Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To appropriately recover a nozzle when the nozzle becomes an anomalous nozzle due to vibration generated by a user's operation.SOLUTION: If an amount Rt of change per unit time in a value of a signal output from an attachment / detachment sensor when a sheet tray is attached to a tray attachment portion by a user is larger than a predetermined value Rta (S102: YES, S103: YES), or if an amount Rc of change per unit time in a value of a signal output from an opening / closing sensor when a cover of a scanner is closed by the user is larger than the predetermined value Rca (S202: YES, S203: YES), an anomaly flag information indicating that there is a possibility that an anomalous nozzle may exist is stored in a flash memory (S106, S206). If the anomalous flag information is stored, ink is discharged from a nozzle by suction purge before recording on recording paper to recover the anomalous nozzle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from a nozzle.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from a nozzle, Patent Document 1 describes a printer that ejects ink from a nozzle to perform recording on paper. In the printer of Patent Document 1, immediately after power-on and when a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous printing operation, a suction purge is automatically performed by a maintenance mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in a printer as described in Patent Document 1, when large vibrations occur, it may become impossible to normally eject ink from a nozzle where the meniscus of the ink in the nozzle has been broken. For example, when a cover provided on the printer housing is opened or closed by a user, or when a paper tray for accommodating recording paper is detached or attached by a user, large vibrations may occur in the printer. Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, simply performing a suction purge automatically immediately after power-on and when a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous printing operation may result in the inability to normally eject ink from the nozzle due to the occurrence of vibrations as described above. Then, when recording is performed between the time when ink cannot be normally ejected from the nozzle and the next automatic suction purge, normal recording cannot be performed, and it becomes necessary for the user to issue a purge instruction command to perform a suction purge and then perform recording again.

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a liquid dispensing device that can properly restore a nozzle when vibration caused by user operation prevents the nozzle from dispensing liquid normally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The liquid dispensing device of the present invention comprises a liquid dispensing head having a nozzle for dispensing liquid, and a recovery means for performing a recovery operation to discharge liquid from the nozzle, A housing, and a cover provided on the housing so as to be openable and closable, A liquid dispensing device comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit causes the recovery means to perform a recovery operation in response to a predetermined user operation performed by the user that may cause vibration in the liquid dispensing device. The predetermined user operation includes an operation by the user to close the cover, and it is determined that the user has performed the operation to close the cover when an operation requiring the opening and closing of the cover is performed. . Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device of the present invention comprises a liquid dispensing head having a nozzle for dispensing liquid, a recovery means for performing a recovery operation to discharge liquid from the nozzle, a housing, a cover provided on the housing so as to be openable and closable, and a reading platform provided on the housing on which a medium to be read is placed. A liquid dispensing device comprising a reading unit for reading a medium to be read placed on a reading platform, and a control unit, wherein the cover is movable between an open position that exposes the reading platform so that a medium to be read can be placed on the reading platform, and a closed position that covers the reading platform, thereby allowing it to be opened and closed, and the control unit causes the recovery means to perform a recovery operation in response to a predetermined user operation performed by the user that may cause vibration in the liquid dispensing device, the predetermined user operation includes an operation by the user to close the cover, and the control unit determines that an operation to close the cover has been performed by the user when a reading operation is performed by the reading unit to read a medium to be read placed on the reading platform, which is an operation that requires the opening and closing of the cover. Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device of the present invention comprises a liquid dispensing head having a nozzle for dispensing liquid, a recovery means for performing a recovery operation to discharge liquid from the nozzle, a housing, a media storage unit for housing a medium to be dispensed and detachably mounted on the housing, a media sensor that outputs a signal according to whether or not the medium to be dispensed is contained in the media storage unit mounted on the housing, and a control unit, wherein the control unit causes the recovery means to perform the recovery operation in response to a predetermined user operation performed by the user that may cause vibration in the liquid dispensing device, and determines that the operation of mounting the media storage unit on the housing has been performed by the user when the predetermined user operation includes an operation by the user to mount the media storage unit on the housing, and when the signal from the media sensor indicates that the medium to be dispensed is not contained in the media storage unit, and liquid is first dispensed onto the medium to be dispensed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, if a nozzle becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibration caused by user operation in the liquid dispensing device, the abnormal nozzle can be restored. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the printer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view of the recording unit. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the electrodes placed inside the cap, and the connection relationships between the electrodes and the high-voltage power supply circuit and signal processing circuit. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing the signal output from the signal processing circuit when ink is ejected from the nozzle during the test drive, and (b) is a diagram showing the signal output from the signal processing circuit when ink is not ejected from the nozzle during the test drive. [Figure 5](a) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the paper tray is installed, (b) is a diagram illustrating the state of the attachment / detachment sensor in the state of (a), (c) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the paper tray is removed, (d) is a diagram illustrating the state of the attachment / detachment sensor in the state of (c), (e) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the paper tray is in an intermediate position between being attached and detached, and (f) is a diagram illustrating the state of the attachment / detachment sensor in the state of (e). [Figure 6] (a) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position of the paper tray and the output value of the cover sensor, (b) is a diagram showing the change in the output value of the attachment / detachment sensor when the paper tray is attached at a speed less than a predetermined speed, and (c) is a diagram showing the change in the output value of the attachment / detachment sensor when the paper tray is attached at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed. [Figure 7] (a) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the scanner cover is closed, (b) is a diagram illustrating the state of the open / close sensor in the state of (a), (c) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the scanner cover is open, (d) is a diagram illustrating the state of the open / close sensor in the state of (c), (e) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the scanner cover is located between the position in (a) and the position in (c), and (f) is a diagram illustrating the state of the open / close sensor in the state of (e). [Figure 8] (a) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the position of the scanner cover and the output value of the cover sensor, (b) is a diagram showing the change in the output value of the cover sensor when the scanner cover is closed at a speed below a predetermined speed, and (c) is a diagram showing the change in the output value of the open / close sensor when the scanner cover is closed at a speed above a predetermined speed. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printer. [Figure 10](a) is a flowchart showing the process flow for determining and detecting whether or not vibration has occurred in the printer based on the paper tray being installed at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, and (b) is a flowchart showing the process flow for detecting whether or not vibration has occurred in the printer based on the scanner cover being closed at a speed exceeding a predetermined speed. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow during recording. [Figure 12] (a) is a flowchart corresponding to Figure 10(a) in which it is determined whether the paper tray was installed at a speed of a predetermined speed or higher based on the time it takes for the signal value from the attachment / detachment sensor to repeatedly increase and decrease, and (b) is a flowchart corresponding to Figure 10(a) in which it is determined whether the paper tray was installed at a speed of a predetermined speed or higher based on the amplitude when the signal value from the attachment / detachment sensor repeatedly increases and decreases. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the process flow for detecting vibrations based on the fact that recording was made after the paper ran out. [Figure 14] (a) is a flowchart corresponding to Figure 10(b) in which it is determined whether the cover was closed at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed based on the time it takes for the signal value from the opening / closing sensor to repeatedly increase and decrease, and (b) is a flowchart corresponding to Figure 10(b) in which it is determined whether the cover was closed at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed based on the amplitude when the signal value from the opening / closing sensor repeatedly increases and decreases. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows the process flow for detecting when a cover has been closed based on a reading operation. [Figure 16] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a printer equipped with a vibration detection sensor. [Figure 17] This flowchart shows the processing flow for determining whether a predetermined user operation has been performed based on the detection results of a vibration detection sensor. [Figure 18] This flowchart shows the processing flow for determining whether or not to perform nozzle inspection based on the signal from the signal processing circuit when the cover is closed. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing the processing flow during recording in an example of recovering an abnormal nozzle by flushing.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0011] <Overall Configuration of Printer> The printer 1 (the "liquid ejection device" of the present invention) according to this embodiment is a so-called multifunction machine that can perform reading of a document G (the "medium to be read" of the present invention) and the like in addition to recording on a recording paper P (the "medium to be ejected" of the present invention). As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 2, a recording unit 3, a paper tray 4 (the "medium storage unit" of the present invention), a paper discharge tray 5, and a scanner 6.

[0012] <Recording Unit> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the recording unit 3 is provided in the housing 2 and includes a carriage 12, an inkjet head 14 (the "liquid ejection head" of the present invention), a platen 15, conveyance rollers 16 and 17, a maintenance unit 18 (the "recovery means" of the present invention), and the like.

[0013] The carriage 12 is supported by two guide rails 21 and 22 extending in the scanning direction. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 2, the right side and the left side in the scanning direction will be defined for the description. The carriage 12 is connected to a carriage motor 86 (see FIG. 9) via a belt or the like not shown. When the carriage motor 86 is driven, the carriage 12 moves in the scanning direction along the guide rails 21 and 22.

