Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device that can reduce the risk that a product quality may be impaired.SOLUTION: The liquid discharge device is provided with a liquid discharge part that performs printing on a medium 12 by making a plurality of nozzles discharge liquid, a liquid attachment part to which a liquid storage part that stores liquid that is supplied to the liquid discharge part is detachably attached, an image reading part 16 that can read an image, and a control part 19. The control part 19 allows the image reading part 16 to be used regardless of a result of whether the liquid storage part is replaced or not, in a state where liquid storage amounts which are amounts of liquid stored in the liquid storage part are below a liquid threshold and in a state where there is no possibility that a product quality may be impaired; and prohibits the image reading part 16 from being used until the liquid storage part is replaced, in the state where the liquid storage amounts are below the liquid threshold and in a state where there is a possibility that the product quality may be impaired.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device such as a printer.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is a multifunction device which is an example of a liquid ejection device including an image reading device which is an example of an image reading unit, and a liquid ejection head which is an example of a liquid ejection unit. The image reading device reads an image printed on a medium or the like. The liquid ejection head ejects the liquid supplied from a liquid supply source which is an example of a liquid storage unit and prints on the medium.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Normally, in a liquid ejection device, even when printing by the liquid ejection head becomes impossible, the use of the image reading unit is enabled. However, if the use of the image reading unit is permitted in a situation where urgent response is required, there is a risk of impairing the product quality.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises a liquid dispensing unit that performs printing by dispensing liquid onto a medium from multiple nozzles, a liquid loading unit to which a liquid storage unit for storing the liquid supplied to the liquid dispensing unit is detachably attached, an image reading unit capable of reading an image, and a control unit. The control unit allows the use of the image reading unit regardless of whether the liquid storage unit has been replaced when the liquid storage volume, which is the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage unit, falls below a liquid threshold and there is no possibility of impairing product quality. When the liquid storage volume falls below the liquid threshold and there is a possibility of impairing product quality, the control unit prohibits the use of the image reading unit until the liquid storage unit has been replaced.

[0006] A liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises a liquid dispensing unit that performs printing by dispensing liquid onto a medium from multiple nozzles, a liquid storage unit having a replenishment port for replenishing liquid and storing the liquid supplied to the liquid dispensing unit, an image reading unit capable of reading an image, and a control unit. The control unit allows the use of the image reading unit regardless of whether liquid has been replenished in the liquid storage unit when the liquid storage volume, which is the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage unit, falls below a liquid threshold and there is no possibility of impairing product quality, and prohibits the use of the image reading unit until liquid has been replenished in the liquid storage unit when the liquid storage volume falls below the liquid threshold and there is a possibility of impairing product quality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the liquid dispensing device. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the maintenance routine. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the liquid dispensing device. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the maintenance routine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the liquid dispensing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid dispensing device is an inkjet printer that prints by dispensing ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, cloth, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts.

[0009] In the drawing, the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z-axis, assuming the liquid dispensing device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0010] <Liquid discharge device> As shown in Figure 1, the liquid dispensing device 11 may include one or more media storage sections 13 capable of accommodating the media 12. The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a stacker 14 and a selection section 15. The liquid dispensing device 11 may include an image reading section 16. The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include an automatic feeding section 17. The liquid dispensing device 11 is powered by being connected to an electrical outlet (not shown).

[0011] The media storage unit 13 is, for example, a cassette. The media storage unit 13 may store a bundle of media 12 before printing. The stacker 14 receives the printed media 12. The selection unit 15 may be, for example, a touch panel for operating the liquid dispensing device 11. In this embodiment, the selection unit 15 can select the mode when the power is off. In other words, the mode when the power is off is selected via the selection unit 15. In this embodiment, a normal mode and a freeze prevention mode can be selected as the mode when the power is off.

[0012] The image reading unit 16 is capable of reading images from a document. The automatic document feeder 17 feeds documents to the image reading unit 16 one at a time. The image reading unit 16 may be a sheet-feed type that reads the image of the document fed by the automatic document feeder 17 while the light source and reading unit (not shown) are stopped. The image reading unit 16 may be a flatbed type that reads the image of a document set on a glass document tray (not shown) using a moving light source and reading unit. The image reading unit 16 may be equipped with both sheet-feed and flatbed types.

[0013] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a control unit 19. The control unit 19 controls various operations performed by the liquid dispensing device 11. The control unit 19 may pre-store a first liquid threshold, a second liquid threshold, and a waste liquid threshold, which are examples of liquid thresholds. The first liquid threshold and the second liquid threshold may be the same value or different values.

[0014] The control unit 19 may be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least some of the various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform the processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the liquid dispensing device 11 comprises a liquid loading section 21 and a liquid dispensing section 22. The liquid dispensing device 11 may also comprise a supply channel 23, an atmospheric release valve 24, and a dispensing failure detection section 25. The liquid dispensing device 11 may also comprise a cap 27 and a cleaning section 28. The cleaning section 28 may comprise a waste liquid channel 30 and a suction pump 31.

[0016] A liquid storage section 33 is detachably attached to the liquid mounting section 21. A plurality of liquid storage sections 33 may be attachable to the liquid mounting section 21. A plurality of supply channels 23 may be connected to the liquid mounting section 21. The liquid storage section 33 stores a liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge section 22. The liquid discharge device 11 may include a liquid detection section 34 capable of detecting a liquid storage amount, which is the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 33.

[0017] The liquid discharge device 11 may include a waste liquid detection section 35 capable of detecting a waste liquid storage amount. The waste liquid storage amount is the amount of the liquid stored in the waste liquid storage section 36. The waste liquid storage section 36 can store the liquid as waste liquid discharged from the liquid discharge section 22. The liquid discharge device 11 may include a waste liquid mounting section 37 to which the waste liquid storage section 36 is detachably attached.

