JP2017007147A - Liquid cartridge and liquid consuming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid cartridge capable of suppressing air in a liquid storage chamber from entering a liquid supply chamber with a reduced amount of liquid remaining in a liquid container.SOLUTION: An ink cartridge 30 comprises: an ink container 32 having an ink chamber 36; an ink supplying part 60 having a valve chamber 61 communicated to the outside via an opening 62 and communicated with the ink chamber 36 via an opening 63; a communication flow path 98 communicating the ink chamber 36 with the opening 63 through below the opening 63; a valve 80 and an arm locker 90 extending from the ink chamber 36 through the communication flow path 98 and the opening 63 to the valve chamber 61; and a sensor arm 70 moving between a detectable position that may be detected from the outside of the ink cartridge 30 and an undetectable position that may not be detected. The valve 80 and the arm locker 90 are moved from a restraining position for restraining the sensor arm 70 at the undetectable position to a releasing position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid cartridge having a member to be detected that moves inside a liquid storage chamber and is detected from the outside, and a liquid consuming apparatus including the liquid cartridge.

  2. Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium by discharging ink stored in an ink storage chamber of an ink cartridge from a nozzle is known. Patent Document 1 discloses an ink cartridge including a detected member that moves between a non-detection position that is not detected from the outside and a detection position that can be detected from the outside. The ink jet recording apparatus that employs the ink cartridge having the above-described configuration can detect the state of ink in the ink cartridge based on the position change of the detection target member.

JP 2011-140128 A

  Here, if it is attempted to detect the state of the ink by the detected member at the timing when the ink cartridge is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus, for example, the detected member is turned off when the ink cartridge is not mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus. It is necessary to configure the member to be detected so that it can be moved when the ink cartridge is attached to the ink jet recording apparatus while being constrained to the detection position. Therefore, the ink cartridge further includes, for example, a moving member that can move between a restraining position that restrains the detected member at the non-detecting position and a release position that releases the restraining of the detected member. For example, the moving member may be configured to be movable by an external force applied from the outside of the ink cartridge through an ink supply unit that causes the ink stored in the ink storage chamber to flow out.

  In the ink cartridge configured as described above, in order to transmit an external force to the moving member in the ink storage chamber, the internal space of the ink supply unit and the ink storage chamber communicate with each other through a communication hole. Therefore, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink storage chamber falls below the communication hole, the air in the ink storage chamber flows into the internal space of the ink supply unit through the communication hole. This air may hinder the outflow of ink from the ink supply unit, and may be mixed in the flow path from the ink cartridge to the nozzles to deteriorate the image recording quality.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid cartridge in which a member to be detected can be moved by an external force applied from the outside. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid cartridge in which the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid container is reduced while preventing the liquid from flowing into the liquid container.

  (1) A liquid cartridge according to the present invention includes a liquid container having a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored, a liquid supply chamber, a first opening for communicating the liquid supply chamber with the outside of the liquid cartridge, and the liquid supply A liquid supply section having a second opening that communicates the chamber with the liquid storage chamber, and the liquid container, and the liquid reservoir and the liquid passage are formed below the second opening in the mounting posture of the liquid cartridge. A connection flow path connecting the second opening, a moving member extending from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply chamber through the connection flow path and the second opening, and the liquid storage chamber. A detected member that moves between a detection position that can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge and a non-detection position that cannot be detected. Then, the moving member is moved by an external force applied from the outside of the liquid cartridge from a restraining position for restraining the detected member at the non-detecting position to a release position for releasing the restraining of the detected member. .

  According to the above configuration, the ink stored in the liquid storage chamber flows into the liquid supply chamber from the connection channel through the second opening, and flows out of the liquid cartridge through the first opening. Here, in the mounting posture of the liquid cartridge, since a part of the connection flow path is disposed below the second opening, even if the liquid surface of the liquid storage chamber falls below the position of the second opening, the liquid storage chamber is immediately Air does not flow into the liquid supply chamber. That is, the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber when the air of the liquid storage chamber flows into the liquid supply chamber can be reduced. In other words, the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid cartridge can be reduced. Note that the mounting posture of the liquid cartridge refers to, for example, the posture of the liquid cartridge mounted on the liquid consuming apparatus or the posture of the liquid cartridge when checking the movement of the detected part in the manufacturing process.

  (2) Preferably, a part of the connection flow path is defined by the bottom wall of the liquid container. A part of the moving member is arranged in the connection channel defined by the bottom wall of the liquid container, and is unevenly distributed in the liquid channel in the mounting posture.

  According to the above configuration, the amount of liquid when the air in the liquid storage chamber flows into the liquid supply chamber can be further reduced, so that the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid cartridge can be further reduced.

  (3) For example, the direction from the second opening toward the first opening is the first direction. The direction opposite to the first direction is the second direction. The connection flow path defined by the bottom wall of the liquid container extends along the first direction and the second direction. The moving member moves between the restraining position and the releasing position that are separated in the first direction and the second direction.

  (4) Preferably, the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction in the mounting posture is a third direction. The direction opposite to the third direction is the fourth direction. Further, the moving member disposed in the connection flow path defined by the bottom wall of the liquid container has a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the third direction and the fourth direction. . The second portion is shorter in the vertical direction in the mounting posture than the first portion, and is unevenly distributed in the liquid channel in the mounting posture.

  According to the above configuration, since the volume of the connection channel is reduced, the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid cartridge can be further reduced.

  (5) Preferably, the liquid storage chamber extends along the first direction and the second direction, and supports the moving member that moves in the first direction and the second direction. The part is formed.

  According to the above configuration, in the mounting posture of the liquid cartridge, the moving member in the connection channel can be unevenly distributed upward against gravity.

  (6) Preferably, the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction in the mounting posture is a third direction. The direction opposite to the third direction is the fourth direction. In addition, at least a part of the connection channel positioned below the second opening in the mounting posture has a length in the third direction and the fourth direction that is shorter than that of the liquid storage chamber.

  According to the above configuration, since the volume of the connection channel is reduced, the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid cartridge can be further reduced.

  (7) Preferably, the detected member is rotatable between the detection position and the non-detection position, and is detected from outside the liquid cartridge when the detected member is at the detection position. A detected portion; a first arm extending from the rotation center to support the detected member; and a second arm extending from the rotation center and shorter than the first arm. The moving member abuts on the second arm at the restraining position, and is separated from the second arm at the releasing position.

  According to the above configuration, even when the separation distance between the restraint position and the release position is short, the detected member can be appropriately restrained at the restraint position, and the restraint of the detected member can be reliably released at the release position.

  (8) Preferably, the detected member includes a float having a specific gravity smaller than that of the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber, and a third arm that extends from the rotation center and supports the float.

  According to the above configuration, the detected member released from the restriction by the moving member is moved to the detection position or the non-detection position by the buoyancy generated in the float.

  (9) For example, the moving member includes a restraining member disposed in the liquid storage chamber, and a valve disposed in the liquid supply chamber and connected to the restraining member. When the moving member is at the restraining position, the restraining member restrains the detected member at the non-detecting position, and the valve closes the first opening. Further, when the moving member is in the release position, the restraining member releases the restraint of the detected member, and the valve opens the first opening.

  According to the above configuration, the opening and closing of the first opening by the valve can be linked to the restraint of the detected member by the restraining member or the release of the restraint.

  (10) For example, the direction from the second opening toward the first opening is the first direction. The direction opposite to the first direction is the second direction. A biasing member that biases the valve in the first direction is further provided. Furthermore, the moving member moves between the restraint position and the release position spaced from the restraint position in the second direction.

  (11) A liquid consuming apparatus according to the present invention consumes liquid supplied from a liquid cartridge having a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored. The liquid cartridge includes a liquid container having a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored, a liquid supply chamber, a first opening for communicating the liquid supply chamber with the outside of the liquid cartridge, and the liquid supply chamber as the liquid storage chamber. A liquid supply unit having a second opening communicating with the liquid container, and formed in the liquid container, and connects the liquid storage chamber and the second opening through the lower side of the second opening in the mounting posture of the liquid cartridge. A connection channel, a moving member extending from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply chamber through the connection channel and the second opening, disposed in the liquid storage chamber, and from the outside of the liquid cartridge And a detected member that moves between a detectable position and a non-detectable position that cannot be detected. Then, the moving member is moved by an external force applied from the outside of the liquid cartridge from a restraining position for restraining the detected member at the non-detecting position to a release position for releasing the restraining of the detected member. . In addition, the liquid consuming device includes a mounting unit on which the liquid cartridge is detachably mounted, a liquid consuming unit that consumes liquid supplied from the liquid cartridge mounted on the mounting unit through the liquid supply unit, A detection unit that outputs a detection signal indicating that the detected member is present at the detection position.

