Liquid ejection apparatus and cartridge

Abstract

The present invention includes: a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid from a nozzle; a maintenance means including a cap that comes into contact with a nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head, the nozzle surface being provided with the nozzle, and executing maintenance processing for maintaining and recovering ejection performance of the liquid ejection head; a cartridge that houses a first storage part for storing waste liquid generated by the maintenance processing, houses a second storage part for storing a moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the interior of the cap, restricts replacement of the first storage part, and permits replacement of the second storage part; and a mounting means to which the cartridge is detachably mounted.

Description

Liquid ejection device and cartridge

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection device and a cartridge.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a liquid ejection device in which, in a capping state where a cap forms a space in contact with a nozzle surface on which a nozzle for ejecting a liquid is formed, the space is moisturized with a moisturizing liquid. In the liquid ejection device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a moisturizing liquid storage unit for storing the moisturizing liquid is provided in the same cartridge as a waste liquid storage unit for storing waste liquid discharged from the nozzle by a preliminary ejection operation or a cleaning operation.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-024820

[0004] However, when it becomes necessary to replace one of the waste liquid storage unit and the moisturizing liquid storage unit, even if the other is available, it is necessary to replace them simultaneously, resulting in high costs.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of suppressing high costs.

[0006] To achieve the above object, an embodiment of a liquid ejection device according to the present disclosure includes a liquid ejection head that ejects a liquid from a nozzle, a cap that abuts on a nozzle surface on which the nozzle in the liquid ejection head is formed, maintenance means for executing a maintenance process for maintaining and recovering the ejection performance of the liquid ejection head, a first storage unit for storing waste liquid generated by the maintenance process, and a second storage unit for storing a moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the inside of the cap, and a cartridge that regulates the replacement of the first storage unit and permits the replacement of the second storage unit, and mounting means to which the cartridge is detachably mounted.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to suppress high costs.

[0008] A further feature of the present disclosure will become clear from the following description of the embodiments made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Diagram showing the configuration of the multifunction printer Diagram showing the detailed configuration of the printer section of the multifunction printer Block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit Side view of the multifunction printer Diagram showing the configuration of the recording system when a large-capacity paper feed unit is attached to the multifunction printer Front view showing the recording system with the cover of the multifunction printer open Plan view of the mounting section Diagram showing the configuration of the mounting section as seen from the Y direction Diagram showing the configuration of the recording system when a post-processing device is attached to the multifunction printer Diagram showing the relay transport section around the mounting section when a post-processing device is attached to the multifunction printer Diagram showing a first modified example Diagram showing a second modified example Diagram showing a third modified example Diagram showing the configuration of the maintenance section Diagram showing the configuration of the moisturizing liquid circulation mechanism and waste liquid collection mechanism Enlarged view of a part of the front of the multifunction printer Diagram showing the configuration of the cartridge in the first embodiment Flowchart showing the processing content of the notification process Diagram showing a modified example of the cartridge configuration in the first embodiment Diagram showing the configuration of the cartridge in the second embodiment Diagram showing a modified example of the cartridge configuration in the second embodiment Diagram showing the configuration of the cartridge in the third embodiment

[0010] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. While specific details may be provided in the embodiments described below for the sake of clarity, these are merely technically preferred examples and are not intended to unnecessarily limit the scope of this disclosure. For example, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments below are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure unless otherwise specified.

[0011] [First Embodiment] <Recording Device> The configuration of the recording device in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Here, a multifunction printer will be used as an example of a recording device, but the technology of this disclosure can be applied to any device that ejects liquid such as ink to record an image on a recording medium such as paper (hereinafter referred to as "the medium"). Examples of such devices include (image) recording devices such as inkjet printers and fax machines.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the multifunction printer 11 comprises a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped main body 12, an image reading unit 13 located on the upper part of the main body 12, and an automatic document feeding unit 14 located above the image reading unit 13. The main body 12 also serves as the main part of the printer unit 15. The multifunction printer 11 has a configuration in which the printer unit 15, the image reading unit 13, and the automatic document feeding unit 14 are stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction Z, from bottom to top. The main body 12 has a transport path T (see T1 to T11 in Figure 2) for transporting a medium M such as paper. The multifunction printer 11 is installed on a mounting surface F with multiple casters 16 provided on the bottom of the main body 12 touching the ground.

[0013] The image reading unit 13 is configured to read images such as characters and photographs recorded on the original document D (shown by a dashed line in Figure 1). The automatic document feeding unit 14 has a document tray 17 on which the original document D can be placed. The automatic document feeding unit 14 feeds the original document D placed on the document tray 17 toward the image reading unit 13. After being read by the image reading unit 13, the original document D is discharged into the output tray 18. The automatic document feeding unit 14 also serves as the document tray cover for the image reading unit 13 and is provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the image reading unit 13. When the automatic document feeding unit 14 is opened, the document tray (not shown) located on the upper surface of the image reading unit 13 is exposed. After placing the original document on the document tray, the automatic document feeding unit 14 is closed. The image reading unit 13 is capable of reading the original document placed on the document tray.

[0014] Furthermore, an operation panel 19 is provided on the upper part of the main unit 12 of the device, which is operated when giving instructions to the multifunction printer 11. The operation panel 19 has a display unit 19A. The display unit 19A has a screen, for example, consisting of a touch panel. A touch panel is a display panel that allows instructions to be given to the multifunction printer 11 by touching the screen. The operation panel 19 may have buttons for operation, or it may consist only of buttons for operation without a display unit 19A.

[0015] The multifunction printer 11 is equipped with a cassette 20 (media storage section) for holding multiple media M. Multiple media M are stored in the cassette 20. The cassette 20 is, for example, a paper feed cassette capable of storing paper as an example of media M. The multifunction printer 11 of this embodiment has a total of four cassettes 20. The four cassettes 20 are arranged in four layers at the bottom of the device body 12, overlapping in the vertical Z direction. Multiple cassettes 20 are mounted on the device body 12 in a removable manner. The cassettes 20 are configured to be pullable out in the Y-axis direction relative to the device body 12. Multiple cassettes 20 can hold media M of different sizes or paper types, for example.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, each cassette 20 has a cassette cover 20K facing in the Y-axis direction. This cassette cover 20K is an example of a cover that can be opened and closed relative to the device body 12, and is provided on the side surface 12F of the device body 12 facing in the Y-axis direction. To improve usability, the direction in which the side surface 12F on which the cassette cover 20K is provided faces is the same as the direction in which the operation panel 19 of the multifunction printer 11 faces. The cassette cover 20K is provided on the cassette 20 which can be pulled out in the Y-axis direction. The cassette cover 20K is also provided with a handle 20E for the user to pull out the cassette 20.

[0017] Furthermore, the number of cassettes 20 can be set arbitrarily. The number of cassettes 20 is not limited to four; it may be two, three, five, six or more. In addition, a multi-story cassette 20 may be composed of an optional expansion unit in which some of the cassettes are added. For example, the multifunction printer 11 may have a standard configuration with two cassettes 20, and the user may optionally add an expansion unit with two cassettes 20. The expansion unit may also be configured to allow for the addition of cassettes 20 one at a time.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the side surface 12S of the main body 12 of the device is provided with a cover CV that can be switched between a first state in which the transport path T (see Figure 2) is exposed and a second state in which the transport path T is covered. The cover CV is divided into a first cover 21 and a second cover 22.

[0019] In other words, the side surface 12S is provided with a first cover 21 and a second cover 22 located below the first cover 21, both of which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 12 of the device. Furthermore, the side surface 12S is provided with a third cover 23 located below the second cover 22, which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 12 of the device.

[0020] The first cover 21 is larger than the second cover 22. That is, the first cover 21 occupies a larger area (occupied area) on the side surface 12S than the second cover 22. The first cover 21 has a handle 21A for the user to open and close it. The first cover 21 also includes a supply tray 24 as an example of a tray on which the medium M is placed. The supply tray 24 is attached to the first cover 21 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. The supply tray 24 has a handle 24A.

[0021] The second cover 22 and the third cover 23 are substantially the same size and shape. The second cover 22 has a handle 22A for the user to open and close it. The third cover 23 also has a handle 23A for the user to open and close it. The second cover 22 and the third cover 23 are provided with the handles 22A and 23A at substantially the same position on the surface of each cover (upper left position in Figure 1). In this embodiment, the first cover 21, the second cover 22, and the third cover 23 allow most of the side surface 12S to be opened and closed.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a front cover 25 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front of the device body 12 in the upper right area of ​​the cassette 20. Here, "front" refers to the surface that the user faces when performing basic operations, and is the surface on which the operation panel 19 and the cassette cover 20K are provided. The front cover 25 can be opened and closed by swinging it sideways with its right end as the pivot axis. Note that the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 may differ in at least one of their size and shape. Alternatively, in Figure 1, the third cover 23 may be omitted, and the second cover 22 may be made of a single cover having the combined size of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 shown in Figure 1.

[0023] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the device body 12 has a recording unit 30 that records on a medium M (see Figure 2). The recording unit 30 records on the medium M supplied from the cassette 20 and on the medium M supplied from the supply tray 24. Inside the device body 12 is a liquid supply source 35 (see Figure 2) that contains ink, which is an example of a liquid. The recording unit 30 records on the medium M using a liquid such as ink supplied from the liquid supply source 35. As shown in Figure 1, a window 26 is provided on the front of the device body 12 in an area corresponding to the liquid supply source 35. The user can visually check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid supply source 35 through the window 26.

[0024] A concave mounting section 31 is provided between the main body 12 of the device and the image reading unit 13. The mounting section 31 includes a discharge tray 32 that forms its bottom. The discharge tray 32 is a plate-shaped member, and the discharged media M is stacked on the upper surface of the discharge tray 32. The discharge tray 32 is inclined at a predetermined angle such that the downstream side in the discharge direction from which the recorded media M is discharged is higher than the upstream side. The main body 12 has a discharge port 71 (Figure 8) that opens into one of the side walls (right side wall) that forms the concave part of the mounting section 31. The recorded media M is discharged from the discharge port 71 and stacked on the discharge tray 32 of the mounting section 31. The media M discharged onto the discharge tray 32 descends along the slope due to its own weight and hits a regulating wall (not shown), thereby aligning the upstream end in the discharge direction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, when viewing the mounting section 31 from the Y direction, the diagonal direction in which the discharge tray 32 extends is defined as direction B. Within direction B, the direction having a component in the +Z direction is defined as the +B direction, and the direction having a component in the -Z direction is defined as the -B direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to direction B that forms the slope of the discharge tray 32 is defined as direction C. Within direction C, the direction having a component in the +Z direction is defined as the +C direction, and the direction having a component in the -Z direction is defined as the -C direction.

[0026] <Printer Unit Configuration> The detailed configuration of the printer unit 15 shown in Figure 1 will be explained below using Figure 2. The main body of the device 12 is provided with a transport unit 40 that transports the medium M along the transport path T, and a recording unit 30 that records on the medium M. Furthermore, a medium width sensor 33 that detects the medium M being transported along the transport path T, a liquid supply source 35 that supplies liquid such as ink to the recording unit 30, a waste liquid storage unit 36 ​​that stores waste liquid such as ink, and a control unit 37 that controls the operation of each part of the multifunction printer 11.

[0027] The recording unit 30 is equipped with a liquid ejection head 30A that ejects a liquid such as ink onto the medium M. The liquid ejection head 30A ejects a liquid such as ink supplied from a liquid supply source 35 through a tube 1601 (see Figure 16) from a nozzle 1506 (see Figure 15). The liquid supply source 35 may be a replaceable liquid cartridge such as an ink cartridge, or a liquid tank that can be refilled with liquid such as an ink tank.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 2, the liquid ejection head 30A is positioned at an angle to the horizontal. That is, the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head 30A, from which the liquid ejection nozzle opens, is positioned at an angle to the horizontal. The liquid ejection head 30A faces the conveyor belt 48. The liquid ejection head 30A ejects liquid onto the medium M being conveyed along the conveying direction A on the conveyor belt 48. The angle at which the liquid ejection head 30A is tilted relative to the horizontal can be changed as appropriate. For example, the liquid ejection head 30A and the conveyor belt 48 may be positioned horizontally (tilt angle 0°). The recording unit 30 may also be configured to include recording heads other than the liquid ejection head 30A that ejects liquid. Other recording heads may include dot impact recording heads, thermal recording heads, or, for example, laser recording heads that record with toner.

[0029] The transport unit 40 is equipped with a plurality of rollers provided along the transport path T. Specifically, the transport unit 40 has a feed roller 41 and a pair of separation rollers 42 for the cassette 20, and a feed roller 43 and a separation roller 44 for the feed tray 24. The transport unit 40 also has transport roller pairs 45-47, 54-56 of the transport system, discharge roller pairs 49, 51, 53, transport rollers 61-64, and a loading roller 65. The transport path T includes the first to sixth transport paths T1-T6, which are the transport paths of the feed system, and the seventh to ninth transport paths T7-T9 and reversing paths T10, T11, which are the transport paths of the transport system.

[0030] More specifically, a feeding roller 41 and a pair of separation rollers 42 are provided for each cassette 20 mounted on the main body 12 of the device, near the downstream end in the feeding direction of each cassette 20. The multiple media M contained in the cassette 20 are placed on a mounting plate 20F that is biased toward the +Z side (upwards), with the downstream portion in the feeding direction being placed on the mounting plate 20F. The mounting plate 20F is rotatably mounted on the main body 12 of the device, and biases the media M toward the +Z side, lifting it upwards as it moves downstream in the feeding direction. The uppermost media M of the multiple media M placed on the mounting plate 20F is pressed against the feeding roller 41. As the feeding roller 41 rotates in this state, the uppermost media M is fed in the feeding direction. The fed-out media M is then separated by the separation action of the separation roller pair 42, which rotates while nipped by the separation roller pair 42, and only one media is sent downstream. The media M supplied from each cassette 20 is transported along the transport paths T1 to T4 towards the +Z side and reaches the transport path T7. The media M supplied from the cassette 20 is transported towards the downstream transport path T7 by transport rollers 61 to 64 provided along each transport path T1 to T4.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the feeding tray 24 is equipped with edge guides 24B for positioning the placed medium M in the width direction. The first cover 21 is equipped with feeding rollers 43 for feeding the medium M placed on the feeding tray 24 to the transport path T. The first cover 21 is also equipped with separation rollers 44 that rotate in contact with the feeding rollers 43. The transport path T5, through which the medium M is transported from the feeding tray 24 by the feeding rollers 43 and separation rollers 44, merges with the transport path T7.

[0032] Furthermore, there is a transport path T6 for transporting the medium M from the entrance (not shown) of the second cover 22. The transport path T6 is a transport route used when the medium M is transported into the multifunction printer 11 from an external device. The second cover 22 is provided with transport rollers 65 for transporting the medium M from the entrance along the transport path T6. In addition, the transport rollers 61 also serve as transport rollers for transporting the medium M along the transport path T6. The medium M transported from the transport path T6 merges with the transport path T7 downstream.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the transport path T7 is curved in the region facing the medium width sensor 33 and extends diagonally upward from the medium width sensor 33. The medium M is transported along the transport path T7 to the recording position RP facing the liquid ejection head 30A by the rotation of the transport roller pairs 45, 46, and 47. At the recording position RP, the medium M is transported on a transport belt 48 positioned opposite the liquid ejection head 30A. The liquid ejection head 30A records on the medium M as it is transported on the transport belt 48. The liquid ejection head 30A is, for example, an inkjet recording method that ejects a liquid such as ink. At the recording position RP, the medium M is transported in direction A. After recording is complete, the medium M is transported downstream by the discharge roller pair 49. A flap 50 is provided downstream of the discharge roller pair 49. The flap 50 distributes the medium M to the transport path T8 and the reversal path T10.

