JP2019069599A - Liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide means that can calculate change in rate of flowing of liquid from a first liquid chamber to a second liquid chamber.SOLUTION: The liquid discharge device renews an S_Empty flag to "OFF" in response to the fact that time elapsing after receiving a low-level signal from an attached sensor 154 reaches stand-by time Tw. Further, the device calculates a flow rate Qi on the basis of time Ti and an outflow rate V1 in response to the fact that the low-level signal is received from a liquid level sensor 155, and renews the stand-by time Tw on the basis of a result of comparison of the flow rate Qi with a reference value S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid discharger for discharging a liquid.

  Conventionally, a head connected to a first liquid chamber storing ink and a first liquid chamber, connected to a second liquid chamber storing ink, and a second liquid chamber, and discharging ink toward a medium to be discharged An inkjet printer is known (e.g., Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). In the ink jet printer, the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber are open to the atmosphere. If the liquid level in the first liquid chamber is higher than the liquid level in the second liquid chamber, the difference between the liquid level in the first liquid chamber and the liquid level in the second liquid chamber (hereinafter referred to as the "head difference"). The ink is moved by the water head difference so that the liquid levels in the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber are at the same height.

JP, 2008-213162, A JP 2017-177787 A

  By the way, the pressure loss to the flow of the ink from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber may change depending on the use condition of the ink jet printer. When the pressure loss from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber changes, the flow rate per unit time from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber (hereinafter, “flow rate from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber”) Notation.) Changes. However, when the operation and processing of the inkjet printer are set without assuming that the flow rate from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber changes, the change in the flow rate from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber In some cases, the operation or processing corresponding to

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide means capable of coping with the change in the flow rate of liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber.

(1) A liquid discharge apparatus according to the present invention includes a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first flow path whose one end is in communication with the first liquid chamber and whose other end is in communication with the outside, and one end is the above A mounting case to which a cartridge having a second flow path communicating with the first liquid chamber and the other end communicating with the outside is mounted, and a tank having the second liquid chamber, one end communicating with the outside and the other A third flow passage whose end is in communication with the second liquid chamber, the flow passage communicating the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting case, The third flow path configured with the first flow path, a fourth flow path whose one end located below the third flow path communicates with the second liquid chamber, and one end is the second liquid chamber Communicating with the other end of the fourth flow path and the tank having a fifth flow path communicating with the other end and the other end communicating with the outside A head, a liquid level sensor, a mounting sensor, a memory, and a controller. The controller detects a change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than the predetermined position, and after detecting a change in the signal from the liquid level sensor Receiving the discharge instruction to discharge the liquid through the head, updating the first count value to approach the first threshold with a value corresponding to the amount of the liquid instructed to be discharged by the discharge instruction, the first count value Determines that the liquid in the second liquid chamber is less than the predetermined amount in response to the first threshold being reached, and the mounting sensor outputs in response to the mounting of the cartridge in the mounting case Detection of a change in the signal to be detected and detection of a change in the signal of the attachment sensor, measurement of the elapsed time is started, and the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is detected in response to the elapsed time reaching the standby time Above is the predetermined position The flow rate at which the liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is determined based on at least the elapsed time according to the determination that the above results and the change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor is detected. Calculate and store in the memory, change the standby time by comparing the flow rate of the cartridge installed in the installation case with the flow rate of the cartridge installed in the installation case before the cartridge Do.

  According to the above configuration, in the state where it is determined that the liquid in the second liquid chamber is less than the predetermined amount, the liquid level sensor detects the liquid surface of the second liquid chamber if the standby time elapses after the cartridge is replaced. The controller can determine that the liquid level of the second liquid chamber becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined position before outputting a signal that the predetermined position is equal to or higher than the predetermined position. Further, since the standby time is changed according to the flow rate of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber, an appropriate standby time is set even if the flow rate changes with time.

  In the present invention, the discharge of the liquid from the head in image recording is referred to as "discharge", while the discharge of the liquid from the head in purge is not referred to as "discharge", but "discharge" is "discharge". Is a concept included in

(2) Preferably, the controller has a flow rate ratio of the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case to the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case prior to the cartridge smaller than a second threshold value. The above-mentioned waiting time is extended on condition that the above-mentioned flow rate ratio is smaller than the above-mentioned 2nd threshold under the condition that it is smaller than the 3rd threshold. On the condition that a change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor is detected in response to the position of the liquid surface in the second liquid chamber being at least the predetermined position. It is determined that the fluid level of the fluid is above the predetermined position.

  According to the above configuration, when the flow rate of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is relatively small, the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level of the second liquid chamber is higher than the predetermined position. The controller does not determine that the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than the predetermined position until the change is output.

(3) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further includes a notification, and the controller operates the notification according to the determination that the liquid in the second liquid chamber is less than a predetermined amount. When the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is determined to be equal to or higher than the predetermined position, the operation of the alarm is canceled.

(4) Preferably, the controller resets the first count value to an initial value in response to determining that the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than the predetermined position.

(5) Preferably, when the controller determines that the liquid in the second liquid chamber is less than the predetermined amount, the empty flag stored in the memory is set to a first value, and the second liquid is used. The empty flag is set to a second value in response to the determination that the liquid level in the room becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined position.

(6) In the present invention, the first liquid chamber in which the liquid is stored, the first flow path whose one end is in communication with the first liquid chamber and the other end is in communication with the outside, and the one end is the first liquid chamber A mounting case to which a cartridge having a second flow path communicated and whose other end communicates with the outside is mounted, and a tank having a second liquid chamber, one end of which is communicated with the outside and the other end of which is the second A third flow path communicating with the liquid chamber, the flow path communicating the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting case, the first flow path And the fourth flow path whose one end located below the third flow path communicates with the second liquid chamber, and one end communicates with the second liquid chamber, and the other The tank having a fifth flow path whose end communicates with the outside, a head connected to the other end of the fourth flow path, and a liquid surface A sensor, a mounting sensor, a memory, an alarm, and a controller. The controller detects a change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than the predetermined position, and after detecting a change in the signal from the liquid level sensor Receiving a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid through the head, updating the first count value with a value corresponding to the amount of liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction, and the cartridge being mounted on the mounting case After detecting the change of the signal output by the mounting sensor according to the detection of the change of the signal of the mounting sensor, measurement of the elapsed time is started, and the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is the predetermined position The flow rate at which the liquid flowed from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber based on at least the elapsed time in response to the detection of the change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor according to the above. It is calculated that the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is stored in the memory in association with the cartridge, and the condition that the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is smaller than the flow rate of the front cartridge mounted in the mounting case prior to the cartridge As above, operate the above-mentioned alarm.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify the user through the alarm that the flow rate of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is reduced.

(7) According to the present invention, the first liquid chamber in which the liquid is stored, the first flow path whose one end is in communication with the first liquid chamber and the other end is in communication with the outside, and the one end is the first liquid chamber A mounting case to which a cartridge having a second flow path communicated and whose other end communicates with the outside is mounted, and a tank having a second liquid chamber, one end of which is communicated with the outside and the other end of which is the second A third flow path communicating with the liquid chamber, the flow path communicating the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting case, the first flow path And the fourth flow path whose one end located below the third flow path communicates with the second liquid chamber, and one end communicates with the second liquid chamber, and the other The tank having a fifth flow path whose end communicates with the outside, a head connected to the other end of the fourth flow path, and a liquid surface A sensor, a mounting sensor, a memory, and a controller. The controller detects a change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than the predetermined position, and after detecting a change in the signal from the liquid level sensor Receiving a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid through the head, updating the first count value with a value corresponding to the amount of liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction, and the cartridge being mounted on the mounting case After detecting the change of the signal output by the mounting sensor according to the detection of the change of the signal of the mounting sensor, measurement of the elapsed time is started, and the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is the predetermined position The flow rate at which the liquid flowed from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber based on at least the elapsed time in response to the detection of the change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor according to the above. It is calculated that the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is stored in the memory in association with the cartridge, and the condition is that the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is smaller than the flow rate of the front cartridge mounted in the mounting case As the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is less than the predetermined position, a change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor is detected, and then the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is The amount of liquid per unit time discharged from the head in response to the discharge instruction to the head received until the change of the signal output from the liquid level sensor is detected in response to being above the predetermined position Drive the head with a predetermined amount or less.