[0018] The upstream end of the supply channel 23 may be constituted by a supply needle 39. The supply needle 39 is provided on the liquid mounting section 21. By inserting the supply needle 39 into the liquid storage section 33 attached to the liquid mounting section 21, the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 33 can be led out. The downstream end of the supply channel 23 is connected to the liquid discharge section 22. The supply channel 23 supplies the liquid from the liquid storage section 33 attached to the liquid mounting section 21 to the liquid discharge section 22. The supply channel 23 may supply the liquid by a head. The liquid discharge device 11 may include a pump (not shown) that supplies the liquid from the liquid storage section 33 to the liquid discharge section 22.

[0019] The atmosphere release valve 24 can open the channel leading to the nozzle 41 to the atmosphere. The atmosphere release valve 24 may be provided in the supply channel 23 or in the liquid discharge section 22. The liquid discharge section 22 has a plurality of nozzles 41. The liquid discharge section 22 discharges the liquid onto the medium 12 from the plurality of nozzles 41 to perform printing. The liquid discharge section 22 may be of a serial type that discharges the liquid while moving to perform printing. The liquid discharge section 22 may be of a line type that is provided longitudinally in the width direction of the medium 12 and discharges the liquid onto the conveyed medium 12 to perform printing.

[0020] The liquid ejection unit 22 may include a plurality of pressure chambers 43, a plurality of actuators 44, and a diaphragm 45. Each pressure chamber 43 communicates with a corresponding nozzle 41. The liquid supplied through the supply passage 23 is sent to the nozzle 41 through the pressure chamber 43. A part of the wall surface of the pressure chamber 43 is formed by the diaphragm 45.

[0021] The actuator 44 is provided on a surface of the diaphragm 45 opposite to the portion facing the pressure chamber 43. The actuator 44 of the present embodiment is composed of a piezoelectric element that contracts when a driving voltage is applied. The contracted actuator 44 deforms the diaphragm 45. When the application of the driving voltage is released, the actuator 44 changes the volume of the pressure chamber 43 to eject the liquid in the pressure chamber 43 as droplets from the nozzle 41.

[0022] The actuator 44 deflects and deforms the diaphragm 45. Due to the deformation of the diaphragm 45, pressure fluctuations occur in the pressure chamber 43. Due to this fluctuation, the diaphragm 45 vibrates for a while. This vibration is called residual vibration.

[0023] The ejection failure detection unit 25 may detect the states of the pressure chamber 43 and the nozzle 41 communicating with the pressure chamber 43 from the state of the residual vibration. The ejection failure detection unit 25 of the present embodiment is a circuit that detects the state inside the pressure chamber 43 by detecting the vibration waveform of the pressure chamber 43. The ejection failure detection unit 25 can detect ejection failures of a plurality of nozzles 41.

[0024] Ejection failure means a state where liquid is not ejected from the nozzle 41, or even if it is ejected, the amount of droplets is small, or the flight direction of the droplets is deviated and they do not land at the target position. Ejection failure is caused by thickening of the liquid, mixing of bubbles, or sticking of foreign substances. In the present embodiment, the nozzle 41 in which ejection failure is detected is regarded as a defective nozzle, and the nozzle 41 in which ejection failure is not detected is regarded as a normal nozzle.

[0025] If the ejection failure detection unit 25 detects a faulty nozzle, the control unit 19 may perform compensatory printing by ejecting liquid from a normal nozzle instead of the faulty nozzle. Compensatory printing may also compensate for the liquid that would be ejected from the faulty nozzle by making the droplets ejected from the surrounding normal nozzles larger. For example, if an ejection failure occurs in the nozzle 41 that ejects black ink, the black ink dots may be compensated for by superimposing yellow, cyan, and magenta droplets on the position where the droplets that would be ejected from the faulty nozzle would land.

[0026] The cap 27 is capable of receiving the liquid discharged from the nozzle 41. The cap 27 may be movably positioned between a contact position shown in Figure 2 and a separated position (not shown). The contact position is the position where the cap 27 contacts the liquid discharge section 22. The cap 27 at the contact position forms a closed space 47 through which multiple nozzles 41 open. The formation of a closed space 47 by the cap 27 surrounding the nozzles 41 is also called capping.

[0027] The separated position is the position where the cap 27 is separated from the liquid discharge section 22. By moving from the contact position to the separated position, the cap 27 opens the closed space 47. That is, the cap 27 located in the separated position does not form a closed space 47. The cap 27 located in the separated position may receive the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge section 22. Maintenance involving the discharge of liquid from the liquid discharge section 22 is also called flushing.

[0028] The waste liquid channel 30 may have a discharge needle 49 at its downstream end. The waste liquid channel 30 is connected to the cap 27 at its upstream end and provided at the waste liquid attachment section 37 at its downstream end. The discharge needle 49 is inserted into the waste liquid storage section 36 attached to the waste liquid attachment section 37, thereby enabling the discharge of liquid into the waste liquid storage section 36. The suction pump 31 can reduce the pressure in the space inside the cap 27 via the waste liquid channel 30.

[0029] The cleaning unit 28 can perform cleaning by forcibly discharging liquid from multiple nozzles 41 through a closed space 47. In this embodiment, the cleaning unit 28 performs cleaning by driving the suction pump 31 with the cap 27 in contact position. That is, the cleaning unit 28 reduces the pressure in the closed space 47. As a result, liquid is discharged from the nozzles 41 and liquid is supplied from the supply channel 23 to the liquid discharge unit 22.

[0030] The cleaning unit 28 may fill the nozzle 41 with liquid by reducing the pressure in the closed space 47 when the nozzle 41 is not filled with liquid. The cleaning unit 28 operates the suction pump 31 with the cap 27 in a separated position to discharge the liquid inside the cap 27. This maintenance, which involves sending the liquid inside the cap 27 to the waste liquid storage unit 36, is also called dry suction.