[0034] In the case of single-sided recording, where recording is done on only one side of the medium M, after recording on the first side, the medium M is directed to the transport path T8 by the flap 50. The medium M directed to the transport path T8 is then transported downstream by the discharge roller pair 51. On the other hand, in the case of double-sided recording, where recording is done on both sides of the medium M, after recording on the first side, the medium M, having completed recording on one side, is directed from the transport path T7 to the reversal path T10 by the flap 50.

[0035] Furthermore, a flap 52 is provided in the middle of the transport path T8. The flap 50 distributes the medium M to the transport path T8 and the transport path T9. The medium M that is transported along the transport path T8 is discharged onto the discharge tray 32 of the mounting section 31. The medium M that is distributed to the transport path T9 is discharged to the mounting section 31 by a pair of discharge rollers 53 provided along the transport path T9, and then discharged onto a discharge tray (not shown) provided in the mounting section 31.

[0036] The medium M, which has completed one-sided recording and has been sent to the reversal path T10, switches back in the reversal path T10 and is then transported in the reverse direction towards the -Z side of the reversal path T10. Then it is transported from the reversal path T10 through the reversal path T11 towards the -Z side. After being transported along the reversal path T11 by the transport roller pairs 55 and 56 provided along the reversal path T11, it joins the transport path T7. In other words, the medium M that has passed through the reversal paths T10 and T11 via the switchback is re-supplied to the transport path T7 with its front and back orientation reversed. At this time, the re-supplied medium M is transported along the transport path T7 with the second side, which is the side opposite to the recorded first side, facing the liquid discharge head 30A. The liquid discharge head 30A records on the second side of the re-supplied medium M. The medium M, which has completed double-sided recording by recording on the second side, is discharged to the mounting section 31 from the transport path T8 or transport path T9. In this embodiment, the transport path T includes reversal paths T10 and T11 as an example of a switchback path.

[0037] The first cover 21 is positioned in a location corresponding to the reversal paths T10 and T11. In this embodiment, the first cover 21 forms the reversal paths T10 and T11, which are examples of switchback paths. The transport roller pair 45 provided along the transport path T7 consists of a drive roller 45A and a driven roller 45B. The transport roller pair 46 consists of a drive roller 46A and a driven roller 46B. Furthermore, the transport roller pair 54 provided along the reversal path T10 consists of a drive roller 54A and a driven roller 54B. The transport mechanism 70 that forms the reversal paths T10 and T11 is assembled on the back surface of the first cover 21. That is, when the first cover 21 is opened, the transport mechanism 70 is separated from the main body of the device 12.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the second cover 22 is positioned such that its Z-axis position coincides with the Z-axis position of the cassette 20. The first cover 21 is positioned such that its Z-axis position does not coincide with the Z-axis position of the cassette 20, and it covers the transport path downstream of the transport path covered by the second cover 22. The transport paths covered by the second cover 22 are the first transport path T1 and the second transport path T2. The transport paths covered by the first cover 21 are the seventh transport path T7 and the reversal paths T10 and T11, and the transport paths covered by the third cover 23 are the third transport path T3 and the fourth transport path T4.

[0039] The control unit 37 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage, which are not shown in the diagram. The control unit 37 controls the transport of the medium M in the printer unit 15 and the recording operation on the medium M by the liquid ejection head 30A. More specifically, the control unit 37 is not limited to performing software processing for all the processes it performs. For example, the control unit 37 may have a dedicated hardware circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) that performs hardware processing for at least a portion of the processes it performs. That is, the control unit 37 can be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least a portion of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute the processes. Memory, or computer-readable storage media, includes all available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0040] The printer unit 15 is equipped with a plurality of sensors (detection units), not shown, capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium M on the transport path T. The control unit 37 determines whether the medium M is in the correct position on the transport path T when performing a recording operation to record on the medium M. If it is detected that the medium M is in an inappropriate position on the transport path T, it determines that a jam has occurred in which the medium M is stuck. Based on the detection signals from the plurality of sensors, the control unit 37 identifies the location of the jam and displays a message on the display unit 19A indicating that a jam has occurred. The message includes information about the cover that should be opened to perform jam removal work. The user opens the cover indicated in the message and performs jam removal work. In this embodiment, the multifunction printer 11 functions as a liquid ejection device that ejects ink as a liquid onto the medium M.

[0041] <Configuration of the Recording Device Control Unit> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 37 shown in Figure 2. The control unit 37 mainly consists of a print engine unit 200 that manages the printer unit 15, a scanner engine unit 300 that manages the image reading unit 13, and a controller unit 100 that manages the entire multifunction device 11. The print controller 202 controls the various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 according to the instructions of the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. The various mechanisms of the scanner engine unit 300 are controlled by the main controller 101 of the controller unit 100. The details of the configuration of the control unit 37 will be described below.

[0042] In the controller unit 100, the main controller 101, which is composed of a CPU, controls the entire multifunction printer 11 using the RAM 106 as the work area, according to the program and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. For example, when a print job is input from the host device 400 via the host I / F 102 or wireless I / F 103, the image processing unit 108 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data according to the instructions of the main controller 101. Then, the main controller 101 transmits the processed image data to the print engine unit 200 via the print engine I / F 105.

[0043] The multifunction printer 11 may acquire image data from the host device 400 via wireless or wired communication, or it may acquire image data from an external storage device (such as a USB memory) connected to the multifunction printer 11. The communication method used for wireless or wired communication is not limited. For example, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used as communication methods for wireless communication. USB (Universal Serial Bus) can be used as a communication method for wired communication. Also, for example, when a read command is input from the host device 400, the main controller 101 transmits this command to the scanner engine unit 300 via the scanner engine I / F 109.

[0044] The operation panel 19 is a mechanism for the user to perform input and output operations on the multifunction device 11. The user can instruct operations such as copying and scanning, set the printing mode, or recognize information about the multifunction device 11 through the operation panel 19.

[0045] In the print engine unit 200, the print controller 202 composed of a CPU controls various mechanisms provided in the printer unit 15 according to the programs and various parameters stored in the ROM 203 while using the RAM 204 as a work area. When various commands and image data are received via the controller I / F 201, the print controller 202 temporarily stores them in the RAM 204. The print controller 202 causes the image processing controller 205 to convert the stored image data into recording data so that the liquid ejection head 30A can be used for the recording operation. When the recording data is generated, the print controller 202 causes the liquid ejection head 30A to perform a recording operation based on the recording data via the head I / F 206. At this time, the print controller 202 drives each component of the conveyance unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 via the conveyance control unit 207 to convey the medium M. Specifically, these components are the feed roller 41 and the separation roller pair 42 for the cassette 20, and the feed roller 43 and the separation roller 44 for the feed tray 24. Also, the conveyance roller pairs 45 to 47, 54 to 56 in the conveyance system, the discharge roller pairs 49, 51, 53, the conveyance rollers 61 to 64, and the loading roller 65. In accordance with the instructions of the print controller 202, the recording operation by the liquid ejection head 30A is executed in conjunction with the conveyance operation of the medium M, and the printing process is performed.

[0046] The head carriage control unit 208 changes the orientation and position of the liquid ejection head 30A according to the operating status of the multifunction printer 11, such as the maintenance status and recording status. The ink supply control unit 209 controls the ink supply unit that supplies ink to the recording unit 30 so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the liquid ejection head 30A is within an appropriate range. The ink supply unit is composed of a liquid supply source 35. The maintenance control unit 210 controls the operation of the cap unit and wiping unit in the maintenance unit (not shown) when performing maintenance operations on the liquid ejection head 30A.

[0047] In the scanner engine unit 300, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources of the scanner controller 302, using the RAM 106 as the work area, according to the program and various parameters stored in the ROM 107. This controls the various mechanisms of the image reading unit 13. For example, the main controller 101 controls the hardware resources in the scanner controller 302 via the controller I / F 301, so that the document placed on the automatic document feeding unit 14 is transported via the transport control unit 304 and read by the sensor 305. The scanner controller 302 then stores the read image data in the RAM 303. The print controller 202 converts the acquired image data as described above into recording data, so that the liquid ejection head 30A can perform a recording operation based on the image data read by the scanner controller 302.

[0048] <Configuration of the Cover> FIG. 4 shows a side surface 12S where a cover CV is provided in the printer unit 15. In the apparatus main body 12, a first opening 121 is provided in a region facing the first cover 21. The first cover 21 closes the first opening 121 in the closed state and opens the first opening 121 in the open state. In the apparatus main body 12, a second opening 122 is provided in a region facing the second cover 22. The second cover 22 closes the second opening 122 in the closed state and opens the second opening 122 in the open state. In the apparatus main body 12, a third opening 123 is provided in a region facing the third cover 23. The third cover 23 closes the third opening 123 in the closed state and opens the third opening 123 in the open state.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the first cover 21 has a rotation axis 21B extending along the Z axis and is provided rotatably with respect to the apparatus main body 12. The second cover 22 is disposed on the -Z side of the first cover 21, has a rotation axis 22B extending along the Y axis on the -Z side, and is provided rotatably with respect to the apparatus main body 12. Since the cover CV is divided into the first cover 21 and the second cover 22, by opening the first cover 21 and the second cover 22, the conveyance path T extending across the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 can be configured to be continuously opened. Note that continuously opened means, for example, that in the closed state, no non-door portions such as frames or exterior finishes like trays are arranged between the first cover 21 and the second cover 22. In other words, in the open state, it means that no non-door portions made of frames or exterior finishes such as a frame separating the first opening 121 corresponding to the first cover 21 and the second opening 122 corresponding to the second cover 22 are arranged. Therefore, when both the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 are opened, a single continuous large opening is formed by the first opening 121 and the second opening 122.

[0050] In Figure 4, the area occupied by the second cover 22 on the side 12S is smaller than that of the first cover 21, but the size is not limited to this. The area occupied by the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 on the side 12S may be the same. Also, for example, if the third cover 23 is eliminated and the second cover 22 is made large enough to cover the first to fourth transport paths T1 to T4, the area occupied by the second cover 22 on the side 12S may be larger than that of the first cover 21.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the dimension LY1 of the first cover 21 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 in the Z-axis direction (LY1 > LZ2). The dimension LY1 of the first cover 21 in the Y-axis direction may also be smaller than the dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 in the Z-axis direction (LY1 < LZ1).

[0052] The dimension LY2 of the second cover 22 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 in the Z-axis direction (LY2 > LZ2). The dimension LZ2 of the second cover 22 in the Z-axis direction may be less than the dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 in the Z-axis direction (LZ2 < LZ1).

[0053] The dimension LY1 of the first cover 21 in the Y-axis direction may be equal to the dimension LY2 of the second cover 22 in the Y-axis direction (LY1 = LY2). Also, the side edge 21S of the first cover 21 extending in the Z-axis direction and the side edge 22S of the second cover 22 extending in the Z-axis direction may lie on a straight line in the Z-axis direction.

[0054] The third cover 23 is positioned on the -Z side of the cover CV and has a pivot shaft 23B on the -Z side that extends along the Y axis perpendicular to the Z axis. The third cover 23 may be configured to rotate around the pivot shaft 23B relative to the device body 12. The dimension LY3 of the third cover 23 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the dimension LZ3 of the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction (LY3 > LZ3). The dimension LY3 of the third cover 23 in the Y-axis direction may be equal to the dimension LY2 of the second cover 22 in the Y-axis direction (LY2 = LY3). Furthermore, the side edge 23S of the third cover 23 extending in the Z-axis direction and the side edge 22S of the second cover 22 extending in the Z-axis direction may lie on a straight line in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the three side edges 21S, 22S, and 23S may lie on a straight line in the Z-axis direction.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction may be less than half (1 / 2) of the dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 in the Z-axis direction (LZ2 < 1 / 2 × LZ1, LZ3 < 1 / 2 × LZ1).

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the Z-axis dimension LZ4 of the cassette 20 is smaller than the Z-axis dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 (LZ4 < LZ2, LZ4 < LZ3).

[0057] The feeding tray 24 has a pivot shaft 24C that extends along the Y-axis and is configured to be rotatable relative to the first cover 21. As shown in Figure 4, the dimension LY5 of the feeding tray 24 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the dimensions LY2 and LY3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Y-axis direction (LY5 < LY2, LY5 < LY3). Also, the dimension LZ5 of the feeding tray 24 in the Z-axis direction may be larger than the dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction (LZ5 > LZ2, LZ5 > LZ3).

[0058] <Configuration of a Recording System with a Paper Feeding Unit> Figure 5 shows the configuration of the recording system 10A. As shown in Figure 4, the recording system 10A, as an example of a media transport system, comprises a multifunction printer 11 and a high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 that supplies media M to the multifunction printer 11. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 is used in conjunction with the multifunction printer 11. In this example, the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 is connected to the multifunction printer 11 at the portion of the second cover 22. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 is arranged in line with the main body of the device 12 in the X-axis direction. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 accommodates multiple media M. The maximum number of media that the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 can accommodate is greater than the maximum number of media that each cassette 20 can accommodate. The high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 feeds the stored media M to the transport path T of the multifunction printer 11. The main body 12 of the multifunction printer 11 is configured to be able to receive media M from the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 to the transport path T.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the high-capacity paper feeding unit 80 comprises a housing 81, a high-capacity cassette 82 that is detachable from the housing 81, and casters 83 that make contact with the installation surface F. The high-capacity cassette 82 has a handle 82A on the side facing the Y-axis (front) that is operated by the user when pulling it out. As shown in Figure 5, the Z-axis dimension LZ6 of the high-capacity cassette 82 is larger than the Z-axis dimension LZ4 (see Figure 4) of the cassette 20 on the multifunction printer 11 side. Therefore, the number of sheets that can be loaded into the high-capacity cassette 82 is greater than the number of sheets that can be loaded into the cassette 20. The high-capacity cassette 82 in this embodiment has a height dimension of approximately four times that of the cassette 20.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the height dimension H1 of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 from the installation surface F is slightly higher than the top edge height of the uppermost first cassette 20A in the multifunction printer 11 equipped with four cassettes 20. The height dimension H1 of the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is set so as not to interfere with the feed tray 24 when the feed tray 24 of the multifunction printer 11 is opened.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, when opening at least one of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23, the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 is moved a predetermined distance in the X-axis direction away from the multifunction printer 11. This predetermined distance is the distance required to open at least one of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23. The dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 of the second cover 22 and the third cover 23 in the Z-axis direction are smaller than their respective dimensions LY2 and LY3 in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 4). Furthermore, it is preferable that the dimensions LZ2 and LZ3 are smaller than half (1 / 2) of the Z-axis direction dimension LZ1 of the first cover 21 (LZ2 < 1 / 2 × LZ1, LZ3 < 1 / 2 × LZ1). In these cases, the distance that the high-capacity paper feed unit 80 needs to be moved in the X-axis direction when opening the second cover 22 or the third cover 23 is shorter.

[0062] <Configuration of the mounting section> Figure 7 is a plan view of the mounting section 31 as seen from above. As shown in Figure 7, the mounting section 31 has a discharge tray 32. The mounting section 31 also has a mounting surface 91 on which the media M discharged from the discharge port 71 (Figure 8) is placed. A vertical wall 99 is provided at the -X end of the mounting surface 91, extending upright from the mounting surface 91 in the +Z direction. When viewed from a position in the +X direction relative to the multifunction printer 11, the vertical wall 99 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, with its Y-direction dimension being longer than its Z-direction dimension. The vertical wall 99 is also formed in a plate shape with a predetermined thickness in the X direction. The vertical wall 99 is positioned in the -Z direction relative to the discharge port 71. The width of the vertical wall 99 in the Y direction is wider than the maximum Y-direction width of the media M used in the multifunction printer 11. The height of the vertical wall 99 in the Z direction is higher than the maximum stacking height of the multiple media M placed on the mounting section 31.

