid storage section, supply channel, atmospheric communication channel, opening / closing mechanism, and liquid discharge section in an example of modification. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram showing the liquid storage section, supply channel, atmospheric communication channel, opening / closing mechanism, and liquid discharge section in a modified example different from Figure 17. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes a liquid dispensing device according to one embodiment, with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the liquid dispensing device 11 comprises a printing unit 12 that prints on a medium M such as paper, and a scanner 13 that reads an original document (not shown). The scanner 13 is located above the printing unit 12. The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a device body 14 that constitutes the printing unit 12. The device body 14 has an opening at its top that opens upward. The scanner 13 functions as an openable and closable cover 13A that covers the opening of the device body 14.

[0008] In Figure 1, assuming the liquid ejection device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, the direction along gravity is defined as the vertical direction Z, and the directions along the horizontal plane are defined as the width direction X and the depth direction Y. That is, the width direction X, the depth direction Y, and the vertical direction Z intersect (preferably orthogonal). In addition, one end in the depth direction Y is called the front side, and the other end opposite to that side is called the back side. When viewed from the front side, one end of the width direction X is sometimes called the right side, and the other end is called the left side. Furthermore, the width direction X is also the main scanning direction in which the liquid ejection unit 31 mounted on the carriage 30, which will be described later, moves during printing, so it is also called the main scanning direction X. In this case, the direction parallel to the depth direction Y and opposite in direction in which the medium M is transported at the printing position facing the liquid ejection unit 31 is also called the transport direction-Y or sub-scanning direction-Y.

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the main body of the device 14 includes a liquid discharge unit 31, a carriage 30, a transport mechanism 70 (see Figure 12), a liquid storage unit 20, a supply channel 24, an opening / closing mechanism 40, and a control unit 90 (see Figure 12).

[0010] The main body of the device 14 includes a housing 14A, which is the outer casing of the main body of the device 14. Inside the housing 14A are a liquid discharge unit 31, a carriage 30, a supply channel 24, an opening / closing mechanism 40, a transport mechanism 70, and a control unit 90. The liquid storage unit 20 is located on both sides in the width direction X at the front of the housing 14A.

[0011] The liquid storage unit 20 includes a housing case 21 and a cover 22 that covers the opening of the housing case 21. The housing case 21 houses a liquid storage portion 23 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) for storing liquid. The cover 22 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the housing case 21. Specifically, the cover 22 is configured to be displaceable between a cover position shown in FIG. 1 that covers the liquid storage portion 23 and an exposed position shown in FIG. 2 where the liquid storage portion 23 is exposed. The liquid discharge device 11 includes, for example, a cover sensor 71 (see FIG. 12) as an example of a displacement detection unit that detects the displacement of the cover 22. For example, when a user or the like replenishes the liquid storage portion 23 with liquid, the cover 22 is displaced from the cover position to the exposed position. This displacement of the cover 22 is detected by the cover sensor 71. The control unit 90 can detect the displacement of the cover 22 based on the detection signal of the cover sensor 71.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, on the front side of the liquid discharge device 11, there is provided an operation panel 17 having an operation unit 15 such as buttons operated to give various instructions to the liquid discharge device 11 and a display unit 16 that displays information such as menus. The display unit 16 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display panel. When the display unit 16 is a touch panel, a part of the operation unit 15 may be constituted by the touch operation function of the display unit 16. The operation unit 15 includes a power operation unit 15A that is operated when turning on and off the power of the liquid discharge device 11.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a medium storage unit 18 for storing a medium M is detachably inserted at the lower part of the apparatus main body 14. The medium storage unit 18 is, for example, a cassette configured to be able to store the medium M. A plurality of media M stored in the medium storage unit 18 are supplied one by one along a predetermined conveyance path. The medium M is conveyed in the conveyance direction -Y through a conveyance area FA (see FIG. 4) having a width dimension slightly narrower than the width dimension of the medium storage unit 18 in the width direction X. Liquid is discharged onto the medium M by a liquid discharge unit 31 while the medium M is being conveyed through the conveyance area FA. Note that the medium storage unit 18 is not limited to one stage, and a plurality of stages may be provided. Further, the supply source of the medium M is not limited to the medium storage unit 18 such as a cassette, and may be a medium placement unit having a tray on which one or a plurality of media M can be placed.

[0014] The scanner 13 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body 14 with a rotation fulcrum on the back side of the apparatus main body 14. The scanner 13 is rotatable between a closed posture (see FIG. 1) and an open posture (see FIG. 2) with respect to the apparatus main body 14. The scanner 13 that functions as a cover 13A is openable and closable between a cover position that covers the inside of the apparatus main body 14 and an exposed position where the inside of the apparatus main body 14 is exposed. Note that the liquid discharge apparatus 11 may be configured not to include the scanner 13. Instead of the scanner 13, a simple cover 13A that covers the opening of the apparatus main body from above may be provided.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner 13 is attached via a rotation mechanism 13B such as a hinge provided on the back side. The scanner 13 is openable and closable with respect to the printing unit 12 and rotates between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the open position shown in FIG. 2.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, when cover 13A is closed, a portion of cover 13A covers a portion of cover 22, which is in the closed position. Therefore, in order to open cover 22, cover 13A must first be opened. When cover 13A is rotated to the open position, cover 22 of the liquid storage unit 20 becomes openable and closable. Cover 22 is configured to displace between a cover position that covers the liquid storage section 23 and an exposed position that exposes the liquid storage section 23. Alternatively, cover 22 may be eliminated, and cover 13A may be configured to displace between a cover position that covers the liquid storage section 23 and an exposed position that exposes the liquid storage section 23.

[0017] The liquid storage section 23 includes an injection section 27 having an inlet 27A at its top, and a lid member 28 that can close the inlet 27A in the closed position. The lid member 28 is configured to displace between a closed position that blocks the injection section 27 and an open position that opens the injection section 27. When the cover 22 is rotated to the exposed position (open position), the lid member 28 can be opened and closed. To replenish the liquid storage section 23 with liquid, as shown in Figure 2, the scanner 13, cover 22, and lid member 28 are rotated in order to the open position, and the liquid bottle 75 filled with liquid is connected to the injection section 27 of the liquid storage section 23 in an inverted position. The liquid in the liquid bottle 75 is injected into the liquid storage section 23 via the injection section 27.

[0018] In this example, two liquid storage units 20 are arranged on either side of the control panel 17 in the width direction X. Here, the control panel 17 is located in approximately the same area as the transport area FA of the medium M in the width direction X. For this reason, the multiple liquid storage units 23 are arranged separately on both sides of the transport area FA of the medium M.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, one liquid storage unit 20 contains three liquid storage compartments 23, and the other liquid storage unit 20 contains one liquid storage compartment 23. The three liquid storage compartments 23 in one liquid storage unit 20 contain, for example, color inks used during color printing. For example, the three liquid storage compartments 23 contain cyan, magenta, and yellow inks. The one liquid storage compartment 23 in the other liquid storage unit 20 contains, for example, black ink used during monochrome printing. The ink can be either pigment-based or dye-based.

[0020] The liquid dispensing device 11 has a first liquid storage section 23A and a second liquid storage section 23B, each with a different liquid capacity, mounted side by side in the width direction X. In this embodiment, one first liquid storage section 23A for black, which has a larger capacity, is provided on the left side of the operation panel 17, and three second liquid storage sections 23B for color, which have a smaller capacity than the first liquid storage section 23A, are provided on the right side of the operation panel 17. The configuration of the multiple second liquid storage sections 23B is the same, and common components in both the first liquid storage section 23A and the second liquid storage section 23B are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations.

[0021] The volume of the first liquid storage section 23A, which contains black ink, is larger than the volume of the second liquid storage section 23B, which contains color ink. This is because black ink consumes more liquid than color ink. In the examples shown in Figures 2 to 4, one first liquid storage section 23A containing black ink and multiple (for example, three) second liquid storage sections 23B containing color ink are arranged on the left and right sides, but the arrangement of the multiple liquid storage sections 23 on the left and right can be changed as appropriate.

[0022] The storage case 21 that constitutes the liquid storage unit 20 is provided with a window 21A at a position corresponding to each liquid storage section 23. The user can visually check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 23 through the window 21A.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the liquid storage section 23 has a storage chamber 26 for storing liquid and an inlet 27A that communicates with the storage chamber 26 and allows liquid to be injected from the outside. The first liquid storage section 23A and the second liquid storage section 23B have basically the same configuration except that their widths differ slightly due to their different volumes.

[0024] The liquid storage section 23 shown in Figure 3 is made of transparent or translucent resin, at least in part, allowing the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage chamber 26 to be seen from the outside. The window section 21A of the storage case 21 (see Figure 1) functions as a viewing surface that allows the liquid in the liquid storage section 23 to be seen from the outside. The window section 21A is provided with a lower limit indicator section LL that indicates the lower limit at which liquid should be replenished in the storage chamber 26, and an upper limit indicator section UL that indicates the upper limit at which liquid should be replenished. The viewing surface is positioned to be aligned with the vertical direction Z when the first liquid storage section 23A is in use.

[0025] Alternatively, instead of the liquid storage section 23, the upper limit indicator UL may be formed by creating a light-transmitting window section 21A using a transparent or translucent material, and providing the upper limit indicator UL in the window section 21A. It is also possible to omit the upper limit indicator UL altogether.

[0026] Furthermore, the liquid ejection device 11 shown in Figure 1 includes a liquid ejection unit 31 within a housing 14A that performs printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle 33 (see Figure 10). The liquid ejection device 11 includes a supply channel 24, including a tube, for supplying liquid contained in a liquid storage unit 23 to the liquid ejection unit 31. The liquid ejection device 11 also includes a carriage 30 on which the liquid ejection unit 31 is mounted and which is capable of reciprocating along the main scanning direction X. The liquid ejection unit 31 includes a liquid ejection head 32 (see Figures 4 and 10) that ejects liquid from the nozzle 33. The liquid ejection unit 31 prints characters or images on the medium M by ejecting liquid from the nozzle 33 of the liquid ejection head 32 toward the medium M while moving in the main scanning direction X.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the liquid dispensing device 11 includes a supply channel 24 that connects the liquid dispensing section 31 and the liquid storage section 23. The supply channel 24 is, for example, a tube. The liquid dispensing device 11 also includes an opening / closing mechanism 40 that is configured to open and close the supply channel 24.

[0028] Furthermore, the liquid storage section 23 has an atmospheric communication channel 25 that allows communication between the storage chamber 26 and the atmosphere. The opening / closing mechanism 40 is configured to open and close the atmospheric communication channel 25. The supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 are connected to the opening / closing mechanism 40. The supply channel 24 is connected to the liquid discharge section 31 via the opening / closing mechanism 40 in a predetermined channel path that curves and folds back along the width direction X. The supply channel 24 is configured as four tubes that supply four colors of ink bundled together in a horizontally adjacent manner.

[0029] Furthermore, the opening / closing mechanism 40 is configured to be switchable between an open state, which opens the supply channel 24, and a closed state, which closes the supply channel 24, when the power is turned on, but not switchable when the power is turned off. The liquid dispensing device 11 is configured to allow selection between a first mode in which the opening / closing mechanism 40 remains in the open state when the power is turned off, and a second mode in which the opening / closing mechanism 40 remains in the closed state when the power is turned off.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the liquid dispensing device 11 includes a carriage 30 on which the liquid dispensing unit 31 is mounted and which is movable in the main scanning direction X. <Internal structure of the printing unit 12> Next, the internal configuration of the printing unit 12 will be described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the carriage 30 is capable of reciprocating in the main scanning direction X by the driving force provided by the carriage motor 36. The carriage 30 is equipped with a liquid discharge unit 31.