[0014] The inkjet head 14 is mounted on the carriage 12. The inkjet head 14 is supplied with four colors of ink—black, yellow, cyan, and magenta—from an ink cartridge (not shown). The inkjet head 14 ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles 10 formed on its lower surface, the nozzle surface 14a. More specifically, the plurality of nozzles 10 are arranged in a transport direction perpendicular to the scanning direction to form a nozzle row 19, and four rows of nozzle rows 19 are arranged in the scanning direction on the nozzle surface 14a. From the plurality of nozzles 10, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks are ejected in order, starting from the nozzle row 19 on the right side in the scanning direction.

[0015] The platen 15 is positioned below the inkjet head 14 and faces the multiple nozzles 10. The platen 15 extends along the entire length of the recording paper P in the scanning direction and supports the recording paper P from below. The transport roller 16 is positioned upstream of the inkjet head 14 and platen 15 in the transport direction. The transport roller 17 is positioned downstream of the inkjet head 14 and platen 15 in the transport direction. The transport rollers 16 and 17 are connected to a transport motor 87 (see Figure 9) via gears or the like (not shown). When the transport motor 87 is driven, the transport rollers 16 and 17 rotate, and the recording paper P is transported in the transport direction.

[0016] The maintenance unit 18 comprises a cap 71, a suction pump 72, and a waste liquid tank 73. The cap 71 is positioned to the right of the platen 15 in the scanning direction. When the carriage 12 is positioned in the maintenance position to the right of the platen 15 in the scanning direction, multiple nozzles 10 face the cap 71.

[0017] Furthermore, the cap 71 is connected to a cap lifting mechanism 88 (see Figure 9). When the cap lifting mechanism 88 is driven, the cap 71 moves up and down. With the carriage 12 positioned in the maintenance position described above, the cap 71 is facing the multiple nozzles 10. When the cap 71 is raised by the cap lifting mechanism 88, the upper end of the cap 71 comes into close contact with the nozzle surface 14a, and the multiple nozzles 10 are covered by the cap 71. When the cap 71 is lowered, the multiple nozzles 10 are not covered by the cap 71. Note that the cap 71 is not limited to covering the multiple nozzles 10 by coming into close contact with the nozzle surface 14a. The cap 71 may also cover the multiple nozzles 10 by coming into close contact with, for example, a frame (not shown) arranged around the nozzle surface 14a of the inkjet head 14.

[0018] The suction pump 72 is a tube pump or the like and is connected to the cap 71 and the waste liquid tank 73. When the suction pump 72 is driven in the cap 71 state in the maintenance unit 18, a so-called suction purge can be performed, which discharges ink from the inkjet head 14 through multiple nozzles 10. The ink discharged by the suction purge is stored in the waste liquid tank 73.

[0019] For convenience, the explanation here assumes that the cap 71 covers all the nozzles 10 together, and that during suction purging, ink is discharged from all the nozzles 10 within the inkjet head 14. However, this is not the only possible configuration. For example, the cap 71 may have separate parts: one covering multiple nozzles 10 that make up the rightmost nozzle row 19 that ejects black ink, and another covering multiple nozzles 10 that make up the left three nozzle rows 19 that eject color ink. This allows for selective discharge of either black ink or color ink within the inkjet head 14 during suction purging. Alternatively, for example, the cap 71 may be provided individually for each nozzle row 19, allowing for individual discharge of ink from each nozzle 10 during suction purging.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, an electrode 76 having a rectangular planar shape is arranged inside the cap 71. The electrode 76 is connected to a high-voltage power supply circuit 77 (the "voltage application means" of the present invention) via a resistor 79. The high-voltage power supply circuit 77 applies a predetermined voltage (for example, about 600V) to the electrode 76. Meanwhile, the inkjet head 14 is held at ground potential. This creates a predetermined potential difference between the inkjet head 14 and the electrode 76. A signal processing circuit 78 is connected to the electrode 76. The signal processing circuit 78 includes a differentiating circuit and outputs an ejection determination signal according to the voltage of the electrode 76. However, the signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 may be a current signal.

[0021] With the capped state described above, and with a voltage applied to the electrode 76 by the high-voltage power supply circuit 77, and without performing the test drive described later, the voltage of the signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 is the voltage V0 shown in Figures 4(a) and (b).

[0022] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, with the cap in place, a voltage can be applied to the electrode 76 by the high-voltage power supply circuit 77, causing the inkjet head 14 to perform a test drive to eject ink from the nozzle 10 toward the electrode 76.

[0023] When ink is ejected from the nozzle 10 by the test drive, the ink ejected from the nozzle 10 becomes charged due to the potential difference between the electrode 76 and the inkjet head 14. As a result, the potential of the electrode 76 changes as the charged ink approaches the electrode 76 and lands on it. After the charged ink lands on the electrode 76, the potential of the electrode 76 decays and returns to the potential it was at before the ink was ejected.

[0024] At this time, the signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 rises from voltage V0 to voltage V1 which is greater than voltage V0, then falls to voltage V2 which is less than voltage V0, and then returns to voltage V0 while repeatedly rising and falling with attenuation.

[0025] On the other hand, if ink is not ejected from the nozzle 10 due to the test drive, the signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 hardly changes from the voltage V0, as shown in Figure 4(b).

[0026] Thus, in this embodiment, the signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 differs depending on whether or not ink is ejected from the nozzle 10 when the test drive is performed. In this embodiment, this is used to determine whether or not the nozzle 10 is an abnormal nozzle that does not eject liquid.

[0027] In this embodiment, a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrode 76, the inkjet head 14 is held at ground potential, and the signal processing circuit 78 is configured to output a signal corresponding to the voltage of the electrode 76. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, the electrode 76 may be held at ground potential, and a predetermined voltage may be applied to the inkjet head 14 to create a potential difference between the electrode 76 and the inkjet head 14. The signal processing circuit 78 may then be connected to the inkjet head 14 and output a signal corresponding to the voltage of the inkjet head 14.

[0028] <Paper tray> The paper tray 4 is detachably mounted in a tray mounting section 40 located below the recording section 3 of the housing 2. More specifically, the tray mounting section 40 has an opening at its downstream end in the transport direction, and the paper tray 4 can be mounted in the tray mounting section 40 by inserting it into the tray mounting section 40 from the downstream side in the transport direction. The paper tray 4 can also be removed from the tray mounting section 40 by pulling it out from the downstream side in the transport direction.

[0029] The paper tray 4 has a paper storage section 4a with an open top. Multiple sheets of recording paper P can be stored in the paper storage section 4a stacked vertically. The tray mounting section 40 is also equipped with a pickup roller 43. The pickup roller 43 is connected to the paper feed motor 89 (see Figure 9) via gears or the like (not shown). When the paper feed motor 89 is driven, the pickup roller 43 rotates, and the uppermost sheet of recording paper P stored in the paper storage section 4a is supplied to the transport roller 16 from the upstream side in the transport direction along the path indicated by arrow A in Figure 1.

[0030] Furthermore, the housing 2 is provided with a detachment sensor 44 for detecting whether the paper tray 4 is mounted on the tray mounting section 40 or removed from the tray mounting section 40. As shown in Figures 5(b), (d), and (f), the detachment sensor 44 has a light-emitting section 44a and a light-receiving section 44b. The light-emitting section 44a and the light-receiving section 44b are spaced apart in the scanning direction, and the tray mounting section 40 is located between the light-emitting section 44a and the light-receiving section 44b in the scanning direction. Also, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), when viewed from the scanning direction, the upstream end of the paper tray 4 mounted on the tray mounting section 40 in the transport direction overlaps with the light-emitting section 44a and the light-receiving section 44b. The light-emitting section 44a emits light toward the light-receiving section 44b.

[0031] As shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), when the paper tray 4 is mounted on the tray mounting section 40, the light emitted from the light-emitting section 44a is blocked by the paper tray 4 and does not reach the light-receiving section 44b.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5(c) and (d), when the paper tray 4 is removed from the tray mounting section 40, the light emitted from the light-emitting section 44a reaches the light-receiving section 44b without being obstructed by the paper tray 4.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5(e) and (f), when the paper tray 4 is being attached to or detached from the tray mounting section 40, and when viewed from the scanning direction, the paper tray 4 overlaps with a portion of the light-emitting section 44a and the light-receiving section 44b, some of the light emitted from the light-emitting section 44a is blocked by the paper tray 4 and does not reach the light-receiving section 44b, while some of the light is not blocked by the paper tray 4 and reaches the light-receiving section 44b.

[0034] The attachment / detachment sensor 44 outputs a signal whose value increases as the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 44b increases. As a result, as shown in Figure 6(a), the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 corresponds to the position of the paper tray 4 in the transport direction.