  According to the present invention, in the mounting posture of the liquid cartridge, since a part of the connection channel is disposed below the second opening, the air in the liquid storage chamber is prevented from flowing into the liquid supply chamber, The amount of liquid remaining in the liquid container can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of a printer 10 provided with a cartridge mounting portion 110. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the cartridge mounting part 110. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the external configuration of the ink cartridge 30. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the ink container 32. FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the ink container 32. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sensor arm 70. 7A is an exploded perspective view of the first seal member 66, the valve 80, the second seal member 85, and the arm rocker 90, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the flow path filling portion 92 in the short direction. It is. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the printer 10. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the ink cartridge 30 in a state where the sensor arm 70 is disposed at the non-detection position and the valve 80 and the arm rocker 90 are disposed at the restraining position. (B) shows a cross section passing through the second portion 96 of the flow path filling portion 92. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the ink cartridge 30 in a state where the sensor arm 70 is disposed at the detection position and the valve 80 and the arm rocker 90 are disposed at the release position. A cross section passing through the center and (B) shows a cross section passing through the second portion 96 of the flow path filling portion 92. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the ink cartridge 30 in a state where the sensor arm 70 is disposed at the non-detection position and the valve 80 and the arm rocker 90 are disposed at the release position. (B) shows a cross section passing through the second portion 96 of the flow path filling portion 92. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process for determining whether there is an abnormality in the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36, which is executed by the control unit 130. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of processing executed by the control unit 130 on the condition that the processing shown in FIG. 12 is completed and the cover of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is closed. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the remaining amount determination process executed by the control unit 130.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example in which the present invention is embodied, and it is needless to say that the embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  In the following description, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting part 110 is defined as the insertion direction 51. The direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 is defined as the removal direction 52. That is, the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 are opposite directions. In the present embodiment, the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 are horizontal directions, but the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 may not be horizontal directions. The insertion direction 51 is an example of a first direction, and the removal direction 52 is an example of a second direction.

  Further, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, that is, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is in a use posture (an example of a mounting posture), the gravity direction is defined as the downward direction 53, and the direction opposite to the gravity direction is It is defined as the upward direction 54. In addition, when the ink cartridge 30 is viewed in the removal direction 52, directions orthogonal to the insertion direction 51 and the downward direction 53 are defined as a right direction 55 and a left direction 56. The right direction 55 and the left direction 56 are examples of the third direction and the fourth direction. In the following description, the ink cartridge 30 is assumed to be in a use posture unless otherwise specified.

[Overview of Printer 10]
The printer 10 (an example of a liquid consuming apparatus) records an image by selectively ejecting ink droplets onto a recording sheet based on an ink jet recording method. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a recording head 21 (an example of a liquid consumption unit), an ink supply device 100, and an ink tube 20 that connects the recording head 21 and the ink supply device 100. The ink supply device 100 is provided with a cartridge mounting part 110 (an example of a mounting part). An ink cartridge 30 (an example of a liquid cartridge) can be mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. An opening 112 is provided on one surface of the cartridge mounting portion 110. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the insertion direction 51 through the opening 112 or is extracted from the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the removal direction 52.

  The ink cartridge 30 stores ink (an example of a liquid) that can be used by the printer 10. In a state where the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110 is completed, the ink cartridge 30 and the recording head 21 are connected by the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 is provided with a sub tank 28. The sub tank 28 temporarily stores the ink supplied through the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 selectively ejects the ink supplied from the sub tank 28 from the nozzles 29 by the ink jet recording method. Specifically, a drive voltage is selectively applied from a head control board 21A provided on the recording head 21 to a piezo element 29A (an example of an actuator) provided corresponding to each nozzle 29. Thereby, ink is selectively ejected from the nozzles 29.

  The printer 10 includes the following recording paper transport mechanism. In other words, the recording paper fed from the paper feed tray 15 to the transport path 24 by the paper feed roller 23 is transported onto the platen 26 by the transport roller pair 25. The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto a recording sheet that passes over the platen 26. Thereby, an image is recorded on the recording paper. The recording paper that has passed through the platen 26 is discharged by a discharge roller pair 27 to a paper discharge tray 16 provided on the most downstream side of the transport path 24.

[Ink supply apparatus 100]
As shown in FIG. 1, the ink supply device 100 is provided in the printer 10. The ink supply device 100 supplies ink to the recording head 21 provided in the printer 10. The ink supply device 100 includes a cartridge mounting unit 110 in which the ink cartridge 30 can be mounted. The cartridge mounting unit 110 includes a case 101, an ink needle 102, a sensor 103 (an example of a detection unit), and a mounting sensor 107 (an example of a mounting detection unit).

  FIG. 1 shows a state where the ink cartridge 30 has been completely installed in the cartridge mounting unit 110. As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge mounting unit 110 can accommodate four ink cartridges 30 corresponding to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Further, four ink needles 102, sensors 103, and mounting sensors 107 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30.

[Ink needle 102]
An opening 112 is formed in the case 101. In addition, the case 101 includes a back surface 151 located on the side opposite to the opening 112. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ink needle 102 protrudes from the back surface 151 of the case 101 in the removal direction 52. The ink needle 102 is disposed on the back surface 151 of the case 101 at a position where it can face the ink supply unit 60 (an example of a liquid supply unit) of the ink cartridge 30. The ink needle 102 is a tubular resin needle in which a liquid flow path is formed. An opening is provided on the protruding end side of the ink needle 102, and the ink tube 20 is connected to the proximal end side. The ink in the ink chamber 36 of the ink cartridge 30 flows out to the ink tube 20 through the ink needle 102 that has entered the ink supply unit 60.

  The printer 10 includes a cover (not shown) that covers or exposes the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110. The cover is supported by the case 101 or a housing (not shown) of the printer 10 so as to be opened and closed. The opening 112 when the cover is open is exposed to the outside of the printer 10. In this state, the user can insert the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 through the opening 112, or can pull out the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge mounting portion 110. On the other hand, the opening 112 when the cover is closed covers the outside of the printer 10. In this state, the ink cartridge 30 cannot be inserted into and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110.

  In the present specification, “the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110” means at least a part of the ink positioned in the cartridge mounting unit 110 (more specifically, in the case 101). The cartridge 30 is meant. Accordingly, the ink cartridge 30 in the process of being inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 110 is also the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110.

  On the other hand, in this specification, the state where “mounting of the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed” is a state where ink can be supplied from at least the ink cartridge 30 to the recording head 21. For example, in this state, the ink cartridge 30 is locked so that the ink cartridge 30 does not move with respect to the cartridge mounting portion 110, or the ink is not contained in the cartridge mounting portion 110 in a state where the cover that opens and closes the opening 112 is closed. It means a state of the ink cartridge 30 in which image recording by the printer 10 is possible, such as a state where the cartridge 30 is located. The ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110 is in a use posture.

[Sensor 103]
The case 101 includes a top surface 152 that extends from the upper end of the back surface 151 to the opening 112. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sensor 103 protrudes downward from the top surface 152 of the case 101. The sensor 103 includes a light emitting unit 104 and a light receiving unit 105 disposed to face the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The convex portion 37 (see FIG. 3) of the ink cartridge 30 that has been attached to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is disposed between the light emitting portion 104 and the light receiving portion 105. In other words, the light emitting unit 104 and the light receiving unit 105 are disposed to face each other with the convex portion 37 of the ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110 being interposed therebetween.

  Of the internal space of the ink cartridge 30 (more specifically, the internal space of the convex portion 37 described later), the virtual connection that connects the light emitting unit 104 and the light receiving unit 105 when the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110 is completed. A position overlapping the line is defined as a detection position. That is, the detection position is a position that overlaps the optical path from the light emitting unit 104 to the light receiving unit 105. In other words, the sensor 103 is provided facing the detection position. In the present embodiment, the optical path of the light output from the light emitting unit 104 matches the right direction 55 and the left direction 56.

  Note that the sensor 103 in this embodiment is disposed at a position facing the ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110. However, the position of the sensor 103 is not limited to this. For example, the sensor 103 may be disposed at a position facing the ink cartridge 30 in the process of being mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. That is, the sensor 103 may be disposed at a position facing the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110.

  The sensor 103 outputs a different signal depending on whether or not the light output from the light emitting unit 104 is received by the light receiving unit 105. For example, the sensor 103 detects that the light output from the light emitting unit 104 is not received by the light receiving unit 105 (that is, the light receiving intensity is less than a predetermined intensity). Is output to the control unit 130 (see FIG. 8). On the other hand, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal (“signal level is a threshold level” on condition that the light output from the light emitting unit 104 is received by the light receiving unit 105 (that is, the light receiving intensity is equal to or higher than a predetermined intensity). The above signal "is output to the control unit 130. The light emitting unit 104 in the present embodiment is, for example, light that passes through the wall of the ink cartridge 30 (more specifically, the convex portion 37) and does not pass through the shutter 75 (see FIG. 6) (for example, visible light or Infrared light) is output.

[Mounting sensor 107]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting sensor 107 is provided on the back surface 151 of the case 101 above the ink needle 102 in the vertical direction. The mounting sensor 107 is disposed at a mounting detection position on the insertion path of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting unit 110. The mounting sensor 107 is, for example, a mechanical sensor, and outputs a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of the ink cartridge 30 at the mounting detection position to the control unit 130. In the present embodiment, the mounting sensor 107 is disposed so that the ink cartridge 30 is positioned at the mounting detection position when the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110 is completed.

  Specifically, the mounting sensor 107 sends a low level signal to the control unit 130 on the condition that it is not pressed against the front wall of the ink cartridge 30 (more specifically, the front wall 35 of the cartridge cover 33 described later). Output. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130 on the condition that it is pressed against the front wall of the ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110. Note that the mounting sensor 107 in the present embodiment is a mechanical sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether or not the front wall of the ink cartridge 30 is pressed, but a specific example of the mounting sensor 107 is not limited to this. An optical sensor or the like may be used.

[Ink cartridge 30]
As shown in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 30 includes an ink container 32 (an example of a liquid container) and a cartridge cover 33. Most of the ink container 32 is covered with the cartridge cover 33, and a part (a part of the convex part 37 and the ink supply part 60) is exposed from the cartridge cover 33. The ink cartridge 30 is used in the orientation shown in FIG. 3, that is, the bottom surface is the bottom surface and the top surface is the top surface. It is inserted and removed along the direction 52.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ink container 32 has a substantially flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The dimensions of the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 of the ink container 32 are smaller than the dimensions of the lower direction 53 and the upper direction 54, and the dimensions of the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The ink container 32 mainly includes an ink chamber 36, a convex portion 37, and an ink supply unit 60. The ink container 32 is mainly made of resin. In particular, the convex portion 37 is made of a material that can transmit light from the light emitting portion 104.