[0063] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the mounting surface 91 includes, for example, a first mounting surface 92, second mounting surfaces 94 and 95, third mounting surfaces 96 and 97, and a fourth mounting surface 98. The first mounting surface 92 constitutes the central part of the mounting surface 91 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the first mounting surface 92 is a surface that rises towards the +C direction (+Z direction) from the +B direction (+X direction). In other words, the first mounting surface 92 is a plane parallel to the B-Y plane. Moreover, the first mounting surface 92 is formed in a rectangular shape, with the dimension in the B direction being longer than the dimension in the Y direction when viewed from the C direction. A through hole 93 is formed in the central part of the first mounting surface 92 in the Y direction, as an example of an opening. The through hole 93 is formed in a rectangular shape, with the dimension in the B direction being longer than the dimension in the Y direction, as an example. The size of the through hole 93 is such that the movable rib 90, which will be described later, can pass through it. As a result, the movable rib 90 can move in the C direction through the through hole 93 and protrude from the first mounting surface 92. In this specification, the elements involved in the discharge of the medium M, specifically the print controller 202, the discharge roller pairs 49, 51, 53, and the discharge port 71, are collectively referred to as the discharge section. The B direction has the discharge direction component when the medium M is discharged from the discharge port 71. The Y direction is perpendicular to the B direction and the discharge direction. Here, a configuration in which these directions are perpendicular is shown, but they do not necessarily have to be perpendicular; a configuration in which they are approximately perpendicular (i.e., intersecting at a few degrees from 90 degrees) is also acceptable.

[0064] The second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 are located on one side of the first mounting surface 92 in the Y direction. The second mounting surface 94 is continuous with the first mounting surface 92 and is located in the +Y direction more than the first mounting surface 92. The length of the second mounting surface 94 in the B direction becomes shorter as it approaches the +Y direction. Also, the second mounting surface 94 slopes downward in the -C direction as it approaches the -Y direction. In other words, the second mounting surface 94 slopes toward the first mounting surface 92. The second mounting surface 95 is continuous with the first mounting surface 92 and is located in the -Y direction more than the first mounting surface 92. The length of the second mounting surface 95 in the B direction becomes shorter as it approaches the -Y direction. Also, the second mounting surface 95 slopes downward in the -C direction as it approaches the +Y direction. In other words, the second mounting surface 95 slopes toward the first mounting surface 92. The inclination angle of the second mounting surface 94 with respect to the B-Y plane and the inclination angle of the second mounting surface 95 are approximately the same. The area and inclination angle of the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 are set so that the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 can come into contact with the medium M.

[0065] The third mounting surfaces 96 and 97 are located outside the first mounting surface 92 and the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95 in the Y direction. The third mounting surface 96 is continuous with the second mounting surface 94 and is located further in the +Y direction than the second mounting surface 94. The third mounting surface 96 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, except for the cut-out portion in the -B direction. The third mounting surface 96 is also parallel to the Y direction. In other words, the third mounting surface 96 is a plane parallel to the B-Y plane, similar to the first mounting surface 92. The third mounting surface 97 is continuous with the second mounting surface 95 and is located further in the -Y direction than the second mounting surface 95. The third mounting surface 97 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, except for the cut-out portion in the -B direction. The third mounting surface 97 is also parallel to the Y direction. In other words, the third mounting surface 97 is a plane parallel to the B-Y plane, just like the first mounting surface 92.

[0066] The fourth mounting surface 98 is a surface located in the +B direction relative to the first mounting surface 92, the second mounting surfaces 94 and 95, and the third mounting surfaces 96 and 97, and is continuous with them. Furthermore, the fourth mounting surface 98 is, for example, a plane parallel to the horizontal X-Y plane. At the -B direction end of the fourth mounting surface 98, the central part in the Y direction is recessed in the +B direction compared to both ends in the Y direction.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, the movable rib 90 is an example of a projection that can project from the mounting surface 91 in the C direction, and is formed in the shape of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the B direction. The end of the movable rib 90 in the -C direction is open. The movable rib 90 also has a side wall 72 formed in the shape of a frame when viewed from the C direction, an upper wall 74 that covers the end of the side wall 72 in the +C direction, and two slide rails 76 provided on the inside of the side wall 72. A notch 73 is formed at the end of the side wall 72 in the +B direction. The upper surface 74A of the upper wall 74 in the +C direction is a plane parallel to the B-Y plane. The upper surface 74A is formed in the shape of a rectangle where the dimension in the B direction is longer than the dimension in the Y direction when viewed from the C direction.

[0068] The movable rib 90 has a dimension in the B direction that is greater than its dimension in the Y direction. Also, the movable rib 90 has a dimension in the B direction that is smaller than the dimension in the B direction of the largest size medium M used in the multifunction printer 11. Furthermore, the movable rib 90 has a dimension in the Y direction that is smaller than the dimension in the Y direction of the smallest size medium M used in the multifunction printer 11. The movable rib 90 is moved back and forth in the C direction by a moving part 77, which will be described later, so that it can move between a protruding position that protrudes in the +C direction from the mounting surface 91 and a retracted position where the mounting surface 91 and the upper surface 74A are aligned at approximately the same height in the C direction. The protruding position is an example of a second position. The retracted position is an example of a first position. Also, the movable rib 90 supports a part of the medium M in both the protruding position and the retracted position. In this embodiment, the medium M is transported using a center-resist method. For this reason, the movable rib 90 supports approximately the center of the medium M in the Y direction.

[0069] The movable section 77 is configured, for example, as a link mechanism. Specifically, the movable section 77 includes a support plate 78, a movable rod 79, two first link members 84 spaced apart in the B direction, and one second link member 85 connected to each of the two first link members 84. The support plate 78 extends in the B direction in the -C direction relative to the movable rib 90. The movable rod 79 is provided between the support plate 78 and the movable rib 90 so as to be able to reciprocate in the B direction. The movable rod 79 is also moved back and forth in the B direction by a motor (not shown). This motor is controlled by a transport control unit 207 (Figure 3). The position of the movable rod 79 in the B direction is detected by a sensor (not shown). Based on this detection result, it is determined whether the movable rib 90 is in the protruding position or the retracted position. The position information of the movable rib 90 is sent to the control unit 37.

[0070] The first link member 84 is a member that is long in one direction. One end of the first link member 84 is connected to the support plate 78 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction. The other end of the first link member 84 is connected to the slide rail 76 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction and to move together with the slide rail 76. The second link member 85 is a member that is long in one direction and is shorter than the first link member 84. One end of the second link member 85 is connected to a part of the first link member 84 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction. The other end of the second link member 85 is connected to the moving rod 79 so as to be rotatable around an axis along the Y direction.

[0071] In the moving section 77, when the moving rod 79 is moved in the +B direction, one end of the second link member 85 moves downward in the -C direction, causing the other end of the first link member 84 to move downward in the -C direction and slide relative to the slide rail 76 in the +B direction. As a result, the moving section 77 lowers the movable rib 90 in the -C direction. Also, in the moving section 77, when the moving rod 79 is moved in the -B direction, one end of the second link member 85 moves upward in the +C direction, causing the other end of the first link member 84 to move upward in the +C direction and slide relative to the slide rail 76 in the -B direction. As a result, the moving section 77 moves the movable rib 90 in the +C direction. In other words, the moving section 77 causes the movable rib 90 to protrude from the mounting surface 91 in the +C direction.

[0072] <Configuration of a recording system with a post-processing device> Figure 10 shows a recording system 10B including a multifunction printer 11. As shown in Figure 10, the recording system 10B comprises a multifunction printer 11 and a post-processing device 86. The multifunction printer 11 is equipped with a liquid ejection head 30A that performs recording by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium M, such as recording paper. Here, the liquid ejection head 30A is described as a line head, but it is not particularly limited to that.

[0073] The multifunction printer 11 comprises a main unit 12, a cassette 20 for containing media, a transport unit 40 (see Figure 2) for transporting media, a liquid discharge head 30A, a mounting unit 31 for discharging media, and a relay unit 88 for transporting media to a post-processing device 86. As shown in Figure 10, a media transport path TA is provided inside the main unit 12, more specifically, directly below the liquid discharge head 30A.

[0074] The liquid ejection head 30A has multiple nozzles (not shown) arranged to cover the entire Y-axis area of ​​the medium. The liquid ejection head 30A records data onto the medium by ejecting ink supplied from an ink tank (not shown) from the multiple nozzles toward the medium.

[0075] The media recorded on by the multifunction printer 11 is sent to the post-processing device 86 via the relay unit 88. The post-processing device 86 comprises a main unit 89, a processing tray 58 and a stapler 57 (an example of a post-processing unit) located inside the main unit 89, and a main tray 59 located outside the main unit 89. The media transferred from the relay unit 88 to the main unit 89 is transported along the transport path TB inside the main unit 89 and sent to the processing tray 58.

[0076] <Configuration of the relay unit> Figure 11 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction device 11.

[0077] As shown in Figure 11, the relay unit 88 is an example of a relay transport unit capable of transporting the medium M discharged from the discharge port 71 to the post-processing device 86. The relay unit 88 also includes, as an example, a main frame (not shown), an upper path member 111, a rotating mechanism 130, a lower path member 116, a first rotating shaft 117, a second rotating shaft 118, and a spring member (not shown). The relay path TC is defined as the path between the discharge roller pair 120 of the discharge port 71 and the post-processing device 86 within the transport path T of the medium M. In other words, the transport path T in this embodiment includes the relay path TC.

[0078] As shown in Figure 11, the upper path member 111 constitutes the upper part of the relay path TC located in the +Z direction from the center in the Z direction. The upper path member 111 is provided with a rotating mechanism 130, which will be described later. The upper path member 111, as an example, has an inclined wall 112 and an upper wall 113. The inclined wall 112 is located downstream in the E direction of the discharge guide 119. The E direction is the direction in which the medium M is transported through the relay path TC in the relay unit 88. The inclined wall 112 is inclined such that its +X direction end is located in the +Z direction relative to its -X direction end. In other words, the inclined wall 112 extends diagonally upward relative to the discharge guide 119. The upper wall 113 extends in the +X direction, starting from the point where the inclined wall 112 and the upper wall 113 connect at the +X direction end of the inclined wall 112. This connecting point is curved.

[0079] The rotating mechanism 130 is driven by a drive motor (not shown) to transport the medium M from the discharge port 71 to the post-processing device 86. The rotating mechanism 130 is composed of, for example, a plurality of upper rollers 131, a drive motor (not shown), a plurality of spurs (also called serrated rollers) 132, and a gear section (not shown). The plurality of upper rollers 131 are arranged at intervals in the E direction on the upper path member 111. In addition, a plurality of upper rollers 131 are also arranged in the Y direction. The plurality of upper rollers 131 rotate around a rotation axis along the Y direction. A portion of the outer circumferential surface of the plurality of upper rollers 131 is exposed from the upper path member 111 to the relay path TC and can come into contact with the medium M.

[0080] Multiple spurs 132 are provided on the upper path member 111 at intervals in the E direction and at positions different from the multiple upper rollers 131, and multiple spurs 132 are also arranged in the Y direction. Each of the multiple spurs 132 rotates around a rotation axis along the Y direction. Multiple teeth (not shown) are provided on the outer circumference of the multiple spurs 132. The outer diameter of the spurs 132 is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper rollers 131. The multiple spurs 132 rotate by contact with the conveyed medium M.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11, the lower path member 116 constitutes the lower part of the relay path TC located in the -Z direction from the center in the Z direction. The lower path member 116 is an example of a switching member. The lower path member 116 is configured to switch between a first state in which it constitutes the relay path TC for the medium M from the discharge port 71 to the post-processing device 86, and a second state in which it opens the relay path TC toward the mounting section 31. Note that the lower path member 116 is not provided with a drive motor or gear section as a rotating mechanism section 130.

[0082] The lower path member 116 includes, for example, a first lower path member 133 and a second lower path member 134. The width of the first lower path member 133 and the second lower path member 134 in the Y direction is wider than the width of the medium M in the Y direction. The first lower path member 133 is rotatable about a first rotation axis 117. The second lower path member 134 is rotatable about a second rotation axis 118. In this embodiment, the first lower path member 133 of the lower path member 116 switches between the first state and the second state by rotating about the first rotation axis 117. In this embodiment, for example, the first and second states are not defined for the rotation of the second lower path member 134.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11, the first rotation axis 117 is located in the -X and -Z directions relative to the middle of the relay path TC in the E direction (specifically, the center of the relay path TC). The first rotation axis 117 is rotatably supported by a frame member (not shown) of the device body 12. The first rotation axis 117 extends in the Y direction, intersecting both the E and Z directions. The first rotation axis 117 is made of a cylindrical member. The first rotation axis 117 rotatably supports the first lower path member 133. Specifically, the base end portion 133A of the first lower path member 133 is attached to the first rotation axis 117. The first state and the second state are switched by the first lower path member 133 rotating around the first rotation axis 117.

[0084] The second lower path member 134 is located downstream in the E direction relative to the first lower path member 133. The second rotation axis 118 is located in the -Z direction relative to the upper wall 113. The second rotation axis 118 is rotatably supported by a frame member (not shown) of the device body 12. The second rotation axis 118 consists of a cylindrical member extending in the Y direction. The second rotation axis 118 rotatably supports the second lower path member 134. Specifically, the base end 134A in the +X direction of the second lower path member 134 is attached to the second rotation axis 118. In other words, the downstream end in the E direction of the second lower path member 134 is rotatably supported by the second rotation axis 118. The second lower path member 134 rotates around the second rotation axis 118, switching between a closed state that forms the relay path TC and an open state that opens the relay path TC.

[0085] In the first state of the lower path member 116, the first lower path member 133 faces the inclined wall 112, forming the upstream portion of the relay path TC. The arrangement in which the first lower path member 133 faces the inclined wall 112 is defined as the first state of the first lower path member 133. In the first state of the lower path member 116, the second lower path member 134 faces the upper wall 113, forming the downstream portion of the relay path TC.

[0086] =First Modified Relay Unit= Figure 12 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction device 11, as the first modified example of Figure 11. This modified example differs from Figure 11 in that it has a linear upper path member 152 and a plate-shaped lower path member 154 instead of the upper path member 111 and lower path member 116. In this modified example, the first rotation axis 117 (Figure 11) is not provided. The upper path member 152 is inclined such that its end in the +X direction is located in the +Z direction relative to its end in the -X direction.

[0087] In the first state, when the lower path member 154 forms the relay path TC together with the upper path member 152, the lower path member 154 has a predetermined thickness in the C direction and extends in the B direction. The base end portion 154A of the lower path member 154 in the +B direction is rotated around the second rotation axis 118. The lower path member 154 switches between the aforementioned first state and a second state in which it is retracted from the relay path TC in the -Z direction. In this modified example, when the lower path member 154 is in the second state, the medium M is discharged into the space on the mounting surface 91. Thus, the lower path member 154 may be composed of a single member. Alternatively, instead of providing the second rotation axis 118, a first rotation axis 117 (Figure 11) may be provided, and the base end portion of the lower path member 154 in the -B direction may be rotated around the first rotation axis 117. Alternatively, instead of providing the first rotating shaft 117 and the second rotating shaft 118, a lifting mechanism 166 (Figure 14) may be provided to raise and lower the lower path member 154.

[0088] =Second Modification of the Relay Unit= Figure 13 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction printer 11, as a modification of Figure 11. This modification differs from Figure 11 in that an upper path member 142 is provided as an example of an upper path member instead of the upper path member 111 (Figure 11), and a first lower path member 146 is provided as an example of a lower path member instead of the lower path member 133 (Figure 11). The other configurations are the same as in Figure 11.