[0031] Next, the maintenance routine will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 3. This maintenance routine is executed when the power to the liquid dispensing device 11 is turned on. The control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 while the maintenance routine is being executed.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, in step S101, the control unit 19 determines whether the liquid dispensing device 11 completed its operation normally when the power was last turned off. If it completed normally, step S101 becomes YES, and the control unit 19 proceeds to step S105. For example, if the plug is unplugged from the outlet while cleaning is being performed by the cleaning unit 28, step S101 becomes NO, and the control unit 19 proceeds to step S102.

[0033] In step S102, the control unit 19 compares the waste liquid volume with the waste liquid threshold. If the waste liquid volume does not exceed the waste liquid threshold, step S102 becomes YES, and the control unit 19 proceeds to step S104. If the waste liquid volume exceeds the waste liquid threshold, step S102 becomes NO, and the control unit 19 proceeds to step S103.

[0034] In step S103, the control unit 19 instructs the user to replace the waste liquid container 36 and waits until the waste liquid container 36 has been replaced.

[0035] In step S104, the control unit 19 causes the cleaning unit 28 to perform an empty suction. In step S102, when determining whether the waste liquid volume exceeds the waste liquid threshold, the amount of liquid discharged by the empty suction in step S104 may also be taken into consideration in advance.

[0036] In step S105, the control unit 19 checks the mode when the power is turned off. If normal mode is selected, step S105 becomes NO, and the control unit 19 proceeds to step S109. If freeze protection mode is selected, step S105 becomes YES, and the control unit 19 proceeds to step S106.

[0037] In step S106, the control unit 19 compares the liquid volume with the second liquid threshold. The second liquid threshold is an example of a liquid threshold. If the liquid volume is not below the second liquid threshold, step S106 becomes NO, and the control unit 19 proceeds to step S108. If the liquid volume is below the second liquid threshold, step S106 becomes YES, and the control unit 19 proceeds to step S107.

[0038] In step S107, the control unit 19 instructs the user to replace the liquid container 33 and waits until the liquid container 33 has been replaced.

[0039] In step S108, the control unit 19 causes the nozzle 41 to be filled with liquid. In step S106, when determining whether the liquid volume is below the second liquid threshold, the amount of liquid consumed in the filling in step S108 may also be taken into consideration in advance.

[0040] In step S109, the control unit 19 compares the liquid volume with the first liquid threshold. The first liquid threshold is an example of a liquid threshold. If the liquid volume is not below the first liquid threshold, step S109 becomes NO, and the control unit 19 terminates the process. If the liquid volume is below the first liquid threshold, step S109 becomes YES, and the control unit 19 proceeds to step S110.

[0041] In step S110, the control unit 19 determines whether supplementary printing is being performed. If supplementary printing is not being performed, step S110 becomes NO, and the control unit 19 terminates the process. If supplementary printing is being performed, step S110 becomes YES, and the control unit 19 proceeds to step S111.

[0042] In step S111, the control unit 19 replaces the liquid storage unit 33, similar to step S107. In step S112, the control unit 19 has the cleaning unit 28 perform cleaning to complete the maintenance routine. Once the maintenance routine is complete, the control unit 19 allows the use of the image reading unit 16. In step S109, when determining whether the liquid storage volume has fallen below the first liquid threshold, the amount of liquid consumed in the cleaning in step S112 may also be taken into consideration in advance.

[0043] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. If the cleaning process is not completed properly, such as when the plug is unplugged from the outlet while cleaning is being performed by the cleaning unit 28, some liquid may remain inside the cap 27. If the image reading unit 16 is used while liquid remains in the cap 27, the liquid inside the cap 27 may leak due to vibration, potentially impairing the product quality. In other words, a state that is not completed properly is one example of a state that may impair the product quality.

[0044] If the control unit 19 does not terminate properly and is subsequently powered on, and the amount of waste liquid stored does not exceed the waste liquid threshold, it may perform an empty suction. That is, the control unit 19 may enable the use of the image reading unit 16 after performing an operation to discharge liquid from the cap 27. The waste liquid threshold may be the value obtained by subtracting the amount of liquid that the cap 27 can accept from the maximum amount that the waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​can accommodate.

[0045] If the amount of waste liquid exceeds the waste liquid threshold, there is a risk that the liquid will overflow from the waste liquid storage section 36 if the liquid is discharged from the cap 27. If the control unit 19 fails to shut down properly and the power is turned on afterward, and the amount of waste liquid exceeds the waste liquid threshold, the control unit 19 may prohibit the use of the image reading unit 16 until the waste liquid storage section 36 is replaced. The control unit 19 may prohibit the use of the image reading unit 16 until the waste liquid storage section 36 is replaced if the amount of waste liquid exceeds the waste liquid threshold and the condition may impair product quality. Once the waste liquid storage section 36 is replaced, the control unit 19 may perform an empty suction to discharge the liquid in the cap 27, and then enable the use of the image reading unit 16.

[0046] A state of normal completion is an example of a state that does not impair product quality. When the control unit 19 has completed normally and the power has been turned on thereafter, and the waste liquid volume exceeds the waste liquid threshold, and the state does not impair product quality, it may allow the use of the image reading unit 16 regardless of whether the waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​has been replaced. The control unit 19 may allow the use of the image reading unit 16 regardless of the waste liquid volume when the state does not impair product quality.

[0047] When the power is turned off while normal mode is selected, the control unit 19 performs the power off with the cap 27 in the contact position. That is, the cap 27 caps the liquid discharge section 22. As a result, evaporation of the liquid in the nozzle 41 is suppressed.

[0048] When the freeze prevention mode is selected, the control unit 19 first discharges the liquid in the multiple nozzles 41 using the cleaning unit 28. Specifically, the control unit 19 opens the atmospheric release valve 24 and drives the suction pump 31 with the cap 27 in the contact position. After that, the control unit 19 moves the cap 27 to a separated position where no closed space 47 is formed, and then turns off the power. The control unit 19 may move the cap 27 from the contact position to the separated position with the suction pump 31 stopped. The control unit 19 may also perform an empty suction to discharge the liquid remaining in the cap 27 into the waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​before turning off the power.