[0035] More specifically, the horizontal axis of Figure 6(a), which represents the paper tray position, indicates the position of the tray mounting unit 40 further downstream in the transport direction as you move to the right of the figure. Position Ia1 in Figure 6(a) is the position of the paper tray 4 when it is mounted on the tray mounting unit 40 as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b). Position Ia2 in Figure 6(a) is the position when the paper tray 4 begins to overlap with the light-emitting unit 44a and the light-receiving unit 44b when viewed from the scanning direction, while mounting the paper tray 4 on the tray mounting unit 40. When the paper tray 4 is at position Ia1, the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 is Ea1. When the paper tray 4 is at position Ia2 or further downstream in the transport direction than position Ia2, the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 is Ea2, which is greater than Ea1. The value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 is also Ea2 when the paper tray 4 is removed from the tray mounting unit 40. Furthermore, in the transport direction, when the paper tray 4 is located between position Ia1 and position Ia2, the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 increases as the paper tray 4 is located to the right. This makes it possible to determine whether the paper tray 4 is attached to the tray mounting section 40 based on the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44.

[0036] Furthermore, when the paper tray 4 is mounted to the tray mounting section 40, as shown in Figures 6(b) and (c), the value of the signal output from the mounting / detaching sensor 44 is Ea2 until time ta1 when the paper tray 4 reaches position Ia2. Thereafter, as the paper tray 4 approaches position Ia1, the value of the signal output from the mounting / detaching sensor 44 decreases, and the paper tray 4 reaches position Ia1 at time ta2. That is, the paper tray 4 is mounted to the tray mounting section 40 at time ta2. When the paper tray 4 is mounted to the tray mounting section 40, vibrations are generated in the printer 1 due to the impact applied from the paper tray 4 to the housing 2. Therefore, when the mounting of the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40 is complete, the value of the signal output from the mounting / detaching sensor 44 is initially Ea1, but then it fluctuates due to the vibrations and converges to Ea1.

[0037] Here, Figure 6(b) shows the case where the paper tray 4 is moved at a speed less than the predetermined speed U1 and mounted on the tray mounting section 40. In this case, the amount of change Rt per unit time when the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 decreases from Ea2 becomes less than the predetermined amount Rta. The amount of change Rt is a value calculated as [(Ea2-Ea1) / (ta2-ta1)].

[0038] In this case, the time Tt during which the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 increases and decreases when the paper tray 4 is attached to the tray mounting section 40 becomes less than a predetermined time Tta. Also, the maximum amplitude Ht of the increase and decrease when the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 increases and decreases when the paper tray 4 is attached to the tray mounting section 40 becomes less than a predetermined amplitude Hta.

[0039] On the other hand, Figure 6(c) shows the case where the paper tray 4 is moved at a speed of a predetermined speed U1 or higher and mounted on the tray mounting section 40. In this case, the interval between time ta1 and time ta2 is shorter than when the paper tray 4 is moved at a speed less than the predetermined speed U1 and mounted on the tray mounting section 40, and the amount of change Rt is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount Rta. Also, in this case, the vibration generated in the printer 1 due to the paper tray 4 colliding with the housing 2 is greater than when the paper tray 4 is moved at a speed less than the predetermined speed U1 and mounted on the tray mounting section 40, so the time Tt is greater than or equal to the predetermined time Tta, and the amplitude Ht is greater than or equal to a predetermined amplitude Hta.

[0040] The attachment / detachment sensor 44 may also output a signal whose value decreases as the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 44b increases.

[0041] Furthermore, a paper sensor 45 (the "media sensor" of the present invention) is provided on the path of recording paper P from the paper tray 4 mounted in the tray mounting section 40 to the recording section 3 (the path indicated by arrow A in Figure 1). The paper sensor 45 detects the recording paper P supplied from the paper tray 4 mounted in the tray mounting section 40 to the recording section 3. As a result, the printer 1 can determine that the paper tray 4 is out of paper if the paper sensor 45 does not detect the recording paper P for a predetermined time or longer after the operation to supply the recording paper P by the pickup roller 43 has started. In other words, it is possible to determine whether or not recording paper P is contained in the paper tray 4 based on the signal from the paper sensor 4.

[0042] <Output tray> The output tray 5 is located between the transport roller 17 and the tray mounting section 40 in the vertical direction, and downstream of the transport roller 17 in the transport direction. Recording paper P, after recording is complete in the recording section 3, is transported in the transport direction by the transport rollers 16 and 17 and discharged into the output tray 5.

[0043] <Scanner> The scanner 6 is located at the upper end of the housing 2. As shown in Figures 1 and 7(a) to 7(f), the scanner 6 comprises a reading platform 51, a reading unit 52, and a cover 53. The reading platform 51 is located at the upper end of the housing 2 and extends in the scanning direction and the transport direction. The reading platform 51 is made of a transparent material such as glass. The original document G (the "reading medium" of the present invention) to be read by the reading unit 52 is placed on the upper surface of the reading platform 51. The reading unit 52 is located in the part of the housing 2 just below the reading platform 51. The reading unit 52 has a plurality of reading elements (not shown) arranged in the transport direction and is configured to be movable in the scanning direction. While moving in the scanning direction, the reading unit 52 reads the original document G placed on the reading platform 51 with the reading elements (not shown).

[0044] The cover 53 is for covering the reading platform 51. The cover 53 is pivotably supported at its upstream end in the transport direction on an axis 53a extending in the scanning direction. This allows the cover 53 to pivot around the axis 53a, moving between a closed position covering the reading platform 51 (as shown by the solid line in Figure 1 and in Figure 7(a)) and an open position exposing the reading platform 51 so that a document G can be placed on it (as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 and in Figure 7(c)). In the following, moving the cover 53 to the open position may be referred to as "opening the cover 53," and moving the cover 53 to the closed position may be referred to as "closing the cover 53."

[0045] Furthermore, the scanner 6 is provided with an opening / closing sensor 54. The opening / closing sensor 54 has a light-emitting unit 54a and a light-receiving unit 54b. The light-emitting unit 54a and the light-receiving unit 54b are spaced apart in the scanning direction. The light-emitting unit 54a irradiates light toward the light-receiving unit 54b. In addition, the cover 53 is provided with a light-shielding unit 53b. The light-shielding unit 53b is located between the light-emitting unit 54a and the light-receiving unit 54b in the scanning direction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), when the cover 53 is in the closed position, the light-shielding portion 53b overlaps with the light-emitting portion 54a and the light-receiving portion 54b when viewed from the scanning direction. Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 54a is blocked by the light-shielding portion 53b and does not reach the light-receiving portion 54b.

[0047] As shown in Figures 7(c) and 7(d), when the cover is in the open position, the light-shielding portion 53b does not overlap with the light-emitting portion 54a and the light-receiving portion 54b when viewed from the scanning direction. Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 54a reaches the light-receiving portion 54b without being blocked by the light-shielding portion 53b.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7(e) and (f), as the cover 53 moves between the closed and open positions, a portion of the light-shielding portion 53b overlaps with the light-emitting portion 54a and the light-receiving portion 54b when viewed from the scanning direction. In this state, some of the light emitted from the light-emitting portion 54a is blocked by the light-shielding portion 53b and does not reach the light-receiving portion 54b, while some of the light is not blocked by the light-shielding portion 53b and reaches the light-receiving portion 54b.

[0049] The opening / closing sensor 54 outputs a signal whose value increases as the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 54b increases. As a result, as shown in Figure 8(a), the value of the signal output from the opening / closing sensor 54 corresponds to the position of the cover 53.

[0050] To explain in more detail, the horizontal axis of Figure 8(a), which represents the cover position, is closer to the open position on the right side of the figure and closer to the closed position on the left side. Also, position Ib1 in Figure 8(a) is the closed position (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "closed position Ib1"). Furthermore, position Ib2 in Figure 8(a) is the position when the light-shielding portion 53b begins to overlap with the light-emitting portion 54a and the light-receiving portion 54b when viewed from the scanning direction, as the cover 53 is closed.

[0051] When the cover 53 is in the closed position Ib1, that is, when the cover 53 is closed, the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 is Eb1. When the cover 53 is in position Ib2, or a position closer to the open position, the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 is Eb2, which is greater than Eb1. Furthermore, when the cover 53 is located between the closed position Ib1 and position Ib2, the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 increases as the cover 53 gets closer to position Ib2. As a result, it is possible to determine whether the cover 53 is open or closed based on the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54.

[0052] Furthermore, when closing the cover 53, as shown in Figures 8(b) and (c), the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 is Eb2 until time tb1 when the cover 53 reaches position Ib2. Thereafter, as the cover 53 approaches the closed position Ib1, the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 decreases, and the cover 53 reaches the closed position Ib1 at time tb2. Also, when the cover 53 reaches the closed position Ib1, vibration is generated in the printer 1 due to the cover 53 colliding with the housing 2. As a result, when the cover 53 reaches the closed position Ib1, the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 is initially Eb1, but then it fluctuates due to the vibration and converges to Eb1.