  According to the above configuration, when the flow rate of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber decreases, the liquid level sensor outputs the change of the signal that the liquid level of the second liquid chamber becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined position. In response to the discharge instruction received, the amount of liquid per unit time discharged from the head can be reduced to prevent the atmosphere from entering the head from the fourth flow path.

(8) Preferably, in the controller, the flow ratio of the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case to the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case prior to the cartridge is smaller than a second threshold. Driving the head with the amount of liquid per unit time discharged from the head equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and the flow rate ratio is smaller than the second threshold and smaller than the third threshold. , Do not accept the above discharge instruction.

  According to the above configuration, when the flow rate of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is relatively small, the liquid level sensor does not output a signal that the liquid level of the second liquid chamber becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined position. Discharge instructions can not be accepted.

(9) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further includes a notifier, and the controller operates the notifier in response to not receiving the discharge instruction.

  (10) Preferably, the controller stores the flow rate of the initial cartridge initially mounted on the mounting case in the memory as the flow rate of the front cartridge.

  According to the above configuration, the flow rate of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber changes from the time when the liquid discharge device is first used to the flow rate of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber Can be calculated.

  (11) The controller selects the reference value stored in the memory as the flow rate of the front cartridge under the condition that the flow rate of the initial cartridge is out of the threshold range.

  According to the above configuration, even if the flow rate of the initial cartridge deviates from the threshold range due to improper use of the initial cartridge etc., the change in the flow rate is compared with the reference value stored in advance in the memory. Can be calculated.

  (12) Preferably, the controller receives the discharge instruction to discharge the liquid through the head, updates the second count value with a value corresponding to the amount of the liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction, and the mounting is performed. The second count value is reset in response to detection of a change in the signal output by the mounting sensor in response to the mounting of the cartridge in the case, and the position of the liquid surface in the second liquid chamber is The flow rate of the front cartridge is corrected based on the second count value when a change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor is detected according to being less than the predetermined position.

  According to the above configuration, the flow rate can be corrected when the accuracy of the liquid level sensor is inferior.

  (13) Preferably, the controller is configured to detect the change in the signal output by the mounting sensor in response to the mounting of the cartridge in the mounting case, based on the first count value. Correct the flow rate of

  According to the above configuration, the flow rate can be corrected according to the difference in the liquid level between the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting case.

  (14) Preferably, the liquid discharge device further includes a contact, and the controller reads out identification information indicating that the cartridge is new, through a contact electrically connected to a cartridge memory of the cartridge. And the flow rate of the cartridge is calculated.

  According to the above configuration, when the cartridge in which the liquid has already been discharged from the first liquid chamber and the height of the liquid level is lowered is mounted on the mounting case, the flow rate is not calculated in the cartridge.

  (15) Preferably, the fifth flow path is blocked by a semipermeable membrane that blocks the passage of liquid and allows the passage of air.

  According to the above configuration, the deterioration of the semipermeable membrane that blocks the fifth flow path can be estimated by the change in the flow rate from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber.

  (16) Preferably, the controller calculates the flow rate of the liquid flowing from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber based on the first count value and the elapsed time.

  According to the above configuration, the flow rate at which the liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber can be accurately calculated.

  (17) According to the present invention, a first liquid chamber having an inlet and in communication with the outside, a second liquid chamber in communication with the first liquid chamber and in communication with the outside, and the second liquid chamber are in communication A liquid discharge device comprising a head, a liquid level sensor, a memory, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to respond to the position of the liquid level of the second liquid chamber being less than a predetermined position. After detecting a change in the signal output by the sensor and detecting a change in the signal of the liquid level sensor, the discharge instruction for discharging the liquid is received through the head, and the discharge instruction corresponds to the amount of the liquid instructed by the discharge instruction. The first count value is updated so as to approach the first threshold value, and the liquid in the second liquid chamber is less than the predetermined amount in response to the first count value reaching the first threshold value. And the liquid is injected through the inlet The measurement of the elapsed time from the start of the inflow of ink from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is started, and the liquid in the second liquid chamber is started in response to the elapsed time reaching the standby time. It is determined that the surface is at least the predetermined position, and in response to detection of a change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor, the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber at least based on the elapsed time. The flow rate at which the liquid flowed in is calculated and stored in the memory, and the flow rate at which the liquid flowed from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber by the current injection of liquid, and the injection of the liquid before the current injection of liquid The standby time is changed by comparing the flow rate at which the liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber at the time of.

  (18) According to the present invention, a first liquid chamber having an inlet and in communication with the outside, a second liquid chamber in communication with the first liquid chamber and in communication with the outside, and the second liquid chamber are in communication A liquid discharge device comprising a head, a liquid level sensor, a memory, an alarm, and a controller, wherein the controller is responsive to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than a predetermined position. Detects a change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor and detects a change in the signal from the liquid level sensor, then receives a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid through the head, and the liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction The first count value is updated with a value corresponding to the amount of ink, and the inflow of ink from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber by the injection of the liquid through the injection port Measurement of time starts and the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber The liquid is transferred from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber based on at least the elapsed time in response to the detection of a change in the signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to being above the predetermined position. The flow rate which has flowed in is calculated and stored in the memory in association with the occasion of liquid injection, and the flow rate at which the liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber by the current liquid injection is the current liquid The alarm is operated under the condition that the flow rate of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is smaller than the flow rate of the liquid before the liquid injection.

  (19) According to the present invention, a first liquid chamber having an inlet port is in communication with the outside, a second liquid chamber in communication with the first liquid chamber is in communication with the outside, and the second liquid chamber is in communication A liquid discharge device comprising a head, a liquid level sensor, a mounting sensor, a memory, and a controller, wherein the controller is responsive to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than a predetermined position. Detects a change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor and detects a change in the signal from the liquid level sensor, then receives a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid through the head, and the liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction The first count value is updated with a value corresponding to the amount of ink, and the inflow of ink from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber by the injection of the liquid through the injection port Start measuring the time, the level of the liquid in the second liquid chamber The liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber at least based on the elapsed time in response to the detection of a change in the signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the fact that the position is above the predetermined position. The flow rate at which the liquid flowed in is calculated and stored in the memory in association with the opportunity for liquid injection, and the flow rate at which the liquid flowed from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber by the current liquid injection is The position of the liquid surface in the second liquid chamber is the predetermined position, provided that the flow rate is smaller than the flow rate of the liquid flowing from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber when the liquid is injected prior to the liquid injection. The liquid level sensor detects the change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor according to being less than the position, and the liquid level sensor detects that the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than the predetermined position. Accept before detecting a change in the output signal With respect to the ejection instruction to the head, it drives the head as more than the amount that is predetermined amount of liquid per unit of discharged time from the head.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform the operation and the process corresponding to the change of the flow rate of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the printer 10, where (A) shows the cover 87 in the covering position, and (B) shows the cover 87 in the exposed position. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing the structure of the cartridge 200, wherein (A) shows a front perspective view and (B) shows a longitudinal sectional view. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state where the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the printer 10. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the image recording process. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the counting process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the Empty cancellation process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the reference value S calculation process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the flow rate determination process. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the process of canceling the time of deterioration. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the recording process. FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a state in which the tank 160 and the cartridge 200 are in communication, in which (A) shows the cartridge empty state and (B) shows the tank 160 with no remaining amount. FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a state in which the tank 160 and the cartridge 200 are in communication with each other. FIG. 15A shows that the ink flows out from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 and the ink level of the tank 160 is at the predetermined position P. (B) shows a state in which the ink has flowed out of the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 and the ink level of the tank 160 has reached the predetermined position P.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, the vertical direction 7 is defined on the basis of the use posture in which the printer 10 can be used and installed in the horizontal plane, the front-rear direction 8 is defined with the surface on which the opening 13 of the printer 10 is formed as the front, Looking at the left and right direction 9 is defined. In the present embodiment, in the use posture, the vertical direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the longitudinal direction 8 and the horizontal direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal to each other.