[0049] For example, if the liquid inside the nozzle 41 freezes while the enclosed space 47 is formed, the expanding liquid may cause excessive pressure to be applied to the liquid discharge section 22. Therefore, by draining the liquid from the nozzle 41 beforehand and separating the cap 27 from the liquid discharge section 22, the risk of excessive pressure being applied to the liquid discharge section 22 can be reduced.

[0050] If the control unit 19 has been turned on after the freeze protection mode has been selected and the power has been turned off, and the liquid volume has not fallen below the second liquid threshold, the control unit 19 may allow the use of the image reading unit 16 after filling the nozzle 41 with liquid. The second liquid threshold may be the amount of liquid required to fill the nozzle 41 with liquid.

[0051] If liquid is added to the nozzle 41 when the liquid level is below the second liquid threshold, the amount of liquid supplied from the liquid storage section 33 to the liquid discharge section 22 will be insufficient, and the nozzle 41 will not be filled with liquid. If vibrations are applied, for example, due to the use of the image reading section 16, while the nozzle 41 is not filled with liquid, air may enter the liquid discharge section 22 from the nozzle 41, potentially impairing product quality. In other words, the inability to fill the nozzle 41 with liquid is a condition that may impair product quality.

[0052] If the control unit 19 has selected the freeze prevention mode and turned off the power, and then turned on the power again, and the liquid level is below the second liquid threshold, it may prohibit the use of the image reading unit 16 until the liquid storage unit 33 is replaced. The control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 until the liquid storage unit 33 is replaced if the liquid level is below the second liquid threshold and the condition may impair product quality.

[0053] When the normal mode is selected and the power is turned off, this is a state that does not impair product quality. After the normal mode is selected and the power is turned off, the control unit 19 may allow the use of the image reading unit 16 regardless of the liquid volume when the power is turned on again. When the liquid volume falls below the second liquid threshold and this is a state that does not impair product quality, the control unit 19 allows the use of the image reading unit 16 regardless of whether the liquid storage unit 33 has been replaced.

[0054] Complementary printing is performed when a ejection failure is detected. Therefore, if complementary printing is being performed, a faulty nozzle is present. If proper maintenance is not performed while a faulty nozzle is present, it becomes difficult to recover from the faulty nozzle, which may compromise product quality. In other words, the state in which complementary printing is being performed is a state that may compromise product quality.

[0055] The control unit 19 may prohibit the use of the image reading unit 16 until the liquid storage unit 33 is replaced when complementary printing is being performed and the liquid storage volume falls below the first liquid threshold. The first liquid threshold may be, for example, the amount of liquid consumed during cleaning. The control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 until the liquid storage unit 33 is replaced when the liquid storage volume falls below the first liquid threshold and the condition may impair product quality.

[0056] When supplemental printing is not being performed, maintenance on defective nozzles is unnecessary. In other words, when supplemental printing is not being performed, there is no possibility of compromising product quality. When supplemental printing is not being performed and the liquid volume is below the first liquid threshold, the control unit 19 may allow the use of the image reading unit 16 regardless of whether the liquid volume 33 has been replaced. In other words, when the liquid volume is below the liquid threshold and there is no possibility of compromising product quality, the use of the image reading unit 16 is allowed regardless of whether the liquid volume 33 has been replaced.

[0057] <Effects of the First Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) If the product is in a state that could impair its quality, the control unit 19 will prohibit the use of the image reading unit 16 until the liquid storage unit 33 is replaced. Once the liquid storage unit 33 is replaced, it becomes possible to address the potential for impairing the product quality. Therefore, the risk of impairing the product quality can be reduced.

[0058] (2) The control unit 19 performs compensatory printing when a defective nozzle is detected. Therefore, the state in which compensatory printing is being performed is also the state in which a ejection defect has been detected. Ejection defects become more difficult to recover from as time passes. Therefore, if the image reading unit 16 is used when an ejection defect has been detected, there is a risk that the product quality will be impaired. In this regard, the control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 when compensatory printing is being performed until the liquid storage unit 33 is replaced. Thus, the ejection defect of the nozzle 41 can be addressed before the image reading unit 16 is used.

[0059] (3) When the freeze protection mode is selected, the liquid in the nozzle 41 is discharged before the power is turned off. For example, if the image reading unit 16 is used while the liquid in the nozzle 41 has been discharged, there is a risk that product quality may be impaired, for example, by air entering the liquid discharge unit 22 from the nozzle 41 due to vibration. In this regard, if the liquid level is below the second liquid threshold when the power is turned on in freeze protection mode, the control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 until the liquid storage unit 33 is replaced. Therefore, the risk of vibration being applied to the liquid discharge unit 22 while the nozzle 41 is not filled with liquid can be reduced.

[0060] (4) When dealing with potential issues that could impair product quality, waste liquid may be generated. In this regard, if the amount of waste liquid exceeds the waste liquid threshold, the control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 until the waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​is replaced. Therefore, the risk of waste liquid overflowing from the waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​can be reduced.

[0061] (5) If the plug is unplugged from the outlet while cleaning is in progress, liquid may remain in the cap 27. If the image reading unit 16 is used while liquid remains in the cap 27, there is a risk that the liquid may leak due to vibration. In this regard, the control unit 19 will discharge the liquid from the cap 27 if the amount of waste liquid stored does not exceed the waste liquid threshold when the power is turned on. If the amount of waste liquid stored exceeds the waste liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit 16 will be prohibited until the waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​is replaced. Therefore, the risk of liquid leaking from the cap 27 can be reduced.