[0053] Here, Figure 8(b) shows the case where the cover 53 is moved and closed at a speed less than the predetermined speed U2. In this case, the amount of change Rc per unit time when the value of the signal output from the opening / closing sensor 54 decreases from Eb2 is less than a predetermined amount Rca. The amount of change Rc is a value calculated by [(Eb2-Eb1) / (tb2-tb1)].

[0054] In this case, the time Tc during which the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 increases and decreases when the cover 53 is closed becomes less than the predetermined time Tca. Also, the maximum amplitude Hc of the increase and decrease when the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 increases and decreases when the cover 53 is closed becomes less than the predetermined amplitude Hca.

[0055] On the other hand, Figure 8(c) shows the case where the cover 53 is moved and closed at a speed of a predetermined speed U2 or higher. In this case, the interval between time tb1 and time tb2 is shorter than when the cover 53 is moved and closed at a speed of a predetermined speed U2 or higher, and the change amount Rc becomes a predetermined amount Rca or higher. Also, in this case, the vibration generated in the printer 1 due to the cover 53 colliding with the housing 2 is greater than when the cover 53 is moved and closed at a speed less than the predetermined speed U2, so the time Tc becomes a predetermined time Tca or higher, and the amplitude Hc becomes a predetermined amplitude Hca or higher.

[0056] The opening / closing sensor 54 may also output a signal whose value decreases as the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 54b increases.

[0057] <Electrical configuration of the printer> Next, the electrical configuration of printer 1 will be described. The operation of printer 1 is controlled by the control unit 80. As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 80 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, ROM (Read Only Memory) 82, RAM (Random Access Memory) 83, flash memory 84, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 85, etc., and controls the carriage motor 86, inkjet head 14, transport motor 87, cap lifting mechanism 88, suction pump 72, high-voltage power supply circuit 77, paper feed motor 89, reading unit 52, etc. The control unit 80 also receives signals from a signal processing circuit 78, attachment / detachment sensor 44, paper sensor 45, and opening / closing sensor 54.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 80 may be configured such that only the CPU 81 performs the various processing, or only the ASIC 85 performs the various processing, or the CPU 81 and ASIC 85 perform the various processing in cooperation. Also, the control unit 80 may be configured such that one CPU 81 performs the processing alone, or multiple CPUs 81 share the processing. Furthermore, the control unit 80 may be configured such that one ASIC 85 performs the processing alone, or multiple ASICs 85 share the processing.

[0059] <Processing for vibration detection> Next, the process for detecting vibration in printer 1 will be described. While power is supplied to printer 1, the control unit 80 performs the process for detecting vibration in printer 1, as shown in the flowcharts in Figures 10(a) and (b).

[0060] The flow in Figure 10(a) shows the process for detecting vibration in the printer 1 based on the paper tray 4 being mounted in the tray mounting section 40 at a predetermined speed U1 or higher. To explain the flow in Figure 10(a), the control unit 80 first determines whether or not abnormal flag information indicating the presence of an abnormal nozzle is stored in the flash memory 84 (S101). This abnormal flag information is stored in S106 and S206, which will be described later. If abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S101: YES), the unit waits.

[0061] If no abnormality flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S101: NO), the control unit 80 determines, based on the signal from the attachment / detachment sensor 44, whether or not the user has attached the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting unit 40 (S102). If the user has not attached the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting unit 40 (S102: NO), the process returns to S101.

[0062] When the user installs the paper tray 4 into the tray mounting section 40 (S102:YES), the control unit 80 determines whether the amount of change Rt in the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value Rta (S103). In S103, it is determined that the amount of change Rt is greater than or equal to a predetermined value Rta if, after the amount of change Rt in the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 changes to greater than or equal to a predetermined value Rta, the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 becomes Ea1.

[0063] If the change amount Rt is less than a predetermined value Rta (S103: NO), the process returns to S101. If the change amount Rt is greater than or equal to a predetermined value Rta (S103: YES), the control unit 80 executes the nozzle inspection process (S104). In the nozzle inspection process, the control unit 80 controls the high-voltage power supply circuit 77 to apply voltage to the electrode 76 and performs inspection drives for each of the multiple nozzles 10 of the inkjet head 14. Then, based on the signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 when the inspection drive is performed, it determines whether or not the nozzle 10 is an abnormal nozzle. In addition, in the nozzle inspection process, after the inspection drive for all nozzles 10 is completed, the control unit 80 controls the high-voltage power supply circuit 77 to release the voltage applied to the electrode 76.

[0064] If there are no abnormal nozzles (S105: NO), the process returns to S101. If there are abnormal nozzles (S105: YES), the control unit 80 stores abnormal flag information in the flash memory 84 (S106) and returns to S101.

[0065] The flow in Figure 10(b) shows the process for detecting that vibration has occurred in the printer 1 based on the cover 53 being closed at a speed of a predetermined speed U2 or higher. To explain the flow in Figure 10(b), the control unit 80 first determines whether or not abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S201). If abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S201: YES), it waits.

[0066] If no abnormality flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S201: NO), it is determined whether or not the user has closed the cover 53 based on the signal from the open / close sensor 54 (S202). If the user has not closed the cover 53 (S202: NO), the process returns to S201.

[0067] When the user closes the cover 53 (S202:YES), the control unit 80 determines whether the change amount Rc of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value Rca (S203). In S203, it is determined that the change amount Rc is greater than or equal to a predetermined value Rca if, after the change amount Rc of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 has changed to greater than or equal to a predetermined value Rca, the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 becomes Eb1.

[0068] If the change amount Rc is less than a predetermined value Rca (S203: NO), the process returns to S201. If the change amount Rc is greater than or equal to the predetermined value Rca (S203: YES), the control unit 80 performs the same nozzle inspection process as in S104 (S204). If there are no abnormal nozzles (S205: NO), the process returns to S201. If there are abnormal nozzles (S205: YES), the control unit 80 stores abnormal flag information in the flash memory 84 (S206) and returns to S201.

[0069] <Processing during recording> Next, the process for recording in the recording unit 3 will be described. When a recording command is input to the control unit 80 by operating the operation unit (not shown) of the printer 1, a PC (not shown) connected to the printer 1, etc., the control unit 80 processes according to the flow shown in Figure 11. Here, the recording unit 3 can selectively record onto the recording paper P in either the normal recording mode (the "first ejection mode" of the present invention) or the high-speed recording mode (the "second ejection mode" of the present invention), which records at a higher speed than the normal recording mode. The above recording command includes information indicating which of the normal recording mode and high-speed recording mode to use for recording.

[0070] To explain the flow in Figure 11, the control unit 80 first determines whether or not abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S301). If abnormal flag information is not stored in the flash memory 84 (S301: NO), the process proceeds to S305. If abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S301: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not the input recording command indicates that recording should be performed in high-speed recording mode (S302).

[0071] If the recording command indicates that recording should be performed in high-speed recording mode (S302:YES), the process proceeds to S305. If the recording command indicates that recording should be performed in normal recording mode (S302:YES), the control unit 80 performs a purge process (S303). In the purge process, the control unit 80 controls the suction pump 72, etc., to perform the suction purge described above. After the purge process, the control unit 80 erases the abnormal flag information stored in the flash memory 84 (S304) and proceeds to S305.

[0072] In S305, the control unit 80 performs the recording process. During the recording process, the control unit 80 controls the paper feed motor 89 to supply recording paper P from the paper tray 4 to the recording unit 3. Furthermore, the control unit 80 controls the carriage motor 86 to move the carriage 12 in the scanning direction, and repeatedly performs a recording path in which ink is ejected from multiple nozzles 10 to the inkjet head 14, and a transport operation in which the transport motor 87 transports the recording paper P to the transport rollers 16 and 17 a predetermined distance, thereby recording onto the recording paper P. After the recording onto the recording paper P is completed, the control unit 80 controls the transport motor 87 to discharge the recording paper P to the output tray 5 via the transport rollers 16 and 17.