  The ink container 32 has a front wall 40 and a rear wall 41 that overlap at least partially when viewed in plan from the insertion direction 51 or the withdrawal direction 52, and at least partially when viewed in plan from the down direction 53 or the upward direction 54. The upper wall 39 and the lower wall 42 (an example of the bottom wall of the ink container 32) that overlap with each other, and the left wall 43 that is disposed in the left direction 56 when the ink container 32 is viewed in plan with the front wall 40 as a front surface. Yes. On the other hand, the surface of the ink container 32 in the right direction 55 is open. The right surface of the opened ink container 32 is sealed with a film (not shown). The outer shape of the film that seals the right surface of the ink container 32 substantially matches the outer shape of the ink container 32 when viewed in plan from the right direction 55. This film is thermally welded to the right end surfaces of the upper wall 39, the front wall 40, the rear wall 41, and the lower wall 42 to form the right wall of the ink chamber 36.

[Ink chamber 36]
The ink chamber 36 is a space for storing ink. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ink chamber 36 is partitioned by an upper wall 39, a front wall 40, a rear wall 41, a lower wall 42, a left wall 43, and a film. The ink chamber 36 of the ink cartridge 30 before being mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110 is maintained at a negative pressure. The ink chamber 36 is communicated with the atmosphere through a first atmosphere communication path 64 and a second atmosphere communication path 65, which will be described later, by mounting the ink cartridge 30 on the cartridge mounting portion 110. A first inner wall 44, a second inner wall 45, a third inner wall 46, a fourth inner wall 47, and a fifth inner wall 48 are formed inside the ink chamber 36.

  The first inner wall 44 extends in a downward direction 53, an upward direction 54, a right direction 55, and a left direction 56 at a position in contact with the base end of the ink supply unit 60. The first inner wall 44 is connected to the lower wall 42, the left wall 43, the film, and the third inner wall 46. The first inner wall 44 is provided at a position shifted in a downward direction 53 from a rotation shaft 49 and a guide rail 50 described later. Further, the first inner wall 44 is formed with an opening 63 that allows a later-described valve chamber 61 to communicate with the ink chamber 36 (more specifically, the connection flow path 98). Further, the surface of the first inner wall 44 facing the insertion direction 51 functions as a spring seat that supports a rear end of a coil spring 97 described later.

  The second inner wall 45 extends in the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the lower direction 53, and the upper direction 54 at a position in contact with the surface facing the removal direction 52 of the first inner wall 44. The second inner wall 45 is connected to the lower wall 42, the film, the first inner wall 44, the third inner wall 46, and the fourth inner wall 47, and is separated from the left wall 43 in the right direction 55. That is, the second inner wall 45 partitions a part of the ink chamber 36 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The second inner wall 45 extends substantially linearly in the upward direction 54 from the lower wall 42 to the lower end of the opening 63, and further extends while being curved in the upward direction 54 along the left end of the opening 63. That is, the opening 63 is formed in a region in the left direction 56 (a connection channel 89 described later) among regions divided by the second inner wall 45 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56.

  The third inner wall 46 extends in the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56 at a position shifted upward from the opening 63. The third inner wall 46 is connected to the first inner wall 44, the second inner wall 45, the fourth inner wall 47, and the film. The fourth inner wall 47 extends in the lower direction 53, the upper direction 54, the right direction 55, and the left direction 56 at a position spaced from the first inner wall 44 in the removal direction 52. The fourth inner wall 47 is connected to the film, the rear end of the second inner wall 45, and the rear end of the third inner wall 46. The lower wall 42, the second inner wall 45, the fourth inner wall 47, and the film define an opening 99. The opening 99 is formed to be shifted downward 53 from the opening 63.

[Connection channel 98]
The lower wall 42, the first inner wall 44, the second inner wall 45, the third inner wall 46, the fourth inner wall 47, and the film are formed so as to surround the opening 63. The lower wall 42, the first inner wall 44, the second inner wall 45, the third inner wall 46, the fourth inner wall 47, and the space surrounded by the film constitute a connection flow path 98 that connects the ink chamber 36 and the valve chamber 61. . That is, the connection channel 98 has a lower end defined by the lower wall 42, a front end defined by the first inner wall 44, a left end defined by the second inner wall 45, an upper end defined by the third inner wall 46, and a fourth inner wall. 47 defines the trailing edge and the film defines the right edge.

  The connection flow path 98 communicates with the ink chamber 36 only through the opening 99 and communicates with the valve chamber 61 only through the opening 63. In other words, the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 flows into the connection channel 98 only through the opening 99 and flows into the valve chamber 61 only through the opening 63. Further, the connection flow path 98 communicates with the ink chamber 36 through the lower side of the opening 63 in the mounting posture of the ink cartridge 30. Further, the length (hereinafter referred to as “width”) of the connection flow path 98 in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56 is set to be shorter than the width of the ink chamber 36.

  The fifth inner wall 48 is arranged at a position separated from the fourth inner wall 47 in the removal direction 52 and at a position separated from the rear wall 41 in the insertion direction 51. Further, the fifth inner wall 48 protrudes from the left wall 43 in the right direction 55 and extends while curving in a generally downward direction 53 and an upward direction 54. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the fifth inner wall 48 and the film. The rear surface of the fifth inner wall 48 facing the removal direction 52 is formed in an arc shape with the rotation shaft 49 as the center. The rear surface of the fifth inner wall 48 guides a float 76 that rotates about the rotation shaft 49.

  The left wall 43 is further formed with a rotation shaft 49 and a pair of guide rails 50 (an example of a support portion). The rotation shaft 49 is shifted from the left wall 43 to the right 55 at a position shifted from the opening 63 in the removal direction 52 and the upward direction 54 and at a position shifted from the fourth inner wall 47 and the fifth inner wall 48 in the insertion direction 51. Protruding. The rotation shaft 49 rotatably supports the sensor arm 70 (see FIG. 6). The pair of guide rails 50 is provided at a position shifted downward 53 from the rotation shaft 49 and upward 54 from the opening 63 and the third inner wall 46. The pair of guide rails 50 are spaced apart in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54, and each extend in the insertion direction 51 and the withdrawal direction 52. The pair of guide rails 50 guide the restraining portion 94 of the arm rocker 90 (see FIG. 7) that moves in the insertion direction 51 and the withdrawal direction 52.

[Convex part 37]
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the convex portion 37 projects from the upper wall 39 in the upward direction 54. The convex portion 37 has a box shape having an internal space. The internal space of the convex portion 37 is in communication with the ink chamber 36. In the mounting posture of the ink cartridge 30, the liquid level of the ink in the ink chamber 36 is located in the downward direction 53 from the convex portion 37. When the ink container 32 is accommodated in the cartridge cover 33, the convex portion 37 protrudes from the cartridge cover 33 through the opening 34 </ b> A formed in the upper wall 34 of the cartridge cover 33. That is, at least a part of the convex portion 37 is exposed to the outside of the ink cartridge 30. The convex portion 37 transmits the light output from the light emitting portion 104.

[Ink supply unit 60]
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the ink supply unit 60 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape. The ink supply unit 60 is provided in the vicinity of the lower end of the front wall 40 of the ink container 32 and shifted in the right direction 55 from the center of the ink cartridge 30. The ink supply unit 60 extends from the inside of the ink chamber 36 to the outside. The ink supply unit 60 protrudes from the cartridge cover 33 through the opening 35 </ b> A formed in the front wall 35 of the cartridge cover 33 when the ink container 32 is accommodated in the cartridge cover 33. That is, at least a part of the ink supply unit 60 is exposed to the outside of the ink cartridge 30. Furthermore, a first seal member 66 and a cap 69 are attached to the ink supply unit 60 exposed from the ink cartridge 30.

  The ink supply unit 60 causes the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 to flow out of the ink cartridge 30. As shown in FIG. 9, a valve chamber 61 (an example of a liquid supply chamber) is formed inside the ink supply unit 60. The valve chamber 61 is communicated with the outside of the ink cartridge 30 through an opening 62 (an example of a first opening) formed at an end portion (hereinafter referred to as a “tip”) in the insertion direction 51 of the ink supply unit 60. ing. Further, the valve chamber 61 is provided in the ink chamber 36 by an opening 63 (an example of a second opening) formed in an end portion (hereinafter referred to as “base end”) of the ink supply unit 60 in the removal direction 52. It is communicated.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the valve chamber 61 is connected to a first atmosphere communication path 64 and a second atmosphere communication path 65. The first atmosphere communication path 64 is a flow path for allowing gas to flow between the valve chamber 61 and the outside of the ink cartridge 30. In other words, the first atmosphere communication path 64 allows the valve chamber 61 to communicate with the atmosphere. The first atmosphere communication path 64 communicates the hole 64A that communicates with the inner surface and the outer surface of the ink supply unit 60, the groove 64B that communicates with the hole 64A at one end, the other end of the groove 64B, and the outside of the ink cartridge 30. It is comprised with the hole 64C.

  The second atmosphere communication path 65 is a flow path for allowing gas to flow between the valve chamber 61 and the ink chamber 36. The second atmospheric communication path 65 includes a hole 65A that connects the inner surface and the outer surface of the ink supply unit 60, a groove 65B that communicates with the hole 65A at one end, and a hole that communicates the other end of the groove 65B with the ink chamber 36. 65C. The hole 65A is disposed at a position shifted in the removal direction 52 from the hole 64A. The hole 65C is located above the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 of the unused ink cartridge 30. In other words, the hole 65 </ b> C is located above the ink level in a state where the maximum amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber 36. The first atmosphere communication path 64 and the second atmosphere communication path 65 are liquid-tightly sealed with a film that forms the right wall of the ink cartridge 30.