[0062] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the liquid dispensing device will be described with reference to the figures. Note that the configuration of the liquid storage section in this second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment. However, since it is almost identical to the first embodiment in other respects, redundant explanations will be omitted by using the same reference numerals for components with the same function.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a flatbed-type image reading unit 16. The selection unit 15 may be a button. The liquid dispensing device 11 may include, for example, a display unit 51 that displays information about the liquid dispensing device 11. The user may select the power-off mode by operating the selection unit 15 while looking at the display on the display unit 51.

[0064] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a liquid storage section 33 that contains the liquid to be supplied to the liquid dispensing section 22. The liquid storage section 33 has a refill port 53 into which the liquid can be replenished. The liquid dispensing device 11 may have multiple liquid storage sections 33.

[0065] Next, the maintenance routine will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 5. This maintenance routine is executed when the power to the liquid dispensing device 11 is turned on. The control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 while the maintenance routine is being executed.

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, steps S201 to S212 are substantially the same as steps S101 to S112 shown in Figure 3, while steps S207 and S211 differ from steps S107 and S111.

[0067] The control unit 19 performs the same processing in steps S207 and S211. That is, the control unit 19 instructs the liquid storage unit 33 to replenish the liquid. Specifically, the control unit 19 instructs the user to replenish the liquid storage unit 33 and waits until the liquid is replenished.

[0068] In step S202, when determining whether the waste liquid volume exceeds the waste liquid threshold, the amount of liquid discharged by the empty suction in step S204 may also be taken into consideration beforehand.

[0069] In step S206, when determining whether the liquid volume is below the second liquid threshold, the amount of liquid consumed in step S208 may also be taken into consideration when making the determination.

[0070] In step S209, when determining whether the liquid volume has fallen below the first liquid threshold, the amount of liquid consumed in the cleaning in step S212 may also be taken into consideration beforehand.

[0071] <Operation of the second embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. The replacement of the waste liquid storage unit 36, the method of turning off the power depending on the mode, and the supplementary printing are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0072] If the liquid level has not fallen below the second liquid threshold when the power is turned on after the power has been turned off in freeze protection mode, the control unit 19 may allow the use of the image reading unit 16 after filling the nozzle 41 with liquid. If the liquid level has fallen below the second liquid threshold when the power is turned on after the power has been turned off in freeze protection mode, the control unit 19 may prohibit the use of the image reading unit 16 until the liquid has been replenished in the liquid storage unit 33.

[0073] The control unit 19 may prohibit the use of the image reading unit 16 when complementary printing is being performed and the liquid volume has fallen below the first liquid threshold, until liquid is replenished in the liquid storage unit 33. The control unit 19 may allow the use of the image reading unit 16 when complementary printing is not being performed and the liquid volume has fallen below the first liquid threshold, regardless of whether liquid has been replenished in the liquid storage unit 33.

[0074] In other words, the control unit 19 allows the use of the image reading unit 16 regardless of whether liquid has been replenished in the liquid storage unit 33, when the liquid storage volume falls below the first or second liquid threshold and there is no possibility of impairing product quality. The control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 until liquid has been replenished in the liquid storage unit 33, when the liquid storage volume falls below the first or second liquid threshold and there is a possibility of impairing product quality.

[0075] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (6) If the product is in a state that could impair its quality, the control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 until the liquid in the liquid storage unit 33 is replenished. Once the liquid is replenished, it becomes possible to address the potential for impairing the product quality. Therefore, the risk of impairing the product quality can be reduced.

[0076] (7) When supplemental printing is being performed, the control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 until the liquid in the liquid storage unit 33 is replenished. Therefore, the nozzle 41 ejection failure can be addressed before the image reading unit 16 is used.

[0077] (8) When the power is turned on in freeze protection mode, if the liquid level is below the second liquid threshold, the control unit 19 prohibits the use of the image reading unit 16 until liquid is replenished in the liquid storage unit 33. Therefore, the risk of vibration being applied to the liquid discharge unit 22 when the nozzle 41 is not filled with liquid can be reduced.

[0078] [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.

[0079] The control unit 19 may prohibit the use of the image reading unit 16 until the user has installed the liquid container 33 into the liquid filling unit 21 or has refilled the liquid container 33 with liquid in a new liquid dispensing device 11. Liquid used in inspections performed during manufacturing may remain in the supply channel 23 and the liquid dispensing unit 22. The remaining liquid may dry out over time, potentially reducing the liquid's filling capacity. By prohibiting the use of the image reading unit 16 and encouraging the installation of the liquid container 33 or the filling of liquid, a decline in product quality can be suppressed.

[0080] The liquid application section 21 and the liquid storage section 33 may be provided so as to be movable together with the liquid discharge section 22. The control unit 19 may calculate at least one of the liquid capacity and waste liquid capacity based on the number of droplets discharged by the liquid discharge unit 22, the number and type of cleaning, etc. In other words, the control unit 19 may function as a liquid detection unit 34 and a waste liquid detection unit 35.

[0081] At least one of the liquid detection unit 34 and the waste liquid detection unit 35 may include a contact sensor that detects contact with liquid. The liquid detection unit 34 and the waste liquid detection unit 35 may include electrodes and detect resistance that changes due to contact with liquid.

[0082] At least one of the liquid detection unit 34 and the waste liquid detection unit 35 may include a prism, an illumination unit, and a light receiving unit. The illumination unit irradiates light onto the prism. The light receiving unit receives the light refracted by the prism. When liquid comes into contact with the prism, the light diffuses into the liquid, and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit changes. The liquid detection unit 34 and the waste liquid detection unit 35 may detect the amount of liquid from the change in the amount of light received by the light receiving unit.

[0083] At least one of the liquid detection unit 34 and the waste liquid detection unit 35 may include an image sensor that detects images. The liquid detection unit 34 and the waste liquid detection unit 35 may detect the liquid level by analyzing the image detected by the image sensor.