[0073] <Effects> In this embodiment, suction purging is performed in response to predetermined user operations that may cause vibration in the printer 1, such as the user attaching the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40 and the user closing the cover 53 of the scanner 6. This allows the nozzle 10 to be restored to its abnormal state if it becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibration generated in the printer 1 when the predetermined user operation is performed.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a predetermined user operation is performed, a nozzle inspection process is executed to determine whether or not there is an abnormal nozzle. If an abnormal nozzle is found, a suction purge is performed before the recording process during subsequent recording. This allows the abnormal nozzle to be restored if it becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when a predetermined user operation is performed.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user closes the cover 53 of the scanner 6, the impact transmitted from the cover 53 to the housing 2 causes a large vibration in the printer 1, and this vibration may cause the nozzle 10 to become an abnormal nozzle. In this embodiment, a suction purge is performed in response to the user closing the cover 53. This allows the nozzle 10 to be restored to its abnormal state if it becomes an abnormal nozzle due to the vibration generated in the printer 1 when the user closes the cover 53.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the user has performed the operation to close the cover 53 based on the signal from the opening / closing sensor 54.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user quickly closes the cover 53, a large impact is applied from the cover 53 to the housing 2, causing large vibrations in the printer 1, which makes it highly likely that the nozzle 10 will become a faulty nozzle. On the other hand, when the user quickly closes the cover 53, the above-mentioned change amount Rc of the signal from the open / close sensor 54 becomes large. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the change amount Rc per unit time of the signal value from the open / close sensor 54 becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined amount Rca, and then the value of the signal from the open / close sensor 54 becomes Eb1, which indicates that the cover 53 is closed, it is determined that the user has performed the operation of closing the cover 53 at a speed of a predetermined speed U2 or higher. Then, in response to this operation, a suction purge is performed. This makes it possible to recover the faulty nozzle by suction purging if the nozzle 10 becomes a faulty nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user quickly closes the cover 53.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user installs the paper tray 4 into the tray mounting section 40, the impact from the paper tray 4 to the housing 2 causes vibration in the printer 1, and this vibration may cause the nozzle 10 to become an abnormal nozzle. In this embodiment, suction purging is performed in response to the user installing the paper tray 4 into the tray mounting section 40. This allows the nozzle to be restored to its abnormal state if it becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user installs the paper tray 4 into the tray mounting section 40.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the user has performed the operation of attaching the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40 based on the signal from the attachment / detachment sensor 44.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user quickly attaches the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40, a large impact is applied from the paper tray 4 to the housing 2, causing large vibrations in the printer 1, which makes it highly likely that the nozzle 10 will become an abnormal nozzle. On the other hand, when the user quickly attaches the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40, the above change amount Rt of the signal value of the attachment / detachment sensor 44 becomes large. Therefore, in this embodiment, after the above change amount Rt of the signal value from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 changes to a predetermined amount Rta or more, when the signal value from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 becomes Ea1, which indicates that the paper tray 4 is attached to the tray mounting section 40, it is determined that the user has performed the operation of attaching the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40 at a speed of a predetermined speed U1 or higher. Then, in response to this operation, a suction purge is performed. This makes it possible to recover the abnormal nozzle by suction purging if the nozzle 10 becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user quickly attaches the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, recording can be selectively performed in either the normal recording mode or the high-speed recording mode. In this case, the user typically expects that when recording in high-speed recording mode, they will not be as concerned about missing or misaligned dots compared to when recording in normal recording mode, and that the time from receiving the recording command to completing the recording on the recording paper P will be shorter.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment, when recording in normal recording mode, a suction purge is performed in response to a predetermined user operation before recording to the recording paper P. This allows the nozzle 10 to be discharged normally onto the recording paper P, although the time from receiving the recording command to completing the recording on the recording paper P will be longer if the nozzle 10 becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibration caused by the predetermined user operation. On the other hand, when recording in high-speed recording mode, a suction purge in response to a predetermined user operation is not performed before recording to the recording paper P. This may result in missing dots or misaligned dots, but it shortens the time from when the recording command is transmitted to when recording on the recording paper P is completed, and the time from when the recording command is received to when the discharge of liquid to the discharge medium is completed.

[0083] <Variation> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0084] For example, in the above embodiment, it was determined whether or not the user performed an operation to attach the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40 at a predetermined speed U1 or higher, based on whether or not the amount of change Rt of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 was greater than or equal to a predetermined value Rta, but it is not limited to this.

[0085] In Modification 1, the control unit 80 processes according to the flow shown in Figure 12(a) instead of the flow in Figure 10(a). The flow in Figure 12(a) is the same as the flow in Figure 10(a), but with S103 replaced by S401. In S401, the control unit 80 determines whether the time Tt during which the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 repeatedly increases and decreases is greater than or equal to a predetermined time Tta. If time Tt is less than the predetermined time Tta (S401: NO), the process returns to S101; if time Tt is greater than or equal to the predetermined time Tta (S401: NO), the process proceeds to S104. Note that in S401, it is determined that time Tt is greater than or equal to the predetermined time Tta if the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 converges to Ea1 after repeatedly increasing and decreasing for a predetermined time Tta or more.

[0086] When a user quickly inserts the paper tray 4 into the tray mounting section 40, the signal value from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 fluctuates for a long period of time before converging to a value Ea1 indicating that the paper tray 4 has been inserted into the tray mounting section 40. In this modified example 1, when the signal value from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 fluctuates for a predetermined time Tta or more and then reaches a value Ea1 indicating that the paper tray 4 has been inserted into the tray mounting section 40, it is determined that the user has inserted the paper tray 4 into the tray mounting section 40 at a speed of U1 or more. Then, a suction purge is performed in response to this operation. This allows the nozzle 10 to be restored by the suction purge if it becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user quickly inserts the paper tray 4 into the tray mounting section 40.

[0087] In the modified example 2, the control unit 80 processes according to the flow shown in Figure 12(b) instead of the flow in Figure 10(a). The flow in Figure 12(b) is the same as the flow in Figure 10(a), but with S103 replaced by S501. In S501, the control unit 80 determines whether the maximum amplitude Ht when the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 repeatedly increases and decreases is greater than or equal to a predetermined amplitude Hta. If the amplitude Ht is less than the predetermined amplitude Hta (S501: NO), the process returns to S101; if the amplitude Ht is greater than or equal to the predetermined amplitude Hta (S501: NO), the process proceeds to S104. Note that in S501, it is determined that the amplitude Ht is greater than or equal to the predetermined amplitude Hta when the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 increases or decreases by a predetermined amount or more (increases or decreases to the extent that the amplitude Ht is greater than or equal to the predetermined amplitude Hta) and then converges to Ea1.

[0088] When a user quickly inserts the paper tray 4 into the tray mounting section 40, the signal value from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 fluctuates significantly before converging to a value Ea1 indicating that the paper tray 4 has been inserted into the tray mounting section 40. In the modified example 2, when the signal value from the attachment / detachment sensor 44 fluctuates by a predetermined amount or more (to the extent that the amplitude Ht becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined amplitude Hta), and then reaches the value Ea1 indicating that the paper tray 4 has been inserted into the tray mounting section 40, it is determined that the user has inserted the paper tray 4 into the tray mounting section 40 at a speed of a predetermined speed U1 or higher. Then, a suction purge is performed in response to this operation. This allows the nozzle 10 to be restored by the suction purge if it becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user quickly inserts the paper tray 4 into the tray mounting section 40.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and modifications 1 and 2, when it is determined that the user has performed the operation of attaching the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting unit 40 at a predetermined speed U1 or higher, a nozzle inspection process is performed, and if there is an abnormal nozzle, abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when it is determined that the user has performed the operation of attaching the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting unit 40, a nozzle inspection process may be performed regardless of the movement speed of the paper tray 4 at that time, and if there is an abnormal nozzle, abnormal flag information may be stored in the flash memory 84.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above example, the attachment / detachment sensor 44 was a so-called light-transmitting sensor in which the reception of light by the light-receiving unit 44b depends on whether the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 44a is blocked by the paper tray 4, but it is not limited to this. The attachment / detachment sensor 44 may be, for example, a light-reflecting optical sensor. Alternatively, the attachment / detachment sensor 44 may be a proximity sensor that detects eddy currents due to changes in the magnetic field. The attachment / detachment sensor may also be a contact-type sensor. In the case of a contact-type sensor, the period from when the contact is made contact with the contactor until the contactor is fully pressed in can be considered as Ea2 to Ea1. At this time, chattering may be detected as a signal that repeatedly increases and decreases. Thus, various types of attachment / detachment sensors 44 can be applied.

[0091] Furthermore, the determination is not limited to whether or not the user has performed the operation of attaching the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40 based on the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor 44.

[0092] In the third modified example, the control unit 80 processes according to the flow shown in Figure 13 instead of the flow in Figure 10(a). The flow in Figure 13 is as follows: If abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S601:YES), the control unit 80 waits. If abnormal flag information is not stored in the flash memory 84 (S601:NO), the control unit 80 determines whether a paper out-of-bounds state has been detected based on the signal from the paper sensor 45 (S602). If a paper out-of-bounds state has not been detected (S602:NO), the process returns to S601. If a paper out-of-bounds state has been detected (S602:YES), the control unit 80 then waits until recording is performed on the recording paper P (S603:NO). When recording is performed on the recording paper P (S603:YES), the control unit 80 executes the same processing as S104-S106, specifically S604-S606.