[0031] On the rear side of the carriage 30's movement path, an endless timing belt 38, wrapped around a pair of pulleys 37, extends along the main scanning direction X. The drive pulley of the pair of pulleys 37 is fixed to the rotation axis (not shown) of the carriage motor 36. At least a portion of the timing belt 38 is fixed to the rear end of the carriage 30. As the carriage motor 36 is driven in forward and reverse directions, the timing belt 38 rotates in the same direction as the carriage motor 36, causing the carriage 30 to reciprocate in the main scanning direction X.

[0032] The carriage 30 shown in Figure 4 moves back and forth along a guide axis (not shown) extending in the main scanning direction X. The carriage 30 waits in a standby position HP (home position) when not printing. Directly below the carriage 30 when it has moved to the standby position HP, a maintenance unit 50 is provided for maintaining the liquid ejection unit 31. The maintenance unit 50 includes a cap 51 as an example of a closed space forming unit that can form a closed space through which the nozzle 33 opens when the liquid ejection unit 31 is in standby position HP. The cap 51 can contact the liquid ejection unit 31, for example, by surrounding the nozzle 33. The maintenance unit 50 also includes a pump 53 that reduces the pressure in the closed space formed when the cap 51 contacts the nozzle surface 32A (see Figure 10) in the liquid ejection head 32 through which the nozzle 33 opens. By reducing the pressure in the closed space formed when the cap 51 contacts the nozzle surface 32A, the nozzle 33 is cleaned to discharge unwanted ink and air bubbles from inside the nozzle 33.

[0033] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device 11 of this embodiment is provided with a liquid receiving section (not shown) directly below the carriage 30 when it moves to the non-printing areas located on both sides of the transport area FA (printing area) in the main scanning direction X. The liquid receiving section receives ink discharged from the nozzle 33 by dry dispensing, which is a type of maintenance. Dry dispensing is the process of dispensing ink that is not used for printing from the nozzle 33 by driving a piezoelectric element, thereby eliminating the viscosity increase of the ink inside the nozzle 33. The liquid receiving section may also be served by the cap 51.

[0034] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device 11 has a transport mechanism 70 (see Figure 12) equipped with multiple rollers for transporting a sheet-like medium M. The transport mechanism 70 transports the medium M in a transport direction -Y that intersects with the main scanning direction X, which is the direction of movement of the carriage 30 (liquid dispensing unit 31). Below the range in which the liquid dispensing unit 31 moves, a support base (platen) (not shown) is provided so as to face the liquid dispensing head 32. The support base supports the medium M being transported by the transport mechanism 70. The liquid dispensing unit 31 prints images, etc., on the medium M by dispensing a liquid such as ink onto the portion of the medium M being transported in the transport area FA that is supported by the support base.

[0035] The relative positions of the liquid storage section 23 and the liquid discharge section 31 are such that the liquid level in the liquid storage section 23 is positioned lower than the nozzle 33 of the liquid discharge section 31 by a predetermined height in the vertical Z direction. In other words, a negative pressure is applied to the nozzle 33 due to a head difference of a predetermined height.

[0036] The liquid discharge unit 31 shown in Figure 4 is detachably mounted on the carriage 30. The supply channel 24 has one end detachably mounted on the liquid discharge unit 31. The liquid discharge unit 31 includes a joint 35 that connects to the supply channel 24.

[0037] In this example, the liquid dispensing unit 31 is configured to be replaceable with respect to the carriage 30. The carriage 30 is provided with a rotatably supported attachment / detachment operation unit 34. The user can attach and detach the liquid dispensing unit 31 from the carriage 30 by operating the attachment / detachment operation unit 34. The attachment and detachment of the liquid dispensing unit 31 is performed at the replacement position EP shown in Figure 4, with the cover 13A, which consists of the scanner 13, open. The replacement position EP is a different position from the standby position HP in the main scanning direction X. Upon receiving a command to replace the liquid dispensing unit 31, the carriage 30 moves from the standby position HP to the replacement position EP.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the joint portion 35 is a component that connects the supply channel 24 and the liquid discharge portion 31. The joint portion 35 is provided, for example, on the attachment / detachment operation section 34. When the user operates the attachment / detachment operation section 34 in the opening direction to remove the liquid discharge portion 31 from the carriage 30, the joint portion 35 detaches from the liquid discharge portion 31. This separates the supply channel 24 and the liquid discharge portion 31. The liquid discharge portion 31 can then be removed from the carriage 30 while separated from the supply channel 24. When the user attaches the liquid discharge portion 31 to the carriage 30, the connection of the joint portion 35 to the liquid discharge portion 31 is achieved by closing the attachment / detachment operation section 34 and pressing a pressing part (not shown). The connection between the joint portion 35 and the liquid discharge portion 31 reconnects the supply channel 24 and the liquid discharge portion 31, enabling the supply of liquid to the liquid discharge head 32.

[0039] <Regarding the opening / closing mechanism 40> Next, the detailed configuration of the opening / closing mechanism 40 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figure 5, the opening / closing mechanism 40 comprises a first opening / closing section 41 and a second opening / closing section 42. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the opening / closing mechanism 40 comprises a drive mechanism 43 that outputs a driving force for opening and closing the flow paths 24 and 25. The drive mechanism 43 comprises a motor 43M as the drive unit. The first opening / closing section 41 shown in Figure 5 is configured to open and close the supply flow path 24. The second opening / closing section 42 is configured to open and close the atmospheric communication flow path 25. The control unit 90 controls the opening and closing state of the first opening / closing section 41 and the second opening / closing section 42 by driving and controlling the motor 43M.

[0040] The opening / closing mechanism 40 is configured to allow selection between a state in which only the supply channel 24 is closed and a state in which only the atmospheric communication channel 25 is closed. When the first opening / closing section 41 is closed and the second opening / closing section 42 is open, the opening / closing mechanism 40 closes only the supply channel 24 of the supply channel 24 and atmospheric communication channel 25. Also, when the first opening / closing section 41 is open and the second opening / closing section 42 is closed, the opening / closing mechanism 40 closes only the atmospheric communication channel 25 of the supply channel 24 and atmospheric communication channel 25. In this example, the opening / closing mechanism 40 has four combinations of open / closed states for the supply channel 24 and atmospheric communication channel 25. Note that there may also be two or three combinations of open / closed states.

[0041] <Detailed configuration of opening / closing mechanism 40> Next, the detailed configuration of the opening / closing mechanism 40 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the opening / closing mechanism 40. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the opening / closing mechanism 40.

[0042] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a motor 43M configured to drive the opening / closing mechanism 40. As shown in Figure 7, the opening / closing mechanism 40 includes a first opening / closing section 41 capable of opening and closing the supply passage 24, which includes a first pressing member 46 capable of pressing the supply passage 24, and a first cam 44 that switches the pressing state of the first pressing member 46 when driven by a motor 43M. Furthermore, the opening / closing mechanism 40 includes a second opening / closing section 42 capable of opening and closing the atmospheric communication passage 25, which includes a second pressing member 47 capable of pressing the atmospheric communication passage 25, and a second cam 45 that switches the pressing state of the second pressing member 47 when driven by a motor 43M. The drive mechanism 43 may include a drive transmission section 43A that transmits the driving force of the motor 43M. The drive transmission section 43A is composed of a rotating shaft and gears, etc. The drive transmission section 43A transmits the driving force of the motor 43M to the cams 44 and 45 at a variable speed.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the opening / closing mechanism 40 has a flow path holding case 49 that holds the cams 44 and 45, the pressing members 46 and 47, and the flow paths 24 and 25 in a sandwiched state. The flow path holding case 49 is the outer casing of the opening / closing mechanism 40. The flow path holding case 49 comprises a flow path support portion 49A and a flow path cover portion 49B.

[0044] The flow path support section 49A is provided with a plurality of recesses 49E extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cams 44 and 45. The supply flow path 24 and the atmospheric communication flow path 25 are inserted into the plurality of recesses 49E. A first pressing member 46 is positioned above the four supply flow paths 24, and a second pressing member 47 is positioned above the one atmospheric communication flow path 25. Furthermore, a first cam 44 is positioned above the first pressing member 46, and a second cam 45 is positioned above the second pressing member 47. Between the flow path support section 49A and the flow path cover section 49B, the flow paths 24 and 25, the pressing members 46 and 47, and the cams 44 and 45 are positioned in order from the flow path support section 49A side.

[0045] The flow path cover portion 49B has multiple locking portions 49C. The flow path support portion 49A has multiple locking portions 49D at positions corresponding to the multiple locking portions 49C. By locking the multiple locking portions 49C with the multiple locking portions 49D, the flow path support portion 49A and the flow path cover portion 49B are fixed together as a single flow path holding case 49. This constitutes the opening and closing mechanism 40 shown in Figure 6.

[0046] The first opening / closing section 41 comprises a first cam 44 and a first pressing member 46. The first opening / closing section 41 closes the supply passage 24 when the first cam 44 is in the closed position rotation angle, by the first cam 44 pressing the first pressing member 46. The second opening / closing section 42 comprises a second cam 45 and a second pressing member 47. The second opening / closing section 42 closes the atmospheric communication passage 25 when the second cam 45 is in the closed position rotation angle, by the second cam 45 pressing the second pressing member 47.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, the cams 44 and 45 are arranged coaxially, and one end of each cam on its axis is connected to the output shaft of the motor 43M via the drive transmission unit 43A. The cams 44 and 45 are integrally molded using, for example, resin. The pressing members 46 and 47 and the flow path holding case 49 are also molded parts of, for example, resin. The atmospheric communication flow path 25 is branched into three, including a first flow path section 25A connected to the first liquid containment section 23A and a second flow path section 25B connected to the second liquid containment section 23B. The open ends of the flow path sections, excluding the first flow path section 25A and the second flow path section 25B, are atmospheric vents 25C.

[0048] <Operation of opening / closing mechanism 40> Next, the operation of the opening / closing mechanism 40 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 shows the state when the opening / closing mechanism 40 is in the open position. Figure 9 shows the state when the opening / closing mechanism 40 is in the closed position. Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the opening / closing mechanism 40 as seen from the axial direction of the cams 44 and 45, showing the open / closed state of the supply channel 24. Figure 8 shows the open state of the supply channel 24, and Figure 9 shows the closed state of the supply channel 24. Note that the flow channel cover portion 49B of the flow channel holding case 49 is not shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0049] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cams 44 and 45 are formed with different diameters relative to the pivot center C1, depending on their circumferential position. The shape of the outer circumferential surface forming the cam surface of cam 44 is, for example, elliptical. The control unit 90 rotates the cams 44 and 45 in a clockwise direction, for example, in Figures 8 and 9, by rotationally driving the motor 43M. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the cams 44 (45) rotate, the position in which the outer circumferential surface of the cams 44 (45) contact the pressing members 46 (47) changes, and the pressing members 46 and 47 are displaced in a direction that allows them to move closer to or further away from the flow path 24 (25).