[0084] At least one of the liquid detection unit 34 and the waste liquid detection unit 35 may include a photoelectric sensor comprising a light-emitting unit that emits light and a light-receiving unit that receives light. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit may be provided on either side of the liquid storage unit 33 or the waste liquid storage unit 36. The light-receiving unit is not responsible for receiving light that has passed through the liquid storage unit 33 or the waste liquid storage unit 36. If liquid is present between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit, the light will be blocked by the liquid. The liquid detection unit 34 and the waste liquid detection unit 35 may detect the liquid level from the change in the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit. The light-receiving unit may also detect the liquid level by receiving light reflected by the liquid.

[0085] At least one of the liquid detection unit 34 and the waste liquid detection unit 35 may include a float sensor that detects the position of a float floating in the liquid. The liquid detection unit 34 may detect the amount of liquid contained by measuring the weight of the liquid storage unit 33. The waste liquid detection unit 35 may detect the amount of waste liquid contained by measuring the weight of the waste liquid storage unit 36.

[0086] The liquid detection unit 34 may detect the liquid volume for each of the multiple liquid storage units 33. The control unit 19 may compare the smallest liquid volume among the multiple liquid volumes with the liquid threshold.

[0087] The waste liquid storage section 36 may be fixed to the liquid dispensing device 11. The liquid dispensing device 11 may be configured without a selection unit 15. The mode does not need to be switched when the power is off. The control unit 19 may turn off the power after positioning the cap 27 in contact position.

[0088] The selection unit 15 may be a switch that can switch between normal mode and freeze protection mode. The liquid dispensing device 11 may be equipped with a thermometer for detecting the ambient temperature. The control unit 19 may switch between normal mode and freeze protection mode based on the temperature detected by the thermometer. In other words, the control unit 19 may function as a selector.

[0089] - After the power is turned off in freeze protection mode, the control unit 19 may compare the waste liquid volume with the waste liquid threshold when the power is turned on again. If the waste liquid volume exceeds the waste liquid threshold, the control unit 19 may instruct the user to replace the waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​and prohibit the use of the image reading unit 16 until the waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​is replaced.

[0090] The discharge failure detection unit 25 may be a sensor that detects the liquid discharged from the nozzle 41. The sensor may be an electrode sensor having an electrode that detects contact with the discharged liquid, or an optical sensor that detects the liquid using light.

[0091] The control unit 19 may compare the liquid volume with the first liquid threshold when the dispensing failure detection unit 25 detects a dispensing failure. The control unit 19 may allow the use of the image reading unit 16 regardless of whether the liquid storage unit 33 has been replaced or the liquid in the liquid storage unit 33 has been refilled, when no dispensing failure has been detected and the liquid volume has fallen below the first liquid threshold. The control unit 19 may prohibit the use of the image reading unit when the dispensing failure detection unit 25 has detected a dispensing failure and the liquid volume has fallen below the first liquid threshold, until the liquid storage unit 33 has been replaced or the liquid in the liquid storage unit 33 has been refilled.

[0092] The liquid dispensing device 11 may be a liquid dispensing device that sprays or dispenses liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing device as minute droplets may include granular, teardrop-shaped, or thread-like forms. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be dispensed from the liquid dispensing device. For example, the liquid may be any state in which a substance is in the liquid phase, and may include highly or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and other fluids. The liquid may include not only liquids as a state of matter, but also functional material particles consisting of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink refers to general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid dispensing devices include devices that dispense liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and colorants in the form of dispersion or dissolution, used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense bio-organic substances used in biochip manufacturing, devices that dispense liquid samples used as precision pipettes, printing devices, microdispensers, etc. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense lubricating oil to precision machinery such as watches and cameras with pinpoint accuracy, or devices that dispense transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form minute hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, etc. used in optical communication elements. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0093] [Definition] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if there are two options. As another example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "a combination of two or more any options" if there are three or more options.

[0094] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0095] (A) The liquid ejection device comprises a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a medium from multiple nozzles to perform printing, a liquid container unit that is detachably mounted on which a liquid container unit for containing the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection unit is attached, an image reading unit capable of reading an image, and a control unit. The control unit allows the use of the image reading unit regardless of whether the liquid container unit has been replaced when the liquid container volume falls below a liquid threshold and there is no possibility of impairing product quality, and prohibits the use of the image reading unit until the liquid container unit has been replaced when the liquid container volume falls below the liquid threshold and there is a possibility of impairing product quality.

[0096] In this configuration, if the product is in a state that could compromise product quality, the control unit prohibits the use of the image reading unit until the liquid container is replaced. Once the liquid container is replaced, it becomes possible to address the potential for compromising product quality. Therefore, the risk of compromising product quality can be reduced.

[0097] (B) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a dispensing failure detection unit capable of detecting dispensing failures of a plurality of nozzles, and when a nozzle in which a dispensing failure is detected is designated as a defective nozzle, and a nozzle in which no dispensing failure is detected is designated as a normal nozzle, the control unit, when a defective nozzle is detected by the dispensing failure detection unit, performs a compensatory printing operation to dispense liquid from the normal nozzle instead of the defective nozzle, and when the compensatory printing is not being performed and the liquid volume is below the first liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit is permitted regardless of whether the liquid volume has been replaced, and when the compensatory printing is being performed and the liquid volume is below the first liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit may be prohibited until the liquid volume has been replaced.

[0098] In this configuration, the control unit performs a corrective print when a defective nozzle is detected. Therefore, the state in which corrective print is being performed is also the state in which a ejection defect has been detected. Ejection defects become more difficult to recover from over time. Therefore, if the image reading unit is used when an ejection defect is detected, there is a risk that product quality will be compromised. In this regard, the control unit prohibits the use of the image reading unit until the liquid container is replaced when corrective print is being performed. Thus, nozzle ejection defects can be addressed before the image reading unit is used.