[0093] If the paper tray 4 runs out of paper, recording to the recording paper P cannot be performed unless the recording paper P is replenished in the paper tray 4. Therefore, if recording is performed on the recording paper P after the paper tray 4 has run out of paper, it can be inferred that the user detached the paper tray 4 and replenished the recording paper P in the paper tray 4 during the period between the time the paper tray 4 ran out of paper and the first recording on the recording paper P. In other words, it can be inferred that the user performed the operation of attaching the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting unit 40. In this modified example 3, it is determined that the user attached the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting unit 40 when the first recording on the recording paper P is performed after the paper runout is detected. Then, a suction purge is performed in accordance with this operation. This allows the nozzle 10 to be restored if it becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user attaches the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting unit 40.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it was determined whether the user performed an operation to close the cover 53 at a speed of a predetermined speed U2 or higher based on whether the amount of change Rc of the signal output from the opening / closing sensor 54 was greater than or equal to a predetermined value Rca, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0095] In Modification 4, the control unit 80 processes according to the flow shown in Figure 14(a) instead of the flow in Figure 10(b). The flow in Figure 14(a) is the same as the flow in Figure 10(b), but with S203 replaced by S701. In S701, the control unit 80 determines whether the time Tc during which the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 repeatedly increases and decreases is greater than or equal to a predetermined time Tca. If time Tc is less than the predetermined time Tca (S701: NO), the process returns to S101; if time Tc is greater than or equal to the predetermined time Tca (S701: NO), the process proceeds to S104. Note that in S701, it is determined that time Tc is greater than or equal to the predetermined time Tca if the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 converges to Eb1 after repeatedly increasing and decreasing for a predetermined time Tca or more.

[0096] When the user quickly closes the cover 53, the signal value from the open / close sensor 54 fluctuates for a long period of time before converging to a value Eb1 indicating that the cover 53 is closed. In the modified example 4, when the signal value from the open / close sensor 54 fluctuates for a predetermined time Tca or more and then reaches the value Eb1 indicating that the cover 53 is closed, it is determined that the user has closed the cover 53 at a speed of a predetermined speed U2 or higher. Then, a suction purge is performed in response to this operation. This allows the nozzle 10 to be restored by the suction purge if it becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user quickly closes the cover 53.

[0097] In Modification 5, the control unit 80 processes according to the flow shown in Figure 14(b) instead of the flow in Figure 10(b). The flow in Figure 14(b) is the same as the flow in Figure 10(b), but with S203 replaced by S801. In S801, the control unit 80 determines whether the maximum amplitude Hc when the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 increases and decreases repeatedly is greater than or equal to a predetermined amplitude Hca. If the amplitude Hc is less than the predetermined amplitude Hca (S801: NO), the process returns to S101; if the amplitude Hc is greater than or equal to the predetermined amplitude Hca (S801: NO), the process proceeds to S104. Note that in S801, it is determined that the amplitude Hc is greater than or equal to the predetermined amplitude Hca when the value of the signal output from the open / close sensor 54 increases and decreases by a predetermined amount or more (increases and decreases to the extent that the amplitude Hc is greater than or equal to the predetermined amplitude Hca) and then converges to Eb1.

[0098] When the user quickly closes the cover 53, the signal value from the open / close sensor 54 increases or decreases significantly before converging to a value Eb1 indicating that the cover 53 is closed. In modification 5, when the signal value from the open / close sensor 54 increases or decreases by a predetermined amount or more (to the extent that the amplitude Hc becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined amplitude Hca) and then reaches the value Eb1 indicating that the cover 53 is closed, it is determined that the user has performed an operation to close the cover 53 at a speed of a predetermined speed U2 or higher. Then, a suction purge is performed in response to this operation. This allows the nozzle 10 to be restored by the suction purge if it becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user quickly closes the cover 53.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and modified examples 4 and 5, a nozzle inspection process was executed when the user closed the cover 53 at a predetermined speed U2 or higher, and if an abnormal nozzle was found, abnormal flag information was stored in the flash memory 84. However, this is not limited to this. For example, when the user closes the cover 53, the nozzle inspection process may be executed regardless of the movement speed of the cover 53 at that time, and if an abnormal nozzle is found, abnormal flag information may be stored in the flash memory 84.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above example, the opening / closing sensor 44 was a so-called light-transmitting sensor in which whether or not light emitted from the light-emitting part 54a is received by the light-receiving part 54b depends on whether or not the light is blocked by the light-shielding part 53b of the cover 53, but it is not limited to this. The opening / closing sensor 54 may also be a light-reflecting optical sensor. Alternatively, the opening / closing sensor 54 may be a proximity sensor that detects eddy currents due to changes in the magnetic field. In addition, the opening / closing sensor may be a contact-type sensor. Even in the case of a contact-type sensor, the period from when the contactor is made contact with the sensor until the contactor is fully pressed in can be considered as Ea2 to Ea1. At this time, chattering may be detected as a signal that repeatedly increases and decreases. Thus, various types of opening / closing sensors 44 can be applied.

[0101] Furthermore, the determination of whether or not the user has performed the operation to close the cover 53 is not limited to the signal output from the opening / closing sensor 54.

[0102] In Modification 6, the control unit 80 processes according to the flow shown in Figure 15 instead of the flow in Figure 10(b). The flow in Figure 15 is described as follows: If abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S901: YES), the control unit 80 simply waits. If abnormal flag information is not stored in the flash memory 84 (S901: NO), the control unit 80 determines whether a reading operation has been performed by the scanner 6, where the reading unit 52 reads the document G placed on the reading platform 51 (S902). If the reading operation has not been performed (S902), the process returns to S901. If the reading operation has been performed (S902: YES), after the reading operation, the control unit 80 executes the processing in S903 to S905, similar to S104 to S106.

[0103] In order for the reading unit 52 to read the document G placed on the reading platform 51, the document G must be placed on the reading platform 51 before the reading unit 52 can read the document G. Therefore, when a reading operation is performed, it can be presumed that the user opened or closed the cover 53 in order to place the document G on the reading platform 51 beforehand. In other words, it can be presumed that the user closed the cover 53. In the modified example 6, when a reading operation is performed, it is determined that the user closed the cover 53. Then, a suction purge is performed in response to this operation. This allows the nozzle 10 to become an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user closes the cover 53, and the abnormal nozzle can be restored by the suction purge.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and modifications 4 to 6, a nozzle inspection process is performed in response to the user closing the cover 53 covering the reading platform 51, and if an abnormal nozzle is found, abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the housing 2 may be provided with a cover other than the cover 53, and a nozzle inspection process may be performed in response to the user closing this other cover, and if an abnormal nozzle is found, abnormal flag information may be stored in the flash memory 84.

[0105] In this case, when the operation requiring the opening and closing of the other cover is performed, it may be assumed that the user has closed the other cover, and the nozzle inspection process may be executed. If there is an abnormal nozzle, abnormal flag information may be stored in the flash memory 84.

[0106] When the operation requiring the opening and closing of the above-mentioned cover is performed, it can be presumed that the user had previously opened or closed the above-mentioned cover. In other words, it can be presumed that the user had performed the operation to close the above-mentioned cover. Therefore, when the operation requiring the opening and closing of the above-mentioned cover is performed, it is determined that the user had performed the operation to close the above-mentioned cover. Then, a suction purge is performed in response to this operation. This allows the nozzle 10 to be restored to an abnormal state by suction purging if the nozzle becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user closes the above-mentioned cover.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above example, suction purging was performed in response to both the user's operation of attaching the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40 and the user's operation of closing the cover provided on the housing 2. However, suction purging may be performed in response to only one of these operations.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above examples, the operations of the user to attach the paper tray 4 to the tray mounting section 40 and the operations of the user to close the cover provided on the housing 2 were given as examples of predetermined user operations, but the above are not limited to these. The predetermined user operations may be any operations performed by the user that may cause vibrations in the printer 1, other than these operations.

[0109] In addition, it is also possible to initiate a suction purge in response to nozzle 10 becoming an abnormal nozzle due to user actions, using a method other than those described above.

[0110] For example, in Modification 7, as shown in Figure 16, the printer 100 has the same configuration as the printer 1 in the above-described embodiment, plus a vibration detection sensor 101. The vibration detection sensor 101 detects whether or not vibration has occurred, and if so, the magnitude of the vibration. Also, in Modification 7, the control unit 80 processes according to the flow in Figure 17 instead of the flow in Figures 10(a) and (b) of the above-described embodiment.

[0111] To explain the flow in Figure 17, if abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S1001: YES), the control unit 80 remains in standby mode. If abnormal flag information is not stored in the flash memory 84 (S1001: NO), the control unit 80 determines whether or not vibration exceeding a predetermined amount has been detected based on the signal from the vibration detection sensor 101 (S1002). If vibration exceeding a predetermined amount has not been detected (S1002: NO), the process returns to S1001. If vibration exceeding a predetermined amount has been detected (S1002: YES), the control unit 80 executes the same process as S104 to S106, specifically S1003 to S1005.