[First seal member 66, cap 69]
As shown in FIG. 7, the first seal member 66 has a disk shape whose outer diameter dimension substantially matches the outer diameter dimension of the ink supply unit 60. The first seal member 66 is in liquid-tight contact with the tip of the ink supply unit 60 in which the opening 62 is formed. Further, the first seal member 66 is formed with a through hole 67 that penetrates the central portion in the thickness direction. That is, a part of the opening 62 of the valve chamber 61 is closed by the first seal member 66 and the other part is opened by the through hole 67. Further, the first seal member 66 has a cylindrical portion 68 that protrudes in the removal direction 52 at a position surrounding the through hole 67. The cylindrical portion 68 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape. The inner diameter dimension of the cylindrical portion 68 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the distal end portion 81 of the valve 80 described later. The first seal member 66 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cap 69 is attached to the cartridge cover 33 so as to cover the outer surface of the ink supply unit 60 exposed from the cartridge cover 33. The first seal member 66 is sandwiched between the tip of the ink supply unit 60 and the cap 69 in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The cap 69 is provided with a through hole 69A. The through holes 67 and 69 </ b> A allow the valve chamber 61 to communicate with the outside of the ink cartridge 30. The outer diameter of the ink needle 102 is slightly larger than the diameter of the through hole 67 and slightly smaller than the diameter of the through hole 69A.

[Sensor arm 70]
As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, a sensor arm 70 (an example of a member to be detected) is accommodated in the ink chamber 36. The sensor arm 70 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 49. The sensor arm 70 rotates between the non-detection position (see FIGS. 9 and 11) and the detection position (see FIG. 11) with the rotation shaft 49 as the rotation center. Hereinafter, the rotation direction of the sensor arm 70 is expressed as “clockwise” or “counterclockwise” when viewed from the direction of FIGS. 9 to 11 (that is, the ink cartridge 30 is the right direction 55). As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor arm 70 includes a bearing portion 71, a first arm 72, a second arm 73, a third arm 74, a shutter 75 (an example of a detected portion), and a float 76. Is provided.

  The bearing portion 71 has an annular shape that receives the rotation shaft 49 therein. By inserting the rotation shaft 49 into the bearing portion 71, the sensor arm 70 can be rotated around the rotation shaft 49. The first arm 72 extends generally upward from the outer surface of the bearing portion 71. The second arm 73 extends from the outer surface of the bearing portion 71 generally in the insertion direction 51 and the downward direction 53. The third arm 74 extends from the outer surface of the bearing portion 71 in a generally withdrawing direction 52 and a downward direction 53. The second arm 73 is shorter than the first arm 72 and the third arm 74.

  The shutter 75 is attached to the tip of the first arm 72. However, the shutter 75 may be attached to a location other than the tip of the first arm 72. The shutter 75 enters the internal space of the convex portion 37. The shutter 75 is disposed at a position off the optical path from the light emitting unit 104 to the light receiving unit 105 when the sensor arm 70 is located at the non-detection position. On the other hand, when the sensor arm 70 is located at the detection position, the shutter 75 is disposed above the non-detection position and at a position overlapping with the optical path (that is, the detection position). The shutter 75 has a generally flat plate shape that extends in the insertion direction 51, the removal direction 52, the downward direction 53, and the upward direction 54. The area of the shutter 75 is larger than the diameter of the light output from the light emitting unit 104.

  The shutter 75 at the detection position does not allow the light output from the light emitting unit 104 to reach the light receiving unit 105. For example, the shutter 75 prevents the light from reaching the light receiving unit 105 by absorbing, reflecting, or refracting the light output from the light emitting unit 104. The shutter 75 may be, for example, a resin containing a pigment, or may be covered with a reflective film such as an aluminum film, or formed of a transparent or translucent material having a refractive index different from that of air. May be. That is, the light output from the light emitting unit 104 is received by the light receiving unit 105 when the sensor arm 70 is in the non-detection position, and is blocked by the shutter 75 when the sensor arm 70 is in the detection position.

  The float 76 is attached to the tip of the third arm 74. However, the float 76 may be attached to a place other than the tip of the third arm 74. Further, the float 76 is disposed in a space surrounded by the rear wall 41 and the fifth inner wall 48 in the ink chamber 36. The third arm 74 passes above the fifth inner wall 48 and enters the space surrounded by the rear wall 41 and the fifth inner wall 48, and connects the bearing portion 71 and the float 76. The float 76 is formed of a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, when the sensor arm 70 is rotated counterclockwise, the shutter 75 is moved in the insertion direction 51, the float 76 is moved in the upward direction 54, and the second arm is moved. 73 is generally moved in the downward direction 53. On the other hand, when the sensor arm 70 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the shutter 75 is moved generally in the removal direction 52, the float 76 is moved generally in the downward direction 53, and the second arm 73 is moved generally in the upward direction 54. The

[Valve 80, Second Seal Member 85, Arm Rocker 90, Coil Spring 97]
As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the ink cartridge 30 includes a valve 80, a second seal member 85 (an example of a seal portion), an arm rocker 90 (an example of a restraining member), and a coil spring 97 ( An example of an urging member). More specifically, the second seal member 85 and the coil spring 97 are accommodated in the valve chamber 61, the valve 80 is extended to the valve chamber 61 and the connection flow path 98 through the opening 63, and the arm rocker 90 is connected to the connection flow path through the opening 99. 98 and the ink chamber 36. The valve 80 and the arm rocker 90 constitute an example of a moving member.

  The valve 80, the second seal member 85, and the arm rocker 90 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “moving member or the like”) are configured to be movable in the insertion direction 51 and the withdrawal direction 52 together. Yes. The position of the moving member or the like shown in FIG. 9 is an example of a restraining position. The position of the moving member or the like shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is an example of a release position. The release position is a position separated from the restraining position in the removal direction 52. The moving member or the like is pressed by the ink needle 102 that has entered the valve chamber 61 through the through holes 69A and 67, and is moved from the restraint position to the release position. Further, the moving member or the like is moved from the release position to the restraint position by the urging force of the coil spring 97 in response to the ink needle 102 withdrawing from the valve chamber 61.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the valve 80 includes a distal end portion 81, an intermediate portion 82, a base end portion 83, a plurality of protruding pieces 84A, and a plurality of protruding pieces 84B. The distal end portion 81 has a substantially disk-shaped outer shape. The distal end portion 81 enters the inside of the cylindrical portion 68 and closes the through hole 67 when the valve 80 is in the restraining position. The cylindrical portion 68 that has entered the distal end portion 81 expands in diameter and is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 81 in a liquid-tight manner. On the other hand, the distal end portion 81 is separated from the cylindrical portion 68 and opens the through hole 67 when the valve 80 is in the release position.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the intermediate portion 82 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape. The intermediate part 82 extends in the removal direction 52 from the rear end of the front end part 81. The intermediate part 82 is inserted into the second seal member 85. The intermediate portion 82 includes a portion having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the second seal member 85. That is, between the outer surface of the intermediate part 82 and the inner surface of the second seal member 85, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, it extends in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 in at least a part of the circumferential direction. A space is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the base end portion 83 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape. The base end portion 83 extends in the removal direction 52 from the rear end of the intermediate portion 82. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the base end portion 83 extends from the valve chamber 61 to the connection flow path 98 through the opening 63. An arm rocker 90 is connected to the rear end of the base end portion 83. The diameter of the base end portion 83 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 63. That is, when the valve 80 moves between the restraining position and the release position, the base end portion 83 does not slide on the wall surface that defines the opening 63.

  The plurality of protruding pieces 84A protrude radially outward from the outer surface of the valve 80 at the boundary position between the tip portion 81 and the intermediate portion 82. The plurality of projecting pieces 84 </ b> B project radially outward from the outer surface of the valve 80 at the boundary position between the intermediate portion 82 and the base end portion 83. Each of the plurality of projecting pieces 84 </ b> A and 84 </ b> B is disposed so as to be separated in the circumferential direction of the valve 80. The diameter of the imaginary circle connecting the protruding tips of the plurality of protruding pieces 84 </ b> A and 84 </ b> B is larger than the inner diameter dimension of the second seal member 85. That is, the plurality of projecting pieces 84A and 84B suppress the second seal member 85 from being displaced from the intermediate portion 82 in the process in which the moving member or the like moves between the restraining position and the release position. Further, the surface of the plurality of projecting pieces 84 </ b> B facing the removal direction 52 functions as a spring seat that supports the front end of the coil spring 97. That is, the coil spring 97 is disposed between the plurality of protruding pieces 84 </ b> B and the first inner wall 44, and biases the valve 80 and the second seal member 85 in the insertion direction 51.

  The second seal member 85 is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The second seal member 85 includes a cylindrical portion 86 whose outer shape is substantially cylindrical, and seal portions 87, 88 and 89 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 86. The outer diameter dimension of the cylindrical portion 86 is smaller than the inner diameter dimension of the valve chamber 61. The seal portions 87 to 89 project radially outward from the outer surface of the tubular portion 86 and extend continuously in the circumferential direction. Further, the seal portions 87 to 89 are provided apart from each other in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The diameters of the seal portions 87 to 89 before being inserted into the valve chamber 61 are larger than the inner diameter dimension of the ink supply portion 60 (that is, the diameter of the valve chamber 61). That is, the seal portions 87 to 89 are disposed in the valve chamber 61 in a state of being reduced in diameter, and are in close contact with the inner surface of the ink supply portion 60 in the circumferential direction. That is, each of the seal portions 87 to 89 includes a space closer to the opening 62 than the seal portions 87 to 89 among the spaces formed between the inner surface of the ink supply portion 60 and the outer surface of the second seal member 85. The space closer to the opening 63 than the seal portions 87 to 89 is blocked. In the present embodiment, the second seal member 85 includes three seal portions 87, 88, and 89. However, for example, when the atmosphere communication passages 64 and 65 and the valve chamber 60 are independent flow paths, the number of seal portions may be one or two.