[0099] (C) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a cap capable of forming a closed space through which a plurality of nozzles open, a cleaning unit capable of performing cleaning by forcibly discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles through the closed space, and a selection unit capable of selecting a mode when the power is off. When the freeze prevention mode is selected via the selection unit, the control unit discharges the liquid in the plurality of nozzles using the cleaning unit, moves the cap to a position where the closed space is not formed, and then performs a power off. When the power is then turned on, if the liquid volume is not below a second liquid threshold, the image reading unit is made available for use after the nozzles are filled with liquid. If the liquid volume is below the second liquid threshold, the image reading unit may be made unavailable for use until the liquid volume is replaced.

[0100] When the freeze protection mode is selected, the liquid in the nozzle is drained before the power is turned off. For example, if the image reading unit is used while the liquid in the nozzle has been drained, there is a risk that product quality may be compromised, for example, if air enters the liquid discharge unit from the nozzle due to vibration. In this configuration, however, if the liquid level falls below the second liquid threshold when the power is turned on in freeze protection mode, the control unit prohibits the use of the image reading unit until the liquid container is replaced. Therefore, the risk of vibration being applied to the liquid discharge unit while the nozzle is not filled with liquid can be reduced.

[0101] (D) The liquid dispensing device comprises a liquid dispensing unit that performs printing by dispensing liquid onto a medium from multiple nozzles, a liquid storage unit having a replenishment port for refilling liquid and storing the liquid supplied to the liquid dispensing unit, an image reading unit capable of reading an image, and a control unit. The control unit allows the use of the image reading unit regardless of whether liquid has been replenished in the liquid storage unit when the liquid storage volume, which is the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage unit, falls below a liquid threshold and there is no possibility of impairing product quality. However, when the liquid storage volume falls below the liquid threshold and there is a possibility of impairing product quality, the control unit prohibits the use of the image reading unit until liquid has been replenished in the liquid storage unit.

[0102] In this configuration, if the product is in a state that could potentially impair its quality, the control unit prohibits the use of the image reading unit until the liquid reservoir is refilled. Once the liquid is refilled, it becomes possible to address the potential for impairing product quality. Therefore, the risk of impairing product quality can be reduced.

[0103] (E) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a dispensing failure detection unit capable of detecting dispensing failures of a plurality of nozzles, and the nozzles in which dispensing failures are detected are designated as defective nozzles, and the nozzles in which no dispensing failures are detected as normal nozzles, and the control unit, when a defective nozzle is detected by the dispensing failure detection unit, performs a compensatory printing operation to dispense liquid from the normal nozzles instead of the defective nozzles, and when the compensatory printing is not being performed and the liquid volume is below the first liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit is permitted regardless of whether or not liquid has been replenished in the liquid volume, and when the compensatory printing is being performed and the liquid volume is below the first liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit may be prohibited until liquid has been replenished in the liquid volume.

[0104] In this configuration, the control unit prohibits the use of the image reading unit until the liquid reservoir is replenished with liquid when complementary printing is being performed. Therefore, nozzle ejection failures can be addressed before the image reading unit is used.

[0105] (F) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a cap capable of forming a closed space through which a plurality of nozzles open, a cleaning unit capable of performing cleaning by forcibly discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles through the closed space, and a selection unit capable of selecting a mode when the power is off. When the freeze prevention mode is selected via the selection unit, the control unit discharges the liquid in the plurality of nozzles using the cleaning unit, moves the cap to a position where the closed space is not formed, and then performs a power off. When the power is then turned on, if the liquid volume is not below the second liquid threshold, the image reading unit can be used after the nozzles are filled with liquid. If the liquid volume is below the second liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit may be prohibited until the liquid is replenished in the liquid storage unit.

[0106] In this configuration, if the liquid level falls below the second liquid threshold when the power is turned on in freeze protection mode, the control unit prohibits the use of the image reading unit until the liquid is replenished in the liquid reservoir. Therefore, the risk of vibration being applied to the liquid discharge unit when the nozzle is not filled with liquid can be reduced.

[0107] (G) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a waste liquid attachment section to which a waste liquid storage section capable of accommodating the liquid discharged from the liquid dispensing section is detachably attached, and the control unit may enable the use of the image reading section regardless of whether the waste liquid storage section is replaced when the amount of liquid stored in the waste liquid storage section exceeds the waste liquid threshold and there is no possibility of impairing product quality, and may prohibit the use of the image reading section until the waste liquid storage section is replaced when the amount of liquid stored exceeds the waste liquid threshold and there is a possibility of impairing product quality.

[0108] Addressing potential issues that could compromise product quality can sometimes result in the generation of waste liquid. In this configuration, if the waste liquid volume exceeds the waste liquid threshold, the control unit prohibits the use of the image reading unit until the waste liquid container is replaced. Therefore, the risk of waste liquid overflowing from the waste liquid container is reduced.

[0109] (H) The liquid dispensing device further comprises a cap capable of forming a closed space through which a plurality of nozzles open, and a cleaning unit capable of performing cleaning by forcibly discharging liquid from the plurality of nozzles through the closed space, wherein the control unit, if the plug is unplugged from the outlet while the cleaning unit is performing cleaning and the power is turned on, enables the use of the image reading unit after performing the operation to discharge liquid from the cap, but if the waste liquid volume exceeds the waste liquid threshold when the power is turned on, the use of the image reading unit may be prohibited until the waste liquid volume is replaced.