[0089] The upper path member 142 constitutes the upper part of the relay path TC located in the +Z direction from the center in the Z direction. The upper path member 142 is provided with a rotating mechanism 130. The upper path member 142, as an example, has an inclined wall 112 and an upper wall 113. The inclined wall 112 is located downstream in the E direction from the discharge guide 119. The inclined wall 112 is inclined such that its end in the +X direction is located in the +Z direction relative to its end in the -X direction. In other words, the inclined wall 112 is a wall that extends diagonally upward from the discharge guide 119.

[0090] The first lower path member 146 is formed in the shape of a plate having a predetermined thickness. The first lower path member 146 is formed in the shape of a rectangle in which the dimension in the Y direction is longer than the dimension in the E direction. The upstream end of the first lower path member 146 in the E direction is defined as the base end 146A. The downstream end of the first lower path member 146 in the E direction is defined as the tip end 146B. In other words, the tip end 146B is located opposite to the base end 146A. The base end 146A is rotatably mounted on the first rotation axis 117. When the first lower path member 146 is rotated around the first rotation axis 117, the trajectory traced by the tip end 146B is defined as the rotation trajectory R. The region inside the rotation trajectory R is defined as the rotation region SR. The mounting surface 91 is located outside the rotation trajectory R of the tip end 146B. In other words, when the first lower path member 146 is rotated, the first lower path member 146 does not come into contact with the mounting surface 91.

[0091] =Third Modification of the Relay Unit= Figure 14 shows the area around the mounting section 31 when the post-processing device 86 is connected to the multifunction device 11, as a modification of Figure 13. This modification differs from Figure 13 in that the first rotating shaft 117 and the second rotating shaft 118 (Figure 13) are absent, a first lower path member 163 is provided in place of the first lower path member 146, and a lifting section 166 is provided. The other configurations are the same as in Figure 13.

[0092] The lower path member 162 includes, for example, a first lower path member 163 and a second lower path member 164 located downstream of the first lower path member 163 in the E direction. The first lower path member 163 is provided so as to be retractable from the relay path TC in the -Z direction. The lower path member 162 switches from a first state to a second state when the first lower path member 163 is retracted from the relay path TC.

[0093] Specifically, the first lower path member 163 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the C direction and extending in the B direction. The first lower path member 163 switches between a first state and a second state when the lifting unit 166 is driven. In the first state, the first lower path member 163 faces the inclined wall 112 and forms the relay path TC. In the second state, when the first lower path member 163 is retracted from the relay path TC in the -Z direction, it rests on the mounting surface 91.

[0094] The second lower path member 164 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. For example, the second lower path member 164 is fixed in a state where it faces the upper wall 113 and forms a relay path TC.

[0095] <Maintenance Section> Next, we will describe the maintenance section that maintains and restores the discharge performance of the liquid discharge head 30A. Figure 15 shows the maintenance section that maintains and restores the discharge performance of the liquid discharge head 30A. Note that the maintenance section and related configurations described below will be controlled by, for example, the maintenance control unit 210 of the control unit 37.

[0096] The multifunction printer 11 is provided with a maintenance unit 1500 capable of performing various maintenance processes to maintain and restore the discharge performance of the liquid discharge head 30A. In this embodiment, when performing maintenance processes, the maintenance unit 1500 is positioned opposite the liquid discharge head 30A via the transport path T. At this time, the transport belt 48 is retracted to a position that does not interfere with the maintenance unit 1500 and the liquid discharge head 30A when performing maintenance processes, for example. Also, when recording onto the medium M by the liquid discharge head 30A, the maintenance unit 1500 is retracted to a position that does not interfere with the transport belt 48 (see Figure 2) which is in the transport position.

[0097] The maintenance unit 1500 includes a cap 1502 that protects the nozzle surface 1506a on which the nozzle 1506 of the liquid discharge head 30A is formed, and a wiper 1504 that wipes the nozzle surface 1506a.

[0098] Here, the liquid ejection head 30A is configured to eject ink onto the medium M from a group of nozzles 1506 that extend in the X direction. In this embodiment, the nozzle surface 1506a on which the nozzles 1506 are arranged is not horizontal, but has an angle θ with respect to the horizontal. That is, in this embodiment, the nozzle surface 1506a is positioned on the liquid ejection head 30A with an angle θ with respect to the horizontal, and in this state, the liquid ejection head 30A ejects ink onto the medium M. The liquid ejection head 30A is a line head having a number of nozzles 1506 that can simultaneously eject ink over the entire width of the medium M in the X direction. Therefore, the multifunction printer 11 performs printing by ejecting ink from a group of nozzles 1506 positioned opposite the entire width of the medium M, which is being transported at a constant speed. The liquid ink ejected by the liquid ejection head 30A is not limited to ink as a recording material containing pigments such as pigments and dyes, but also includes processing liquids that perform predetermined processing on the ink ejected onto the medium M.

[0099] In the multifunction printer 11, the maintenance unit 1500 performs maintenance on the liquid discharge head 30A in order to prevent or resolve discharge problems caused by clogging or adhesion of foreign matter to the nozzle 1506 of the liquid discharge head 30A. Maintenance procedures include, for example, capping, cleaning, flushing, and wiping.

[0100] Capping is the operation in which the cap 1502 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 1506a of the liquid ejection head 30A when ink is not being ejected from the liquid ejection head 30A. Through capping, a capping space CS is formed inside the cap 1502, where the nozzle 1506 is located, by the cap 1502 and the nozzle surface 1506a. Capping suppresses the thickening of the liquid inside the nozzle 1506. Therefore, the occurrence of ejection failures can be suppressed. The capping space CS is a space that is closed off from the outside.

[0101] Cleaning is an operation in which the upstream side of the ink supply direction supplied to the liquid ejection head 30A is pressurized to forcibly discharge ink from the nozzle 1506. Alternatively, cleaning may be an operation in which suction force is applied to the nozzle 1506 of the liquid ejection head 30A to forcibly discharge ink from the nozzle 1506.

[0102] Flushing is a preliminary ejection operation in which ink that does not contribute to recording is ejected from the nozzle 1506. Flushing prevents clogging of the nozzle 1506 by expelling thickened ink, air bubbles, and foreign matter that can cause ejection problems. The ink ejected by flushing is received by the cap 1502. In other words, flushing is performed when the liquid ejection head 30A ejects ink from the nozzle 1506 toward the cap 1502.

[0103] Wiping refers to the action of wiping the nozzle surface 1506a with a wiper 1504 made of rubber or cloth. Wiping removes ink and dust and other contaminants adhering to the nozzle surface 1506a of the liquid discharge head 30A.

[0104] The cap 1502 is movable between a capping position in which it can perform capping on the liquid discharge head 30A and a retracted position in which it is moved away from the capping position and cannot perform capping, by a cap movement mechanism (not shown). In Figure 15, the cap 1502 in the retracted position is shown by a solid line, and the cap 1502 in the capping position is shown by a dashed line.

[0105] After the cap 1502 moves from the retracted position to the capping position, the recording unit 30 moves from the recording position where it is located during recording to a maintenance position where various maintenance processes can be performed by the maintenance unit 1500. In Figure 15, the recording unit 30 in the recording position is shown with a solid line, and the recording unit 30 in the maintenance position is shown with a dashed line. Due to this movement of the cap 1502 and the recording unit 30, the recording unit 30 is capped by the cap 1502. In this embodiment, flushing is performed in the capped state, but flushing may be performed when the cap 1502 is separated from the liquid discharge head 30A.

[0106] The wiper 1504 is configured to move in the X direction by a wiper movement mechanism (not shown). With the recording unit 30 in the maintenance position, the wiper 1504 moves from a standby position on the +X direction side of the recording unit 30 to a turning position on the -X direction side of the recording unit 30. At this time, the cap 1502 is in the retracted position. As a result, the nozzle surface 1506a of the liquid discharge head 30A is wiped by the wiper 1504. When wiping is complete, the recording unit 30 moves from the maintenance position to the recording position. After that, the wiper 1504 moves from the turning position to the standby position.

[0107] Once the maintenance process is complete, the recording unit 30 is moved from the maintenance position to the recording position, and then the cap 1502 is moved from the capping position to the retracted position. At this time, the wiper 1504 is positioned in the X direction so as not to overlap with the recording unit 30 and the cap 1502.

[0108] <Cap Structure> Next, the structure of the cap will be described in detail. The cap 1502 comprises a moisture-permeable membrane 1508, a humidification chamber 1510, a case 1512, and a recess 1514.

[0109] The moisture-permeable membrane 1508 divides the internal space of the case 1512 into a recess 1514 and a humidification chamber 1510. The moisture-permeable membrane 1508 is a sheet-like member that is permeable to gases. The moisture-permeable membrane 1508 allows the permeation of gases but restricts the permeation of liquids. The material used for the moisture-permeable membrane 1508 is a fluororesin coated onto a fabric. Any material that is impermeable to liquids but permeable to gases can be used as the material for the moisture-permeable membrane 1508, and may be a film membrane or an elastomer membrane.

[0110] The case 1512 is divided into a humidification chamber 1510 and a recess 1514 by a moisture-permeable membrane 1508. An absorbent (not shown) capable of holding ink discharged from the liquid discharge head 30A is placed in the recess 1514. When the cap 1502 caps the recording unit 30, the case 1512 comes into contact with the nozzle surface 1506a of the liquid discharge head 30A. At this time, the recess 1514 forms a capping space CS including the opening of the nozzle 1506. The recess 1514 also has an atmospheric communication hole 1602 that allows the capping space CS to communicate with the atmosphere (see Figure 16). Furthermore, the recess 1514 has an discharge hole 1604 that allows the ink discharged from the liquid discharge head 30A to be discharged from the cap 1502 (see Figure 16).

[0111] The humidification chamber 1510 includes an inlet 1606 through which a humidifying liquid L1a flows in to humidify the capping space CS formed by the recess 1514, via a moisture-permeable membrane 1508, and an outlet 1608 through which the humidifying liquid L1a flows out (see Figure 16). The moisture-permeable membrane 1508 is not permeable to liquid. Therefore, the moisture-permeable membrane 1508 restricts the passage of the humidifying liquid L1a in the humidification chamber 1510 into the recess 1514. As a result, in the humidification chamber 1510, the liquid that flows in from the inlet 1606 flows out from the outlet 1608.

[0112] Furthermore, the cap 1502 is equipped with an atmospheric release mechanism 1610 (see Figure 16). The atmospheric release mechanism 1610 comprises an atmospheric communication passage 1610a and an on-off valve 1610b. The atmospheric communication passage 1610a connects the atmospheric communication hole 1602, provided in the recess 1514 of the cap 1502, to the atmosphere. The on-off valve 1610b is an on-off valve that can open and close the atmospheric communication passage 1610a. In this embodiment, when the cap 1502 is in the capping position, the atmospheric communication passage 1610a is open to the atmosphere with the on-off valve 1610b open. Then, when the cap 1502 moves from the capping position to the retracted position, the open atmospheric communication passage 1610a comes into contact with a wall surface (not shown), and the on-off valve 1610b closes due to the wall surface, thereby closing the atmospheric communication passage 1610a. As a result, when flushing or cleaning is performed, the atmospheric communication passage 1610a is open to the atmosphere, and ink is discharged from the liquid discharge head 30A into the recess 1514. However, if cleaning is performed by applying suction force to the nozzle 1506 of the liquid discharge head 30A from the cap 1502 side to forcibly discharge ink from the nozzle 1506, the atmospheric communication passage 1610a must be closed. Therefore, the above configuration may be modified as appropriate so that the atmospheric communication passage 1610a is closed when flushing or cleaning is performed.

[0113] <Moisturizing fluid circulation mechanism and wastewater collection mechanism> Next, the moisturizing fluid circulation mechanism and wastewater collection mechanism connected to the maintenance unit 1500 will be described. Figure 16 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the moisturizing fluid circulation mechanism and wastewater collection mechanism provided in the multifunction printer 11. Figure 17 shows an enlarged configuration diagram of a part of the front of the multifunction printer 11.

[0114] The multifunction printer 11 is equipped with a moisturizing liquid circulation mechanism 1620 in the main body 12 for circulating a moisturizing liquid to moisturize the capping space CS formed by the recess 1514 of the cap 1502. The main body 12 is also equipped with a waste liquid collection mechanism 1660 for collecting ink discharged as waste liquid by wiping, flushing, and cleaning by the maintenance unit 1500.

[0115] =Moisturizing Liquid Circulation Mechanism= First, let's explain the moisturizing liquid circulation mechanism 1620. The moisturizing liquid circulation mechanism 1620, which is connected to the cap 1502, includes a moisturizing liquid storage section 1622 that stores moisturizing liquid L1a for moisturizing the cap 1502. The moisturizing liquid circulation mechanism 1620 also includes a supply channel 1624 that supplies moisturizing liquid L1a to the humidification chamber 1510 and a recovery channel 1626 that recovers moisturizing liquid L1a from the humidification chamber 1510. Thus, the moisturizing liquid circulation mechanism 1620 forms a circulation path 1628 that allows the moisturizing liquid L1a to be circulated by the moisturizing liquid storage section 1622, the supply channel 1624, the humidification chamber 1510, and the recovery channel 1626.

[0116] The supply channel 1624 connects the moisturizing liquid storage section 1622 and the inlet 1606 of the cap 1502. In other words, the supply channel 1624 connects the moisturizing liquid storage section 1622 and the cap 1502. The recovery channel 1626 connects the moisturizing liquid storage section 1622 and the outlet 1608 of the cap 1502. In other words, the recovery channel 1626 connects the moisturizing liquid storage section 1622 and the cap 1502. The moisturizing liquid storage section 1622 has an inlet 1630 that communicates with the recovery channel 1626 and an outlet 1632 that communicates with the supply channel 1624.

[0117] In the moisturizing liquid circulation mechanism 1620, the moisturizing liquid L1a flowing in the circulation path 1628 is a liquid containing water for moisturizing the capping space CS formed by the recess 1514. The moisturizing power of the moisturizing liquid L1a is preferably equivalent to that of the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 30A. Moisturizing power refers to the concentration of the humectant contained in the moisturizing liquid L1a and the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head 30A. For example, when the liquid ejection head 30A ejects ink onto a medium M such as paper for recording, the moisturizing power of the moisturizing liquid L1a is preferably equivalent to that of the ink within its expiration date contained in the liquid supply source 35. Furthermore, it is preferable that the moisturizing power of each ink is balanced.

[0118] The moisturizing liquid storage unit 1622 is equipped with a liquid volume detection unit 1634 that detects the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1a by detecting the liquid level of the moisturizing liquid L1a being stored. This liquid volume detection unit 1634 is equipped with a first electrode 1634a and a second electrode 1634b. The moisturizing liquid L1a is mainly composed of water and contains conductive additives. Here, this water is ion-exchanged water (deionized water, pure water), and moisturizing liquid L1a and moisturizing liquid L1b, described later, are liquids in which various additives are mixed with ion-exchanged water. Moisturizing liquid L1a may also contain preservatives, surfactants, etc. The liquid volume detection unit 1634 detects the liquid level of moisturizing liquid L1a in the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1622 by the electrical resistance between the first electrode 1634a and the second electrode 1634b. When the liquid level of the moisturizing liquid L1a stored in the moisturizing liquid storage section 1622 is higher than the first height H1 and higher than the second height H2, there is electrical conductivity between the first electrode 1634a and the second electrode 1634b. When the liquid level of the moisturizing liquid L1a is lower than the first height H1 and higher than the second height H2, there is no electrical conductivity between the first electrode 1634a and the second electrode 1634b. In this way, the liquid level detection section 1634 is configured to determine whether the liquid level of the moisturizing liquid L1a is higher than the first height H1 by having different output levels depending on whether the first electrode 1634a is in contact with the liquid surface or not.