[Overview of Printer 10]
The printer 10 according to the present embodiment is an example of a liquid discharge device that records an image on a sheet by an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 has a substantially rectangular housing 14. Also, the printer 10 may be a so-called "multi-functional peripheral" having functions such as a facsimile function, a scan function, and a copy function.

  Inside the housing 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the feeding tray 15, the feeding roller 23, the conveyance roller 25, a head 21 having a plurality of nozzles 29, and the head 21 face each other. The platen 26, the discharge roller 27, the discharge tray 16, the mounting case 150 to which the cartridge 200 is attached and detached, and the tube 32 communicating the cartridge 200 attached to the head 21 and the mounting case 150 are located.

  The printer 10 drives the feed roller 23 and the transport roller 25 to transport the sheet supported by the feed tray 15 to the position of the platen 26. Next, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to discharge the ink supplied through the tube 32 from the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 through the nozzle 29. Thus, the ink lands on the sheet supported by the platen 26, and an image is recorded on the sheet. Then, the printer 10 drives the discharge roller 27 to discharge the sheet on which the image is recorded onto the discharge tray 16.

  More specifically, the head 21 may be mounted on a carriage that reciprocates in the main scanning direction that intersects the sheet conveyance direction by the conveyance roller 25. Then, the printer 10 may cause the head 21 to eject the ink through the nozzles 29 in the process of moving the carriage from one side to the other side in the main scanning direction. As a result, an image is recorded in a partial area of the sheet facing the head 21 (hereinafter referred to as "one pass"). Next, the printer 10 may cause the conveyance roller 25 to convey the sheet so that the area where the image is to be recorded next faces the head 21. Then, an image is recorded on one sheet by repeatedly executing these processes alternately.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge of the ink from the nozzles 29 of the head 21 in image recording is referred to as “discharge”, while the discharge of the ink from the nozzles 29 of the head 21 in purge is not referred to as “discharge”. However, “discharge” is a concept included in “discharge”.

[Cover 87]
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 85 is formed on the front surface 14A of the housing 14 and at the right end in the left-right direction 9. The housing 14 further includes a cover 87. The cover 87 is pivotable between a covering position (the position shown in FIG. 1A) closing the opening 85 and an exposed position (the position shown in FIG. 1B) opening the opening 85. is there. For example, the cover 87 is supported by the housing 14 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis along the lateral direction 9 near the lower end of the housing 14 in the vertical direction 7. The mounting case 150 is located in the housing space 86 inside the housing 14 that extends to the back of the opening 85.

[Cover sensor 88]
The printer 10 has a cover sensor 88 (see FIG. 6). The cover sensor 88 may be, for example, a mechanical sensor such as a switch with which the cover 87 contacts and separates, or may be an optical sensor in which light is blocked or transmitted depending on the position of the cover 87. The cover sensor 88 outputs a signal corresponding to the position of the cover 87 to the controller 130. More specifically, the cover sensor 88 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cover 87 being at the covering position. On the other hand, the cover sensor 88 outputs a high level signal having a signal strength higher than that of the low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cover 87 being located at a position different from the covering position. In other words, the cover sensor 88 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cover 87 being located at the exposure position.

[Attachment case 150]
The mounting case 150 includes a contact 152, a rod 153, a mounting sensor 154, a liquid level sensor 155, and a lock pin 156, as shown in FIG. The mounting case 150 can accommodate four cartridges 200 corresponding to the respective colors of black, cyan, magenta and yellow. That is, the mounting case 150 includes the contact point 152, the rod 153, the mounting sensor 154, and the liquid level sensor 155, four for each of the four cartridges 200. The number of cartridges 200 that can be accommodated in the mounting case 150 is not limited to four, and may be one or five or more.

  The mounting case 150 has a box shape having an internal space for housing the mounted cartridge 200. The interior space of the mounting case 150 includes a top wall defining an upper end, a bottom wall defining a lower end, a back wall defining a back end in the front-rear direction 8, and a pair of side walls defining both ends in the left-right direction 9. It is defined. On the other hand, the position facing the back wall of the mounting case 150 is an opening 85. That is, the opening 85 exposes the internal space of the mounting case 150 to the outside of the printer 10 when the cover 87 is disposed at the exposure position.

  Then, the cartridge 200 is inserted into the mounting case 150 through the opening 85 of the housing 14 and removed from the mounting case 150. More specifically, the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150 by passing through the opening 85 in the back and forth direction 8. The cartridge 200 removed from the mounting case 150 passes the opening 85 forward in the front-rear direction 8.

[Contact 152]
The contact point 152 is located on the top wall of the mounting case 150. The contact point 152 protrudes downward from the top wall toward the internal space of the mounting case 150. The contact point 152 is positioned in contact with an electrode 248 (described later) of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150. The contact point 152 has conductivity and can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction 7. The contact 152 is electrically connected to the controller 130.

[Rod 153]
The rod 153 projects forward from the back wall of the mounting case 150. The rod 153 is located on the back wall of the mounting case 150 above the joint 180 described later. The rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214 through an atmosphere communication port 221 described later of the cartridge 200 in the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150. When the rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214, the atmosphere valve chamber 214 described later is communicated with the atmosphere.

[Attachment sensor 154]
The mounting sensor 154 is located on the ceiling wall of the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 154 is a sensor for detecting whether the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 154 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit separated in the left-right direction 9. In a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150, a light shielding rib 245 described later of the cartridge 200 is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the mounting sensor 154. In other words, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the mounting sensor 154 are positioned facing each other with the light shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted on the mounting case 150 interposed therebetween.

  The mounting sensor 154 outputs different signals (referred to as “mounting signal” in the drawing) depending on whether the light irradiated from the light emitting unit along the left-right direction 9 is received by the light receiving unit. . The mounting sensor 154 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130, for example, in response to the fact that the received light intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit is less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, when the light receiving intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit is equal to or higher than the threshold intensity, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high level signal having a signal intensity higher than the low level signal to the controller 130.

[Level sensor 155]
The liquid level sensor 155 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a detected portion 194 of an actuator 190 described later is located at a detection position. The liquid level sensor 155 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit separated in the left-right direction 9. In other words, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the liquid level sensor 155 are positioned opposite to each other with the detected unit 194 positioned at the detection position. The liquid level sensor 155 outputs a different signal (referred to as “liquid level signal” in the drawing) depending on whether the light output from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit. The liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130, for example, in response to the fact that the received light intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit is less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high level signal having a signal strength higher than that of the low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the light reception intensity of the light received by the light receiving unit being equal to or higher than the threshold intensity.

[Lock pin 156]
The lock pin 156 is a rod-like member extending in the left-right direction 9 at the upper end of the inner space of the mounting case 150 and near the opening 85. Both ends in the left-right direction 9 of the lock pin 156 are fixed to a pair of side walls of the mounting case 150. The lock pin 156 extends in the left-right direction 9 over four spaces in which the four cartridges 200 can be stored. The lock pin 156 is for holding the cartridge 200 mounted on the mounting case 150 in the mounting position shown in FIG. The cartridge 200 is engaged with the lock pin 156 in a state of being mounted on the mounting case 150.