[0050] As shown in Figure 8, when the cam 44 is positioned so that its major axis is approximately parallel to the supply passage 24, the pressing member 46(47) is displaced away from the passage 24(25). As a result, the amount of displacement of the pressing member 46(47) in the direction that presses the supply passage 24 decreases, and the passage 24(25) becomes open.

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, when the cam 44 is positioned so that its major axis is approximately perpendicular to the supply passage 24, the pressing member 46(47) is displaced in a direction that approaches the passage 24(25). As a result, the amount of displacement in the direction in which the pressing member 46(47) presses against the supply passage 24 increases, and the passage 24(25) becomes closed. In this way, the opening and closing mechanism 40 opens and closes the four supply passages 24.

[0052] On the other hand, the outer circumferential surface shape of the second cam 45 may differ from that of the first cam 44. In this example, the cams 44 and 45 rotate coaxially around the pivot center C1, so the second cam 45 may be formed with a predetermined outer circumferential surface shape so that a desired combination of open and closed states (for example, the combination shown in Figure 13) can be achieved even with coaxial rotation. For example, the cams 44 and 45 have a minor axis portion and a major axis portion. The first cam 44 has an elliptical outer circumferential surface shape in which the portion that contacts the first pressing member 46 changes in the order of minor axis portion at 0 degrees of one rotation, major axis portion at 90 degrees, minor axis portion at 180 degrees, and major axis portion at 270 degrees. In contrast, the second cam 45 has an outer circumferential surface shape in which the portion that contacts the second pressing member 47 changes in the order of minor axis portion at 0 degrees of one rotation, minor axis portion at 90 degrees, major axis portion at 180 degrees, and major axis portion at 270 degrees.

[0053] For example, when transporting the liquid dispensing device 11, closing the supply channel 24 with the opening / closing mechanism 40 makes it less likely for ink to leak from the nozzle 33 of the liquid dispensing unit 31. When transporting the liquid dispensing device 11, vibrations and shocks act on the liquid in the liquid storage unit 23 and the supply channel 24. This can cause pressure to act on the liquid in the nozzle 33 of the liquid dispensing unit 31, potentially causing ink or other liquids to leak from the nozzle 33.

[0054] If the supply channel 24 is closed by the opening / closing mechanism 40 before transporting the liquid dispensing device 11, it is possible to suppress leakage of liquid such as ink from the nozzle 33 even if there are pressure fluctuations acting on the liquid in the liquid dispensing section 31 when transporting the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0055] In this embodiment, the user, transporter, or repairer puts the liquid dispensing device 11 into transport mode while it is powered on, and then turns off the power. Before the power is turned off, the motor 43M is driven, causing the first opening / closing section 41 to be closed and the supply channel 24 to be closed. In this state, the liquid dispensing device 11 is transported. When the transport of the liquid dispensing device 11 is complete, the user turns on the power to the liquid dispensing device 11. The control unit 90 returns the liquid dispensing device 11 from transport mode to normal mode between the time the power is turned on and the first liquid consumption operation takes place. By returning to normal mode, the supply channel 24, which was closed while in transport mode, is opened. As a result, in the liquid dispensing device 11 in normal mode, both the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 become open. In other words, the liquid in the liquid storage section 23 becomes available for supply to the liquid dispensing section 31.

[0056] Here, if the opening and closing mechanism is configured to be manually operated, users, transporters, repairers, etc., can manually change the manual operating part, such as the operating lever, from the open position to the closed position during transport of the liquid dispensing device 11, even if they manually operated the manual operating part from the open position to the closed position for transport. As a result, during transport of the liquid dispensing device 11, users, transporters, repairers, etc., may accidentally change the manual operating part from the closed position to the open position, or if they intentionally change the manual operating part from the closed position to the open position, they may forget to change it back to the original closed position. In these cases, the supply passage 24 remains open during subsequent transport. As a result, there is a possibility that ink may leak from the nozzle 33 of the liquid dispensing section 31 during transport of the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0057] Furthermore, if the opening and closing mechanism is configured to be opened and closed manually, the user may forget to return the manual operation part from the closed position to the open position even after the liquid discharge device 11 has finished transporting the liquid. In this case, the printing process may be performed with the supply channel 24 closed, resulting in no ink being discharged from the nozzle 33 of the liquid discharge unit 31, and the image not being printed on the medium M.

[0058] The liquid dispensing device 11 of this embodiment includes a configuration to suppress the problem of printing being performed with the supply channel 24 closed, because the user or others forget to change the manual operation unit from the closed position to the open position after the transport is completed. The liquid dispensing device 11 of this embodiment does not have a manual operation unit to switch the open / closed state of the opening / closing mechanism 40, but it may have a manual operation unit. In this case, when the power is off, the manual operation unit is locked inoperable by a locking mechanism (not shown), or the connection between the manual operation unit and the opening / closing mechanism 40 is interrupted by, for example, a clutch (not shown), so that the opening / closing mechanism 40 does not switch even if the manual operation unit is operated.

[0059] <Internal configuration of liquid storage section 23 and configuration of maintenance unit 50> Next, with reference to Figure 10, the internal configuration of the liquid storage unit 23 and the configuration of the maintenance unit 50 will be described. As shown in Figure 10, the liquid storage unit 23 includes a storage chamber 26 capable of storing liquid, an injection unit 27 for injecting liquid, an atmospheric communication unit 64 for connecting the storage chamber 26 to the atmosphere, and a liquid outlet unit 65 for discharging the liquid in the storage chamber 26 to supply it to the liquid discharge unit 31.

[0060] The liquid storage section 23 and the liquid discharge section 31 are connected via a supply channel 24. The liquid, such as ink, in the liquid storage section 23 is supplied to the liquid discharge section 31 via the supply channel 24, which is connected to the liquid outlet section 65.

[0061] When the liquid, such as ink, in the liquid storage section 23 is consumed and the amount of liquid in the liquid storage section 23 decreases, the pressure inside the liquid storage section 23 becomes lower than atmospheric pressure. At this time, since the atmospheric communication channel 25 connected to the atmospheric communication section 64 is open, air can flow into the storage chamber 26 from the atmospheric communication section 64. Therefore, the pressure inside the liquid storage section 23 is maintained at atmospheric pressure.

[0062] The liquid storage section 23 is equipped with two injection channels 61 and 62 that connect the inlet 27A of the injection section 27 to the storage chamber 26. The two injection channels 61 and 62 connect the inlet 27A, which opens to the outside of the storage chamber 26, to the outlet 27B, which opens to the inside of the storage chamber 26. In other words, the liquid storage section 23 has two injection channels 61 and 62, the upper end of which is the inlet 27A and the lower end of which is the outlet 27B. By connecting the supply port of the liquid bottle 75 to the inlet 27A, liquid can be injected from the liquid bottle 75 into the storage chamber 26 through the injection channels 61 and 62. The outlet 27B is located at the upper limit position indicated by the upper limit indicator UL (see Figure 3).

[0063] The atmospheric communication section 64 communicates with the containment chamber 26 at a position above the highest liquid level, which is the height of the outlet 27B. The containment chamber 26 and the atmospheric communication section 64 may also be connected via an atmospheric communication passage (not shown) that is formed in the shape of a narrow, meandering serpentine channel.

[0064] As shown in Figure 10, the presence of two injection channels 61 and 62 automatically stops liquid injection when the liquid reaches the outlet 27B. Therefore, users can inject liquid without having to check the upper limit indicator UL. At this time, the atmospheric communication channel 25 is closed by the opening / closing mechanism 40. Even when the atmospheric communication channel 25 is closed, liquid from the liquid bottle 75 is injected into the storage chamber 26 through one of the two injection channels 61 and 62. Simultaneously, air from the storage chamber 26 is supplied to the liquid bottle 75 through the other of the two injection channels 61 and 62. As a result, continuous gas-liquid exchange occurs between the liquid bottle 75 and the storage chamber 26 via the two injection channels 61 and 62, replenishing the liquid from the liquid bottle 75 to the storage chamber 26. When the liquid level L1 in the storage chamber 26 reaches the height shown by the dashed line in Figure 10 due to liquid injection, the two outlets 27B are sealed with liquid, preventing gas-liquid exchange and stopping liquid injection.

[0065] Here, if the atmospheric communication channel 25 is open and the inside of the containment chamber 26 is in communication with the atmosphere, even if the liquid level L1 reaches the outlet 27B during liquid injection, gas-liquid exchange will continue through the atmospheric communication channel 25, and the liquid injection will not stop. To avoid this situation where the liquid injection will not stop, the control unit 90 controls the opening / closing mechanism 40 to close at least the atmospheric communication channel 25 if it can predict that liquid injection will occur.

[0066] When the atmospheric communication channel 25 is closed, if the liquid level reaches the full tank height during liquid injection, the liquid level will reach the height of the outlet 27B and the outlet 27B will be sealed by the liquid. As a result, gas-liquid exchange is stopped, and the injection of liquid from the liquid bottle 75 into the liquid storage section 23 is automatically stopped.

[0067] Furthermore, the bottom wall of the storage chamber 26 is formed to be inclined such that the front side is higher in the depth direction Y. The liquid storage section 23 comprises the storage chamber 26, a liquid outlet passage 68 communicating with the storage chamber 26 on the rear side, and the aforementioned liquid outlet section 65 for discharging the liquid that has passed through the liquid outlet passage 68. When the liquid stored in the storage chamber 26 is consumed by the liquid discharge head 32, it is supplied to the liquid discharge section 31 via a filter, through the liquid outlet passage 68, the liquid outlet section 65, and the supply passage 24.

[0068] The supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 are each configured to be openable and closable at intermediate positions by an opening / closing mechanism 40. The supply channel 24 is opened and closed by a first opening / closing section 41. The atmospheric communication channel 25 is opened and closed by a second opening / closing section 42. The first opening / closing section 41 and the second opening / closing section 42 are opened and closed by the drive of a motor 43M of a drive mechanism 43.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the liquid dispensing device 11 is equipped with a linear encoder 39 for detecting the position and speed of the reciprocating carriage 30 in the main scanning direction X. The linear encoder 39 consists of a linear code plate 39B provided on the housing 14A and parallel to the main scanning direction X, and an optical sensor 39A provided on the carriage 30. A predetermined electrical signal corresponding to the movement state of the carriage 30 is output from the optical sensor 39A. The optical sensor 39A outputs an encoder signal as an electrical signal, which includes a number of pulses proportional to the amount of movement of the carriage 30. The encoder signal is input to a control unit 90, which will be described later. The control unit 90 performs position control and speed control of the carriage 30 based on the encoder signal. For example, the control unit 90 performs position control to move the carriage 30 (liquid dispensing unit 31) and stop it at the standby position HP and the exchange position EP.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, the maintenance unit 50 is equipped with a cap 51 on the upper part of the main body 52 that can be raised and lowered. The cap 51 is biased upward by a spring 54. The cap 51 is configured to be able to move up and down between a retracted position shown by a solid line in Figure 10 and an elevated position shown by a dashed line in the same figure. When the cap 51 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 32A of the liquid discharge head 32, a closed space communicating with the nozzle 33 is formed. Therefore, when not printing, the thickening and drying of liquids such as ink in the nozzle 33 is suppressed. The maintenance unit 50 is equipped with a pump 53 on the side of the main body 52. ​​When the cap 51 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 32A and a closed space is formed, the pump 53 is driven by a motor (not shown), and negative pressure is introduced into the closed space, forcibly discharging liquid from the nozzle 33 into the cap 51. The liquid (waste liquid) discharged into the cap 51 is collected in a waste liquid storage section (not shown) through a waste liquid tube (not shown) connected to the cap 51.