[0119] When the liquid level of the moisturizing liquid L1a is detected by the liquid level detection unit 1634 to be above the first height H1, it is detected that the moisturizing liquid L1a in the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1622 is sufficiently stored, that is, that the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1622 is full. The system is not limited to detecting only the full state of the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1622; it may also be configured to detect the empty state or nearly empty state of the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1622. The method for detecting the liquid level is not limited to the electrode method described above, but various known technologies such as optical methods and capacitive methods can be used.

[0120] The moisture-retaining liquid storage section 1622 is equipped with an atmospheric communication passage 1636 and a moisture-permeable membrane 1638. The atmospheric communication passage 1636 connects the moisture-retaining liquid storage section 1622 to the atmosphere. The atmospheric communication passage 1636 has a pipe structure that is narrow and forms a complex meandering path, allowing air to enter and exit but restricting the entry and exit of liquid. This suppresses the evaporation of the moisture-retaining liquid L1a in the moisture-retaining liquid storage section 1622. The moisture-permeable membrane 1638 is provided at the connection point between the moisture-retaining liquid storage section 1622 and the atmospheric communication passage 1636. The moisture-permeable membrane 1638 allows the permeation of gas from the moisture-retaining liquid storage section 1622 to the atmospheric communication passage 1636, while restricting the passage of liquid from the moisture-retaining liquid storage section 1622 to the atmospheric communication passage 1636. In order to increase the efficiency of gas passing from the moisture-retaining liquid storage section 1622 to the atmospheric communication passage 1636, it is desirable for the surface area of ​​the moisture-permeable membrane 1638 to be large.

[0121] The humidifying liquid circulation mechanism 1620 includes a pump 1640, a check valve 1642, and a pressure regulating valve 1644. When the pump 1640 is driven, it causes the humidifying liquid L1a to flow in the circulation path 1628. When the pump 1640 is driven, the humidifying liquid L1a is transferred in the supply path 1624 to the humidification chamber 1510 of the cap 1502. The pump 1640 is an example of a pump capable of flowing the humidifying liquid L1a in the circulation path 1628.

[0122] The check valve 1642 allows the flow of the moisturizing liquid L1a from the moisturizing liquid reservoir 1622 to the cap 1502, while preventing the flow of the moisturizing liquid L1a from the cap 1502 to the moisturizing liquid reservoir 1622 due to the difference in water head. Alternatively, an on-off valve may be provided instead of the check valve 1642. In this case, the moisturizing liquid L1a may flow from the moisturizing liquid reservoir 1622 to the cap 1502 when the pump 1640 is driven with the on-off valve open.

[0123] The pressure regulating valve 1644 allows the flow of humidifying liquid L1a from the cap 1502 side to the humidifying liquid storage section 1622 side when the humidifying liquid storage section 1622 side reaches a predetermined pressure, while constantly preventing the flow of humidifying liquid L1a from the humidifying liquid storage section 1622 side to the cap 1502 side. The pressure regulating valve 1644 adjusts the pressure difference due to the head difference so that the humidifying liquid L1a does not flow from the cap 1502 side to the humidifying liquid storage section 1622 side due to the head difference.

[0124] The moisturizing liquid circulation mechanism 1620 includes a moisturizing liquid supply unit 1650 capable of supplying the moisturizing liquid L1b contained in the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 of the cartridge 1646 into the circulation path 1628. The moisturizing liquid supply unit 1650 includes an outlet pipe 1650a, a moisturizing liquid supply passage 1650b, an on-off valve 1650c, and a check valve 1650d. The outlet pipe 1650a connects the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the moisturizing liquid supply passage 1650b. The moisturizing liquid supply passage 1650b is connected to the circulation path 1628. The on-off valve 1650c is configured to open and close the moisturizing liquid supply passage 1650b.

[0125] Here, a retractable cover portion 1702 is provided on the front of the main body 12 in the upper left area of ​​the cassette 20 (see Figure 17). The cover portion 1702 can be in an open state, which allows access to the cartridge mounting portion 1704 from which the liquid supply source 35 and cartridge 1646 are attached and detached, and a closed state, which covers the liquid supply source 35 and cartridge mounting portion 1704. The outlet pipe 1650a is positioned on the connecting wall 1652 of the cartridge mounting portion 1704. When the cartridge 1646 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 1704, the outlet pipe 1650a enters the outlet 1654 of the humidifying liquid storage portion 1648 of the cartridge 1646. As a result, the humidifying liquid storage portion 1648 communicates with the humidifying liquid supply channel 1650b. The moisturizing liquid supply channel 1650b is connected to the circulation path 1628 at the junction 1628a of the circulation path 1628. That is, the moisturizing liquid containment section 1648 is connected to the circulation path 1628 via the moisturizing liquid supply section 1650.

[0126] The humidifying liquid L1b supplied from the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 to the circulation path 1628 is, for example, a liquid used to replenish the water evaporated from the humidifying liquid L1a. The humidifying liquid L1b consists of water and a small amount of preservative. However, the humidifying liquid L1b is not limited to this; it may be a liquid containing the components of the humidifying liquid L1a, or a liquid with the same composition as the humidifying liquid L1a. The proportion of water in the humidifying liquid L1b may be higher than the proportion of water in the humidifying liquid L1a. The humidifying liquid L1b is an example of a humidifying liquid stored in the humidifying liquid storage section 1648.

[0127] When the on-off valve 1650c is opened, the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the circulation path 1628 are connected by the moisturizing liquid supply path 1650b. The check valve 1650d allows ink to flow from the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 to the circulation path 1628, but prevents ink from flowing from the circulation path 1628 to the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 due to the difference in water head. Note that the check valve 1650d is not required. If the check valve 1650d is not provided, the pump 1640 may be driven when the on-off valve 1650c is opened, causing the moisturizing liquid L1b to flow from the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 to the cap 1502.

[0128] Thus, in this embodiment, the moisturizing liquid circulation mechanism 1620 functions as a circulation unit that circulates moisturizing liquid L1a while supplying moisturizing liquid L1b from the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 of the cartridge 1646 mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 1704. In this embodiment, the configuration is such that moisturizing liquid L1a is circulated, but the configuration does not necessarily have to be such that the moisturizing liquid is circulated.

[0129] =Waste Liquid Collection Mechanism= Next, the waste liquid collection mechanism will be described. The waste liquid collection mechanism 1660 includes a waste liquid collection passage 1662, an inlet pipe 1664a, a pump 1664, a buffer chamber 1666, a pump 1668, and an atmospheric communication passage 1670.

[0130] The waste liquid collection channel 1662 comprises a first waste liquid collection channel 1662a and a second waste liquid collection channel 1662b. The first waste liquid collection channel 1662a is connected to a discharge hole 1604 provided in the cap 1502 and communicates with the capping space CS formed by the recess 1514 of the cap 1502. The first waste liquid collection channel 1662a communicates with the capping space CS and the introduction pipe 1664a via a buffer chamber 1666. The second waste liquid collection channel 1662b communicates with the wiper 1504 at the waste liquid receiving outlet 1672 provided in the wiper 1504. The second waste liquid collection channel 1662b communicates with the wiper 1504 and the introduction pipe 1664a. The waste liquid receiving outlet 1672 is located in a waste liquid receiving section (not shown) that receives the ink removed by wiping with the wiper 1504 as waste liquid. The waste liquid collected in the waste liquid receiving section can flow out to the second waste liquid collection channel 1662b via the waste liquid receiving outlet 1672.

[0131] The inlet pipe 1664a connects the waste liquid storage section 1674 provided in the cartridge 1646 to the waste liquid collection channel 1662. In Figure 2, the waste liquid storage section 1674 is shown as the waste liquid reservoir 36. The inlet pipe 1664a is positioned on the connecting wall 1652 of the cartridge mounting section 1704. When the cartridge 1646 is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 1704, the inlet pipe 1664a enters the inlet 1676 of the waste liquid storage section 1674 provided in the cartridge 1646. As a result, the waste liquid storage section 1674 is connected to the waste liquid collection channel 1662 via the inlet pipe 1664a.

[0132] When flushing and cleaning are performed, the ink discharged from the nozzle 1506 of the liquid discharge head 30A as a result of these processes is collected as waste liquid L2 in the cap 1502. The waste liquid L2 collected in the cap 1502 flows into the first waste liquid collection channel 1662a. Also, when wiping is performed, the ink wiped from the nozzle surface 1506a of the liquid discharge head 30A is collected as waste liquid L2 in the waste liquid receiving section. The waste liquid L2 collected in the waste liquid receiving section flows into the second waste liquid collection channel 1662b via the waste liquid receiving section outlet 1672. The waste liquid L2 collected by flushing and cleaning and the waste liquid L2 collected by wiping are transferred to the waste liquid storage section 1674 by the pump 1664. The waste liquid L2 is then stored in the waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0133] In this embodiment, the pump 1668 is a pressure reducing pump that lowers the air pressure inside the buffer chamber 1666 by discharging the air inside the buffer chamber 1666 to the outside of the buffer chamber 1666 through the atmospheric communication passage 1670. This makes it easier for the waste liquid L2 discharged from the nozzle 1506 of the liquid discharge head 30A into the recess 1514 of the cap 1502 to flow into the buffer chamber 1666 via the first waste liquid collection passage 1662a when flushing and cleaning are performed. Note that the buffer chamber 1666, pump 1668, and atmospheric communication passage 1670 are not required.

[0134] Thus, in this embodiment, the waste liquid collection mechanism 1660 functions as a collection unit that collects waste liquid L2 into the cartridge 1646 mounted on the cartridge mounting section 1704.

[0135] <Cartridge> Next, we will describe the cartridge 1646. The cartridge 1646 comprises a humidifying liquid storage section 1648, a waste liquid storage section 1674, and a housing 1680 (see Figure 16).

[0136] The humidifying liquid storage section 1648 contains, for example, humidifying liquid L1b for adjusting the concentration of humidifying liquid L1a, and is located inside the housing 1680. The humidifying liquid storage section 1648 is a flexible bag. The humidifying liquid storage section 1648 is equipped with an outlet 1654 from which the contained humidifying liquid L1b can be discharged.

[0137] The waste liquid storage section 1674 is capable of containing waste liquid L2 and is located inside the housing 1680. The waste liquid storage section 1674 is equipped with an absorbent material (located in the dotted line area inside the waste liquid storage section 1674 in Figure 16) that has the ability to absorb liquid and can hold the absorbed liquid. As this absorbent material, for example, a sponge-like porous material or a laminate made of stacked recycled paper can be used. The waste liquid storage section 1674 is equipped with an inlet 1676 into which waste liquid can be introduced into the absorbent material.

[0138] <Concerns arising from publicly known technology> In cartridge 1646, the two storage compartments (moisturizing liquid storage compartment 1648 and waste liquid storage compartment 1674) housed inside the housing 1680 are configured in such a way that they cannot be removed by the user, or are difficult to remove. Therefore, when the amount of moisturizing liquid L1b stored in the moisturizing liquid storage compartment 1648 becomes low, or when the amount of waste liquid L2 stored in the waste liquid storage compartment 1674 reaches its limit, the entire cartridge 1646 unit will need to be replaced.

[0139] Therefore, even if it became necessary to replace one of the two storage units, the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 and the waste liquid storage unit 1674, the entire cartridge 1646 had to be replaced. This meant that even if the other storage unit did not need replacing, it also had to be replaced. As a result, the cost of replacing the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 and the waste liquid storage unit 1674 increased, leading to higher costs.

[0140] <Characteristic Technology of This Embodiment> In this embodiment, the waste liquid storage section 1674 of the cartridge 1646 is made non-replaceable, while the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is made replaceable. In other words, in this embodiment, the waste liquid storage section 1674 is made non-removable from the housing 1680, while the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is made removable from the housing 1680. The characteristic technology of this embodiment will be described below. Note that "non-removable configuration" means "a configuration in which the housing is damaged when removing the object (a configuration in which there is a high risk of the housing being damaged)" and "a configuration in which the housing cannot be returned to its original state after removing the object". Furthermore, "non-removable configuration" may also include "a configuration in which the object cannot be attached or removed (replaced) without using tools or the like".

[0141] =Cartridge= First, the configuration of the cartridge 1646 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 16 and 18. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the cartridge 1646 used in this embodiment. Hereafter, the directions used when describing the configuration of the cartridge 1646 will be based on the orientation of the cartridge 1646 when it is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 1704. Accordingly, the direction lines in schematic diagrams of the cartridge such as Figure 18 will also follow this.

[0142] The cartridge 1646 has a main body 1680a in its housing 1680 that houses the waste liquid storage section 1674 and the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 (see Figure 18). The main body 1680a includes a first storage section 1802 capable of housing the waste liquid storage section 1674 and a second storage section 1804 capable of housing the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648. The first storage section 1802 has an opening 1802a through which the waste liquid storage section 1674 is housed. The second storage section 1804 has an opening 1804a through which the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is housed.

[0143] The first storage section 1802 has an insertion opening 1686 in the wall section 1690 facing the connecting wall 1652 (described later) of the cartridge mounting section, into which the introduction pipe 1664a provided on the connecting wall 1652 can be inserted when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting section (see Figure 16). The second storage section 1804 also has an insertion opening 1688 in the wall section 1690 into which the outlet pipe 1650a provided on the connecting wall 1652 can be inserted when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting section (see Figure 16).

[0144] In this embodiment, the openings 1802a and 1804a are formed on the upper side. However, the opening 1802a of the first storage section 1802 is not limited to opening on the upper side; it may also open on the lower side or on the side facing the wall 1806 that separates the first storage section 1802 and the second storage section 1804. Similarly, the opening 1804a of the second storage section 1804 is shown opening on the upper side, but is not limited to this. For example, it may open on the side facing the wall 1806, and the opening may be located at any position that allows the user to easily replace the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 in the second storage section 1804. Note that in Figure 16, the wall 1806 is omitted for ease of understanding.

[0145] The opening 1802a is open across the entire upper surface of the first storage section 1802, but is not limited to this; it may be shaped so that only a portion of the upper surface is open, as long as the waste liquid storage section 1674 can be accommodated. Similarly, the opening 1804a is open across the entire upper surface of the second storage section 1804, but is not limited to this; it may be shaped so that only a portion of the upper surface is open, as long as it allows the user to easily replace the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 in the second storage section 1804.

[0146] Furthermore, the housing 1680 is equipped with a cover member 1680b that is joined to the main body 1680a, making the waste liquid storage section 1674 housed in the first storage section 1802 irreplaceable, while allowing the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 housed in the second storage section 1804 to be replaced. Specifically, the cover member 1680b is configured to open the opening 1804a of the second storage section 1804 while closing the opening 1802a of the first storage section 1802 by being joined to the main body 1680a.

[0147] The cover member 1680b, joined to the main body 1680a, closes the opening 1802a, making it impossible for the user to attach or detach the waste liquid container 1674 stored in the first storage section 1802, i.e., making it irreplaceable. On the other hand, the cover member 1680b, joined to the main body 1680a, leaves the opening 1804a open, allowing the user to attach or detach the moisturizing liquid container 1648 stored in the second storage section 1804, i.e., making it replaceable. In other words, the cartridge 1646 is configured such that the user cannot replace the waste liquid container 1674 stored in the first storage section 1802, but can replace the moisturizing liquid container 1648 stored in the second storage section 1804.