[Tank 160]
The printer 10 includes four tanks 160 corresponding to each of the four cartridges 200. The tank 160 is located further to the rear than the back wall of the mounting case 150. The tank 160 is comprised by the upper wall 161, the front wall 162, the lower wall 163, the back wall 164, and a pair of side wall not shown, as FIG. 3 shows. The front wall 162 is formed of a plurality of walls which are each offset in the front-rear direction 8. A liquid chamber 171 is formed in the tank 160. The liquid chamber 171 is an example of a second liquid chamber.

  Among the walls constituting the tank 160, at least the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155 has translucency. Thus, the light output from the liquid level sensor 155 can pass through the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155. At least a portion of the back wall 164 may be a film welded to the upper wall 161, the lower wall 163, and the end face of the side wall. The side wall of the tank 160 may be common to the mounting case 150 or may be independent of the mounting case 150. Further, the tanks 160 adjacent in the left-right direction 9 are separated by a partition wall (not shown). The configurations of the four tanks 160 are generally common.

  The liquid chamber 171 is in communication with an ink flow passage (not shown) through the outlet 174. The lower end of the outlet 174 is defined by the lower wall 163 which defines the lower end of the fluid chamber 171. The outlet 174 is located below the joint 180 (more specifically, the lower end of the through hole 184) in the vertical direction 7. An ink passage (not shown) communicated with the outlet 174 is communicated with the tube 32 (see FIG. 2). Thus, the liquid chamber 171 communicates with the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 32. That is, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied from the outlet 174 to the head 21 through the ink flow path and the tube 32. The ink flow path and tube 32 in communication with the outflow port 174 have a fourth flow path in which one end (outflow port 174) is in communication with the liquid chamber 171 and the other end 33 (see FIG. 2) is in communication with the head 21. It is an example.

  The liquid chamber 171 is in communication with the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication chamber 175. More specifically, the air communication chamber 175 is in communication with the liquid chamber 171 through the through hole 176 penetrating the front wall 162. The through hole 176 is closed by the semipermeable membrane 178. The semipermeable membrane 178 allows air to pass but does not allow ink to pass or imparts greater resistance to the passage of ink than the air. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the outside of the printer 10 through a tube (not shown) connected to the atmosphere communication port 177 and the atmosphere communication port 177. That is, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is an example of a fifth flow path in which one end (the through hole 176) is in communication with the liquid chamber 171 and the other end (the atmosphere communication port 177) is in communication with the outside of the printer 10. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 is in communication with the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown). Although the semipermeable membrane 178 blocks the through hole 176 from the air communication chamber 175 side, it may block the through hole 176 from the liquid chamber 171 side.

[Joint 180]
The joint 180 is provided with a needle 181 and a guide 182 as shown in FIG. The needle 181 is a tube having a flow path formed therein. The needle 181 protrudes forward from the front wall 162 defining the fluid chamber 171. An opening 183 is formed at the protruding end of the needle 181. Further, the internal space of the needle 181 is in communication with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 184 penetrating the front wall 162. The needle 181 is an example of a third flow path in which one end (opening 183) is in communication with the outside of the tank 160 and the other end (through hole 184) is in communication with the liquid chamber 171. The guide 182 is a cylindrical member disposed around the needle 181. The guide 182 projects forward from the front wall 162, and the projecting end is open.

  A valve 185 and a coil spring 186 are located in the internal space of the needle 181. The valve 185 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 between the closed position and the open position in the internal space of the needle 181. The valve 185 closes the opening 183 when in the closed position. The valve 185 also opens the opening 183 when in the open position. The coil spring 186 biases the valve 185 from the open position to the closed position, that is, in the forward direction.

[Actuator 190]
An actuator 190 is located in the fluid chamber 171. The actuator 190 is rotatably supported in the directions of arrows 198 and 199 by a support member (not shown) disposed in the liquid chamber 171. The actuator 190 can pivot between the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 3 and the position shown by the dashed line. Further, the actuator 190 is restricted from rotating in the direction of the arrow 198 from the position of the solid line by a stopper (for example, the inner wall of the liquid chamber 171) (not shown). The actuator 190 includes a float 191, an axis 192, an arm 193, and a detected portion 194.

  The float 191 is formed of a material having a smaller specific gravity than the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171. The shaft 192 protrudes from the right and left surfaces of the float 191 in the left-right direction 9. The shaft 192 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the support member. The actuator 190 is thereby supported by the support member so as to be rotatable about the shaft 192. The arm 193 extends substantially upward from the float 191. The to-be-detected part 194 is located in the protrusion front-end | tip part of the arm 193. As shown in FIG. The to-be-detected part 194 is a plate-shaped member extended in the up-down direction 7 and the front-back direction 8. The to-be-detected part 194 is formed with the material or color which shields the light output from the light emission part of the liquid level sensor 155. FIG.

  When the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P, the actuator 190 rotated in the direction of the arrow 198 by the buoyancy is held by the stopper at the detection position shown by the solid line in FIG. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink is less than the predetermined position P, the actuator 190 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 199 following the lowering of the liquid level. As a result, the detected part 194 moves to a position deviated from the detection position. That is, the detected part 194 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171.

  The predetermined position P is at the same height as the axial center of the needle 181 in the vertical direction 7 and at the same height as the center of the ink supply port 234 described later. However, the predetermined position P is not limited to the above-described position as long as it is a position above the outflow port 174 in the vertical direction 7. As another example, the predetermined position P may be the height of the upper end or the lower end of the internal space of the needle 181, or the height of the upper end or the lower end of the ink supply port 234.

  When the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is at or above the predetermined position P, the light output from the light emitting unit of the liquid level sensor 155 is blocked by the detection target unit 194. As a result, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 because the light from the light emitting unit does not reach the light receiving unit. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is less than the predetermined position P, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs the high level signal to the controller 130 because the light output from the light emitting section reaches the light receiving section. Do. That is, the controller 130 can detect whether the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is the predetermined position P or more by the signal output from the liquid level sensor 155.

[Cartridge 200]
The cartridge 200 is a container having a liquid chamber 210 (see FIG. 2) capable of internally storing ink, which is an example of a liquid. The fluid chamber 210 is defined by, for example, a resin wall. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cartridge 200 has a flat shape in which the dimension along each of the vertical direction 7 and the longitudinal direction 8 is larger than the dimension along the horizontal direction 9. The outer shapes of the cartridges 200 in which the inks of different colors are stored may be the same or different. At least a part of the walls constituting the cartridge 200 is translucent. Thus, the user can visually recognize the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 from the outside of the cartridge 200.

  The cartridge 200 includes a housing 201 and a supply pipe 230. The housing 201 includes a rear wall 202, a front wall 203, an upper wall 204, a lower wall 205, and a pair of side walls 206 and 207. The rear wall 202 is formed of a plurality of walls which are each offset in the front-rear direction 8. Further, the upper wall 204 is formed of a plurality of walls which are each offset in the vertical direction 7. Further, the lower wall 205 is constituted by a plurality of walls which are each offset in the vertical direction 7.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, a liquid chamber 210, an ink valve chamber 213, and an air valve chamber 214 are formed in the internal space of the cartridge 200. The liquid chamber 210 has an upper liquid chamber 211 and a lower liquid chamber 212. The upper liquid chamber 211, the lower liquid chamber 212, and the atmosphere valve chamber 214 are internal spaces of the housing 201. On the other hand, the ink valve chamber 213 is an internal space of the supply pipe 230. The liquid chamber 210 stores the ink. The atmosphere valve chamber 214 communicates the liquid chamber 210 with the outside of the cartridge 200. The liquid chamber 210 is an example of a first liquid chamber.