  When the valve 80 is in the release position (that is, the through hole 67 is opened), the ink that has entered the valve chamber 61 from the connection flow path 98 through the opening 63 is located between the adjacent protruding pieces 84B in the intermediate portion 82. It passes through the space between the outer surface and the inner surface of the second seal member 85 and between the adjacent protruding pieces 84A, and flows out of the ink cartridge 30 from the opening 62 (that is, the through holes 67 and 69A). On the other hand, the ink that has entered the valve chamber 61 cannot pass between the inner surface of the ink supply unit 60 and the outer surface of the second seal member 85. That is, in the present embodiment, the outflow path of the ink from the opening 63 to the opening 62 in the valve chamber 61 is mainly defined by the first space defined by the inner wall of the valve chamber 61 and the outer surface of the base end portion 83 of the valve 80. And a second space defined by the inner wall of the second seal member 85 and the outer surface of the intermediate portion 82 of the valve 80.

  The arm rocker 90 moves integrally with the valve 80 in the insertion direction 51 and the withdrawal direction 52, reduces the volume of the connection flow path 98, and restrains the sensor arm 70 at the non-detection position. As shown in FIG. 7, the arm rocker 90 includes a connecting portion 91, a flow path filling portion 92, a connecting portion 93, and a restraining portion 94. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the connecting portion 91 is disposed in the connection flow path 98, the flow path filling section 92 extends to the connection flow path 98 and the ink chamber 36, and the connection section 93 and the restraining section 94. Is disposed in the ink chamber 36.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the connecting portion 91 is connected to the rear end of the base end portion 83. Specifically, the connecting portion 91 has a hole 91 </ b> A for receiving the rear end of the base end portion 83 as shown in FIG. 7. And the valve | bulb 80 and the arm rocker 90 are connected by fixing the rear end of the base end part 83 which passed through the hole 91A with a pin etc. FIG. The specific method of connecting the valve 80 and the arm rocker 90 is not particularly limited, and both may be bonded with an adhesive or the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the flow path filling portion 92 extends to the connection flow path 98 and the ink chamber 36 through the opening 99. The flow path filling unit 92 is disposed in the connection flow path 98 to reduce the volume of the connection flow path 98. As shown in FIG. 7, the flow path filling portion 92 includes a vertical portion 92 </ b> A that extends along the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54, and a horizontal portion 92 </ b> B that extends along the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52. The The vertical portion 92A has an upper end connected to the connecting portion 91 and a lower end connected to the horizontal portion 92B. The horizontal portion 92B extends in the removal direction 52 along the lower wall 42 from the lower end of the vertical portion 92A.

  The flow path filling portion 92 (vertical portion 92 </ b> A and horizontal portion 92 </ b> B, respectively) includes a first portion 95 and a second portion 96 that are adjacent in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. That is, in the connection flow path 98, a portion defined by the lower wall 42 and the horizontal portion 92B extends in the insertion direction 51 and the withdrawal direction 52, and a portion defined by the first inner wall 44 and the vertical portion 92A is the lower direction 53 and It extends in the upward direction 54. Further, the flow path filling portion 92 is arranged so as to be shifted in the right direction 55 from the connecting portion 91, the connecting portion 93, and the restraining portion 94.

  The length of the first portion 95 in the lower direction 53 and the upper direction 54 (hereinafter referred to as “height”) is slightly smaller than the height of the opening 99. On the other hand, the second portion 96 adjacent to the right direction 55 of the first portion 95 is lower in height than the first portion 95 and is unevenly distributed in the upward direction 54 of the flow path filling portion 92. Thereby, most of the ink flowing into the connection flow path 98 from the ink chamber 36 through the opening 99 is a region surrounded by the lower wall 42, the film, the first portion 95, and the second portion 96 (FIG. 9B, etc.). Go through). On the other hand, there are gaps between the first portion 95 and the left wall 43 and between the first portion 95 and the fourth inner wall 47 so that they do not rub against each other. It is sufficiently narrower than the distance between the portions 96. As a result, an oil film is formed between the first portion 95 and the left wall 43 and between the first portion 95 and the fourth inner wall 47, thereby inhibiting ink flow.

  The connecting portion 93 extends along the lower direction 53 and the upper direction 54 at a position shifted in the removal direction 52 from the fourth inner wall 47 and at a position shifted in the insertion direction 51 from the fifth inner wall 48. The connection portion 93 has a lower end connected to the rear end of the horizontal portion 92 </ b> B and an upper end connected to the rear end of the restraining portion 94.

  The restraint portion 94 extends along the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 at a position shifted in the upward direction 54 from the third inner wall 46. In other words, the restraining portion 94 extends from the upper end of the connection portion 93 in the insertion direction 51. The left end 56 of the restraining portion 94 is disposed between the pair of guide rails 50. That is, the arm rocker 90 is restricted from moving in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54 by the restraining portion 94 disposed between the pair of guide rails 50, and is not allowed to move in the insertion direction 51 and the withdrawal direction 52. Guided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when the arm rocker 90 is in the restraining position, the restraining portion 94 abuts on the second arm 73 of the sensor arm 70 at the non-detecting position to bring the sensor arm 70 into the non-detecting position. to bound. More specifically, the restraining portion 94 is disposed below the second arm 73 of the sensor arm 70 at the non-detection position when the arm rocker 90 is in the restraining position, and the second arm 73 moves in the downward direction 53. That is, the sensor arm 70 is restricted from rotating counterclockwise. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the arm rocker 90 is in the release position, the restraining portion 94 is separated from the second arm 73 in the removal direction 52 and releases the restraint of the sensor arm 70. That is, the restraining portion 94 is disposed at a position where the second arm 73 of the sensor arm 70 at the detection position should be present when the arm rocker 90 is in the restraining position. On the other hand, when the arm rocker 90 is in the release position, the restraining portion 94 is disposed at a position deviating from the position where the second arm 73 of the sensor arm 70 at the detection position should be present.

  When the arm locker 90 is in the release position, the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 passes through the region surrounded by the lower wall 42, the film, the first portion 95, and the second portion 96 in the opening 99. Then, it flows out from the connection flow path 98 to the valve chamber 61. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the distance between the second portion 92 </ b> B and the fifth inner wall 48 in the insertion direction 51 and the removal direction 52 is such that the arm rocker 90 is in the release position. Is narrower than in the restraint position. However, the second portion 92B and the fifth inner wall 48 are separated to the extent that ink can pass even when the arm rocker 90 is in the release position.

[Control unit 130]
The printer 10 includes a control unit 130. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, an EEPROM 134, and an ASIC 135, which are connected by an internal bus 137. The ROM 132 stores a program for the CPU 131 to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data and signals used when the CPU 131 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores settings, flags, and the like that should be retained even after the power is turned off. Note that the CPU 131, the ROM 132, the RAM 133, the EEPROM 134, and the ASIC 135 may be partially or entirely configured by one IC chip or may be configured by being divided into a plurality of IC chips.

  The controller 130 rotates the paper feed roller 23, the transport roller pair 25, and the discharge roller pair 27 by driving a motor (not shown). The control unit 130 controls the recording head 21 to cause the nozzles 29 to eject ink. Specifically, the control unit 130 outputs a control signal indicating the magnitude of the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A to the head control board 21A. The head control board 21 </ b> A causes the nozzles 29 to eject ink by applying a drive voltage having a magnitude indicated by the control signal acquired from the control unit 130 to the piezo elements 29 </ b> A provided in the nozzles 29. The control unit 130 causes the display unit 109 to display information about the printer 10 and the ink cartridge 30 and various messages.

  The control unit 130 acquires the detection signal output from the sensor 103, the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107, the signal output from the temperature sensor 106, and the signal output from the cover sensor 108. The temperature sensor 106 outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature. The temperature measurement position by the temperature sensor 106 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the inside of the cartridge mounting unit 110 or the surface of the printer 10. The cover sensor 108 outputs different signals when the cover that opens and closes with respect to the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is open and when the cover is closed.

[Motions of Sensor Arm 70, Valve 80, Second Seal Member 85, and Arm Rocker 90]
First, the movements of the sensor arm 70, the valve 80, the second seal member 85, and the arm rocker 90 in the process in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is larger than that in the near empty state described later. That is, the float 76 is sunk in the ink stored in the ink chamber 36, and receives a buoyancy force that causes the sensor arm 70 to rotate counterclockwise.

  In the ink cartridge 30 before being mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the valve 80, the second seal member 85, and the arm rocker 90 are disposed at the restrained position by the biasing force of the coil spring 97, as shown in FIG. Yes. The valve 80 at the restraining position enters the cylindrical portion 68 of the first seal member 66 and closes the through hole 67. Further, the seal portion 88 of the second seal member 85 at the restraining position is disposed between the holes 64A and 65A. As a result, the first atmosphere communication path 64 and the second atmosphere communication path 65 are blocked from each other.