[0148] The cover member 1680b is joined to the main body 1680a, for example, to prevent leakage of liquid from the waste liquid storage section 1674 housed in the first storage section 1802 and to prevent the user from coming into contact with the waste liquid L2, so as to ensure that the inside of the first storage section 1802 is sealed. Various known techniques such as welding, screw fastening, and hook-and-claw fastening (permanent fitting) can be used for joining the cover member 1680b to the main body 1680a.

[0149] The moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 is equipped with a circuit board 1678a that has a memory unit (see Figure 16). The circuit board 1678a stores information related to the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648, such as the manufacturing number of the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 and the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648. Furthermore, the circuit board 1678a also stores information such as the history of when the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 was installed in the cartridge mounting unit 1704 (for example, the date and time of installation).

[0150] When the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is stored in the second storage section 1804, the outlet tube 1650a, which is inserted into the cartridge via the insertion opening 1688 when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting section, is positioned in a first position where it can be inserted into the outlet 1654. The configuration for positioning the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is, for example, a fitting part (not shown) that fits with the outer frame of the outlet 1654 of the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 in the second storage section 1804. When the cartridge 1646 is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 1704, the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is positioned so that the circuit board 1678a can come into contact with the replacement detection section 1682a, which will be described later.

[0151] The waste liquid storage unit 1674 includes a circuit board 1678b equipped with a memory unit (see Figure 16). The circuit board 1678b stores information related to the waste liquid storage unit 1674, such as the manufacturing number of the waste liquid storage unit 1674 and the amount of waste liquid L2 to be stored in the waste liquid storage unit 1674. Furthermore, the circuit board 1678b also stores information such as the history of when the waste liquid storage unit 1674 was installed in the cartridge mounting unit 1704 (for example, the date and time of installation).

[0152] When the waste liquid storage section 1674 is stored in the first storage section 1802, the introduction tube 1664a, which is inserted into the cartridge via the insertion port 1686 when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting section, is positioned in a second position where it can be inserted into the introduction port 1676. The configuration for positioning the waste liquid storage section 1674 is, for example, a fitting portion (not shown) that fits with the outer frame of the introduction port 1676 in the waste liquid storage section 1674 in the first storage section 1802. When the cartridge 1646 is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 1704, the waste liquid storage section 1674 is positioned so that the circuit board 1678b can come into contact with the replacement detection unit 1682b, which will be described later.

[0153] =Cartridge Mounting Section= Next, the cartridge mounting section 1704 will be described. The cartridge mounting section 1704 provided on the main body of the device 12 includes a connecting wall 1652 and a mounting frame 1684 (see Figure 16). In the cartridge mounting section 1704, a mounting space is formed by the connecting wall 1652 and the mounting frame 1684, etc., into which the cartridge 1646 is detachably mounted. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the cartridge mounting section 1704 is equipped with a guide section that guides the movement of the cartridge 1646 in the mounting space when attaching or detaching the cartridge 1646 to the cartridge mounting section 1704. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the cartridge mounting section 1704 is equipped with a receiving section that receives the humidifying liquid L1b leaking from the outlet 1654 and the waste liquid L2 leaking from the inlet 1676 when attaching or detaching the cartridge 1646.

[0154] The connecting wall 1652 houses the outlet pipe 1650a, the inlet pipe 1664a, and the replacement detection unit 1682 (replacement detection unit 1682a and replacement detection unit 1682b). The outlet pipe 1650a, the inlet pipe 1664a, and the replacement detection unit 1682 are positioned to protrude from the connecting wall 1652 into the mounting space. When the cartridge 1646 is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 1704, the outlet pipe 1650a is inserted into the outlet 1654 of the humidifying liquid storage unit 1648 housed in the second storage unit 1804, and the humidifying liquid storage unit 1648 and the humidifying liquid supply channel 1650b are connected. Furthermore, when the cartridge 1646 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704, the inlet pipe 1664a is inserted into the inlet 1676 of the waste liquid storage section 1674 housed in the first storage section 1802, and the waste liquid storage section 1674 and the waste liquid collection path 1662 are connected.

[0155] Furthermore, when the cartridge 1646 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704, the replacement detection section 1682 makes contact with the circuit board 1678 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 1678. Specifically, the replacement detection section 1682a makes contact with the circuit board 1678a provided in the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 and is electrically connected. Also, the replacement detection section 1682b makes contact with the circuit board 1678b provided in the waste liquid storage section 1674 and is electrically connected. In this embodiment, the replacement detection section 1682 is a contact-type connector.

[0156] The control unit 37 acquires information stored on the circuit board 1678a provided in the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 via the replacement detection unit 1682a. The control unit 37 then determines whether the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 has been replaced based on the information about the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 stored on the circuit board 1678a. The control unit 37 also updates the information stored on the circuit board 1678a via the replacement detection unit 1682a. The control unit 37 updates information such as the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 and the installation history of the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648. The control unit 37 acquires the amount of moisturizing liquid L1b consumed based on, for example, the operating time of the pump 1640 when the on / off valve 1650c is open, and uses the acquired consumption amount to calculate the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648. The method for calculating the remaining amount of the moisturizing liquid L1b contained in the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is not limited to this.

[0157] The control unit 37 acquires information stored on the circuit board 1678b provided on the waste liquid storage unit 1674 via the replacement detection unit 1682b. The control unit 37 then determines whether the waste liquid storage unit 1674 has been replaced based on the information about the waste liquid storage unit 1674 stored on the circuit board 1678b. The control unit 37 also updates the information stored on the circuit board 1678b via the replacement detection unit 1682b. The control unit 37 updates information such as the amount of waste liquid L2 held in the waste liquid storage unit 1674 and the installation history of the waste liquid storage unit 1674. The control unit 37 calculates the amount of waste liquid L2 held in the waste liquid storage unit 1674 based on the number of times wiping, cleaning, and flushing have been performed. The method for calculating the amount of waste liquid L2 held in the waste liquid storage unit 1674 is not limited to this.

[0158] Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 37 functions as an update unit that updates information regarding the remaining amount of humidifying liquid in the humidifying liquid storage unit 1648 and the amount of waste liquid held in the waste liquid storage unit 1674.

[0159] =Replacement of the moisturizing liquid storage section and waste liquid storage section= Next, we will explain how to replace the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0160] - Overview of Replacement In this embodiment, the first storage section 1802, which houses the waste liquid storage section 1674, is configured so that the waste liquid storage section 1674 cannot be attached or detached, i.e., it is not replaceable. Therefore, when replacing the waste liquid storage section 1674, it is replaced together with the housing 1680. On the other hand, the second storage section 1804, which houses the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648, is configured so that the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 can be attached or detached, i.e., it is replaceable. Therefore, when replacing the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648, it is not necessary to replace it together with the housing 1680, and only the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is replaced.

[0161] - Replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 If only the moisturizing liquid container 1648 needs to be replaced, the user first removes the cartridge 1646 that is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704. Next, through the open opening 1804a, the user removes the moisturizing liquid container 1648 stored in the second storage section 1804. After that, the user stores (installs) the moisturizing liquid container 1648 that has been prepared for replacement into the second storage section 1804.

[0162] The circuit board 1678a provided in the humidifying liquid storage section 1648, which was prepared for replacement, contains information regarding the remaining amount of humidifying liquid L1b stored in the humidifying liquid storage section 1648. For example, if the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 is new, the circuit board 1678a stores information indicating the maximum amount of humidifying liquid L1b remaining. The humidifying liquid storage section 1648 stored in the second storage section 1804 is positioned in the first position described above.

[0163] Subsequently, the user installs the cartridge 1646, in which the moisturizing liquid container 1648 has been replaced, into the cartridge mounting section 1704. At this time, since the replaced moisturizing liquid container 1648 is positioned in the first position, the outlet 1654 of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 can be smoothly inserted into the outlet pipe 1650a of the moisturizing liquid circulation mechanism 1620. In addition, the circuit board 1678a can be reliably brought into contact with the replacement detection section 1682a.

[0164] When cartridge 1646 is installed in cartridge mounting section 1704, control unit 37 updates information stored on circuit board 1678a, such as the installation history of cartridge mounting section 1704 of humidifying liquid storage section 1648. On the other hand, control unit 37 does not update information stored on circuit board 1678b regarding waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0165] In this way, if only the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 needs to be replaced, only the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 that needs replacing can be replaced, and the cartridge in which the waste liquid storage section 1674, which does not need to be replaced, is housed in a way that prevents replacement can be reused.

[0166] - Replacement of the waste liquid container 1674 If only the waste liquid container 1674 needs to be replaced, the user first removes the cartridge 1646 that is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 1704. Next, through the open opening 1804a, the user removes the moisturizing liquid container 1648 that is stored in the second storage section 1804. Then, the user places the moisturizing liquid container 1648 that was removed earlier into the second storage section 1804 of the cartridge 1646 that contains the waste liquid container 1674, which was prepared for replacement. At this time, the moisturizing liquid container 1648 stored in the second storage section 1804 is positioned in the first position described above.

[0167] Hereinafter, the cartridge (housing 1680) containing the waste liquid storage section 1674, which has been prepared for replacement, will also be referred to as the "replacement cartridge." In this replacement cartridge 1646, the waste liquid storage section 1674, which is not full of waste liquid L2, is in a state where it cannot be replaced, that is, it cannot be removed from the main body 1680a by the cover member 1680b. Furthermore, the circuit board 1678b of the waste liquid storage section 1674 housed in the replacement cartridge 1646 contains information regarding the amount of waste liquid L2 to be stored, which is the amount of waste liquid L2 currently stored in the waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0168] Subsequently, the user installs the replacement cartridge 1646, which houses the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648, into the cartridge mounting section 1704. At this time, in the replacement cartridge 1646, the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is positioned in the first position, and the waste liquid storage section 1674 is positioned in the second position. Therefore, when the cartridge 1646 is installed into the cartridge mounting section 1704, the inlet 1676 can be smoothly inserted into the inlet pipe 1664a, and the outlet 1654 can be smoothly inserted into the outlet pipe 1650a. In addition, the circuit board 1678a can reliably contact the replacement detection section 1682a, and the circuit board 1678b can reliably contact the replacement detection section 1682b.

[0169] When the replacement cartridge 1646 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704, the control unit 37 updates the information stored in the circuit board 1678b, such as the installation history of the cartridge mounting section 1704 of the waste liquid storage section 1674. On the other hand, the control unit 37 does not update the information stored in the circuit board 1678a regarding the humidifying liquid storage section 1648.

[0170] Thus, if only the waste liquid container 1674 needs to be replaced, the entire cartridge 1646 containing the waste liquid container 1674 is replaced because the waste liquid container 1674 cannot be replaced in the housing 1680. In this case, since the moisturizing liquid container 1648 can be replaced in the housing 1680, the moisturizing liquid container 1648, which does not need to be replaced, can be reused by transferring it to the replacement cartridge 1646.

[0171] - Replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 If both the moisturizing liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 need to be replaced, the user first removes the cartridge 1646 that is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704. Then, the user installs the replacement cartridge 1646, which contains the moisturizing liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674, into the cartridge mounting section 1704. At this time, in the replacement cartridge 1646, the waste liquid container 1674 is positioned in the second position, and the moisturizing liquid container 1648 is positioned in the first position. Therefore, when the cartridge 1646 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704, the inlet 1676 can be smoothly inserted into the inlet pipe 1664a, and the outlet 1654 can be smoothly inserted into the outlet pipe 1650a. Furthermore, the circuit board 1678a can reliably contact the replacement detection unit 1682a, and the circuit board 1678b can reliably contact the replacement detection unit 1682b.

[0172] When cartridge 1646 is installed in cartridge mounting section 1704, control unit 37 updates information stored on circuit board 1678a, such as the installation history of cartridge mounting section 1704 of humidifying liquid storage section 1648. Also, when cartridge 1646 is installed in cartridge mounting section 1704, control unit 37 updates information stored on circuit board 1678b, such as the installation history of cartridge mounting section 1704 of waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0173] =Notification Processing= In the above configuration, the multifunction printer 11 performs notification processing to prompt replacement of the humidifying liquid storage unit 1648 and the waste liquid storage unit 1674 at predetermined timings, such as when the multifunction printer 11 is started up or when recording based on a job is completed. Note that the timing of this notification processing is not limited to the timings described above, and may be performed at predetermined time intervals while power is supplied to the multifunction printer 11. The notification processing will be described below.

[0174] Figure 19 is a flowchart detailing the notification process that prompts the replacement of the humidifying liquid container 1648 and waste liquid container 1674 stored in the cartridge 1646. The series of processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 19 are performed by the print controller 202 loading the program code stored in the ROM 203 into the RAM 204 and executing it. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the steps in Figure 19 may be performed by hardware such as an ASIC or electrical circuit. In this specification, the symbol S in the description of each process in the flowchart means a step in that flowchart.

[0175] When notification processing begins, first, in S1902, the print controller 202 obtains the remaining amount R1 of the humidifying liquid L1b in the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 and the amount R2 of the waste liquid L2 held in the waste liquid storage section 1674. In S1902, the remaining amount R1 is obtained based on the information regarding the remaining amount of humidifying liquid L1b stored in the circuit board 1678a. The amount R2 is also obtained based on the information regarding the amount of waste liquid L2 held in the circuit board 1678b.

[0176] Next, in S1904, the print controller 202 determines whether or not the waste liquid container 1674 needs to be replaced. In S1904, it is determined whether the amount of liquid R2 obtained in S1902 exceeds the threshold TH2 which indicates the amount of liquid that fills the waste liquid container 1674 (or an amount of liquid that approximates fullness) (R2 > TH2). The threshold TH2 is stored in a memory area such as the RAM 204 of the print engine unit 200.

[0177] In S1904, if it is determined that the retained amount R2 does not exceed the threshold TH2 (R2 ≤ TH2), that is, that replacement of the waste liquid container 1674 is not necessary, the process proceeds to S1906. In S1906, the print controller 202 determines whether replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 is necessary. In S1906, it is determined whether the remaining amount R1 obtained in S1902 is below the threshold TH1 (R1 < TH1). The threshold TH1 is the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b in the moisturizing liquid container 1648 that warrants replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648, and is stored in the memory area of ​​the print engine unit 200. In this embodiment, the print controller 202 functions as a detection unit that detects whether replacement of the waste liquid container is necessary based on information regarding the retained amount of waste liquid, and whether replacement of the moisturizing liquid container is necessary based on information regarding the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid.

[0178] In S1906, if it is determined that the remaining amount R1 is not below the threshold TH1 (R1 ≥ TH1), that is, that replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 is not necessary, this notification process is terminated. Also, in S1906, if it is determined that the remaining amount R1 is below the threshold TH1 (R1 < TH1), that is, that replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 is necessary, the process proceeds to S1908. In S1908, the print controller 202 displays a notification on the display unit 19A of the operation panel 19 (see Figure 1) prompting the user to replace the moisturizing liquid container 1648. Specifically, in S1908, a notification is displayed prompting the user to replace the moisturizing liquid container 1648, and an input button is displayed for the user to input that the moisturizing liquid container 1648 has been replaced. When this notification is displayed, the user performs the task of replacing the moisturizing liquid container 1648 (see the explanation of replacing the moisturizing liquid container 1648 above), and after the task is completed, the user presses the displayed input button. Thus, in this embodiment, the print controller 202 functions as a notification unit that prompts the user to replace the storage units (moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 and waste liquid storage unit 1674) that need to be replaced. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the print controller 202 and the operation panel 19 function as input units that allow the user to input that the storage units (moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 and waste liquid storage unit 1674) have been replaced.