  The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 of the liquid chamber 210 are separated in the vertical direction 7 by a partition wall 215 which partitions the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 communicate with each other through a through hole 216 formed in the partition wall 215. Further, the upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmosphere valve chamber 214 are separated in the vertical direction 7 by the partition wall 217 which divides the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmosphere valve chamber 214 are communicated with each other by a through hole 218 formed in the partition wall 217. Further, the ink valve chamber 213 is in communication with the lower end of the lower liquid chamber 212 through the through hole 219.

  The atmosphere valve chamber 214 is in communication with the outside of the cartridge 200 through the atmosphere communication port 221 formed in the rear wall 202 at the top of the cartridge 200. That is, one end (through hole 218) of the atmosphere valve chamber 214 is in communication with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211), and the other end (the atmosphere communication port 221) is in communication with the outside of the cartridge 200. This is an example of the second flow path. The atmosphere valve chamber 214 communicates with the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication port 221. Further, in the atmosphere valve chamber 214, a valve 222 and a coil spring 223 are located. The valve 222 is movable along the longitudinal direction 8 between the closed position and the open position. When the valve 222 is located at the closing position, the valve 222 closes the atmosphere communication port 221. In addition, when the valve 222 is located at the open position, the air communication port 221 is opened. The coil spring 223 is biased to move the valve 222 from the open position to the closed position, that is, rearward.

  In addition, the atmosphere valve chamber 214 is divided into two chambers in the front-rear direction 8 by the partition wall 224. A valve 222 and a coil spring 223 are provided in a room located rearward in the front-rear direction 8 and communicate with the outside through the atmosphere communication port 221. A chamber located forward in the front-rear direction 8 communicates with the upper liquid chamber 211 through the through hole 218. A through hole 225 is formed in the partition wall 224. The through hole 225 communicates two chambers divided in the front-rear direction 8. The through hole 225 is closed by the semipermeable membrane 226. The semipermeable membrane 226 allows air to pass but does not allow ink to pass or provides greater resistance to the passage of ink than the air.

  In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the rod 153 enters the atmosphere valve chamber 214 through the atmosphere communication port 221. The rod 153 entering the atmosphere valve chamber 214 moves the valve 222 in the closed position forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 223. Then, the upper liquid chamber 211 is communicated with the atmosphere by moving the valve 222 to the open position. The configuration for opening the atmosphere communication port 221 is not limited to the above-described example. As another example, the rod 153 may pierce the film for sealing the air communication port 221.

  The supply pipe 230 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 202 at the lower portion of the housing 201. The supply pipe 230 is open at its projecting end (i.e., the rear end). That is, the ink valve chamber 213 communicates the liquid chamber 210 communicated through the through hole 219 with the outside of the cartridge 200. In the ink valve chamber 213, one end (through hole 219) communicates with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the lower liquid chamber 212), and the other end (ink supply port 234 described later) communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200. It is an example of a 1st flow path. Further, in the ink valve chamber 213, a packing 231, a valve 232 and a coil spring 233 are located.

  At the center of the packing 231, an ink supply port 234 penetrating in the front-rear direction 8 is formed. The inner diameter of the ink supply port 234 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 181. The valve 232 is movable along the longitudinal direction 8 between the closed position and the open position. When the valve 232 is in the closed position, it abuts against the packing 231 and closes the ink supply port 234. When the valve 232 is in the open position, it separates from the packing 231 and opens the ink supply port 234. The coil spring 233 biases the valve 232 from the open position to the closed position, that is, in the rearward direction. Further, the biasing force of the coil spring 233 is larger than that of the coil spring 186.

  In the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150, the supply pipe 230 enters the guide 182, and eventually the needle 181 enters the ink valve chamber 213 through the ink supply port 234. At this time, the needle 181 comes in fluid-tight contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the ink supply port 234 while elastically deforming the packing 231. When the cartridge 200 is further inserted into the mounting case 150, the needle 181 moves the valve 232 forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 233. In addition, the valve 232 moves the valve 185 protruding from the opening 183 of the needle 181 rearward against the biasing force of the coil spring 186.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, the ink supply port 234 and the opening 183 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply pipe 230 and the internal space of the needle 181 are communicated. That is, in a state in which the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150, the internal spaces of the ink valve chamber 213 and the needle 181 constitute a flow path communicating the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160.

  Further, in the state where the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150, a part of the liquid chamber 210 and a part of the liquid chamber 171 overlap each other as viewed in the horizontal direction. As a result, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 moves to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 by the water head difference through the connected supply pipe 230 and the joint 180.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the upper wall 204 is formed with a protrusion 241. The protrusion 241 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends in the front-rear direction 8. The protrusion 241 has a locking surface 242 and an inclined surface 243. The lock surface 242 and the inclined surface 243 are located above the upper wall 204. The lock surface 242 faces the front in the front-rear direction 8 and extends in the vertical direction 7 and the left-right direction 9 (that is, generally perpendicular to the upper wall 204). The inclined surface 243 is inclined with respect to the upper wall 204 so as to face the upper side in the vertical direction 7 and the rear side in the front-rear direction 8.

  The lock surface 242 is a surface that is in contact with the lock pin 156 when the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150. The inclined surface 243 is a surface for guiding the lock pin 156 to a position in contact with the lock surface 242 in the process of mounting the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150. When the lock surface 242 and the lock pin 156 are in contact with each other, the cartridge 200 is held at the mounting position shown in FIG. 5 against the biasing force of the coil springs 186, 223, and 233.

  A flat plate-like member is formed to extend upward from the upper wall 204 in front of the lock surface 242. The upper surface of the flat member is an operation unit 244 operated by the user when the cartridge 200 is removed from the mounting case 150. When the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150 and the cover 87 is in the exposed position, the operation unit 244 can be operated by the user. When the operation portion 244 is pushed downward, the locking surface 242 is moved lower than the lock pin 156 by the rotation of the cartridge 200. As a result, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the mounting case 150.

  A light shielding rib 245 is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and on the rear side of the protrusion 241. The light shielding rib 245 protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends in the front-rear direction 8. The light shielding rib 245 is formed of a material or a color that shields the light output from the light emitting unit of the mounting sensor 154. The light shielding rib 245 is positioned on the optical path from the light emitting portion of the mounting sensor 154 to the light receiving portion in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted to the mounting case 150. That is, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a low level signal to the controller 130 in response to the mounting of the cartridge 200 in the mounting case 150. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high level signal to the controller 130 in response to the cartridge 200 being not mounted in the mounting case 150. That is, the controller 130 can detect whether the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 based on a signal output from the attachment sensor 154.

  An IC substrate 247 is located on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and between the light shielding rib 245 and the protrusion 241 in the front-rear direction 8. An electrode 248 is formed on the IC substrate 247. The IC substrate 247 also includes a memory (not shown). The electrode 248 is electrically connected to the memory of the IC substrate 247. The electrode 248 is exposed on the top surface of the IC substrate 247 so as to be conductive with the contact 152. That is, in the state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the electrode 248 is electrically conducted to the contact point 152. The controller 130 can read information from the memory of the IC substrate 247 through the contact 152 and the electrode 248 and write information into the memory of the IC substrate 247 through the contact 152 and the electrode 248.

  The memory of the IC substrate 247 stores the ink amount Vc, identification information for identifying the individual of the cartridge 200, and the like. In the memory of the IC substrate 247 in which the cartridge 200 is new, the maximum ink amount Vc0 is stored as the ink amount Vc. The maximum ink amount Vc0 indicates the amount of ink stored in the new cartridge 200. Hereinafter, information stored in the memory of the IC substrate 247 may be collectively referred to as “CTG information”. Further, "new" is a so-called unused product, and indicates a state in which the ink in the cartridge 200 has never flowed out from the cartridge 200 manufactured and sold. The initial cartridge is one in which ink does not flow out of the liquid chamber 210 to the outside. In the initial cartridge, the maximum ink amount Vc0 is stored in the IC substrate 247 as the ink amount Vc.