[0112] In Modification 7, when the vibration detection sensor 101 detects vibrations exceeding a predetermined amount, it is determined that a predetermined user operation has been performed. Then, a suction purge is performed in response to the predetermined user operation. This allows the nozzle 10 to be restored by suction purging if it becomes an abnormal nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 as a result of the predetermined user operation.

[0113] Furthermore, in modification 8, for example, the control unit 80 processes according to the flow in Figure 18 instead of the flows in Figures 10(a) and (b). To explain the flow in Figure 18 in detail, if abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84 (S1101: YES), the control unit 80 remains in standby mode. If abnormal flag information is not stored in the flash memory 84 (S1101: NO), the control unit 80 determines whether the cover 53 has been opened by the user based on the signal from the open / close sensor 54 (S1102). If the cover 53 has not been opened by the user (S1102: NO), the process returns to S1101.

[0114] If the user opens the cover 53 (S1102: YES), the control unit 80 controls the high-voltage power supply circuit 77 to apply voltage to the electrode 76 (S1103). Subsequently, the control unit 80 waits based on the signal from the open / close sensor 54 until the user closes the cover 53 (S1104: NO). When the user closes the cover 53 (S1104: YES), the control unit 80 determines whether or not ink has been discharged from any of the nozzles 10 based on the signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 (S1105). If no ink has been discharged from any of the nozzles 10 (S1105: NO), the control unit 80 controls the high-voltage power supply circuit 77 to release the voltage applied to the electrode 76 (S1106) and then returns to S1101. If ink is discharged from any of the nozzles 10 (S1105:YES), the control unit 80 executes the same processes S1107 to S1109 as in S404 to S406 of the above embodiment.

[0115] In Modification 8, when the user opens the cover 53, a voltage is applied to the electrode 76. This allows it to determine whether ink was ejected from the nozzle 10 due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user closed the cover 53, based on the electrical change in the electrode 76. If such ink ejection occurs, it is highly likely that the ink meniscus inside the nozzle 10 has been destroyed, resulting in the nozzle 10 being a defective nozzle. Therefore, when such ink ejection occurs, a nozzle inspection process is executed to determine whether there is a defective nozzle. If there is a defective nozzle, the defective nozzle flag information is stored in the flash memory 84, and then a suction purge is performed based on the stored defective nozzle flag information. This allows the nozzle to be restored by suction purging when the nozzle 10 becomes a defective nozzle due to vibrations generated in the printer 1 when the user closes the cover 53.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above example, when a predetermined user operation is performed, a nozzle inspection process is executed, and if an abnormal nozzle is actually found, abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84. However, this is not limited to this. When a predetermined user operation is performed, the abnormal flag information may be stored in the flash memory 84 without executing the nozzle inspection process.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above example, when a predetermined user operation is performed, or when an abnormal nozzle is determined to exist during the subsequent nozzle inspection process, abnormal flag information is stored in the flash memory 84. Then, before recording to the subsequent recording paper P, a purge process is executed based on the abnormal flag information to perform a suction purge. However, this is not the only option. For example, when it is determined that a predetermined user operation has been performed, or when an abnormal nozzle is determined to exist during the subsequent nozzle inspection process, a suction purge may be performed immediately.

[0118] Furthermore, while the above example shows that the abnormal nozzle was recovered by suction purging, this is not the only method. For example, a pressure pump may be provided in the flow path between the ink cartridge (not shown) and the inkjet head 14 to pressurize the ink inside the inkjet head 14. Then, with multiple nozzles 10 covered by caps 71, the pressure pump may be driven to perform a pressurized purge (the "recovery operation" of the present invention) to discharge the ink inside the inkjet head 14. In this case, the caps 71 and the pressure pump constitute the "recovery means" of the present invention.

[0119] Alternatively, both suction purging by driving the suction pump 72 and pressurized purging by driving the aforementioned pressurized pump may be performed. In this case, both suction purging and pressurized purging correspond to the "recovery operation" of the present invention. In this case, the maintenance unit 18 and the pressurized pump constitute the "recovery means" of the present invention.

[0120] Furthermore, the method is not limited to purging to discharge the ink from the inkjet head 14. For example, in Modification 9, the control unit 80 performs processing according to the flow shown in Figure 19 to record on the recording paper P. The flow in Figure 19 is the same as the flow in Figure 11, but with S303 replaced by S1201. In S1201, the control unit 80 performs a flushing process. In the flushing process, the control unit 80 drives the inkjet head 14 to perform flushing (the "recovery operation" of the present invention), which discharges ink from the nozzle 10. In Modification 9, the inkjet head 14 serves as both the "liquid ejection head" and the "recovery means" of the present invention. In Modification 9, an abnormal nozzle can be recovered by flushing.

[0121] Furthermore, the recovery of a faulty nozzle is not limited to purging or flushing alone. The faulty nozzle may also be recovered by performing both purging and flushing.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above example, even if error flag information is stored in the flash memory 84, a recovery operation is not performed before recording when recording in high-speed recording mode, but this is not limited to this. For example, if error flag information is stored in the flash memory 84, a recovery operation may be performed before recording regardless of the recording mode.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above example, when the inkjet head 14 is driven for inspection (the "inspection operation" of the present invention), the nozzle 10 is determined to be an abnormal nozzle based on the ejection determination signal output from the signal processing circuit 78 in response to the change in voltage at the electrode 76 located inside the cap 71 from the nozzle 10, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0124] For example, instead of electrode 76, an electrode extending vertically may be provided that faces the space below the nozzle 10 when the carriage 12 is in the maintenance position. The signal processing circuit 78 may then output a signal corresponding to the change in voltage of the electrode when the inspection drive (the "inspection operation" of the present invention) is performed with the carriage 12 in the maintenance position.

[0125] Alternatively, for example, an optical sensor may be provided that directly detects the ink ejected from the nozzle 10 when the carriage 12 is in a predetermined position such as a maintenance position, and outputs a signal according to the detection result. Based on the signal output from this optical sensor, it may be determined whether or not the nozzle 10 is an abnormal nozzle. The operation of the inkjet head 14 to eject ink from the nozzle 10 at this time corresponds to the "inspection operation" of the present invention.

[0126] Alternatively, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4929699, a voltage detection circuit that detects changes in voltage when ink is ejected from a nozzle may be connected to a plate on which the nozzles of the inkjet head are formed, and it may be determined whether a nozzle is an abnormal nozzle based on the signal output from the voltage detection circuit when the operation to eject ink from the nozzle (the "inspection operation" of the present invention) is performed with the carriage moved to the inspection position.

[0127] Alternatively, for example, the substrate of the inkjet head may be equipped with a temperature sensing element, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6231759. Then, after applying a first applied voltage to drive the heater for ink ejection, a second applied voltage may be applied to drive the heater again to prevent ink ejection. Based on the temperature change detected by the temperature sensing element from the time the second applied voltage is applied until a predetermined time has elapsed, a signal may be output indicating whether or not the nozzle 10 is an abnormal nozzle. In this case, the above-mentioned driving of the heater corresponds to the "inspection operation" of the present invention.

[0128] Alternatively, the recording unit 3 may be made to record a predetermined test pattern, and it may be determined whether or not there is an abnormal nozzle based on the reading result of the test pattern. In this case, the recording result of the test pattern may be input by having the scanner 6 read the test pattern. Alternatively, the recording result of the test pattern may be input by having the user operate an operation unit (not shown) of the printer 1, a PC (not shown) connected to the printer 1, etc., based on the recording result of the test pattern. In this case, the operation of recording the test pattern in the recording unit 3 corresponds to the "inspection operation" of the present invention.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above example, all nozzles 10 of the inkjet head 14 were subjected to a test drive to determine whether or not a nozzle 10 was an abnormal nozzle, but this is not limited to this. For example, only some nozzles 10 of the inkjet head 14, such as every other nozzle 10 in each nozzle row 9, may be subjected to a test drive to determine whether or not a nozzle 10 is an abnormal nozzle. For the remaining nozzles 10, it may be estimated whether or not a nozzle 10 is an abnormal nozzle based on the determination results for the aforementioned partial nozzles 10.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above example, whether or not nozzle 10 is a defective nozzle was determined based on whether or not ink was ejected from nozzle 10, but this is not the only way. For example, whether or not nozzle 10 is a defective nozzle may be determined based on the direction or speed of ink ejection, etc.

[0131] Furthermore, while the above describes an example of applying the present invention to a printer equipped with a so-called serial head that ejects ink from multiple nozzles while moving in the scanning direction with the carriage, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a printer equipped with a so-called line head that extends along the entire length of the recording paper in the scanning direction.