[0179] The input button displayed in S1908 cannot be pressed, for example, until the replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 is completed. The control unit 37 detects the completion of the replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 based, for example, on information regarding the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b on the circuit board 1678a. In other words, it is not always necessary to display the input button. In that case, only a notification prompting the user to replace the moisturizing liquid container 1648 is issued, and the completion of the replacement by the user is detected based on information regarding the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b on the circuit board 1678a. Upon this detection, the notification process is terminated, that is, the above notification disappears.

[0180] Subsequently, in S1910, the print controller 202 determines whether the replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 has been completed. In S1910, it is determined whether the input button displayed in S1908 has been pressed. If the input button is pressed, it is determined that the replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 has been completed; if the input button is not pressed, it is determined that the replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 has not been completed. In S1910, if it is determined that the replacement of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 has been completed, this notification process is terminated.

[0181] Furthermore, if in S1904 it is determined that the retained amount R2 exceeds the threshold TH2 (R2 > TH2), that is, that the waste liquid container 1674 needs to be replaced, the process proceeds to S1912, where the print controller 202 determines whether the remaining amount R1 has fallen below the threshold TH1. The specific processing content of S1912 is the same as in S1906, so a detailed explanation is omitted. If in S1912 it is determined that the remaining amount R1 has not fallen below the threshold TH1 (R1 ≥ TH1), that is, that the humidifying liquid container 1648 does not need to be replaced, the process proceeds to S1914. In S1914, the print controller 202 displays a notification on the display unit 19A prompting the user to replace the waste liquid container 1674. Specifically, in S1914, the user is notified to replace the waste liquid container 1674, and an input button is displayed for the user to input that the waste liquid container 1674 has been replaced. Upon receiving this notification, the user will perform the task of replacing the waste liquid container 1674 (see the explanation of replacing the waste liquid container 1674 above), and after completing the task, will press the displayed input button.

[0182] The input button displayed in S1914 cannot be pressed, for example, until the replacement of the waste liquid container 1674 is completed. The control unit 37 detects the completion of the replacement of the waste liquid container 1674 based, for example, on information regarding the remaining amount of waste liquid L2 on the circuit board 1678b. In other words, it is not always necessary to display the input button. In that case, only a notification prompting the user to replace the waste liquid container 1674 is issued, and the completion of the replacement work by the user is detected based on information regarding the remaining amount of waste liquid L2 on the circuit board 1678b. Upon this detection, the notification process is terminated, that is, the above notification disappears.

[0183] Subsequently, in S1916, the print controller 202 determines whether the replacement of the waste liquid container 1674 has been completed. In S1916, it is determined whether the input button displayed in S1914 has been pressed. If the input button is pressed, it is determined that the replacement of the waste liquid container 1674 has been completed; if the input button is not pressed, it is determined that the replacement of the waste liquid container 1674 has not been completed. In S1916, if it is determined that the replacement of the waste liquid container 1674 has been completed, this notification process is terminated.

[0184] Furthermore, if in S1912 the remaining amount R1 falls below the threshold TH1 (R1 < TH1), meaning that the humidifying liquid container 1648 needs to be replaced, the process proceeds to S1918. In S1918, the print controller 202 displays a notification on the display unit 19A prompting the user to replace both the humidifying liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674. Specifically, in S1918, the user is notified to replace the humidifying liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674, and an input button is displayed for the user to input that the humidifying liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 have been replaced. Upon receiving this notification, the user performs the task of replacing the humidifying liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 (see the above explanation of replacing the humidifying liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674), and after completing the task, presses the displayed input button.

[0185] The input button displayed in S1918 cannot be pressed until, for example, the replacement work of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 is completed. The control unit 37 detects the completion of the replacement work of the moisturizing liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 based, for example, on information regarding the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b on circuit board 1678a and information regarding the amount of waste liquid L2 held on circuit board 1678b. In other words, it is not always necessary to display the input button. In that case, only a notification prompting the user to replace the moisturizing liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 is issued. The completion of the replacement work by the user is then detected based on information regarding the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b on circuit board 1678a and the remaining amount of waste liquid L2 on circuit board 1678b. After this detection, the notification process should be terminated, that is, the above notification should disappear.

[0186] Subsequently, in S1920, the print controller 202 determines whether the replacement of the humidifying liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 has been completed. In S1920, it is determined whether the input button displayed in S1918 has been pressed. If the input button is pressed, it is determined that the replacement of the humidifying liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 has been completed; if the input button is not pressed, it is determined that the replacement of the humidifying liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 has not been completed. In S1920, if it is determined that the replacement of the humidifying liquid container 1648 and the waste liquid container 1674 has been completed, this notification process is terminated.

[0187] <Modification> In the above description, the cartridge 1646 is configured such that the opening 1802a of the first storage section 1802 is closed by the cover member 1680b and the opening 1804a of the second storage section 1804 is left open, but it is not limited to this configuration.

[0188] For example, a cover member 2002 that can be attached to and removed from the main body 1680a may be provided so that the opening 1804a can be selectively closed or open (see Figure 20(a)). Figure 20(a) is a diagram showing a modified configuration of the cartridge 1646 in the first embodiment. The cartridge 1646 in Figure 20(a) is the same as the cartridge 1646 described using Figure 18, except that the opening 1804a of the second storage section 1804 can be closed with a cover member 2002 that can be attached to and removed from the main body 1680a.

[0189] The cover member 2002 may be configured to slide relative to the main body 1680a, allowing for selective implementation of a closed state and an open state of the opening 1804a. Alternatively, the cover member 2002 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 1680a via tape, allowing for selective implementation of a closed state and an open state of the opening 1804a. The detachable configuration of the cover member 2002 relative to the main body 1680a is not limited to these, and various known technologies can be used.

[0190] Furthermore, for example, a cover member 2004 may be provided that is rotatable relative to the main body 1680a and can selectively achieve a state in which the opening 1804a of the second storage section 1804 is closed or open (see Figure 20(b)). Figure 20(b) shows a modified example of the configuration of the cartridge 1646 in the first embodiment. The cover member 2004 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis 2006a provided at the end (upper end in the figure) of the wall section 1806 that separates the first storage section 1802 and the second storage section 1804. Note that the cartridge 1646 in Figure 20(b) has the same configuration as the cartridge 1646 described using Figure 18, except that the cover member 2004 is provided.

[0191] By rotating the cover member 2004 in the direction of arrow A from a state where the opening 1804a is closed, the opening 1804a can be opened (as shown in Figure 20(b)). Conversely, by rotating the cover member 2004 in the direction of arrow B from a state where the opening 1804a is open, the opening 1804a can be closed. By integrating the cover member 2004 with the main body 1680a, the loss of the cover member 2004 can be prevented.

[0192] <Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the waste liquid storage section 1674 of the cartridge 1646 is configured to be non-removable from the housing 1680, while the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is configured to be removable from the housing 1680. As a result, even if one of the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 or the waste liquid storage section 1674 needs to be replaced, the other can be reused, thereby reducing the cost required to replace the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0193] [Second Embodiment] Next, a multifunction printer according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 21. In the following description, for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals used in the first embodiment described above will be used, and their detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0194] The multifunction printer 11 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that, in the cartridge 1646, both the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674 are replaceable. The configuration of the cartridge 1646 in this embodiment will be described below, as well as the replacement of the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0195] =Cartridge= First, the configuration of the cartridge 1646 in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the cartridge 1646 in this embodiment.

[0196] The cartridge 1646 includes a first storage section 2102 capable of housing a waste liquid storage section 1674 and a second storage section 2104 capable of housing a moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 in the main body 2100 of the housing 1680. The first storage section 2102 has an opening 2102a through which a waste liquid storage body 2174 (described later), which houses the waste liquid storage section 1674, is stored. The second storage section 2104 has an opening 2104a through which the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is stored.

[0197] In this embodiment, the openings 2102a and 2104a are formed on the upper side. However, the opening 2102a of the first storage section 2102 is not limited to opening on the upper side. For example, the opening 2102a may open on the side facing the wall 2106 that separates the first storage section 2102 and the second storage section 2104, and it may open at any position that allows the user to easily replace the waste liquid storage unit 2174 in the first storage section 2102. Also, in this embodiment, the opening 2104a of the second storage section 2104 is set to open on the upper side, but this is not limited to this. For example, the opening 2104a may open on the side facing the wall 2106, and it may open at any position that allows the user to easily replace the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 in the second storage section 2104.

[0198] The opening 2102a is open across the entire upper surface of the first storage section 2102, but is not limited to this. If it is convenient for the user to replace the waste liquid storage body 2174 in the first storage section 2102, the opening may be partially open on the upper side. Similarly, the opening 2104a is open across the entire upper surface of the second storage section 2104, but is not limited to this. If it is convenient for the user to replace the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 in the second storage section 2104, the opening may be partially open on the upper side. The second storage section 2104 is configured to position the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 in a first position where, when the cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting section, the outlet pipe 1650a, inserted into the cartridge via the insertion port 1688, can be inserted into the outlet port 1654. In this first position, when the cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting section, the circuit board 1678a can contact the replacement detection section 1682a.

[0199] Thus, in this embodiment, the cartridge 1646 is configured such that both the waste liquid storage unit 2174 and the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 in the main body portion 2100 of the housing 1680 can be replaced by the user.

[0200] The waste liquid storage unit 2174 has a waste liquid storage section 1674 fixedly housed inside the container 2174a. The container 2174a has a sealed structure to prevent the waste liquid L2 held by the waste liquid storage section 1674 from leaking to the outside. In addition, the waste liquid storage unit 2174 has a circuit board 1678b in the container 2174a that stores information related to the waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0201] The waste liquid storage body 2174 is configured such that, for example, the inlet 1676 of the waste liquid storage section 1674 is exposed from the container 2174a. When the waste liquid storage body 2174 is stored in the first storage section 2102, it is positioned in a second position where, when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting section, the inlet tube 1664a inserted into the cartridge via the insertion opening 1686 can be inserted into the inlet 1676. In the second position, when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting section, the circuit board 1678b can contact the replacement detection section 1682b. The configuration for positioning the waste liquid storage body 2174 only needs to be provided in at least one of the first storage section 2102 and the container 2174a.

[0202] In addition, the waste liquid storage body 2174 may be configured such that the inlet 1676 of the waste liquid storage section 1674 is located inside the container 2174a. In this case, the container 2174a is provided with an opening into which the inlet pipe 1664a, which is inserted into the cartridge via the insertion opening 1686 when the cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting section, is inserted, and the inlet pipe 1664a is inserted into the inlet 1676 through this opening.

[0203] =Replacement of the moisturizing liquid storage section and waste liquid storage section= Next, we will explain how to replace the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0204] - Overview of Replacement In this embodiment, the cartridge 1646 is configured such that the waste liquid storage body 2174, which houses the waste liquid storage section 1674, can be attached to and removed from the first storage section 2102, i.e., it is replaceable. Therefore, when replacing the waste liquid storage section 1674, the waste liquid storage body 2174 is replaced. On the other hand, the cartridge 1646 is configured such that the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 can be attached to and removed from the second storage section 2104, i.e., it is replaceable. Therefore, when replacing the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648, the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is replaced.

[0205] - Replacement of the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 If only the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 needs to be replaced, the user first removes the cartridge 1646 that is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 1704. Next, the user removes the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 stored in the second storage unit 2104 through the opening 2104a. After that, the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 that was prepared for replacement is stored in the second storage unit 2104. The information regarding the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b stored in the circuit board 1678a provided in the replaced moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 is the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b stored in the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648. The moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 stored in the second storage unit 2104 is positioned in the first position described above.

[0206] Subsequently, the user installs the cartridge 1646, in which only the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 has been replaced, into the cartridge mounting section 1704 without replacing the waste liquid storage unit 2174. At this time, since the replaced humidifying liquid storage section 1648 is positioned in the first position, the outlet 1654 of the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 can be smoothly inserted into the outlet pipe 1650a of the humidifying liquid circulation mechanism 1620. In addition, the circuit board 1678a can be reliably brought into contact with the replacement detection section 1682a.

[0207] When cartridge 1646 is installed in cartridge mounting section 1704, control unit 37 updates information stored on circuit board 1678a, such as the installation history of cartridge mounting section 1704 of humidifying liquid storage section 1648. On the other hand, control unit 37 does not update information stored on circuit board 1678b regarding waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0208] Thus, if only the humidifying liquid container 1648 needs to be replaced, only the humidifying liquid container 1648 that needs replacing can be replaced, and the waste liquid container 1674 and housing 1680 (main body 2100) that do not need to be replaced can be reused.

[0209] - Replacement of the waste liquid storage section 1674 If only the waste liquid storage section 1674 needs to be replaced, the user first removes the cartridge 1646 that is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704. Next, in the main body section 2100, the user removes the waste liquid storage body 2174 stored in the first storage section 2102 through the opening 2102a. Then, the waste liquid storage body 2174 containing the waste liquid storage section 1674, which was prepared for replacement, is stored in the first storage section 2102. At this time, the waste liquid storage body 2174 stored in the first storage section 2102 is positioned in the second position.

[0210] Furthermore, the waste liquid storage section 1674 housed in the waste liquid storage unit 2174 prepared for replacement is not at full capacity for the waste liquid L2 to be stored. The circuit board 1678b provided in the replaced waste liquid storage unit 2174 contains information regarding the amount of waste liquid L2 to be stored, which is the amount of waste liquid L2 stored in the waste liquid storage section 1674 located inside.

[0211] Subsequently, the user installs the cartridge 1646, in which only the waste liquid storage unit 2174 has been replaced without replacing the humidifying liquid storage unit 1648, into the cartridge mounting unit 1704. At this time, since the replaced waste liquid storage unit 2174 is positioned in the second position, the inlet 1676 of the waste liquid storage unit 1674 can be smoothly inserted into the inlet pipe 1664a of the waste liquid collection mechanism 1660. In addition, the circuit board 1678b can reliably make contact with the replacement detection unit 1682b.

[0212] When cartridge 1646 is installed in cartridge mounting section 1704, control unit 37 updates information stored on circuit board 1678b, such as the installation history of cartridge mounting section 1704 of waste liquid storage section 1674. On the other hand, control unit 37 does not update information stored on circuit board 1678a regarding humidifying liquid storage section 1648.

[0213] Thus, if only the waste liquid storage section 1674 needs to be replaced, only the waste liquid storage body 2174 that houses the waste liquid storage section 1674 that needs replacing can be replaced, and the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the housing 1680 that do not need to be replaced can be reused.

[0214] - Replacement of the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674 If both the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674 need to be replaced, the user first removes the cartridge 1646 that is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704. Next, in the main body section 2100, the user removes the waste liquid storage unit 2174 through the opening 2102a and the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 through the opening 2104a. After that, the waste liquid storage unit 2174 containing the waste liquid storage section 1674, which was prepared for replacement, is placed in the first storage section 2102. The moisturizing liquid storage section 1648, which was prepared for replacement, is placed in the second storage section 2104.

[0215] The user then installs the cartridge 1646, which has had its waste liquid storage unit 2174 and moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 replaced, into the cartridge mounting unit 1704. At this time, the waste liquid storage unit 2174 stored in the first storage unit 2102 is positioned in the first position, and the moisturizing liquid storage unit 1648 stored in the second storage unit 2104 is fixed in the second position. When the cartridge 1646 is installed into the cartridge mounting unit 1704, the inlet 1676 can be smoothly inserted into the inlet pipe 1664a, and the outlet 1654 can be smoothly inserted into the outlet pipe 1650a. In addition, the circuit board 1678a can reliably contact the replacement detection unit 1682a, and the circuit board 1678b can reliably contact the replacement detection unit 1682b.