  The storage area of the memory of the IC substrate 247 has, for example, an area in which information is not overwritten by the controller 130 and an area in which information can be overwritten by the controller 130. For example, the identification information is stored in the non-overwriting area, and the ink amount Vc is stored in the overwritable area.

[Controller 130]
The controller 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, an EEPROM 134, and an ASIC 135, as shown in FIG. The ROM 132 stores programs for the CPU 131 to control various operations. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals and the like used when the CPU 131 executes the program, or a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores setting information to be held even after the power is turned off. The ROM 132, the RAM 133, and the EEPROM 134 are an example of a memory.

  The ASIC 135 is for operating the feed roller 23, the conveyance roller 25, the discharge roller 27, and the head 21. The controller 130 causes the feed roller 23, the conveyance roller 25, and the discharge roller 27 to rotate by driving a motor (not shown) through the ASIC 135. Further, the controller 130 causes the head 21 to eject the ink through the nozzle 29 by outputting a drive signal to the drive element of the head 21 through the ASIC 135. The ASIC 135 can output a plurality of types of drive signals according to the amount of ink to be discharged through the nozzles 29.

  Further, the display 17 and the operation panel 22 are connected to the ASIC 135. The display 17 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display or the like, and has a display surface for displaying various information. The display 17 is an example of an alarm. However, the specific example of the alarm is not limited to the display 17, and may be a speaker, an LED lamp, or a combination thereof. The operation panel 22 outputs an operation signal according to the operation by the user to the controller 130. The operation panel 22 may have, for example, a push button, and may have a touch sensor superimposed on the display 17.

  Further, the contact point 152, the cover sensor 88, the mounting sensor 154, and the liquid level sensor 155 are electrically connected to the ASIC 135. The controller 130 accesses the memory of the IC substrate 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted on the mounting case 150 through the contact 152. The controller 130 detects the position of the cover 87 through the cover sensor 88. Further, the controller 130 detects the insertion and removal of the cartridge 200 through the mounting sensor 154. Further, the controller 130 detects, through the liquid level sensor 155, whether the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is the predetermined position P or more.

  The ROM 132 has a predetermined ink amount Vsc stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 and a predetermined ink amount Vcc stored in the liquid chamber of the cartridge 200 when the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high level signal. It is memorized. The predetermined ink amount Vcc is zero in the present embodiment.

The EEPROM 134 stores various information in association with each of the four cartridges 200 mounted in the mounting case 150, in other words, in correspondence with each of the tanks 160 communicated with the cartridge 200. The various types of information, for example, the ink amount Vc, Vs is an example of a liquid volume, and functions F, and C_Empty flags, and S_Empty flag, a deterioration flag, the count value SN, and the count value TN, and the threshold value _{N th} , And waiting time Tw.

  The ink amount Vc and the identification information are information read by the controller 130 from the memory of the IC substrate 247 through the contact point 152 in a state where the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. The function F may be stored in the ROM 132 instead of the EEPROM 134.

  The ink amount Vc indicates the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200. The ink amount Vs indicates the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. The ink amounts Vc and Vs are calculated by, for example, a function F. The function F is information indicating the correspondence between the total ink amount Vt, the ink amount Vc, and the ink amount Vc. The ink in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the ink in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are in equilibrium when the positions of the liquid levels of the respective ink in the vertical direction 7 coincide with each other. That is, in the equilibrium state, the movement of the ink between the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid chamber 171 is stopped. For example, the relationship between the total ink amount Vt and the ink amount Vs can be approximated by the function F. Therefore, when the total amount Vt of ink is calculated, the ink amount Vs and the ink amount Vc are obtained. The ink amount Vs and the ink amount Vc are not limited to the form of the function F, and may be obtained by a table corresponding to each total amount Vt.

The count value SN is the ink discharge amount Dh (that is, the ink amount indicated by the drive signal) that instructs the head 21 to discharge after the signal output from the liquid level sensor 155 changes from the low level signal to the high level signal. It is a value which is updated in the direction approaching the threshold value N _th with a corresponding value. The count value SN is a value counted up with the initial value as "0". The threshold value N _th corresponds to the volume of the liquid chamber 171 between the vicinity of the upper end of the outlet 174 and the predetermined position P. However, the count value SN may be a value counted down with a value corresponding to the volume as an initial value. The threshold value N _{th in} this case is zero. The count value SN is an example of a first count value. The threshold N _th is an example of a first threshold.

  The count value TN corresponds to the ink discharge amount Dh (that is, the ink amount indicated by the drive signal) that instructs the head 21 to discharge after the signal output from the mounting sensor 154 changes from the high level signal to the low level signal. It is a value that is counted up with the initial value set to “0”. Also, the count value TN may be a value that is counted down, with the initial value corresponding to the total amount Vt of ink. The count value TN is an example of a second count value.

  The C_Empty flag is information indicating whether the cartridge 200 is in the cartridge empty state. In the C_Empty flag, a value "ON" corresponding to being in the cartridge empty state or a value "OFF" corresponding to not being the cartridge empty state is set. The cartridge empty state is a state in which the ink is not substantially stored in the cartridge 200 (more specifically, the liquid chamber 210). In other words, the cartridge empty state is a state in which the ink does not move from the communicated liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171. Furthermore, in other words, the cartridge empty state is a state in which the liquid level of the tank 160 communicated with the cartridge 200 is less than the predetermined position P.

The S_Empty flag is information indicating whether the tank 160 is in the ink empty state. In the S_Empty flag, a value “ON” corresponding to being in the ink empty state or a value “OFF” corresponding to not being the ink empty state is set. In the emergency state, for example, the liquid level of the ink stored in the tank 160 (more specifically, the liquid chamber 171) has reached a position near the upper end of the outlet 174. In other words, the ink empty state is a state in which the count value SN is equal to or greater than the threshold value N _th . If the discharge of ink by the head 21 is continued after being in the emergency state, air may be mixed in the ink flow path from the tank 160 to the head 21 or in the head 21 (so-called air-in). As a result, the inside of the nozzle 29 is not filled with ink, and there is a possibility that non-ejection of the ink may occur.

  The deterioration flag is information indicating whether or not the semipermeable membrane 178 is in a deteriorated state. The deterioration flag is set to "ON" corresponding to the state in which the semipermeable membrane 178 is deteriorated, or "OFF" corresponding to the state not deteriorated. When the semipermeable membrane 178 is in a deteriorated state, the resistance when the air passes through the semipermeable membrane 178 is increased, and the time required for the ink to flow out from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160 is longer than the initial time. It is in the state of becoming. For example, when the resistance when air passes through the semipermeable membrane 178 is twice as high as the initial resistance, it is determined that the semipermeable membrane 178 is deteriorated.

[Operation of Printer 10]
The operation of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. Each process shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 is executed by the CPU 131 of the controller 130. The following processing may be executed by the CPU 131 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 132 or may be realized by a hardware circuit mounted on the controller 130. Moreover, the execution order of the following each processing can be suitably changed in the range which does not change the summary of this invention.

[Image recording process]
The controller 130 executes the image recording process shown in FIG. 7 in response to the recording instruction being input to the printer 10. The recording instruction is an example of a discharge instruction for causing the printer 10 to execute a recording process of recording the image indicated by the image data on a sheet. Although the acquisition destination of the recording instruction is not particularly limited, for example, a user operation corresponding to the recording instruction may be received through the operation panel 22 or may be received from an external device through a communication interface (not shown).