[0071] Furthermore, the liquid ejection head 32 has a pressure generating chamber (not shown) that communicates with the nozzle 33, and a piezoelectric element (not shown) that changes the volume of the pressure generating chamber, for example, by electrostrictive action. The nozzle 33, which opens to the nozzle surface 32A, is connected to the supply channel 24 via a flow path (not shown) within the liquid ejection section 31. The piezoelectric element vibrates a diaphragm (not shown) that forms part of the pressure generating chamber, causing pressure fluctuations in the pressure generating chamber, and by utilizing these pressure fluctuations, liquid such as ink is ejected from the nozzle 33. Note that the liquid ejection method of the liquid ejection head 32 (e.g., inkjet method) is not limited to the piezoelectric method (piezo method), but may also be a thermal method or a bubble method, for example.

[0072] <Electrical configuration of liquid dispensing device 11> Next, the electrical configuration of the liquid dispensing device 11 will be described with reference to Figure 12. As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 90 includes a CPU (central processing element) 91, a storage unit 92, and an interface unit (I / F) 93, which are provided on the control board.

[0073] I / F93 transmits and receives data between the external host device 100 and the liquid dispensing device 11. The host device 100 and the liquid dispensing device 11 may be connected directly by a cable or the like, or indirectly via a network or the like. Alternatively, data may be transmitted and received between the host device 100 and the liquid dispensing device 11 via wireless communication. The host device 100 is a terminal capable of issuing print and scan commands to the liquid dispensing device 11. The host device 100 can consist of a personal computer (PC), tablet, smartphone, or mobile phone.

[0074] The CPU 91 is a processing unit that performs overall control of the liquid dispensing device 11. The memory unit 92 is a storage medium that reserves an area for storing programs on which the CPU 91 operates, as well as an operating area for the program itself, and is composed of memory elements such as RAM and EPROM.

[0075] The control unit 90 creates print data based on image data received from the host device 100, and controls the liquid discharge unit 31, carriage motor 36, and transport mechanism 70, etc., based on the print data.

[0076] Alternatively, the host device 100 may create the print data, and the control unit 90 may control the liquid discharge unit 31, carriage motor 36, and transport mechanism 70, etc., based on the print data received from the host device 100. Furthermore, the control unit 90 may create the print data based on operation commands entered by the user via the operation unit 15 of the operation panel 17, and then control the liquid discharge unit 31, carriage motor 36, and transport mechanism 70, etc., based on that print data.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 90 drives a piezoelectric element provided in the liquid discharge unit 31 to discharge liquid such as ink from multiple nozzles 33 toward the medium M. In addition, the control unit 90 supplies a drive signal to drive the carriage motor 36.

[0078] Here, we will describe the printing operation performed by the liquid dispensing device 11 on the medium M. The media M contained in the media storage unit 18 is transported by the transport mechanism 70 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction -Y which intersects the main scanning direction X. The transport mechanism 70 then transports the media M while it is supported by a support base (platen) (not shown) located below the liquid discharge unit 31 in the area facing the liquid discharge unit 31. The liquid discharge unit 31 then discharges liquid such as ink from the nozzle 33 onto the surface of the media M that is facing the liquid discharge unit 31, which is supported by the support base. The liquid discharge unit 31 moves back and forth in the main scanning direction X while mounted on the carriage 30. As the liquid discharge unit 31 moves in the main scanning direction X, it alternately performs a printing operation in which it discharges liquid from the nozzle 33 and a transport operation in which it transports the media M to the next printing position, thereby printing characters or images on the media M. The printed media M is then discharged toward the media discharge tray (not shown).

[0079] The control unit 90 receives electrical signals output from a linear encoder 39 (optical sensor 39A) for detecting the position and speed of the carriage 30 as it moves in conjunction with the drive of the carriage motor 36.

[0080] The control unit 90 drives the transport mechanism 70 to move the medium M in the transport direction -Y which intersects the main scanning direction X. The control unit 90 controls the maintenance unit 50 to perform maintenance operations on the liquid discharge unit 31.

[0081] The control unit 90 receives commands from the operation unit 15 operated by the user and performs various controls. The control unit 90 detects the open / closed state of the flow paths 24 and 25, which are opened and closed by the opening / closing mechanism 40, using an opening / closing detection unit 72 consisting of an optical sensor or the like. The opening / closing detection unit 72 may be, for example, a rotary encoder. The opening / closing detection unit 72 consisting of a rotary encoder detects the open / closed state of the opening / closing mechanism 40 by detecting the rotation angle of the cams 44 and 45. In this example, the opening / closing detection unit 72 detects four switching positions as the open / closed state of the opening / closing mechanism 40.

[0082] The control unit 90 uses the electrical signal output from the linear encoder 39 (optical sensor 39A) to calculate the position and movement speed of the carriage 30 in the main scanning direction X. In other words, the control unit 90 controls the movement of the carriage 30.

[0083] The control unit 90 moves the carriage 30 toward the -X direction, causing it to contact the side wall of the housing 14A. When the carriage 30 contacts the side wall of the housing 14A, its movement toward the -X direction is obstructed, causing it to stop. This obstruction of the carriage 30's movement toward the -X direction increases the drive load on the carriage motor 36. The control unit 90 uses the position of the carriage 30 at the time it detects the increased drive load on the carriage motor 36 as the reference position and defines the standby position HP and the exchange position EP in the main scanning direction X, respectively.

[0084] The control unit 90 is electrically connected to the operation unit 15 and the display unit 16. The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a volume detection unit (not shown) that detects the amount of liquid contained in each liquid storage unit 23. The volume detection unit is, for example, a level sensor that detects the amount of liquid contained in each liquid storage unit 23 and outputs a detection signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 90.

[0085] The CPU 91 controls various functions, including the control of the liquid dispensing device 11, by executing control programs stored in the memory unit 92. The memory unit 92 stores control programs that control various functions of the liquid dispensing device 11, as well as reference data referenced in the control programs. The memory unit 92 also stores various information for controlling the liquid dispensing device 11 by the control unit 90. In this embodiment, the memory unit 92 stores various programs, as examples of control programs, as shown in the flowcharts in Figures 14, 15, and 16. Specifically, the memory unit 92 stores a program that includes control of the opening and closing mechanism 40 during transport mode (Figure 14), a program that includes replacement control of the liquid dispensing unit 31 (Figure 15), and a program that includes control of the opening and closing mechanism 40 during liquid injection (Figure 16).

[0086] The control unit 90 (CPU 91) executes a program to control the opening and closing mechanism 40 during transport mode (Figure 14), control the replacement of the liquid discharge unit 31 (Figure 15), and control the opening and closing mechanism 40 during liquid injection (Figure 16).

[0087] The control unit 90 manages the mode of the liquid dispensing device 11. If there is a command to transport the liquid dispensing device 11, the second mode (transport mode) is selected, and if there is no command to transport the liquid dispensing device 11, the first mode (normal mode) is selected. In this example, the first mode is the normal mode when the liquid dispensing device 11 is not transported, and the second mode is the transport mode when the liquid dispensing device 11 is transported.

[0088] When the second mode (transport mode) is selected, the opening / closing mechanism 40 closes at least one of the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25. Then, when the transport of liquid by the liquid dispensing device 11 is finished and the power is turned on again, the opening / closing mechanism 40 switches from the closed state to the open state between the time the power is turned on again and the start of liquid consumption by the liquid dispensing unit 31. The control unit 90 detects that the power is turned on when the power operation unit 15A is operated by the user or the like. When the control unit 90 detects that the power is turned on, it checks the current mode and, if the second mode is selected, controls the opening / closing mechanism 40 to switch it from the closed state to the open state between the time the power is turned on and the start of the first liquid consumption.

[0089] For example, if the control unit 90 is in the second mode when power-on is detected, it may switch to the first mode at that point. Alternatively, after power-on detection, when a liquid consumption operation is commanded, the control unit 90 may switch from the second mode to the first mode before starting this liquid consumption operation. Here, liquid consumption operations include printing operations and maintenance operations. Maintenance operations include cleaning operations and flushing operations (empty ejection operations). Furthermore, liquid consumption operations also include nozzle inspections performed by ejecting liquid from the nozzles 33. For example, this includes inspection operations in which liquid is ejected from the nozzles 33 to perform a nozzle check inspection to detect nozzle clogging. For example, when the first maintenance command is received after power-on detection, the control unit 90 switches from the second mode to the first mode before starting the maintenance operation. As a result, the control unit 90 controls the opening / closing mechanism 40 to open the supply flow path 24.

[0090] As a result, when liquid consumption operations such as liquid dispensing or liquid discharge are performed, liquid is supplied from the liquid storage unit 23 to the liquid discharge unit 31 through the supply channel 24. Consequently, the required amount of liquid is discharged from the nozzle 33 of the liquid discharge unit 31. If the supply channel 24 were closed when liquid is consumed, there would be a possibility of discharge failure or discharge failure where the required amount of liquid is not discharged or discharged, but this concern is eliminated.

[0091] <Settings screen> Next, the settings screen 80 will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 shows the settings screen 80 displayed on the display unit 16. The user makes various settings for the liquid dispensing device 11 using the settings screen 80 by operating the operation unit 15. The settings screen 80 may also be displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the host device 100, and the user may make various settings for the liquid dispensing device 11 using the settings screen 80 by operating the operation unit (not shown) of the host device 100.

[0092] The liquid dispensing device 11 is configured to allow selection between a first mode in which the power is turned off while the opening / closing mechanism 40 remains open, and a second mode in which the power is turned off while the opening / closing mechanism 40 remains closed.

[0093] The setting screen 80 shown in Figure 11 is an operation screen for selecting and setting one of two modes: the first mode or the second mode. In this example, the first mode is the normal mode, and the second mode is the transport mode. The transport mode is the mode selected when transporting the liquid dispensing device 11. Users, transporters, repairers, etc., select the transport mode on the setting screen 80 when transporting the liquid dispensing device 11. During transport, the liquid dispensing device 11 may be positioned at an incline exceeding the normal allowable incline range, or even if the incline is within the allowable range, the liquid may move towards the liquid dispensing section 31 due to shaking during transport, causing liquid to leak from the nozzle 33. The transport mode is a mode designed to suppress liquid leakage from the nozzle 33 during this type of transport. Therefore, the second mode, in which the supply channel 24 is closed, is applied to the transport mode. The first mode, in which the supply channel 24 is open, is applied to the normal mode other than the transport mode.

[0094] As shown in Figure 11, the setting screen 80 is provided with a first selection section 81 for selecting the normal mode and a second selection section 82 for selecting the transport mode. Each selection section 81, 82 is, for example, a selection button displayed on the screen and is operated by the operation unit 15, a keyboard, or a pointing device.