  Further, the third portion 93 of the arm rocker 90 at the restraining position is in contact with the second arm 73 of the sensor arm 70 at the non-detecting position, thereby restraining the sensor arm 70 at the non-detecting position. When the sensor arm 70 is restrained at the non-detection position, the shutter 75 is disposed at a position deviating from the detection position. That is, the sensor 103 in the state of FIG. 9 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130. Further, since the ink cartridge 30 shown in FIG. 9 is before being mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130.

  In this state, when the cover for opening and closing the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is opened, the ink cartridge 30 can be inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 110. When the ink cartridge 30 is inserted to the vicinity of the back surface 151 of the cartridge mounting unit 110, the mounting sensor 107 is pressed against the front wall 35 of the cartridge cover 33 of the ink cartridge 30 and outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130. . That is, the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is switched from the low level signal to the high level signal in accordance with the ink cartridge 30 being mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110.

  Further, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted to the vicinity of the back surface 151 of the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink needle 102 that has entered the valve chamber 61 through the through holes 69 </ b> A and 67 contacts the tip portion 81 of the valve 80. When the ink cartridge 30 further moves in the insertion direction 51 in this state, the valve 80 receives a reaction force from the ink needle 102 and is pushed in the removal direction 52. Accordingly, the valve 80, the second seal member 85, and the arm rocker 90 are moved in the removal direction 52 from the restraint position toward the second against the biasing force of the coil spring 97. The reaction force received from the ink needle 102 by the valve 80, the second seal member 85, and the arm rocker 90 is an example of an external force applied from the outside of the ink cartridge 30.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the valve 80 in the release position is separated from the cylindrical portion 68 of the first seal member 66 and opens the through hole 67. As a result, the ink that has flowed into the valve chamber 61 from the connection flow path 98 through the opening 63 passes through the space between the valve 80 and the second seal member 85 and passes through the opening 62 (in other words, the through holes 67 and 69A). It becomes possible to leak. The holes 64A and 65A are located between the seal portions 87 and 88 when the second seal member 85 is in the release position. As a result, the ink chamber 36 is opened to the atmosphere through the communicated first atmosphere communication path 64 and second atmosphere communication path 65. Further, the restraining portion 94 of the arm rocker 90 at the release position is separated from the second arm 73 of the sensor arm 70. Thereby, the restraint of the sensor arm 70 in the non-detection position is released. As a result, the sensor arm 70 is rotated counterclockwise by the buoyancy that the float 76 receives.

  As the sensor arm 70 is rotated counterclockwise, the shutter 75 reaches the detection position. Thereby, the light output from the light emitting unit 104 is blocked and does not reach the light receiving unit 105. As a result, the sensor 103 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130. In other words, the detection signal output from the sensor 103 is switched from the high level signal to the low level signal in response to the shutter 75 reaching the detection position. Through the above process, the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110 is completed.

  Note that the shutter 75 of the sensor arm 70 may be defined as follows, for example. Assume that there are a point A and a point B that face each other in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. Let I be the intensity of light emitted from the point A and traveling in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56, for example, visible light or infrared light when reaching the point B. Further, the light emitting unit of the sensor 103 may be arranged at the point A, and the light receiving unit of the sensor 103 may be arranged at the point B. In the case where the light receiving portion of the sensor 103 is composed of, for example, a phototransistor, the value of the collector current of the phototransistor when the intensity of light reaching the phototransistor is I is C.

  When the ink amount in the ink chamber 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the shutter 75 is positioned between the point A and the point B in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. The light emitted from the point A and traveling in the right direction 55 or the left direction 56 is incident on one of the right side surface and the left side surface of the sensor arm 70. Then, the intensity of the light emitted from the other of the right side surface and the left side surface of the sensor arm 70 and reaching the point B is less than half of the intensity I, for example, zero. At this time, the value of the collector current of the phototransistor is less than half of the value C, for example, zero. On the other hand, when the amount of ink in the ink chamber 36 is less than the predetermined amount, the sensor arm 70 moves out of the position between the points A and B in the right direction 55 and the left direction 56. At this time, the intensity of light emitted from the point A and reaching the point B is half or more of the intensity I. In addition, the value of the collector current of the phototransistor at this time is not less than half of the value C.

  Next, the movement of the sensor arm 70, the valve 80, the second seal member 85, and the arm rocker 90 in the process in which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is larger than that in the near empty state described later. That is, it is assumed that the sensor arm 70 is disposed at the detection position when the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge mounting unit 110.

  When the removal of the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge mounting portion 110 is started (that is, the ink cartridge 30 is moved in the removal direction 52), the ink needle 102 gradually leaves the valve chamber 61 through the through holes 67 and 69A. To do. Accordingly, the valve 80, the second seal member 85, and the arm rocker 90 are moved from the release position to the restraint position by the biasing force of the coil spring 97. Then, when the ink needle 102 is completely withdrawn from the valve chamber 61, the valve 80, the second seal member 85, and the arm rocker 90 are arranged at the restraining positions shown in FIG.

  As described above, the valve 80 at the restraining position closes the through hole 67, and the seal portion 88 of the second seal member 85 at the restraining position blocks the communication between the first atmosphere communication path 64 and the second atmosphere communication path 65. Further, the restraining portion 94 of the arm rocker 90 moved from the release position to the restraining position abuts on the second arm 73 of the sensor arm 70 at the detection position and pushes up the second arm 73 upward. As a result, the sensor arm 70 in contact with the arm rocker 90 is rotated clockwise from the detection position to the non-detection position, and is restrained again at the non-detection position.

  As a result, the shutter 75 deviates from the detection position, so that the light output from the light emitting unit 104 reaches the light receiving unit 105. That is, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130. In other words, the detection signal output from the sensor 103 is switched from the low level signal to the high level signal in response to the shutter 75 being out of the detection position. Further, the mounting sensor 107 outputs a low level signal to the control unit 130 in response to the release of the pressure by the ink cartridge 30. In other words, the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is switched from a high level signal to a low level signal in response to the ink cartridge 30 being removed from the cartridge mounting unit 110.

  Next, the movement of the sensor arm 70 when the ink in the ink cartridge 30 that has been mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110 is consumed by the recording head 21 will be described. The valve 80, the second seal member 85, and the arm rocker 90 are not moved as the ink in the ink chamber 36 decreases.

  As the ink is ejected from the nozzles 29 of the recording head 21, the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 falls. When most of the float 76 is exposed from the ink surface, the buoyancy acting on the float 76 is lost. Thereby, the sensor arm 70 is rotated clockwise. As a result, the shutter 75 moves out of the detection position, so that the light output from the light emitting unit 104 reaches the light receiving unit 105. That is, the sensor 103 outputs a high level signal to the control unit 130. In other words, the detection signal output from the sensor 103 is switched from the low level signal to the high level signal in response to the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 being lower than the threshold value.

[Abnormal Judgment of Ink Viscosity by Control Unit 130]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, a process for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 performed by the control unit 130 will be described.

  The control unit 130 starts measuring the movement time of the sensor arm 70 (S12) on condition that the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is switched from the low level signal to the high level signal (S11: Yes). Note that the control unit 130 refers to the detection signal at a predetermined cycle. Then, the control unit 130 determines that the detection signal has been switched when the signal level of the latest detection signal is different from the detection signal immediately before the latest detection signal.

  On the other hand, when the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 does not switch from the low level signal to the high level signal (S11: No), the control unit 130 executes a process of step S20 described later. The case where the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 does not switch from the low level signal to the high level signal (S11: No) is, for example, a case where the new ink cartridge 30 is not mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. .

  Next, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the elapsed time since the start of measurement of the travel time exceeds a predetermined maximum time (S13). When the maximum time has already passed (S13: Yes), the control unit 130 executes a process of step S15 described later. The case where the maximum time elapses before the detection signal output from the sensor 103 is switched from the high level signal to the low level signal (S13: Yes) is a case where the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is extremely high. .

  On the other hand, when the maximum time has not yet elapsed (S13: No), the control unit 130 determines whether or not the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has been switched from the high level signal to the low level signal (S14). When it is determined that the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has not been switched (S14: No), the control unit 130 executes the process of step S13 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has been switched (S14: Yes), the control unit 130 ends the measurement of the movement time and determines the movement time of the sensor arm 70 (S15). On the other hand, when it is determined that the maximum time has elapsed (S13: Yes), the control unit 130 sets the maximum time as the movement time of the sensor arm 70.

  The movement time is from when the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is switched from the low level signal to the high level (S11: Yes) until the detection signal output from the sensor 103 is switched from the high level signal to the low level signal. It took time. Specifically, the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is switched from the low level signal to the high level, and the sensor arm 70 can be rotated from the non-detection position to the detection position by releasing the restraint by the arm rocker 90. Strictly speaking, the timing may not be the same. However, since the former timing and the latter timing are close in time, the latter timing can be assumed as the former timing. Therefore, the control unit 130 determines the time from the acquisition of the high level signal from the mounting sensor 107 to the acquisition of the low level signal from the sensor 103 as the movement time, that is, the sensor arm 70 from the non-detection position to the detection position. Measured as the time required to move.

  Next, the control unit 130 resets the abnormality flag (that is, sets “OFF”) (S16). The abnormality flag is set to “ON” when the travel time is not within the threshold range (S18: No) as a result of travel time determination (S18) described later. The abnormality flag is a value set for each ink cartridge 30. The control unit 130 stores the abnormality flag in the EEPROM 134.

  Next, the control unit 130 determines a threshold range based on the signal output from the temperature sensor 106 (S17). The threshold range is compared with the movement time measured in step S15 in order to estimate the viscosity of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36. The control unit 130 decreases at least one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the threshold range as the temperature specified by the signal output from the temperature sensor 106 is higher. In other words, the control unit 130 increases at least one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the threshold range as the temperature specified by the signal output from the temperature sensor 106 is lower.