  First, the controller 130 determines the set value of each of the four S_Empty flags (S11). Then, in response to having determined that "ON" is set to at least one of the four S_Empty flags (S11: ON), the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display an S_Empty notification screen (S12). The S_Empty notification screen is a screen for notifying the user that the corresponding tank 160 is in the ink empty state and that the ink can not be discharged through the head 21 and that the image recording input instruction is not received. The S_Empty notification screen may include, for example, information indicating the color and the ink amount Vc, Vs of the ink stored in the tank 160 in the ink empty state. In step S12, the controller 130 displays the C_Empty notification screen on the display 17 together with the S_Empty notification screen in response to determining that at least one of the four C_Empty flags is set to “ON”. You may

  In addition, the controller 130 executes the processing of S13 to S17 on each of the cartridges 200 corresponding to the S_Empty flag for which “ON” is set. That is, the processing of S13 to S17 is executed for each of the four cartridges 200 for which the corresponding S_Empty flag is set to “ON”. Since the processes of S13 to S17 for each cartridge 200 are common, only the processes of S13 to S17 corresponding to one cartridge 200 will be described.

  First, the controller 130 acquires a signal output from the mounting sensor 154 (S13). Next, the controller 130 determines whether the signal acquired from the mounting sensor 154 is the high level signal or the low level signal (S14). Then, the controller 130 changes the signal output from the attachment sensor 154 from the low level signal to the high level signal and changes the signal from the high level signal to the low level signal again (S14: No) at predetermined time intervals S13. , S14 is repeatedly executed. In other words, the controller 130 repeatedly executes the processing of S13 and S14 until the cartridge 200 is removed from the mounting case 150 and the cartridge 200 is newly mounted to the mounting case 150.

  Then, the controller 130 acquires a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and thereafter acquires a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and then further acquires a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 (S14: Yes) It is determined whether the deterioration flag is "ON" (S15). Further, the controller 130 acquires a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and stores the time when the low level signal is acquired from the mounting sensor 154 in the EEPROM 134. The controller 130 may operate the timer to measure time after acquiring the low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 instead of storing the time. The stored time or measured time is used in the Empty formal release process described later.

  If the deterioration flag is "OFF" (S15: No), the controller 130 executes an Empty cancellation process (S16) described later. The Empty cancellation process is a process of deleting the C_Empty notification screen and the S_Empty notification screen displayed on the display 17. Details of the empty release processing will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, in response to the completion of the empty release process, the processes after S11 are executed again.

  If the deterioration flag is "ON" (S15: Yes), the controller 130 executes an empty state cancellation process (S17) to be described later. The deterioration-time Empty cancellation process is a process of deleting the C_Empty notification screen and the S_Empty notification screen displayed on the display 17. The details of the process of canceling the time of deterioration will be described later with reference to FIG. Then, in response to the end of the degradation-time Empty release process, the processes after S11 are executed again.

  If all the S_Empty flags corresponding to all the cartridges 200 are not "ON", that is, "OFF", the controller 130 acquires the signal currently output from each of the four liquid level sensors 155 at present. (S19). Furthermore, in S19, the controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store information indicating that the signal obtained from the liquid level sensor 155 is either a high level signal or a low level signal.

  Then, the controller 130 records the image indicated by the image data included in the recording instruction on one sheet (S20). A more detailed description of the recording process will be described later.

  Next, the controller 130 acquires signals currently output from each of the four liquid level sensors 155 in response to the recording of the image on one sheet in accordance with the recording instruction (S21). Furthermore, as in S18, the controller 130 causes the RAM 133 to store information indicating whether the signal obtained from the liquid level sensor 155 is a high level signal or a low level signal (S21). Then, the controller 130 executes a count process (S22). The counting process is a process of updating the count values TN, SN, the C_Empty flag, and the S_Empty flag based on the signals acquired from the liquid level sensor 155 in S18 and S20. Details of the counting process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the controller 130 repeatedly executes the processing of S11 to S23 until all the images indicated by the recording instruction are recorded on one sheet (S23: Yes). Then, the controller 130 determines the setting values of the four S_Empty flags and the setting values of the four C_Empty flags in response to recording of all the images indicated by the recording instruction on one sheet (S23: No). (S24, S25).

  The controller 130 causes the display 17 to display the S_Empty notification screen (S26) in response to "ON" being set to at least one of the four S_Empty flags (S24: ON). In addition, the controller 130 sets “OFF” to all four S_Empty flags, and sets “ON” to at least one of the four C_Empty flags (S24: OFF & S 25: ON And the C_Empty notification screen are displayed on the display 17 (S27). The processes of S26 and S27 are an example of activating the alarm.

  The S_Empty notification screen displayed in S26 may be similar to S12. The C_Empty notification screen is a screen for notifying the user that the cartridge 200 corresponding to the C_Empty flag for which “ON” is set is in the cartridge empty state. The C_Empty notification screen may include, for example, information indicating the color of the ink stored in the cartridge 200 in the cartridge empty state and the ink amounts Vc and Vs. On the other hand, when the controller 130 sets "OFF" to all four S_Empty flags and four C_Empty flags (S25: OFF), the image recording process is performed without executing the processes of S26 and S27. Finish.

  The specific example of the discharge instruction is not limited to the recording instruction, and may be a maintenance instruction or the like for instructing maintenance of the nozzle 29 such as purge. The controller 130 executes the same process as that of FIG. 7 in response to, for example, acquiring the maintenance instruction through the operation panel 22. The differences from the above-described processing when acquiring the maintenance instruction are as follows. First, at S20, the controller 130 drives a maintenance mechanism (not shown) to discharge the ink through the nozzle 29. Further, the controller 130 executes the processing of S24 and the subsequent steps without performing the processing of S23 after performing the count processing.

[Count process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the details of the counting process executed by the controller 130 in S20 will be described. The controller 130 independently executes the counting process on each of the four cartridges 200. Since the counting process for each cartridge 200 is common, only the counting process corresponding to one cartridge 200 will be described.

  First, the controller 130 compares information indicating the signal of the liquid level sensor 155 stored in the RAM 133 in S19 and S21 (S31). That is, the controller 130 compares the signals of the four liquid level sensors 155 before and after performing the process of S20 just before performing the counting process (S22).

  The controller 130 responds to the fact that the information stored in the RAM 133 in S19 and S21 both show a low level signal (that is, the output of the liquid level sensor 155 does not change before and after the process of S18) (S31: Yes And the count value TN is updated (S32). That is, the controller 130 counts up the count value TN by a value corresponding to the ink amount instructed to be discharged in the previous S18.

  Further, the controller 130 calculates the present total amount Vt (S33). First, the controller 130 calculates the total amount Vt after the cartridge replacement which is the sum of the ink amount Vc and the ink amount Vs stored in the EEPROM 134 after the cartridge replacement. Then, the controller 130 calculates the present total amount Vt as a value obtained by subtracting the ink amount corresponding to the count value TN from the calculated total amount Vt (Vt = Vt−TN). Then, the controller 130 obtains the ink amounts Vc and Vs based on the calculated current total amount Vt and the function F (S33).

  Then, the controller 130 displays the calculated total amount Vt and one of the ink amount Vc and the ink amount Vs on the display 17 (S34). Further, the controller 130 overwrites the obtained ink amount Vc on the ink amount Vc stored in the memory of the IC substrate 247 of the cartridge 200 (S35).

  Further, the controller 130 indicates that the information stored in the RAM 133 in S19 indicates a low level signal in response to the fact that the information stored in the RAM 133 in S19 and S21 is not a low level signal (S31: No). In response to the information stored in the high level signal (ie, the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes before and after the process of S18) (S36: Yes), "ON" is substituted for the C_Empty flag (S36). S37). The reason why the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes from the low level signal to the high level signal is that the liquid level of the liquid chamber 171 has reached the predetermined position P during the process of S20, as shown in FIG. Corresponds to Then, after this, the ink does not move between the cartridge 200 and the tank 160.