[0095] As shown in Figure 11, when the transport mode is selected by operating the second selection unit 82, for example, the second selection unit 82 will display an active selected state, and in conjunction with this, the first selection unit 81 for normal mode will display a darkened, unselected state. Conversely, when the normal mode is selected by operating the first selection unit 81, the first selection unit 81 will display an active selected state, and in conjunction with this, the second selection unit 82 for transport mode will display a darkened, unselected state. Alternatively, instead of switching between two selection units 81 and 82, a configuration in which the first mode (normal mode) and the second mode (transport mode) are selected by switching a single selection unit between a selected state and an unselected state may also be used.

[0096] Furthermore, the setting screen 80 in this example is provided with a third selection section 83, which is selected by the user when instructing the replacement of the liquid dispensing section, and a fourth selection section 84, which is selected by the user when not instructing the replacement of the liquid dispensing section. When the third selection section 83 is selected, the liquid dispensing section replacement mode is set. When the liquid dispensing section replacement mode is set, the ON display of the third selection section 83 becomes active. When the fourth selection section 84 is selected, the liquid dispensing section replacement mode is deactivated. When the liquid dispensing section replacement mode is deactivated, the OFF display of the fourth selection section 84 becomes active. Note that instead of a configuration where selection is switched between two selection sections 83 and 84, a configuration in which one selection section is switched between a selected state and an unselected state may also be used.

[0097] Furthermore, the settings screen 80 is provided with a confirmation button 85, which is operated to confirm the settings selected by each selection unit 81 to 84, and a cancel button 86, which is operated to cancel the selected settings. When the confirmation button 85 is operated, the control unit 90 confirms the settings selected on the settings screen 80 at that time.

[0098] <Opening / closing switching control of opening / closing mechanism 40> Next, with reference to Figure 13, the details of the opening / closing switching control of the opening / closing mechanism 40 will be explained. The control unit 90 controls the opening / closing state of the opening / closing mechanism 40 by controlling the motor 43M that constitutes the drive mechanism 43 of the opening / closing mechanism 40.

[0099] As shown in Figure 13, there are four possible open / closed states for the opening / closing mechanism 40, which are combinations of the opening / closing of the first opening / closing section 41 and the opening / closing of the second opening / closing section 42. The control unit 90 performs switching control to select one of the four switching positions by switching the rotational position of the cams 44 and 45 using the motor 43M based on the detection signal from the opening / closing detection unit 72. In other words, the control unit 90 switches the cams 44 and 45 to one of the four switching positions according to the command at that time. In this example, the cams 44 and 45, which have a predetermined outer surface shape such as an ellipse, switch the combination of the open / closed state of the first opening / closing section 41 and the second opening / closing section 42 each time the phase is switched by 90°, as shown in Figure 13.

[0100] As shown in Figure 13, when the opening / closing mechanism 40 is in the first switching position, the first opening / closing part 41 and the second opening / closing part 42 open. This opens both the supply passage 24 and the atmospheric communication passage 25. When the opening / closing mechanism 40 is in the second switching position, the first opening / closing part 41 closes and the second opening / closing part 42 opens. This closes the supply passage 24 and opens the atmospheric communication passage 25. When the opening / closing mechanism 40 is in the third switching position, the first opening / closing part 41 opens and the second opening / closing part 42 closes. This opens the supply passage 24 and closes the atmospheric communication passage 25. When the opening / closing mechanism 40 is in the fourth switching position, the first opening / closing part 41 closes and the second opening / closing part 42 closes. This closes both the supply passage 24 and the atmospheric communication passage 25.

[0101] The control unit 90 selects the second mode when it receives a command to transport the liquid dispensing device 11. In the second mode, when the control unit 90 turns off the power, it does so while the first opening / closing section 41 of the opening / closing mechanism 40 remains in the closed state.

[0102] The control unit 90 selects the first mode if there is no command to transport the liquid dispensing device 11. In the first mode, when the control unit 90 turns off the power, it does so while the first opening / closing section 41 of the opening / closing mechanism 40 remains in the open state.

[0103] When a command is given to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, the opening / closing mechanism 40 closes the supply channel 24. In this example, when a command is given to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, the control unit 90 closes the supply channel 24 by closing the first opening / closing unit 41 of the opening / closing mechanism 40. In this case, when a command is given to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, the control unit 90 controls the opening / closing mechanism 40 to close at least the supply channel 24. In other words, when a command is given to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, only the supply channel 24 may be closed, or both the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 may be closed. In this example, when a command is given to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, the control unit 90 controls the motor 43M to switch the opening / closing mechanism 40 to the second switching position or the fourth switching position. If at least the supply channel 24 is closed, even if one end of the supply channel 24 is removed from the liquid discharge unit 31 when replacing the liquid discharge unit 31, leakage of liquid from one end of the supply channel 24 is suppressed.

[0104] Alternatively, if the control unit 90 receives a command to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, it may control the opening / closing mechanism 40 to close at least the atmospheric communication channel 25. In other words, if there is a command to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, only the atmospheric communication channel 25 may be closed, or both the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 may be closed. In this example, the control unit 90 may switch the opening / closing mechanism 40 to the third or fourth switching position. As long as at least the atmospheric communication channel 25 is closed, even if one end of the supply channel 24 is removed from the liquid discharge unit 31 when replacing the liquid discharge unit 31, the air chamber above the liquid level in the containment chamber 26 is sealed, so leakage of liquid from one end of the supply channel 24 is suppressed.

[0105] Furthermore, if the control unit 90 receives a command to replace the liquid dispensing unit 31, it controls the carriage 30 to move the liquid dispensing unit 31 to the replacement position EP where it can be replaced. If the control unit 90 receives a command to turn off the power while the carriage 30 is in the replacement position EP, it controls the carriage 30 to move the liquid dispensing unit 31 to the standby position HP.

[0106] The control unit 90 controls the opening / closing mechanism 40 to close at least the atmospheric communication channel 25 in response to the displacement of the cover 22 from the cover position to the exposed position, as recognized by the detection signal from the cover sensor 71. In other words, in response to the displacement of the cover 22 from the cover position to the exposed position, the opening / closing mechanism 40 may close only the atmospheric communication channel 25, or it may close both the atmospheric communication channel 25 and the supply channel 24. In this example, when the control unit 90 detects the displacement of the cover 22 from the cover position to the exposed position based on the detection signal from the cover sensor 71, it controls the motor 43M to switch the opening / closing mechanism 40 to the third switching position or the fourth switching position.

[0107] The control unit 90 manages various modes using flags stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the storage unit 92. The control unit 90 has a flag for each type of mode, and manages the mode based on whether the flag is "0" or "1". The control unit 90 manages whether it is in normal mode or transport mode based on whether the first flag is "0" or "1". The control unit 90 manages whether the liquid discharge unit replacement mode is on or off based on whether the second flag is "0" or "1". The control unit 90 manages whether the liquid injection mode is on or off based on whether the third flag is "0" or "1".

[0108] <Operation of the Embodiment> Next, the operation of the liquid dispensing device 11 in this embodiment will be described. <Normal conditions and during transport> When transporting the liquid dispensing device 11, the user selects the second mode, which is the transport mode. Upon receiving a transport command, the liquid dispensing device 11 switches from the first mode, which is the normal mode, to the second mode, which is the transport mode.

[0109] Normally, the liquid dispensing device 11 is in the first mode, which is the normal mode. When transporting the liquid dispensing device 11, the user, transporter, repairer, etc., displays the setting screen 80 shown in Figure 11 on the display unit 16. This setting screen 80 may also be displayed on the display unit of a host device 100 that can communicate with the liquid dispensing device 11. The user, etc., operates the operation unit 15 on the setting screen 80 to select the transport mode and then operates the confirmation button 85. The control unit 90 then accepts the transport command. Upon receiving the transport command, the control unit 90 sets the transport mode to the second mode. As a result, the liquid dispensing device 11 enters the second mode.

[0110] After printing is complete in normal mode, for example, the user operates the power control unit 15A to turn off the power to the liquid dispensing device 11. Alternatively, a user who has set up transport mode will operate the power control unit 15A to turn off the power to the liquid dispensing device 11 in order to transport it. The control unit 90 executes the main routine shown in Figure 14 at the timing of the power being turned on and off. The control details, mainly during transport mode, will be explained below with reference to Figure 14.

[0111] First, in step S11, the control unit 90 determines whether or not it has detected a power-on operation. If the control unit 90 detects a power-on operation, it proceeds to step S12; if it does not detect a power-on operation, it terminates the routine.

[0112] In step S12, the control unit 90 performs a power-on process. The power-on process is a process performed when the power is turned on, and includes, for example, an initialization process. In step S13, the control unit 90 determines whether or not it is in transport mode. If it is in transport mode, it proceeds to step S14; otherwise, it proceeds to step S16. For example, if the transport mode is to be set while the power is being turned on, the system is in normal mode at this time. Therefore, if the transport mode is to be set before the liquid dispensing device 11 is to be transported, steps S14 and S15 are not executed.

[0113] Next, the user who will be transporting the liquid dispensing device 11 selects the second selection unit 82 on the setting screen 80 and then operates the confirmation button 85. The control unit 90 receives this confirmation operation with the second selection unit 82 selected as a command to switch to transport mode. After setting the transport mode, the user, after completing any necessary printing or other tasks, operates the power control unit 15A to turn off the power in order to transport the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0114] In step S16, the control unit 90 determines whether or not it has received a command to switch to transport mode. If the control unit 90 receives a command to switch to transport mode, it proceeds to step S17; otherwise, it proceeds to step S18. If the control unit 90 has received a command to switch to transport mode, it proceeds to step S17.

[0115] In step S17, the control unit 90 sets the transport mode. For example, the control unit 90 sets the first flag of the memory unit 92 to "1". In step S18, the control unit 90 determines whether or not it has detected a power-off operation. If it detects a power-off operation, it proceeds to step S19; otherwise, it waits until it detects a power-off operation. During this waiting period, the control unit 90 performs necessary processing, for example, it periodically or irregularly performs the determination process in step S18 using interrupt processing.

[0116] In step S19, the control unit 90 determines whether or not it is in transport mode. If it is in transport mode, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S20; otherwise, it proceeds to step S21. In this example, the user has set the transport mode, so the control unit 90 proceeds to step S20.

[0117] In step S20, the control unit 90 closes the opening / closing mechanism 40. More specifically, the control unit 90 drives and controls the motor 43M to switch the opening / closing mechanism 40 to the second or fourth switching position. As a result, in transport mode, at least the supply channel 24 is closed. For example, when the opening / closing mechanism 40 is switched to the second switching position, the first opening / closing section 41 closes and the second opening / closing section 42 opens, thereby closing the supply channel 24 and opening the atmospheric communication channel 25. Also, for example, when the opening / closing mechanism 40 is switched to the fourth switching position, the first opening / closing section 41 closes and the second opening / closing section 42 closes, thereby closing both the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25.

[0118] In step S21, the control unit 90 performs a power-off process. As part of the power-off process, the control unit 90 performs a termination process to put the liquid dispensing device 11 into an appropriate termination state. Subsequently, the user, transporter, or repairer transports the liquid dispensing device 11 while it is powered off. When the liquid dispensing device 11 is powered off while in transport mode, the opening / closing mechanism 40 cannot be switched. Therefore, the opening / closing state of the opening / closing mechanism 40 may be switched during transport of the liquid dispensing device 11, and leakage of liquid from the nozzle 33, which could occur if the liquid dispensing device 11 is transported with the supply channel 24 open, can be suppressed.