  Next, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the travel time measured in step S15 is included in the threshold range determined in step S17 (S18). If the moving time is below the lower limit of the threshold range, it is estimated that the ink viscosity is too low than the normal ink viscosity. On the other hand, when the moving time exceeds the upper limit value of the threshold range, it is estimated that the viscosity of the ink is too higher than the viscosity of the normal ink. Then, the control unit 130 sets “ON” in the abnormality flag (S19) on condition that the movement time is out of the threshold range (S18: No). On the other hand, the control unit 130 skips the process of step S19 on condition that the movement time is included in the threshold range (S18: Yes).

  Next, the control unit 130 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the cover that opens and closes the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is closed is output from the cover sensor 108 (S20). When it is determined that the cover is open (S20: No), the control unit 130 executes the processes after step S11 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the cover is closed (S20: Yes), the control unit 130 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined in step S20 that the cover was closed (S21). .

  If it is determined that the predetermined time has already elapsed (S21: Yes), the control unit 130 ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (S21: No), the control unit 130 executes the processes after step S11 again. In addition, when it is determined that the cover is open in the process of repeating the processing after step S11 (S20: No), the control unit 130 determines the time started when it is determined that the cover is closed (S20: Yes). End measurement.

  After the process shown in FIG. 12 is completed, the control unit 130 is provided on the condition that a signal indicating that the cover that opens and closes the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is closed is output from the cover sensor 108. The process shown in FIG. 13 is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals.

  First, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is a high level signal (S31). When the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is a low level signal (S31: No), the control unit 130 notifies that the ink cartridge 30 is not mounted (S38), and ends the process of FIG. . Although the specific method of alerting | reporting is not specifically limited, For example, a message may be displayed on the display part 109 mounted in the printer 10, and a guide audio | voice may be output from a speaker (not shown). The same applies to steps S37, S44, and S47 described later.

  On the other hand, when the detection signal output from the mounting sensor 107 is a high level signal (S31: Yes), the control unit 130 determines whether “ON” is set in the abnormality flag (S32). When “ON” is set in the abnormality flag (S32: Yes), the control unit 130 notifies information about the ink cartridge 30 (S37), and ends the process of FIG. Although the specific content of the notification is not particularly limited, for example, it may be notified that the ink in the ink chamber 36 has deteriorated or the replacement of the ink cartridge 30 is recommended.

  On the other hand, when “OFF” is set in the abnormality flag (S32: No), the control unit 130 executes a remaining amount determination process which is a process shown in FIG. 14 (S33). The remaining amount determination process will be described later. After the remaining amount determination process, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the empty flag is set to “ON” (S34). The empty flag is a flag that is set to “ON” when it is determined that the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is small enough to execute image recording.

  When the empty flag is set to “ON” (S34: Yes), the control unit 130 ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, when “ON” is not set in the empty flag (S34: No), the control unit 130 determines whether an image recording instruction has been acquired (S35). When the image recording instruction has not been acquired (S35: No), the control unit 130 ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, when the image recording instruction is acquired (S35: Yes), the control unit 130 directly and indirectly controls the recording head 21, the paper feed roller 23, the transport roller pair 25, the discharge roller pair 27, and the like. An image is recorded on the recording paper (S36), and the processing in FIG. Note that the processing in step S36 may end as one process until the time when the image recording process for one recording sheet ends, or until the time when the image recording process corresponding to all acquired image data ends. May be terminated as one process.

  As described above, the control unit 130 does not perform the image recording process in step S36 when “ON” is set in the abnormality flag (S32: Yes). That is, the control unit 130 skips step S36. That is, the control unit 130 does not cause the recording head 21 to eject ink.

  Hereinafter, the remaining amount determination process which is the process illustrated in FIG. 14 will be described. First, the control unit 130 determines whether or not “ON” is set in the near empty flag (S41). The near empty flag is a flag that is set to “ON” when it is determined that the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is small enough to perform image recording, but the remaining amount is small. That is, the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 when the near empty flag is set to “ON” is stored in the ink chamber 36 when the empty flag is set to “ON”. More than the amount of ink.

  When “ON” is not set in the near empty flag (S41: No), the control unit 130 determines whether or not the detection signal output from the sensor 103 is switched from the low level signal to the high level signal (S42). ). When it is determined that the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has not been switched (S42: No), the control unit 130 ends the remaining amount determination process and executes the process of step S34 of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the detection signal output from the sensor 103 has been switched (S42: Yes), the control unit 130 sets the near empty flag to “ON” (S43). Next, the control unit 130 informs that the ink cartridge 30 is in the near empty state (S44), and ends the process of FIG. Then, the control part 130 performs the process of step S34 of FIG. The near empty state described above is a state in which the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is an amount that can execute image recording, but the remaining amount is small.

  In step S41, when the near empty flag is set to “ON” (S41: Yes), the control unit 130 sets the near empty flag to “ON” and the soft count value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Whether or not (S45). The soft count value is a value calculated based on data when the control unit 130 issues an ink ejection command to the recording head 21. Specifically, the soft count value is a cumulative value of the product of the number of ink droplets commanded by the control unit 130 to eject from the recording head 21 and the ink amount of each ink droplet designated by the control unit 130. The value to be counted. The soft count value is reset, for example, at a timing when a new ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. The predetermined value is a value that is compared with the soft count value.

  If the soft count value after the near empty flag is set to “ON” is less than the predetermined value (S45: No), that is, the ink consumption by the recording head 21 after the near empty flag is set to “ON”. Is less than the predetermined value (S45: No), the control unit 130 executes the process of step S44 described above.

  On the other hand, if the soft count value after the near empty flag is set to “ON” is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (S45: Yes), that is, the ink by the recording head 21 after the near empty flag is set to “ON”. When the consumption is equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S45: Yes), the control unit 130 sets “ON” in the empty flag. Next, the control unit 130 notifies that the ink cartridge 30 is in an empty state (S47), and ends the process of FIG. Then, the control part 130 performs the process of step S34 of FIG. The above-mentioned empty state is a state in which the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is so small that it is insufficient to execute image recording.

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
According to the above embodiment, the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 flows into the connection flow path 98 through the opening 99, flows into the valve chamber 61 through the opening 63, and flows out of the ink cartridge 30 through the opening 62. . Here, in the mounting posture of the ink cartridge 30, a part of the connection channel 98 (more specifically, the opening 99) is disposed below the opening 63, so that the liquid level in the ink chamber 36 is at the position of the opening 63. The air in the ink chamber 36 does not immediately flow into the valve chamber 61 even if the temperature is lower than. That is, the height of the liquid level in the ink chamber 36 when the air in the ink chamber 36 flows into the valve chamber 61 can be reduced. In other words, the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 30 can be reduced. Note that, as long as a part of the connection flow path 98 is located below the opening 63, the other part may be located above the opening 63. However, the connection flow path 98 is formed at the same height as the opening 63 and below the opening 63, and preferably does not include a portion above the opening 63.

  More specifically, when the soft count value reaches a predetermined value, the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is higher in the upward direction 54 than the position of the lower end of the fourth inner wall 47 (that is, the upper end of the opening 99). In step S45, a predetermined value to be compared with the soft count value is determined in advance. As a result, the air in the ink chamber 36 has not yet entered the connection flow path 98 when the empty state is notified in step S47. That is, it is possible to prompt the user to replace the ink cartridge 30 before the air in the ink chamber 36 enters the connection channel 98. As a result, it is possible to prevent the image recording quality from being deteriorated by the air mixed in the flow path from the ink cartridge 30 to the nozzle 29.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the connection channel 98 has a smaller width than the ink chamber 36, and a part of the arm rocker 90 is disposed in the connection channel 98. Therefore, the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 30 can be further reduced. Further, the height of the second portion 96 of the flow path filling portion 92 is reduced and is unevenly distributed in the upward direction 54, so that the ink passes through a position close to the lower wall 42 of the opening 99. Thereby, even if the value of the predetermined value is increased, the possibility that air is mixed into the valve chamber 61 is reduced, so that the amount of ink remaining in the ink cartridge 30 can be further reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, since the arm rocker 90 is supported by the guide rail 50, the flow path filling portion 92 can be unevenly distributed upward in the opening 99. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which only the second portion 96 of the first portion 95 and the second portion 96 (that is, only a part of the flow path filling portion 92) is unevenly distributed upward has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire flow path filling portion 92 may be unevenly distributed upward.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the sensor arm 70 is moved between the non-detection position and the detection position by rotating, but the sensor arm 70 may be moved between the non-detection position and the detection position by other than rotation. . For example, the sensor arm 70 may move between the non-detection position and the detection position by moving in the downward direction 53 and the upward direction 54.

  The sensor arm 70 according to the above embodiment has moved from the non-detection position to the detection position by buoyancy acting on the float 76. However, the sensor arm 70 may have a weight instead of the float 76. The sensor arm 70 may move from the non-detection position to the detection position by gravity acting on the weight.