[0110] If the plug is unplugged from the outlet while cleaning is in progress, some liquid may remain in the cap. If the image reading unit is used with liquid remaining in the cap, there is a risk of the liquid leaking due to vibration. With this configuration, however, the control unit will discharge the liquid from the cap if the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid container does not exceed the waste liquid threshold when the power is turned on. If the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid container exceeds the waste liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit will be prohibited until the waste liquid container is replaced. Therefore, the risk of liquid leaking from the cap can be reduced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 11...Liquid dispensing device, 12...Media, 13...Media storage section, 14...Stacker, 15...Selection section, 16...Image reading section, 17...Automatic feeding section, 19...Control unit, 21...Liquid loading section, 22...Liquid dispensing section, 23...Supply channel, 24...Atmospheric release valve, 25...Dispensing failure detection section, 27...Cap, 28...Cleaning section, 30...Waste liquid channel, 31...Suction pump, 33...Liquid storage section, 34...Liquid detection section, 35...Waste liquid detection section, 36...Waste liquid storage section, 37...Waste liquid loading section, 39...Supply needle, 41...Nozzle, 43...Pressure chamber, 44...Actuator, 45...Vibrating plate, 47...Closed space, 49...Discharge needle, 51...Display section, 53...Refill port.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a medium from multiple nozzles to perform printing, A liquid receiving section is detachably attached to the liquid receiving section that contains the liquid to be supplied to the liquid dispensing section, An image reading unit capable of reading images, Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit, When the liquid volume, which is the amount of liquid contained in the liquid storage section, falls below the liquid threshold, and there is no possibility of impairing product quality, the image reading unit can be used regardless of whether the liquid storage section is replaced or not. A liquid dispensing device characterized in that, when the liquid volume falls below the liquid threshold and the condition includes the possibility of impairing product quality, the use of the image reading unit is prohibited until the liquid storage unit is replaced.

2. The system further includes a discharge failure detection unit capable of detecting discharge failures in multiple nozzles, If the nozzle in which the discharge failure was detected is designated as a defective nozzle, and the nozzle in which the discharge failure was not detected is designated as a normal nozzle, The control unit, If the faulty nozzle is detected by the faulty nozzle, a compensatory printing operation is performed in which liquid is ejected from the normal nozzle instead of the faulty nozzle. In the state where the aforementioned supplementary printing is not performed and the liquid volume falls below the first liquid threshold, the image reading unit can be used regardless of whether the liquid storage unit has been replaced. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the aforementioned supplementary printing is being performed and the liquid volume falls below the first liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit is prohibited until the liquid storage unit is replaced.

3. A cap capable of forming a closed space through which multiple nozzles open, A cleaning unit capable of performing cleaning by forcibly discharging liquid from a plurality of nozzles through the aforementioned closed space, A selection section that allows you to choose the mode when the power is off, Furthermore, When the freeze protection mode is selected via the selection unit, The control unit, The liquid in the multiple nozzles is discharged by the cleaning unit, and after moving the cap to a position where no closed space is formed, the power is turned off. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the power is turned on next, if the liquid volume is not below the second liquid threshold, the image reading unit is made available for use after the liquid is filled into the nozzle, and if the liquid volume is below the second liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit is prohibited until the liquid volume is replaced.

4. A liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid onto a medium from multiple nozzles to perform printing, It has a refill port that allows for the replenishment of liquid, and a liquid storage section that contains the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge section, An image reading unit capable of reading images, Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit, When the liquid volume, which is the amount of liquid contained in the liquid storage section, falls below the liquid threshold, and there is no possibility of impairing product quality, the image reading unit can be used regardless of whether or not the liquid in the liquid storage section has been replenished. A liquid dispensing device characterized in that, when the liquid volume falls below the liquid threshold and the condition includes the possibility of impairing product quality, the use of the image reading unit is prohibited until the liquid is replenished in the liquid storage unit.

5. The system further includes a discharge failure detection unit capable of detecting discharge failures in multiple nozzles, If the nozzle in which the discharge failure was detected is designated as a defective nozzle, and the nozzle in which the discharge failure was not detected is designated as a normal nozzle, The control unit, If the faulty nozzle is detected by the faulty nozzle, a compensatory printing operation is performed in which liquid is ejected from the normal nozzle instead of the faulty nozzle. In the state where the aforementioned supplementary printing is not being performed and the liquid volume is below the first liquid threshold, the image reading unit can be used regardless of whether or not liquid has been replenished in the liquid storage unit. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the supplemental printing is being performed and the liquid volume falls below the first liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit is prohibited until the liquid is replenished in the liquid storage unit.

6. A cap capable of forming a closed space through which multiple nozzles open, A cleaning unit capable of performing cleaning by forcibly discharging liquid from a plurality of nozzles through the aforementioned closed space, A selection section that allows you to choose the mode when the power is off, Furthermore, When the freeze protection mode is selected via the selection unit, The control unit, The liquid in the multiple nozzles is discharged by the cleaning unit, and after moving the cap to a position where no closed space is formed, the power is turned off. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the power is turned on next, if the liquid volume is not below the second liquid threshold, the image reading unit is made available for use after the liquid has been filled into the nozzle, and if the liquid volume is below the second liquid threshold, the use of the image reading unit is prohibited until the liquid volume is replenished.

7. The waste liquid attachment section is further equipped with a waste liquid attachment section to which a waste liquid attachment section capable of containing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge section is detachably attached. The control unit, When the amount of liquid contained in the waste liquid storage section exceeds the waste liquid threshold, and there is no possibility of impairing product quality, the image reading unit can be used regardless of whether the waste liquid storage section is replaced or not. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, when the amount of waste liquid stored exceeds the waste liquid threshold and the condition includes the possibility of impairing product quality, the use of the image reading unit is prohibited until the waste liquid storage unit is replaced.

8. A cap capable of forming a closed space through which multiple nozzles open, A cleaning unit capable of performing cleaning by forcibly discharging liquid from a plurality of nozzles through the aforementioned closed space, Furthermore, The control unit, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, if the plug is unplugged from the outlet while the cleaning unit is performing the cleaning, and the waste liquid volume does not exceed the waste liquid threshold when the power is turned on, the device performs an operation to discharge the liquid from the cap and then allows the use of the image reading unit, and if the waste liquid volume exceeds the waste liquid threshold when the power is turned on, the use of the image reading unit is prohibited until the waste liquid volume is replaced.

Images