[0132] Furthermore, while the above description has focused on an example of applying the present invention to a printer that ejects ink from a nozzle to record on recording paper P, the invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to printers that record images on recording media other than recording paper, such as T-shirts, outdoor advertising sheets, cases for mobile devices such as smartphones, cardboard, and resin materials. It can also be applied to liquid dispensing devices that dispense liquids other than ink, such as liquid resin or metal. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 1: Printer 2: Cabinet 4: Tray mounting section 10: Nozzle 14: Inkjet head 18: Maintenance Unit 40: Paper feed tray 44: Detachable sensor 45: Paper sensor 51: Reading desk 52: Reading section 53: Cover 54: Open / Close Sensor 71: Cap 72: Pump 76: Electrode 77: High-voltage power supply circuit 80: Control Unit

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing head having a nozzle for dispensing liquid, A recovery means that performs a recovery operation to discharge liquid from the nozzle, The casing and A cover is provided on the housing that can be opened and closed, A liquid dispensing device comprising a control unit, The control unit, In response to a predetermined user operation performed by the user that may cause vibration in the liquid dispensing device, the recovery means is made to perform the recovery operation. The aforementioned predetermined user operation includes the user closing the cover, A liquid dispensing device characterized in that it determines that the user has performed an operation to close the cover when an operation requiring the opening and closing of the cover is performed.

2. A liquid dispensing head having a nozzle for dispensing liquid, A recovery means that performs a recovery operation to discharge liquid from the nozzle, The casing and A cover is provided on the housing that can be opened and closed, The housing is provided with a reading platform on which the medium to be read is placed, A reading unit that reads the medium to be read placed on the reading platform, A liquid dispensing device comprising a control unit, The cover is movable between an open position that exposes the reading platform so that a medium to be read can be placed on the reading platform, and a closed position that covers the reading platform, thereby enabling it to be opened and closed. The control unit, In response to a predetermined user operation performed by the user that may cause vibration in the liquid dispensing device, the recovery means is made to perform the recovery operation. The aforementioned predetermined user operation includes the user closing the cover, A liquid dispensing device characterized in that, as an operation requiring the opening and closing of the cover, when a reading operation is performed by the reading unit to read the medium to be read placed on the reading platform, it is determined that the user has performed an operation to close the cover.

3. A liquid dispensing head having a nozzle for dispensing liquid, A recovery means that performs a recovery operation to discharge liquid from the nozzle, The casing and A medium housing section containing the dispensing medium and detachably mounted on the housing, A medium sensor that outputs a signal indicating whether or not the medium to be dispensed is contained in the medium storage section mounted on the housing, A liquid dispensing device comprising a control unit, The control unit, In response to a predetermined user operation performed by the user that may cause vibration in the liquid dispensing device, the recovery means is made to perform the recovery operation. The predetermined user operation includes the user's operation of attaching the media storage unit to the housing, A liquid dispensing device characterized in that, after the signal from the medium sensor indicates that the medium to be dispensed is not contained in the medium storage unit, it is determined that the user has performed the operation of attaching the medium storage unit to the housing when the first liquid is dispensed to the medium to be dispensed.

4. The control unit, In response to the predetermined user operation, the liquid dispensing head is instructed to perform an inspection operation to check whether there is a faulty nozzle causing an abnormality in liquid dispensing. Based on the results of the inspection operation, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormal nozzle. The liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when it is determined that there is an abnormal nozzle, the recovery means is made to perform the recovery operation.

5. The liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the liquid dispensing head also serves as the recovery means, and the recovery operation involves flushing, which discharges liquid from the nozzle.

6. The recovery means, A cap covering the nozzle, The system includes a pump for applying pressure to the liquid in the liquid discharge head, The liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, as the recovery operation, a purge is performed by driving the pump while the nozzle is covered with the cap, thereby discharging liquid from the nozzle to the cap.

7. The casing and The housing is provided with a cover that can be opened and closed, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the predetermined user operation includes an operation by the user to close the cover.

8. The housing is provided with a reading platform on which the medium to be read is placed, The system comprises a reading unit that reads the medium to be read placed on the reading platform, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the cover is movable between an open position that exposes the reading platform so that a medium to be read can be placed on the reading platform and a closed position that covers the reading platform.

9. The system includes an open / close sensor that outputs a signal depending on whether the cover is open or closed, The liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7, or 8, characterized in that the control unit determines whether or not the user has performed an operation to close the cover based on the signal from the opening / closing sensor.

10. The aforementioned predetermined user operation includes the user closing the cover at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed, The opening / closing sensor outputs a signal with a value corresponding to the position of the cover. The control unit, Based on the value of the signal output from the opening / closing sensor, it is determined whether the cover is open or closed. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, characterized in that when the value of the signal from the opening / closing sensor changes to a value indicating that the cover is closed after the amount of change per unit time has changed to a predetermined amount or more, it is determined that the user has performed an operation to close the cover at a speed of a predetermined speed or higher.

11. The aforementioned predetermined user operation includes the user closing the cover at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed, The opening / closing sensor outputs a signal with a value corresponding to the position of the cover. The control unit, Based on the value of the signal output from the opening / closing sensor, it is determined whether the cover is open or closed. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, characterized in that when the value of the signal from the opening / closing sensor increases and decreases repeatedly for a predetermined period of time or longer, and then becomes a value indicating that the cover is closed, it is determined that the user has performed an operation to close the cover at a speed of a predetermined speed or higher.

12. The aforementioned predetermined user operation includes the user closing the cover at a speed greater than or equal to a predetermined speed, The opening / closing sensor outputs a signal with a value corresponding to the position of the cover. The control unit, Based on the value of the signal output from the opening / closing sensor, it is determined whether the cover is open or closed. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, characterized in that when the value of the signal from the opening / closing sensor increases or decreases by a predetermined amount or more and then becomes a value indicating that the cover is closed, it is determined that the user has performed an operation to close the cover at a speed of a predetermined speed or higher.

13. The casing and It comprises a medium storage section that contains the medium to be discharged and is detachably mounted on the housing, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the predetermined user operation includes an operation by the user to attach the media storage unit to the housing.

14. The media storage unit is equipped with a detachment sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to whether it is attached to the housing or detached from the housing, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 3 or 13, characterized in that the control unit determines, based on the signal from the attachment / detachment sensor, whether or not the user has performed an operation to attach the media storage unit to the housing.

15. The predetermined user operation includes the user installing the media storage unit into the housing at a speed of a predetermined speed or higher, The attachment / detachment sensor outputs a signal with a value corresponding to the position of the media storage portion in the housing, The control unit, Based on the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor, it is determined whether the media housing is attached to the housing or detached from the housing. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 14, characterized in that when the value of the signal from the attachment / detachment sensor changes to a value indicating that the media storage unit is attached to the housing after the amount of change per unit time has changed to a predetermined amount or more, it is determined that the user has performed an operation to attach the media storage unit to the housing at a speed of a predetermined speed or more.

16. The predetermined user operation includes an operation by the user to mount the media storage unit into the housing at a speed of a predetermined speed or higher. The attachment / detachment sensor outputs a signal with a value corresponding to the position of the media storage portion in the housing, The control unit, Based on the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor, it is determined whether the media housing is attached to the housing or detached from the housing. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 14, characterized in that when the value of the signal from the attachment / detachment sensor increases and decreases repeatedly for a predetermined time or longer and then becomes a value indicating that the media storage unit is attached to the housing, it is determined that the user has performed an operation to attach the media storage unit to the housing at a speed of a predetermined speed or higher.

17. The predetermined user operation includes the user installing the media storage unit into the housing at a speed of a predetermined speed or higher, The attachment / detachment sensor outputs a signal with a value corresponding to the position of the media storage portion in the housing, The control unit, Based on the value of the signal output from the attachment / detachment sensor, it is determined whether the media housing is attached to the housing or detached from the housing. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 14, characterized in that when the value of the signal from the attachment / detachment sensor increases or decreases by a predetermined amount or more and then becomes a value indicating that the media storage unit is attached to the housing, it is determined that the user has performed an operation to attach the media storage unit to the housing at a speed of a predetermined speed or more.

18. The liquid dispensing device is equipped with a vibration detection sensor that outputs a signal indicating whether or not vibrations exceeding a predetermined amount have occurred, The control unit, The liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that when a signal indicating that vibrations exceeding a predetermined amount have occurred in the liquid dispensing device is output from the vibration detection sensor, it is determined that the predetermined user operation has been performed.

19. The control unit, The liquid discharge head is selectively made to discharge liquid onto the discharge medium in either a first discharge mode or a second discharge mode that discharges liquid onto the discharge medium at a higher speed than the first discharge mode. When the liquid discharge head is made to discharge liquid onto the medium to be discharged in the first discharge mode, the recovery means is made to perform the recovery operation in accordance with the predetermined user operation performed before the liquid is discharged onto the medium to be discharged. The liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, when the liquid dispensing head is made to dispense liquid onto the medium to be dispensed in the second dispensing mode, the recovery means is not made to perform the recovery operation in accordance with the predetermined user operation performed before the liquid is dispensed onto the medium to be dispensed.

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