[0216] When cartridge 1646 is installed in cartridge mounting section 1704, control unit 37 updates information stored on circuit board 1678a, such as the installation history of cartridge mounting section 1704 of humidifying liquid storage section 1648. Also, when cartridge 1646 is installed in cartridge mounting section 1704, control unit 37 updates information stored on circuit board 1678b, such as the installation history of cartridge mounting section 1704 of waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0217] Thus, if both the waste liquid storage section 1674 and the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 need to be replaced, the waste liquid storage unit 2174 and the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 can be replaced, and the housing 1680 (main body 2100) can be reused.

[0218] <Modification> In the above description, the cartridge 1646 is configured such that the main body 2100, which has openings 2102a and 2104a, can be replaced with a waste liquid storage body 2174 that houses the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 may also be housed in a container, similar to the waste liquid storage section 1674 (see Figure 22).

[0219] Figure 22 shows a modified configuration of the cartridge 1646 in the second embodiment. In the cartridge 1646 of Figure 22, the second storage section 2104 has a replaceable humidifying liquid storage body 2248 that houses the humidifying liquid storage section 1648. The humidifying liquid storage body 2248 has the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 fixedly housed inside the container 2248a. The container 2248a has a sealed structure so that the humidifying liquid stored in the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 is not exposed to the outside.

[0220] Furthermore, the moisturizing liquid storage body 2248 is configured such that, for example, the outlet 1654 of the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is exposed from the container 2248a. When the moisturizing liquid storage body 2248 is stored (installed) in the second storage section 2104, the outlet tube 1650a, which is inserted into the cartridge from the insertion opening 1688, is positioned so that it can be inserted into the outlet 1654 when the cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting section. At this positioned position, the circuit board 1678a can contact the replacement detection section 1682a when the cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting section. The configuration for positioning the moisturizing liquid storage body 2248 only needs to be provided in at least one of the second storage section 2104 and the container 2248a.

[0221] In addition, the humidifying liquid storage body 2248 may be configured such that the outlet 1654 of the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 is located inside the container 2248a. In this case, the container 2248a is provided with an opening into which the outlet tube 1650a, which is inserted into the cartridge via the insertion opening 1688 when the cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting section, is inserted, and the outlet tube 1650a is inserted into the outlet 1654 through this opening.

[0222] <Effects and Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the waste liquid storage body 2174 that houses the waste liquid storage section 1674 of the cartridge 1646 is made replaceable, and the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is made replaceable. As a result, in this embodiment, in addition to the same effects and effects as in the first embodiment described above, it is possible to further reduce the size of the part to be replaced. Furthermore, the main body 2100 that constitutes the housing 1680 of the cartridge 1646 can be reused, and the costs associated with replacing the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674 can be further reduced.

[0223] [Third Embodiment] Next, a multifunction printer according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 23. In the following description, for components that are the same as or equivalent to those of the multifunction printer according to the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals used in the first embodiment described above will be used, and their detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0224] The multifunction printer 11 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the cartridge mounting section is configured to include a member for housing a humidifying liquid storage section and a member for housing a waste liquid storage section. The configuration of the cartridge in this embodiment will be described below, as well as the replacement of the humidifying liquid storage section and the waste liquid storage section.

[0225] =Cartridge= First, the configuration of the cartridge in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the cartridge in this embodiment.

[0226] The cartridge 2346 shown in Figure 23 comprises a first member 2346a that houses a waste liquid storage section 1674, and a second member 2346b that houses a moisturizing liquid storage section 1648. The first member 2346a and the second member 2346b are configured to be connectable (see Figure 23(a)) and detachable (see Figure 23(b)). In this embodiment, the first member 2346a and the second member 2346b are configured to be connectable and detachable in the X direction, but are not limited to this. For example, the first member 2346a and the second member 2346b may be configured to be connectable and detachable in the Y and Z directions.

[0227] The first member 2346a is configured such that, for example, the inlet 1676 of the waste liquid storage section 1674 is exposed to the outside. When the first member 2346a is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 1704 while connected to the second member 2346b, the inlet 1676 is configured to be insertable into the inlet pipe 1664a. In addition, when the first member 2346a is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 1704 while connected to the second member 2346b, the circuit board 1678b is positioned so that it can come into contact with the replacement detection section 1682b.

[0228] In addition, the first member 2346a may be configured to have an inlet 1676 for the waste liquid storage section 1674 located inside. In this case, the first member 2346a is provided with an opening into which the inlet pipe 1664a is inserted when it is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 1704 while connected to the second member 2346b, and the inlet pipe 1664a is inserted into the inlet 1676 through this opening.

[0229] The second member 2346b is configured such that, for example, the outlet 1654 of the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is exposed to the outside. When the second member 2346b is attached to the cartridge mounting section 1704 while connected to the first member 2346a, the outlet 1654 is configured to be insertable into the outlet tube 1650a. In addition, when the second member 2346b is attached to the cartridge mounting section 1704 while connected to the first member 2346a, the circuit board 1678a is positioned so that it can come into contact with the replacement detection section 1682a.

[0230] In addition, the second member 2346b may be configured such that the outlet 1654 of the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 is provided inside. In this case, the second member 2346b is provided with an opening into which the outlet tube 1650a is inserted when it is attached to the cartridge mounting section 1704 while connected to the first member 2346a, and the outlet tube 1650a is inserted into the outlet 1654 through this opening.

[0231] =Replacement of the moisturizing liquid storage section and waste liquid storage section= Next, we will explain how to replace the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0232] - Overview of Replacement In this embodiment, the cartridge 2346 comprises a first member 2346a that houses the waste liquid storage section 1674 and a second member 2346b that houses the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648. When replacing the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 or the waste liquid storage section 1674, one member that houses the storage section that needs to be replaced is replaced, and the replaced member is connected to the other member that houses the other storage section that does not need to be replaced to integrate them and then mounted on the cartridge mounting section.

[0233] - Replacement of the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 When replacing the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648, the user first removes the cartridge 2346 that is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704. Next, the cartridge 2346 is separated into a first member 2346a and a second member 2346b. The separated first member 2346a is kept because it houses the waste liquid storage section 1674 which does not need to be replaced and will be reused, while the separated second member 2346b houses the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 which needs to be replaced and is therefore to be replaced.

[0234] Then, the second member 2346b, which houses the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 that was prepared for replacement, is connected to the first member 2346a (the first member 2346a that was separated just before) which houses the waste liquid storage section 1674 that does not need to be replaced, and integrated. This creates the replacement cartridge 2346. Note that the circuit board 1678a provided on the replaced second member 2346b contains information about the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b, which is the remaining amount of moisturizing liquid L1b in the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 housed in the second member 2346b. After that, the user installs the replacement cartridge 2346 into the cartridge mounting section 1704.

[0235] When the replacement cartridge 2346 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704, the control unit 37 updates the information stored on the circuit board 1678a, including the installation history of the cartridge mounting section 1704 of the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 and the date and time of installation. On the other hand, the control unit 37 does not update the information stored on the circuit board 1678b regarding the waste liquid storage section 1674.

[0236] Thus, if only the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 needs to be replaced, only the second member 2346b that houses the humidifying liquid storage section 1648 that needs to be replaced can be replaced, and the first member 2346a that houses the waste liquid storage section 1674, which does not need to be replaced, can be reused.

[0237] - Replacement of the waste liquid storage section 1674 When replacing the waste liquid storage section 1674, the user first removes the cartridge 2346 that is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704. Next, the cartridge 2346 is separated into the first member 2346a and the second member 2346b. The separated second member 2346b is kept because it houses the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 which does not need to be replaced and will be reused, while the separated first member 2346a houses the waste liquid storage section 1674 which needs to be replaced and is therefore to be replaced.

[0238] Then, the first member 2346a, which houses the waste liquid storage section 1674 that was prepared for replacement, is connected to and integrated with the second member 2346b (the second member 2346b that was separated immediately before) which houses the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 that does not need to be replaced. This creates the replacement cartridge 2346. Note that the circuit board 1678b provided on the replaced first member 2346a contains information regarding the amount of waste liquid L2 to be stored, which is the amount of waste liquid L2 held in the waste liquid storage section 1674 housed in the first member 2346a. After that, the user installs the replacement cartridge 2346 into the cartridge mounting section 1704.

[0239] When the replacement cartridge 2346 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704, the control unit 37 updates the information stored in the circuit board 1678b, including the installation history of the cartridge mounting section 1704 of the waste liquid storage section 1674 and the date and time of installation. On the other hand, the control unit 37 does not update the information stored in the circuit board 1678a regarding the humidifying liquid storage section 1648.

[0240] Thus, if only the waste liquid storage section 1674 needs to be replaced, only the first member 2346a housing the waste liquid storage section 1674 that needs replacing can be replaced, and the second member 2346b housing the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648, which does not need replacing, can be reused.

[0241] - Replacement of the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674 When replacing both the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the waste liquid storage section 1674, the user removes the cartridge 2346 installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704 and installs the replacement cartridge 2346 into the cartridge mounting section 1704.

[0242] When a new cartridge 2346 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 1704, the control unit 37 updates the information stored in the circuit board 1678b, including the installation history of the cartridge mounting section 1704 of the waste liquid storage section 1674 and the date and time of installation. Meanwhile, the control unit 37 updates the information stored in the circuit board 1678a, including the installation history of the cartridge mounting section 1704 of the moisturizing liquid storage section 1648 and the date and time of installation.

[0243] <Effects and Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the cartridge is configured such that a first member housing a waste liquid storage section and a second member housing a moisturizing liquid storage section can be connected and separated. This makes it possible to replace the waste liquid storage section and the moisturizing liquid storage section individually. Therefore, this embodiment provides the same effects and effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0244] [Other Embodiments] The present disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0245] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the following claims are attached to make the scope of this disclosure public.

[0246] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-221748, filed on 18 December 2024, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing device comprising: a liquid dispensing head for dispensing liquid from a nozzle; a cap that contacts the nozzle surface on which the nozzle is formed in the liquid dispensing head, and maintenance means for performing maintenance processing to maintain and restore the dispensing performance of the liquid dispensing head; a cartridge that houses a first storage section for storing waste liquid generated by the maintenance processing, and a second storage section for storing a moisturizing liquid for moistening the inside of the cap, restricting the replacement of the first storage section and allowing the replacement of the second storage section; and mounting means for which the cartridge is detachably mounted.

2. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising a collection means for collecting the waste liquid in the first storage portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting means.

3. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising a circulation means capable of supplying the moisturizing liquid from the second housing portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting means while circulating the moisturizing liquid.

4. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge comprises a housing having a first opening and a first storage section for housing the first storage section, and a second storage section having a second opening and for housing the second storage section, and a cover member joined to the housing so as to close the first opening.

5. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge comprises a housing having a first opening and a first storage section for housing the first storage section, and a second storage section having a second opening and housing the second storage section, a first cover member joined to the housing so as to close the first opening, and a second cover member provided on the housing capable of selectively realizing a state in which the second opening is closed and a state in which the second opening is open.

6. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second cover member is detachably provided on the housing.

7. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the second cover member is provided in the housing so as to be openable and closable.

8. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first storage unit is provided with a first storage means for storing information relating to the amount of waste liquid held in the first storage unit, and the second storage unit is provided with a second storage means for storing information relating to the remaining amount of humidifying liquid in the second storage unit.

9. A liquid dispensing device comprising: a liquid dispensing head for dispensing liquid from a nozzle; a cap that contacts the nozzle surface on which the nozzle is formed in the liquid dispensing head, and maintenance means for performing maintenance processing to maintain and restore the dispensing performance of the liquid dispensing head; a cartridge that houses a first housing body in which a first housing portion for containing waste liquid generated by the maintenance processing is housed in a container, and also houses a second housing portion for containing a moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the inside of the cap, restricting the replacement of the first housing body and allowing the replacement of the second housing portion; and mounting means for which the cartridge is detachably mounted.

10. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, further comprising a collection means for collecting the waste liquid in the first storage portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting means.

11. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, further comprising a circulation means capable of supplying the moisturizing liquid from the second housing portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting means while circulating the moisturizing liquid.

12. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first storage body is provided with a first storage means for storing information relating to the amount of waste liquid held in the first storage section, and the second storage section is provided with a second storage means for storing information relating to the remaining amount of humidifying liquid in the second storage section.

13. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 9, wherein the second housing is housed in the cartridge as a second housing that is housed in a container, and the cartridge allows for the replacement of the second housing.

14. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 13, characterized in that the first storage body is provided with a first storage means for storing information relating to the amount of waste liquid held in the first storage section, and the second storage body is provided with a second storage means for storing information relating to the remaining amount of humidifying liquid in the second storage section.

15. A liquid dispensing device comprising: a liquid dispensing head for dispensing liquid from a nozzle; a cap that contacts the nozzle surface on which the nozzle is formed in the liquid dispensing head, and maintenance means for performing maintenance processing to maintain and restore the dispensing performance of the liquid dispensing head; a cartridge comprising: a first member housing a first storage section for storing waste liquid generated by the maintenance processing, and a second member housing a second storage section for storing a moisturizing liquid for moisturizing the inside of the cap, wherein the first member and the second member are connectable and separable from each other; and mounting means for detachably mounting the cartridge to which the first member and the second member are connected.

16. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 15, further comprising a collection means for collecting the waste liquid in the first storage portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting means.

17. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 15, further comprising a circulation means capable of supplying the moisturizing liquid from the second housing portion of the cartridge mounted on the mounting means while circulating the moisturizing liquid.

18. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 15, characterized in that the first member comprises a first storage means for storing information relating to the amount of waste liquid held in the first storage section, and the second member comprises a second storage means for storing information relating to the remaining amount of humidifying liquid in the second storage section.

19. The liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 8, 12, 14, or 18, further comprising an update means for updating information stored in the first storage means and for updating information stored in the second storage means.

20. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 19, further comprising: a detection means for detecting that the first storage unit needs to be replaced based on information regarding the amount of waste liquid stored in the first storage means, and for detecting that the second storage unit needs to be replaced based on information regarding the remaining amount of humidifying liquid stored in the second storage means; and a notification means for prompting the replacement of the first and second storage units that need to be replaced based on the results of the detection means.

21. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 20, further comprising input means capable of inputting that the first housing and the second housing have been replaced.

22. A cartridge that is detachably attached to a liquid dispensing device equipped with a liquid dispensing head that dispenses liquid from a nozzle, comprising: a first storage section for storing waste liquid generated by maintenance processing that maintains and restores the dispensing performance of the liquid dispensing head; a second storage section for storing a moisturizing liquid that moistens the inside of a cap that contacts the nozzle surface on which the nozzle is formed in the liquid dispensing head; and a housing that houses the first storage section and the second storage section, restricts the replacement of the first storage section, and allows the replacement of the second storage section.

23. A cartridge that is detachably attached to a liquid dispensing device equipped with a liquid dispensing head that dispenses liquid from a nozzle, comprising: a first housing body in which a first housing portion is housed in a container for storing waste liquid generated by maintenance processing that maintains and restores the dispensing performance of the liquid dispensing head; a second housing portion for storing a moisturizing liquid that moistens the inside of a cap that contacts the nozzle surface on which the nozzle of the liquid dispensing head is formed; and a housing that houses the first housing body and the second housing portion, and allows for the replacement of the first housing body and the second housing portion.

24. A cartridge that is detachably attached to a liquid dispensing device equipped with a liquid dispensing head that dispenses liquid from a nozzle, comprising: a first member housing a first storage section for storing waste liquid generated by maintenance processing that maintains and restores the dispensing performance of the liquid dispensing head; and a second member housing a second storage section for storing a moisturizing liquid that moistens the inside of a cap that contacts the nozzle surface of the liquid dispensing head on which the nozzle is formed, wherein the first member and the second member are connectable and separable from each other, and the cartridge is characterized in that it is attached to the liquid dispensing device with the first member and the second member connected.

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