[0119] After transporting the liquid dispensing device 11, the user or other party operates the power control unit 15A to turn on the power to the liquid dispensing device 11. When the power is turned on, the liquid dispensing device 11 is in the transport mode state that was set during the previous power-on.

[0120] In step S11, the control unit 90 determines whether or not it has detected a power-on operation. If the control unit 90 detects a power-on operation, it proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the control unit 90 performs a power-on process. As part of the power-on process, the control unit 90 performs, for example, an initialization process.

[0121] In step S13, the control unit 90 determines whether or not it is in transport mode. Since the control unit 90 determines that it is in transport mode, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the control unit 90 sets the normal mode. That is, the control unit 90 switches from transport mode to normal mode.

[0122] In the next step S15, the control unit 90 opens the opening / closing mechanism 40. Specifically, the control unit 90 controls the motor 43M to switch the opening / closing mechanism 40 to the first switching position. As a result, the first opening / closing section 41 of the opening / closing mechanism 40 opens the supply passage 24, and the second opening / closing section 42 opens the atmospheric communication passage 25.

[0123] The above describes the processes performed by the control unit 90 from the moment the liquid dispensing device 11 is powered on until the first liquid consumption begins. In other words, if the transport mode (second mode) is selected when the power is turned on, the opening / closing mechanism 40 switches from the closed state to the open state between the moment the power is turned on and the first liquid consumption by the liquid dispensing unit 31 begins. Specifically, the control unit 90 controls the opening / closing mechanism 40 to open both the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 between the moment the power is turned on and the start of liquid consumption by one of printing, cleaning, or flushing. The timing of opening the opening / closing mechanism 40 may be, for example, when the power is turned on, or just before the first liquid consumption operation is performed after the power is turned on.

[0124] <When replacing the liquid dispensing unit> The user or repairer displays the setting screen 80 on the display unit 16 and operates the operation unit 15 to select the liquid dispensing unit replacement mode, thereby issuing a liquid dispensing unit replacement command to the control unit 90. Alternatively, the setting screen 80 may be displayed on the display unit of the host device 100, and the user or repairer may issue a liquid dispensing unit replacement command to the control unit 90 by operating the operation unit of the host device 100, such as the keyboard, to select the liquid dispensing unit replacement mode. The user or repairer selects the liquid dispensing unit replacement mode by selecting the third selection unit 83 on the setting screen 80. After selecting this liquid dispensing unit replacement mode, the user or repairer operates the confirmation button 85. The control unit 90 receives this confirmation operation as a replacement command.

[0125] The liquid discharge unit replacement control routine executed by the control unit 90 will be described below with reference to Figure 15. In step S31, the control unit 90 determines whether or not it has received a replacement command. If it has received a replacement command, it proceeds to step S32; otherwise, it terminates the routine.

[0126] In step S32, the control unit 90 controls the opening / closing mechanism 40 to close the supply channel 24. In step S33, the control unit 90 moves the liquid discharge unit 31 to the replacement position EP.

[0127] In step S34, the control unit 90 determines whether or not it has received a replacement completion signal. If it has not received a replacement completion signal, it proceeds to step S35; if it has received a replacement completion signal, it proceeds to step S36.

[0128] In step S35, the control unit 90 determines whether or not a power-off operation has been detected. If a power-off operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S36; otherwise, the process returns to step S34.

[0129] In step S36, the control unit 90 moves the liquid ejection unit 31 to the standby position HP. Therefore, the control unit 90 moves the carriage 30 to the standby position HP when it receives a replacement completion signal output by the user operating the operation unit 15 when the replacement is complete, or when it detects a power-off operation without receiving a replacement completion signal. Therefore, if the user or repairer turns off the power in the middle of replacing the liquid ejection unit, the carriage 30 moves from the replacement position EP to the standby position HP, causing the cap 51 to cap the nozzle surface 32A of the liquid ejection head 32 of the liquid ejection unit 31. As a result, a nearly closed space is formed between the nozzle surface 32A of the liquid ejection head 32 and the cap 51. As a result, drying of the liquid such as ink inside the nozzle 33 is suppressed.

[0130] <When injecting liquid> When injecting liquid, the user first opens the cover 13A (scanner 13) that covers the opening of the housing 14A, and then opens the cover 22 of the liquid storage unit 20.

[0131] The control unit 90 executes the cover opening operation interlocking control routine shown in Figure 16 while the liquid dispensing device 11 is powered on. In step S41, the control unit 90 determines whether or not a cover opening operation has been detected. When a cover opening operation is performed to open the cover 22 from the cover position to the exposed position, the cover sensor 71 switches from on to off. When the cover sensor 71 switches from on to off, the control unit 90 detects this as an opening operation of the cover 22. If the control unit 90 detects a cover opening operation, it proceeds to step S42; otherwise, it proceeds to step S43.

[0132] In step S42, the control unit 90 controls the opening / closing mechanism 40 to close the atmospheric communication channel 25. Specifically, the control unit 90 closes at least the atmospheric communication channel 25 by switching the opening / closing mechanism 40 to the third or fourth switching position. For example, if the opening / closing mechanism 40 is switched to the third switching position, only the atmospheric communication channel 25 is closed. Also, for example, if the opening / closing mechanism 40 is switched to the fourth switching position, both the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 are closed.

[0133] In this state, the user opens the cover 22 and then opens the lid member 28 of the liquid storage section 23 to which ink or other liquid should be refilled, thereby exposing the inlet 27A. By turning the liquid bottle 75 upside down and connecting its supply part to the inlet 27A, ink or other liquid is injected from the liquid bottle 75 into the storage chamber 26 through the inlet 27A. At this time, before the liquid level L1 of the liquid injected into the storage chamber 26 reaches the full level, gas-liquid exchange takes place between the liquid bottle 75 and the storage chamber 26 through the two injection channels 61 and 62, so the injection of liquid from the liquid bottle 75 into the storage chamber 26 continues.

[0134] Then, when the liquid level L1 of the liquid injected into the containment chamber 26 reaches the full level, the outlet 27B is sealed with liquid. This prevents gas-liquid exchange through the two injection channels 61 and 62. As a result, the injection of liquid from the liquid bottle 75 into the containment chamber 26 stops.

[0135] Here, if the atmospheric communication channel 25 were not closed during this liquid injection, the state in which the containment chamber 26 is in communication with the atmosphere would be maintained, and gas-liquid exchange would continue even if the liquid injected from the liquid bottle 75 into the containment chamber 26 exceeded the full level. As a result, the injection of liquid from the liquid bottle 75 into the containment chamber 26 would continue. Consequently, there is a possibility that the liquid may overflow and spill from the containment chamber 26. In contrast, in this embodiment, the control unit 90 anticipates liquid injection when the cover 22 is opened and drives the motor 43M to switch the opening / closing mechanism 40 to the third or fourth switching position, which closes the atmospheric communication channel 25, thereby preventing the containment chamber 26 from communicating with the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication channel 25.

[0136] As a result, when the liquid level L1 in the containment chamber 26 reaches the full level during liquid injection, the outlets 27B of the two injection channels 61 and 62 are sealed with liquid, stopping the gas-liquid exchange. Consequently, when the liquid level L1 reaches the full level, the injection of liquid from the liquid bottle 75 into the containment chamber 26 is automatically stopped.

[0137] Therefore, users can leave the device to fill up without having to specifically monitor the amount of liquid supplied to the storage chamber 26. This prevents liquid from overflowing from the inlet 27A and being wasted, or from contaminating the liquid dispensing device 11 with ink or other liquids, which could occur if the supply from the storage chamber 26 continues beyond the full level.

[0138] In step S43, the control unit 90 determines whether or not it has detected a cover closing operation. The control unit 90 detects a cover closing operation when the cover sensor 71 switches from on to off. If the control unit 90 detects a cover closing operation, it proceeds to step S44; otherwise, it waits until it detects a cover closing operation.

[0139] In step S44, the control unit 90 controls the opening / closing mechanism 40 to open the atmospheric communication channel 25. The control unit 90 switches the opening / closing mechanism 40 to, for example, the first switching position. <Effects of the Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0140] (1) The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid ejection unit 31 that performs printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle 33, a liquid storage unit 23 having a storage chamber 26 and an inlet 27A, a supply channel 24 that connects the liquid ejection unit 31 and the liquid storage unit 23, and an opening / closing mechanism 40. The opening / closing mechanism 40 is configured to be switchable between an open state that opens the supply channel 24 and a closed state that closes the supply channel 24 when the power is turned on, but not switchable when the power is turned off. The liquid ejection device 11 is configured to allow selection between a first mode in which the opening / closing mechanism 40 remains in the open state when the power is turned off, and a second mode in which the opening / closing mechanism 40 remains in the closed state when the power is turned off. With this configuration, depending on the situation, it is possible to freely select between maintaining the closed state when the power is turned off and maintaining the open state when the power is turned off, and it is possible to prevent the selected state from being changed intentionally or accidentally by the user, transporter, repairer, etc. when the power is turned off.

[0141] (2) In the liquid dispensing device 11, the second mode is selected when there is a command to transport the liquid dispensing device 11, and the first mode is selected when there is no command to transport the liquid dispensing device 11. With this configuration, the second mode is selected when there is a command to transport, so leakage of liquids such as ink during transport can be suppressed.

[0142] (3) In the liquid dispensing device 11, if the second mode is selected, the opening / closing mechanism 40 switches from the closed state to the open state between the time the power is turned on next and the time when liquid consumption by the liquid dispensing unit 31 begins. This configuration helps to prevent forgetting to open the device after transport.

[0143] (4) The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a carriage 30 on which a liquid dispensing unit 31 is mounted and which is movable in the main scanning direction X. The liquid dispensing unit 31 is detachably attached to the carriage 30. One end of the supply channel 24 is detachably attached to the liquid dispensing unit 31. When a command is given to replace the liquid dispensing unit 31, the opening / closing mechanism 40 closes the supply channel 24. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the supply channel 24 from moving when the liquid dispensing unit 31 is disconnected.

[0144] (5) The liquid containment section 23 has an atmospheric communication channel 25 that can communicate with the atmosphere inside the containment chamber 26. The opening / closing mechanism 40 is configured to open and close the atmospheric communication channel 25. With this configuration, multiple channels can be opened and closed with one opening / closing mechanism 40.

[0145] (6) The opening / closing mechanism 40 is configured to be selectable between a state in which it closes only the supply channel 24 and a state in which it closes only the atmospheric communication channel 25. With this configuration, it is possible to switch between opening and closing according to the situation.

[0146] (7) The liquid discharge unit 31 is detachably attached to the carriage 30. The supply channel 24 is detachably attached to the liquid discharge unit 31 at one end. When there is a command to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, the opening / closing mechanism 40 closes at least the supply channel 24. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the liquid in the supply channel 24 from moving when the liquid discharge unit 31 is disconnected.

[0147] (8) If there is a command to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, the opening / closing mechanism 40 will close at least the atmospheric communication channel 25. With this configuration, when the liquid discharge unit 31 is disconnected, it is possible to suppress the movement of liquid in the supply channel 24.

[0148] (9) The liquid dispensing device 11 further includes a carriage 30 that is movable in the main scanning direction X and is equipped with a liquid dispensing unit 31. When a command is given to replace the liquid dispensing unit 31, the carriage 30 moves the liquid dispensing unit 31 to a replaceable position EP. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the liquid dispensing unit 31 from being detached at an unexpected position.