  In the above embodiment, the shutter 75 is located in the ink chamber 36 regardless of the position of the sensor arm 70. However, the shutter 75 may have another configuration on condition that the light from the light emitting unit 104 to the light receiving unit 105 of the sensor 103 is shielded when the sensor arm 70 is at the detection position. For example, the shutter 75 is disposed outside the ink chamber 36 when the sensor arm 70 is in the non-detection position, and even when the sensor arm 70 enters the ink chamber 36 in the process of moving from the non-detection position to the detection position. Good. The shutter 75 may be disposed outside the ink chamber 36 regardless of the position of the sensor arm 70.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the measurement of the movement time is started at the timing when the ink cartridge 30 is completely mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110 (in other words, when the high level signal is output from the mounting sensor 107). explained. As described above, by using the existing mounting sensor 107, it is possible to realize the process for estimating the viscosity of the ink without greatly changing the configuration of the ink supply apparatus 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be any timing that can be recognized by the control unit 130.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, on the condition that the moving time is out of the threshold range (S18: No), the operation of the recording head 21 is restricted, that is, step S36 is skipped. Thereby, troubles of the recording head 21 due to ejection of ink whose viscosity has greatly changed can be prevented. However, the process of skipping step S36 is not essential. That is, the control unit 130 may execute only the process for notifying the abnormality of the ink viscosity (S37), and it may be left to the user's judgment whether or not to operate the recording head 21. The control flow of the control unit 130 at that time is different from that shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, but detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Alternatively, when the control unit 130 determines that “ON” is set in the abnormality flag (S32: Yes), in the image recording process in step S36 without skipping the processes in steps S35 and S36, The head control board 21A may be controlled so that the magnitude of the drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element of the nozzle 29 is adjusted.

  Specifically, the control unit 130 determines that the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles 29 is approximately the same when the movement time is included in the threshold range and when the movement time is out of the threshold range. The magnitude of the drive voltage to be applied to the element 29A may be adjusted by the head control board 21A. That is, when the movement time is below the lower limit value of the threshold range (that is, the ink viscosity is too low), the control unit 130 decreases the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A compared to the case where the movement time is within the threshold range. That's fine. On the other hand, when the moving time exceeds the upper limit value of the threshold range (that is, the ink viscosity is too high), the control unit 130 increases the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A more than when the moving time is within the threshold range. That's fine.

  According to the above configuration, when a plurality of types of ink cartridges 30 storing different viscosity inks can be mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110, the piezo element 29A is driven with an appropriate driving voltage according to the type of ink. be able to. In the above-described embodiment, the piezo element 29A is used as an example of the actuator. However, a specific example of the actuator is not limited to this, and for example, bubbles are generated in the ink by heat to generate ink from the nozzles 29. It may be a thermal actuator that discharges water.

  Further, the viscosity of the ink changes under the influence of the ambient temperature. Specifically, the higher the temperature, the lower the viscosity, and the lower the temperature, the higher the viscosity. The control unit 130 may control the head control board 21A so that the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A is adjusted according to the temperature. More specifically, when the temperature is high, the control unit 130 outputs a control signal to the head control board 21A so that a low driving voltage is applied to the piezo element 29A. When the temperature is low, the control unit 130 outputs a control signal to the head control board 21A so that a high drive voltage is applied to the piezo element 29A.

  In addition, there is an optimum threshold value of ink viscosity corresponding to the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A. Therefore, it is preferable to set a threshold range of ink viscosity according to temperature. Therefore, in the above embodiment, an appropriate threshold range corresponding to the temperature is determined. The method for determining the threshold range is not particularly limited, but a threshold range corresponding to the temperature may be selected from a plurality of threshold ranges stored in advance in the ROM 132 or the like, and the threshold value may be determined using a function using the temperature as an input parameter. An upper limit value or a lower limit value of the range may be calculated. Further, when the drive voltage applied to the piezo element 29A is not adjusted according to the temperature, the step S17 for determining the threshold range based on the signal output from the temperature sensor 106 may be omitted. A fixed threshold range may be used.

  Moreover, the control part 130 in said embodiment measured the movement time of the sensor arm 70 as follows. That is, the control unit 130 starts measurement in response to the mounting sensor 107 outputting a high level signal, ends the measurement in response to the sensor 103 outputting a low level signal, and from the start to the end of measurement. This time was set as the movement time of the sensor arm 70. For example, the control unit 130 acquires the time when the mounting sensor 107 outputs a high level signal in step S12, acquires the time when the sensor 103 outputs a low level signal in step S15, and calculates the difference between these times. The moving time of the arm 70 may be used.

  Further, although the control unit 130 in the above embodiment stores the abnormality flag in the EEPROM 134, it may be stored in a memory in an IC chip mounted on the ink cartridge 30. Moreover, although the control part 130 in said embodiment was provided with CPU131 and ASIC135, the structure of the control part 130 is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 130 does not include the ASIC 135, and all the processes illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 may be executed by the CPU 131 reading the program from the ROM 132. Conversely, the control unit 130 may not include the CPU 131 and may be configured only by hardware such as the ASIC 135 or the FPGA. The control unit 130 may include a plurality of CPUs 131, a plurality of ASICs 135, and the like.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ink is described as an example of the liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of ink, a pretreatment liquid ejected onto a recording sheet prior to ink at the time of printing may be a liquid.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer 21 ... Recording head 30 ... Ink cartridge 32 ... Liquid container 36 ... Ink chamber 60 ... Ink supply part 61 ... Valve chamber 62, 63 ... Opening 70 ... Sensor arm 72 ... First arm 73 ... Second arm 74 ... Third arm 75 ... Shutter 76 ... Float 80 ... Valve 85 ... Second seal member 90 ... Arm rocker 97 ... Coil spring 98 ... Connection flow path 103 ... Sensor 110 ... Cartridge mounting part 130 ... Control part

Claims (11)

A liquid cartridge,
A liquid container having a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored;
A liquid supply section having a liquid supply chamber, a first opening for communicating the liquid supply chamber with the outside of the liquid cartridge, and a second opening for communicating the liquid supply chamber with the liquid storage chamber;
A connection flow path formed in the liquid container and connected to the liquid storage chamber and the second opening through a lower position than the second opening in the mounting posture of the liquid cartridge;
A moving member extending from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply chamber through the connection channel and the second opening;
A detection member that is disposed in the liquid storage chamber and moves between a detection position that can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge and a non-detection position that cannot be detected; and
The moving member is moved by an external force applied from the outside of the liquid cartridge from a restraining position for restraining the detected member at the non-detecting position to a release position for releasing the restraining of the detected member. . A portion of the connecting flow path is defined by the bottom wall of the liquid container;
The part of the moving member is disposed in the connection channel defined by the bottom wall of the liquid container, and is unevenly distributed upward in the liquid channel in the mounting posture. The liquid cartridge as described. The direction from the second opening toward the first opening is the first direction,
The direction opposite to the first direction is the second direction,
The connection channel defined by the bottom wall of the liquid container extends along the first direction and the second direction;
The liquid cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the moving member moves between the restraining position and the releasing position that are separated in the first direction and the second direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction in the mounting posture is a third direction,
The direction opposite to the third direction is the fourth direction,
The moving member disposed in the connection flow path defined by the bottom wall of the liquid container has a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the third direction and the fourth direction,
4. The liquid cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the second portion has a length in a vertical direction in the mounting posture shorter than the first portion, and is unevenly distributed upward in the liquid channel in the mounting posture.   The liquid storage chamber is formed with a support portion that extends along the first direction and the second direction and supports the moving member that moves in the first direction and the second direction. The liquid cartridge according to claim 3 or 4. The first direction, the second direction, and the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction in the mounting posture is a third direction,
The direction opposite to the third direction is the fourth direction,
The length of the said 3rd direction and the said 4th direction is at least one part of the said connection flow path located below the said 2nd opening in the said mounting attitude | position in any one of Claim 3 to 5 shorter than the said liquid storage chamber. A liquid cartridge according to claim 1. The detected member is rotatable between the detection position and the non-detection position,
A detected portion that is detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge when the detected member is at the detection position;
A first arm extending from the rotation center and supporting the detected member;
A second arm extending from the pivot center and shorter than the first arm,
The moving member is
Abuts on the second arm at the restraining position;
The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the liquid cartridge is separated from the second arm at the release position. The detected member is
A float having a smaller specific gravity than the liquid stored in the liquid storage chamber;
The liquid cartridge according to claim 7, further comprising a third arm that extends from the rotation center and supports the float. The moving member is
A restraining member disposed in the liquid storage chamber;
A valve disposed in the liquid supply chamber and connected to the restraining member;
When the moving member is at the restraining position, the restraining member restrains the detected member at the non-detecting position, and the valve closes the first opening,
The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein when the moving member is in a release position, the restraining member releases restraint of the detected member, and the valve opens the first opening. The direction from the second opening toward the first opening is the first direction,
The direction opposite to the first direction is the second direction,
A biasing member that biases the valve in the first direction;
The liquid cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the moving member moves between the restraining position and the release position spaced from the restraining position in the second direction. A liquid consuming device for consuming liquid supplied from a liquid cartridge having a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored,
The liquid cartridge is
A liquid container having a liquid storage chamber in which liquid is stored;
A liquid supply section having a liquid supply chamber, a first opening for communicating the liquid supply chamber with the outside of the liquid cartridge, and a second opening for communicating the liquid supply chamber with the liquid storage chamber;
A connection channel formed in the liquid container and connected to the liquid storage chamber and the second opening through the lower side of the second opening in the mounting posture of the liquid cartridge;
A moving member extending from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply chamber through the connection channel and the second opening;
A detection member that is disposed in the liquid storage chamber and moves between a detection position that can be detected from the outside of the liquid cartridge and a non-detection position that cannot be detected; and
The moving member is moved by an external force applied from the outside of the liquid cartridge from a restraining position that restrains the detected member at the non-detecting position to a release position that releases the restraining of the detected member.
The liquid consuming device is:
A mounting portion on which the liquid cartridge is detachably mounted;
A liquid consuming unit for consuming liquid supplied from the liquid cartridge mounted on the mounting unit through the liquid supply unit;
A liquid consumption apparatus comprising: a detection unit that outputs a detection signal indicating that the detected member is present at the detection position.

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