[0149] (10) The liquid dispensing device 11 further includes a cap 51 as an example of a closed space forming part that can form a closed space through which the nozzle 33 opens when the liquid dispensing unit 31 is in standby position HP. When a command to turn off the power is received while the carriage 30 is in replacement position EP, the carriage 30 moves the liquid dispensing unit 31 to standby position HP. With this configuration, evaporation of liquid from the liquid dispensing unit 31 can be suppressed.

[0150] (11) The liquid dispensing device 11 further comprises a motor 43M configured to drive an opening / closing mechanism 40. The opening / closing mechanism 40 includes a first opening / closing section 41 that can open and close the supply passage 24, and a first cam 44 that switches the opening and closing of the first opening / closing section 41 by the drive of the motor 43M. With this configuration, it is possible to easily switch between maintaining a closed state when the power is off and maintaining an open state when the power is off.

[0151] (12) The opening / closing mechanism 40 includes a first opening / closing section 41 that can open and close the supply passage 24, a second opening / closing section 42 that can open and close the atmospheric communication passage 25, a first cam 44 that switches the opening and closing of the first opening / closing section 41 by the drive of a motor 43M, and a second cam 45 that switches the opening and closing of the second opening / closing section 42 by the drive of a motor 43M. With this configuration, it is possible to easily switch between maintaining a closed state and maintaining an open state when the power is turned off for multiple opening / closing sections.

[0152] (13) The liquid discharge device 11 further includes a cover 22 configured to displace between a cover position that covers the liquid storage section 23 and an exposed position that exposes the liquid storage section 23. As the cover 22 displaces from the cover position to the exposed position, the opening and closing mechanism 40 closes at least the atmospheric communication channel 25. With this configuration, liquid can be injected while the liquid storage section 23 is not exposed to the atmosphere.

[0153] <Example of changes> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0154] As shown in Figure 17, the opening / closing mechanism 40 may be provided with one first opening / closing section 41 for opening and closing the supply channel 24 for each of the liquid storage sections 23 arranged on either side of the transport area FA in the main scanning direction X. Alternatively, the opening / closing mechanism 40 may be provided with one second opening / closing section 42 for opening and closing the atmospheric communication channel 25 for each of the liquid storage sections 23 arranged on either side of the transport area FA in the main scanning direction X. In the above embodiment, the opening / closing mechanism 40 is configured to open and close a combined channel formed by the merging of multiple atmospheric communication channels 25, but the atmospheric communication channels 25 may also be configured to open and close individually using the opening / closing mechanism 40. In this case, as shown in Figure 17, it is not necessary to route the atmospheric communication channels 25 to the position of the channel holding section 77 that bundles and holds all the supply channels 24 together at a location closer to the center in the main scanning direction X within the housing 14A, so the atmospheric communication mechanism can be made simpler.

[0155] As shown in Figure 18, all liquid storage units 23 may be arranged on one side of the transport area FA in the main scanning direction X, and a common first opening / closing unit 41 may be provided for all liquid storage units 23 to open and close the supply channel 24. Alternatively, a common second opening / closing unit 42 may be provided for all liquid storage units 23 to open and close the atmospheric communication channel 25.

[0156] The opening / closing mechanism 40 may be configured to open and close only the supply channel 24. In this case, the following operations (a) to (d) may be performed. (a) When a transport command is issued, the supply channel 24 is closed and the closed state is maintained even when the power is off. (b) When a command is issued to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, the supply channel 24 is closed. (c) When there is a command to inject liquid, the supply channel 24 is closed. (d) As the cover 22 is displaced from the covered position to the exposed position, the injection of liquid is estimated and the supply channel 24 is closed.

[0157] If the opening / closing mechanism 40 is configured to open and close the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25, it may perform the following operations (1) to (11). (1) When a transport command is issued, only the supply channel 24 is closed, and the closed state is maintained even when the power is turned off. (2) When a transport order is issued, the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 are closed and the closed state is maintained even when the power is turned off. (3) When a command is issued to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, only the supply channel 24 is closed. (4) When a command is issued to replace the liquid discharge section 31, only the atmospheric communication channel 25 is closed. (5) When a command is issued to replace the liquid discharge section 31, both the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 are closed. (6) When there is a command to inject liquid, only the supply channel 24 is closed. (7) When there is a command to inject liquid, only the atmospheric communication channel 25 is closed. (8) When a command is given to inject liquid, both the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 are closed. (9) As the cover 22 is displaced from the covered position to the exposed position, the injection of liquid is estimated and only the atmospheric communication channel 25 is closed. (10) As the cover 22 is displaced from the covered position to the exposed position, the injection of liquid is estimated and only the supply channel 24 is closed. (11) As the cover 22 is displaced from the covered position to the exposed position, the injection of liquid is estimated, and both the supply channel 24 and the atmospheric communication channel 25 are closed.

[0158] The "closure of the flow path due to cover displacement" is not limited to a configuration in which a displacement detection unit (e.g., cover sensor 71) that detects the displacement of the cover 22 detects the displacement of the cover 22 and a separate drive mechanism (e.g., motor 43M) closes the flow path. The opening / closing mechanism 40 may also be configured to close the flow path in conjunction with the displacement of the cover 22. At least the second opening / closing unit 42 of the opening / closing mechanism 40 may be configured to operate in conjunction with the movement of the cover 22. For example, as the cover 22 is displaced from the cover position to the exposed position, the second cam 45 may operate in conjunction with the movement of the cover 22, thereby closing at least the atmospheric communication flow path 25.

[0159] Various commands may be issued from the operating unit 15 (operating panel, operating buttons, etc.) of the liquid dispensing device 11, from various terminals (for example, the host device 100), or from both.

[0160] The opening / closing mechanism 40 may be located in front of or behind the carriage 30's movement path. If liquid storage sections 23 are provided on both sides of the transport path, an opening / closing mechanism 40 may be provided in the area where the respective supply channels 24 and atmospheric communication channels 25 are brought together into a single region. In this case, it is preferable that the single region be located near the center in the width direction X, that is, at a position that overlaps with the transport region FA in the vertical direction Z.

[0161] If liquid storage sections 23 are provided on both sides of the transport area FA, an opening / closing mechanism 40 and a drive unit (e.g., a motor 43M) may be provided on each side of the transport area FA, or only an opening / closing mechanism 40 may be provided on each side of the transport area FA, and the opening and closing of the opening / closing mechanism 40 may be switched by transmitting the drive from one drive unit to each opening / closing mechanism 40 via a drive transmission unit 43A.

[0162] If the opening / closing mechanism 40 includes a first opening / closing section 41 and a second opening / closing section 42, the first opening / closing section 41 and the second opening / closing section 42 may be driven by separate drive mechanisms 43. For example, the first cam 44 of the first opening / closing section 41 and the second cam 45 of the second opening / closing section 42 may be driven by separate motors 43M.

[0163] Although the first cam 44 of the first opening / closing section 41 and the second cam 45 of the second opening / closing section 42 are arranged coaxially, they may also be arranged on separate axes that are parallel to each other or on separate axes that intersect each other. The motor 43M may also be used for transporting the medium M, or for maintaining the liquid discharge unit 31.

[0164] - In the configuration where the supply channel 24 is closed when the power is off, the atmospheric communication channel 25 may be configured to change its open / closed state in conjunction with the operation of the manual control unit or the movement of the cover 22. For example, by closing the atmospheric communication channel 25, which is open when the power is off, with the operation of the manual control unit, the exchange of gas and liquid between the liquid bottle 75 and the storage chamber 26 may be automatically stopped when liquid is injected into the liquid storage unit 23. With this configuration, liquid leakage from the nozzle 33 caused by pressure changes due to changes in atmospheric pressure in the storage chamber 26 of the liquid storage unit 23 when the power is off can be suppressed, and liquid can be injected into the liquid storage unit 23 easily and appropriately when the power is off.

[0165] The opening / closing mechanism 40 may be configured to be driven by a drive unit other than the motor 43M. It is preferable that the drive mechanism 43 of the opening / closing mechanism 40 (such as the drive unit 43M and the drive transmission unit 43A that transmits the driving force from the drive unit) be covered with a cover member or the like so that it is not exposed. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the risk of users, transporters, repairers, etc. forcibly opening or closing the opening / closing mechanism when the power is off, and also prevents users, transporters, repairers, etc. from touching the opening / closing mechanism 40 while it is in operation.

[0166] • If the liquid dispensing device 11 is powered on, the opening / closing mechanism 40 may be made open and closed whether the cover 22 is open or closed. The opening / closing mechanism 40 may be configured to be open and closed in any state as long as the power is on.

[0167] When the liquid dispensing device 11 is powered on, the opening / closing mechanism 40 can be opened and closed when the cover 22 is closed, but it may be configured so that the opening / closing mechanism 40 cannot be opened or closed when the cover 22 is open. This configuration reduces the risk of users, transporters, repairers, etc., touching the opening / closing mechanism 40 while it is in operation.

[0168] The cover that switches the open / closed state of the opening / closing mechanism 40 in accordance with the displacement from the cover position to the exposed position is not limited to the cover 22 of the liquid storage unit 20, but may also be a cover 13A that opens and closes relative to the top opening of the device body 14. In other words, the configuration may be such that the open / closed state of the opening / closing mechanism 40 is switched in accordance with the displacement of the cover 13A from the cover position to the exposed position. For example, the second opening / closing part 42 of the opening / closing mechanism 40 may switch the atmospheric communication channel 25 from an open state to a closed state in accordance with the displacement of the cover 13A from the cover position to the exposed position. With this configuration, when the cover 13A (scanner 13) is opened to expose the inside of the device body 14 in order to replace the liquid discharge unit 31, the atmospheric communication channel 25 is closed in accordance with the displacement of the cover 13A from the cover position to the exposed position. Therefore, when the supply channel 24 is removed from the liquid discharge unit 31 by the joint part 35 when replacing the liquid discharge unit 31, leakage of liquid from the removed end of the supply channel 24 can be suppressed.

[0169] If the opening / closing mechanism 40 can be opened and closed both by the drive mechanism 43 and manually, then the switching between opening and closing can be disabled by providing a configuration that locks the operation of the manual operation part when the power is off.

[0170] The configuration may also be configured without the opening / closing detection unit 72. The opening / closing mechanism 40 may be configured to switch to the open state each time the power is turned on, or each time liquid consumption begins by the liquid dispensing unit 31 after the power is turned on. This can prevent the opening / closing mechanism 40 from failing to switch to the open state in cases where the opening / closing detection unit 72 is not provided, the opening / closing detection unit 72 fails, or the control unit 90 fails and it becomes unclear whether it is in transport mode.

[0171] The liquid ejection device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer that ejects liquid such as ink onto a medium M such as paper, but may also be a textile printing device that ejects liquid such as ink onto fabric. The liquid dispensing device 11 is not limited to a serial printer, but may also be a line printer or a page printer.

[0172] The liquid dispensing device 11 may be a printer that does not have a scanner 13 (image reading unit) and only has a printing function. The technical concepts and their effects derived from the above embodiments and modifications are described below.

[0173] (A) The liquid ejection device comprises a liquid ejection unit that performs printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle, a liquid storage unit having a storage chamber for storing liquid and an inlet that communicates with the storage chamber and allows liquid to be injected from the outside, a supply channel connecting the liquid ejection unit and the liquid storage unit, and an opening / closing mechanism configured to be switchable between an open state for opening the supply channel and a closed state for closing the supply channel when the power is turned on, and not switchable when the power is turned off, and is configured to allow selection of a first mode in which the opening / closing mechanism maintains the open state when the power is turned off and a second mode in which the opening / closing mechanism maintains the closed state when the power is turned off.

[0174] This configuration allows users to freely choose between maintaining the closed state or the open state when the power is off, depending on the situation, and prevents the selected state from being changed intentionally or accidentally by users, transporters, repairers, etc., when the power is off.

[0175] (B) In the above liquid dispensing device, the second mode may be selected if there is a command to transport the liquid dispensing device, and the first mode may be selected if there is no command to transport the liquid dispensing device.

[0176] With this configuration, the second mode is selected when a transport order is received, thus suppressing leakage of liquids such as ink during transport. (C) In the liquid dispensing device described above, if the second mode is selected, the opening / closing mechanism may switch from the closed state to the open state between the time the power is turned on for the next time and the time the liquid is consumed by the liquid dispensing unit.

[0177] This configuration helps prevent forgetting to open the package after transport. (D) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a carriage on which the liquid dispensing unit is mounted and which is movable in the main scanning direction, the liquid dispensing unit is detachably provided with respect to the carriage, and one end of the supply channel is detachably provided with respect to the liquid dispensing unit. If a command is given to replace the liquid discharge unit, the opening / closing mechanism may close the supply channel.

[0178] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the liquid in the supply channel from moving when the liquid discharge section is disconnected. (E) In the liquid dispensing device described above, the liquid storage section may have an atmospheric communication channel that allows the storage chamber to communicate with the atmosphere, and the opening / closing mechanism may be configured to open and close the atmospheric communication channel.

[0179] With this configuration, multiple flow paths can be opened and closed with a single opening and closing mechanism. (F) In the liquid discharge device described above, the opening and closing mechanism may be configured to select between a state in which it closes only the supply channel and a state in which it closes only the atmospheric communication channel.

[0180] This configuration allows for switching between opening and closing depending on the situation. (G) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a carriage on which the liquid dispensing unit is mounted and which is movable in the main scanning direction, the liquid dispensing unit is detachably provided with respect to the carriage, and one end of the supply channel is detachably provided with respect to the liquid dispensing unit. If a command is given to replace the liquid discharge unit, the opening / closing mechanism may close at least the supply channel.

[0181] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the liquid in the supply channel from moving when the liquid discharge section is disconnected. (H) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a carriage on which the liquid dispensing unit is mounted and which is movable in the main scanning direction, the liquid dispensing unit is detachably provided with respect to the carriage, and one end of the supply channel is detachably provided with respect to the liquid dispensing unit. If a command is given to replace the liquid discharge unit, the opening / closing mechanism may close at least the atmospheric communication channel.

[0182] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the liquid in the supply channel from moving when the liquid discharge section is disconnected. (I) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a carriage on which the liquid dispensing unit is mounted and which is movable in the main scanning direction, and when a command is given to replace the liquid dispensing unit, the carriage may be moved to a replacement position on which the liquid dispensing unit can be replaced.

[0183] This configuration helps prevent the liquid discharge section from detaching at an unexpected location. (J) In the above liquid dispensing device, the liquid dispensing unit is further provided with a closed space forming unit that can form a closed space through which the nozzle opens when the liquid dispensing unit is in a standby position, and when a command to turn off the power is given when the carriage is in the replacement position, the carriage may move the liquid dispensing unit to the standby position.

[0184] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the evaporation of liquid from the liquid discharge section. (K) The liquid dispensing device may further include a motor configured to drive the opening / closing mechanism, wherein the opening / closing mechanism includes a first opening / closing section capable of opening and closing the supply passage, and a first cam that switches the opening and closing of the first opening / closing section by driving the motor.

[0185] This configuration makes it easy to switch between maintaining the closed state and maintaining the open state when the power is off. (L) The liquid discharge device may further include a motor configured to drive the opening / closing mechanism, wherein the opening / closing mechanism includes a first opening / closing section capable of opening and closing the supply passage, a second opening / closing section capable of opening and closing the atmospheric communication passage, a first cam that switches the opening and closing of the first opening / closing section by the drive of the motor, and a second cam that switches the opening and closing of the second opening / closing section by the drive of the motor.

[0186] This configuration makes it easy to switch between maintaining a closed state and maintaining an open state when the power is off for multiple opening / closing parts. (M) The liquid discharge device further comprises a cover configured to be displaceable between a cover position covering the liquid storage section and an exposed position exposing the liquid storage section, and the opening and closing mechanism may close at least the atmospheric communication channel as the cover is displaced from the cover position to the exposed position.

[0187] This configuration allows liquid to be injected even when the liquid container is not exposed to the atmosphere. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 11...Liquid dispensing device, 12...Printing unit, 13...Scanner, 13A...Cover, 13B...Rotating mechanism, 14...Device body, 14A...Housing, 15...Operation unit, 15A...Power control unit, 16...Display unit, 17...Operation panel, 18...Media storage unit, 19...Liquid storage unit, 21...Storage case, 21A...Window unit, 22...Cover, 23...Liquid storage unit, 23A...First liquid storage unit, 23B...Second liquid storage unit, 24...Supply channel, 25...Atmospheric communication channel, 25A...First channel section, 25B...Second channel section, 25C...Atmospheric vent, 26...Storage 27...Injection section, 27A...Injection port, 28...Lid member, 30...Carriage, 31...Liquid discharge section, 32...Liquid discharge head, 32A...Nozzle surface, 33...Nozzle, 34...Attachment / detachment operation section, 35...Joint section, 36...Carriage motor, 37...Pulley, 38...Timing belt, 39...Linear encoder, 39A...Optical sensor, 39B...Code plate, 40...Opening / closing mechanism, 41...First opening / closing section, 42...Second opening / closing section, 43...Drive mechanism, 43A...Drive transmission section, 43M...Motor, 44...First cam, 45...Second 2 cams, 46...first pressing member, 47...second pressing member, 49...flow path holding case, 49A...flow path support part, 49B...flow path cover part, 49C...locking part, 49D...locked part, 49E...recess, 50...maintenance unit, 51...cap as an example of a closed space forming part, 52...main body, 53...pump, 54...spring, 61,62...injection flow path, 64...atmospheric communication part, 65...liquid outlet part, 68...liquid outlet passage, 70...transport mechanism, 71...cover sensor as an example of a displacement detection part, 72...open / close detection part, 75...liquid bottle, 7 7...Flow path holding unit, 80...Setting screen, 81...First selection unit, 82...Second selection unit, 83...Third selection unit, 84...Fourth selection unit, 85...Confirm button, 86...Cancel button, 90...Control unit, 91...CPU, 92...Storage unit, 93...Interface unit (I / F unit), 100...Host device, M...Media, HP...Standby position, EP...Exchange position, FA...Transport area, LL...Lower limit display unit, UL...Upper limit display unit, C1...Rotation center, X...Main scanning direction (width direction), Y...Depth direction, -Y...Transport direction (sub-scanning direction), Z...Vertical direction.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection unit that performs printing by ejecting liquid from a nozzle, A liquid storage section having a storage chamber for storing liquid and an inlet that communicates with the storage chamber and allows liquid to be injected from the outside, A supply channel connecting the liquid discharge section and the liquid storage section, An opening / closing mechanism is configured such that an open state, which opens the supply channel, and a closed state, which closes the supply channel, can be switched when the power is on, but cannot be switched when the power is off. Equipped with, A liquid dispensing device characterized by being configured to allow selection of two modes: a first mode in which the opening / closing mechanism maintains the open state while the power is turned off, and a second mode in which the opening / closing mechanism maintains the closed state while the power is turned off.

2. If there is a command to transport the liquid dispensing device, the second mode is selected. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first mode is selected when there is no command to transport the liquid dispensing device.

3. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 2, characterized in that when the second mode is selected, the opening / closing mechanism switches from the closed state to the open state between the time the power is turned on next and the time the liquid is consumed by the liquid dispensing unit.

4. The carriage further comprises the aforementioned liquid discharge unit and is movable in the main scanning direction, The liquid dispensing unit is detachably mounted to the carriage. The supply channel is detachably provided at one end to the liquid discharge section. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that when a command is given to replace the liquid dispensing unit, the opening and closing mechanism closes the supply channel.

5. The liquid containment section has an atmospheric communication channel that allows the containment chamber to communicate with the atmosphere. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening and closing mechanism is configured to open and close the atmospheric communication channel.

6. The liquid discharge device according to claim 5, characterized in that the opening and closing mechanism is configured to be selectable between a state in which it closes only the supply channel and a state in which it closes only the atmospheric communication channel.

7. The carriage further comprises the aforementioned liquid discharge unit and is movable in the main scanning direction, The liquid dispensing unit is detachably mounted to the carriage. The supply channel is detachably provided at one end to the liquid discharge section. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that when a command is given to replace the liquid dispensing unit, the opening and closing mechanism closes at least the supply channel.

8. The carriage further comprises the aforementioned liquid discharge unit and is movable in the main scanning direction, The liquid dispensing unit is detachably mounted to the carriage. The supply channel is detachably provided at one end to the liquid discharge section. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that when a command is given to replace the liquid dispensing unit, the opening and closing mechanism closes at least the atmospheric communication channel.

9. The carriage further comprises the aforementioned liquid discharge unit and is movable in the main scanning direction, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 7, characterized in that when a command is given to replace the liquid dispensing unit, the carriage moves the liquid dispensing unit to a replaceable position.

10. The carriage further comprises the aforementioned liquid discharge unit and is movable in the main scanning direction, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 8, characterized in that when a command is given to replace the liquid dispensing unit, the carriage moves the liquid dispensing unit to a replaceable position.

11. The liquid discharge unit is further provided with a closed space forming unit capable of forming a closed space through which the nozzle opens in a standby position where the liquid discharge unit can be kept in standby position. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, characterized in that when a command to turn off the power is received while the carriage is in the replacement position, the carriage moves the liquid dispensing unit to the standby position.

12. The liquid discharge unit is further provided with a closed space forming unit capable of forming a closed space through which the nozzle opens in a standby position where the liquid discharge unit can be kept in standby position. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 10, characterized in that when a command to turn off the power is received while the carriage is in the replacement position, the carriage moves the liquid dispensing unit to the standby position.

13. The system further includes a motor configured to drive the opening and closing mechanism, The opening and closing mechanism is A first opening / closing unit that can open and close the supply channel, A first cam that switches the opening and closing of the first opening / closing section by driving the motor, A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized by having the following features.

14. The system further includes a motor configured to drive the opening and closing mechanism, The opening and closing mechanism is A first opening / closing unit that can open and close the supply channel, A second opening / closing unit that can open and close the aforementioned atmospheric communication channel, A first cam that switches the opening and closing of the first opening / closing section by driving the motor, A second cam that switches the opening and closing of the second opening / closing section by driving the motor, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized by having the following features.

15. The system further includes a cover configured to be displaceable between a cover position that covers the liquid storage portion and an exposed position that exposes the liquid storage portion. The liquid discharge device according to claim 5, characterized in that the opening and closing mechanism closes at least the atmospheric communication channel as the cover is displaced from the cover position to the exposed position.

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