  Further, the controller 130 reads the predetermined ink amount Vcc (= 0) from the ROM 132, and sets the ink amount Vc as the predetermined ink amount Vcc (S38). Similarly, the controller 130 reads the predetermined ink amount Vsc (corresponding to the volume of the liquid chamber 171 less than the predetermined position P) from the ROM 134, and sets the ink amount Vs as the predetermined ink amount Vsc (S38). Since the ink amounts Vc and Vs calculated in the remaining amount update process include an error, the controller 130 sets the ink amount Vc to a predetermined amount at the timing when the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes from the low level signal to the high level signal. The accumulated error is reset with Vcc as the ink amount Vs and the predetermined ink amount Vsc. Further, the controller 130 calculates the present total amount Vt as the same value (Vt = Vsc) as the ink amount Vs (S38). When the ink amount Vc becomes zero, the total amount Vt becomes the same value as the ink amount Vs.

  Then, the controller 130 displays the current total amount Vt and either the ink amount Vc or the ink amount Vs on the display 17 (S39). Further, the controller 130 stores the count value TN when the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes in the EEPROM 134 (S40). Further, the controller 130 overwrites the ink amount Vc described above on the ink amount Vc (= 0) stored in the memory of the IC substrate 247 of the cartridge 200 (S41).

  Since the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes during the process of S20, the predetermined ink amount Vsc read out at S39 is exactly at the moment when the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes. This indicates not the amount of ink stored in the tank 160 but the amount of ink immediately before the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes. However, since the difference between these ink amounts is small, the predetermined ink amount Vsc read in S37 is approximately treated as the ink amount Vs at the time when the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changes.

  Further, the controller 130 counts up the count value SN stored in the EEPROM 134 by a value corresponding to the ink amount instructed to be discharged in the immediately preceding S20 (S42). In other words, the controller 130 starts updating the count value SN in response to the output of the liquid level sensor 155 changing from the low level signal to the high level signal. Further, the controller 130 counts up the count value TN stored in the EEPROM 134 by a value corresponding to the ink amount instructed to be discharged in the immediately preceding S20.

  Then, the controller 130 calculates the ink amount Vs (S43). The calculated ink amount Vs is a value obtained by subtracting the ink amount corresponding to the count value SN stored in the EEPROM 134 from the predetermined ink amount Vsc stored in the ROM 132. As described above, after the output of the liquid level sensor 155 becomes a high level signal, the ink amount Vs has the same value as the total amount Vt. Also, the ink amount Vc is zero.

  Then, the controller 130 displays one of the current total amount Vt or the ink amount Vs thus obtained on the display 17 (S44). Since the ink amount Vc is zero after the output of the liquid level sensor 155 becomes a high level signal, the controller 130 does not need to overwrite the ink amount Vc stored in the memory of the IC substrate 247 of the cartridge 200. .

Next, the controller 130 compares the count value SN updated in S40 with the threshold value N _th (S45). Then, in response to determining that the count value SN updated in S40 is less than the threshold value N _th (S45: No), the controller 130 ends the count process without executing the process of S46. On the other hand, the controller 130 substitutes “ON” for the S_Empty flag in response to the determination that the count value SN updated in S42 is equal to or greater than the threshold value N _th (S45: Yes) (S46). Then, in response to the S_Empty flag being set to “ON”, the controller 130 prohibits the discharge of the ink through the head 21 and ends the counting process.

  Further, the controller 130 does not indicate that the information stored in the RAM 133 in S19 does not indicate a low level signal, and that the information stored in the RAM 133 in S21 does not indicate a high level signal (S36: No , S19, S21, it is determined whether the information stored in the RAM 133 is a high level signal (S47). The controller 130 executes the processes from S42 to S46 in response to the fact that the information stored in the RAM 133 is both a high level signal in S19 and S21 (S36: Yes).

  Further, the controller 130 indicates that the information stored in the RAM 133 in S19 indicates the high level signal in response to the fact that the information stored in the RAM 133 is not the high level signal in S19 and S21 (S47: No). Then, it is determined whether the information stored in the RAM 133 indicates a low level signal (S48). The controller 130 executes the flow rate determination process according to the fact that the information stored in the RAM 133 in S19 indicates a high level signal and the information stored in the RAM 133 in S21 indicates a low level signal (S48: Yes) (S49). Details of the flow rate determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. The controller 130 counts the process according to the fact that the information stored in the RAM 133 in S19 does not indicate the high level signal and the information stored in the RAM 133 in S21 does not indicate the low level signal (S48: No). Finish.

[Empty release process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the details of the Empty release processing executed by the controller 130 in S16 will be described. Note that the controller 130 executes the Empty release process independently for each of the four cartridges 200. Since the Empty release process for each cartridge 200 is common, only the Empty release process corresponding to one cartridge 200 will be described.

In the count process, the controller 130 substitutes “ON” for the S_Empty flag (S46) in response to the determination that the count value SN is equal to or more than the threshold value N _th (S45: Yes), and discharges ink through the head 21. Prohibit In the image recording process, the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display the S_Empty notification screen (S12) in response to determining that the S_Empty flag is set to “ON” (S11: ON).

  In the state described above (that is, in the state where the controller 130 prohibits the discharge of the ink through the head 21 and displays the S_Empty notification screen on the display 17), as shown in FIG. The ink does not flow into the tank 160, that is, the ink amount Vc is zero (Vc = 0). In the tank 160, the ink level is below the predetermined position P and reaches a position near the upper end of the outlet 174. Therefore, the user must replace the empty cartridge 200 with a new or fully stored cartridge 200 and perform image recording unless the prohibition of ink discharge through the head 21 is released. I can not

  While the user is replacing the cartridge 200, the controller 130 acquires a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and thereafter acquires a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and then further outputs a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154. Is acquired (S14: Yes). Specifically, in the process of removing the cartridge 200 from the mounting case 150, the controller 130 acquires a low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and thereafter acquires a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154. Next, in the process of inserting the cartridge 200 into the mounting case 150, a high level signal is acquired from the mounting sensor 154, and then a low level signal is acquired from the mounting sensor 154. The controller 130 acquires a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154 and then stores the low level signal in the time EEPROM 134 at which the low level signal is acquired from the mounting sensor 154.

  In the Empty cancellation process, the controller 130 reads CTG information from the memory of the IC substrate 247 through the contact point 152 and stores the CTG information in the EEPROM 134 (S51). If the replaced cartridge 200 is new, the memory of the IC substrate 247 stores the maximum ink amount Vc0 as the ink amount Vc. Further, identification information is also read from the memory of the IC substrate 247.

  Next, the controller 130 determines whether the elapsed time elapsed from the time stored in the EEPROM 134 (the time when the low level signal is obtained after the high level signal is obtained from the mounting sensor) has reached the standby time Tw. It determines (S52). The waiting time Tw is a value stored in the EEPROM 134 and updated in the flow rate determination process (S49) described later. The standby time Tw is, for example, at a position near the upper end of the outflow port 174 in the tank 160 after the cartridge 200 storing the maximum ink amount Vc0 is mounted on the mounting case 150 in a standard environment (temperature 25 ° C. and atmospheric pressure 100 kPa). It is shorter than the time required for a certain liquid level to reach the predetermined position P.

  The controller 130 determines that the liquid surface of the ink reaches the predetermined position P in the tank 160 in response to determining that the elapsed time has reached the standby time Tw (S52: Yes). As shown in FIG. 15A, for example, a new cartridge 200 or a cartridge 200 in which an amount of ink sufficient to cause the liquid surface of the ink to reach the predetermined position P in the tank 160 is stored in the liquid chamber 210. Is mounted on the mounting case 150, the ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 at a flow rate Qi described later. Then, as time passes, as shown in FIG. 15B, the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 reaches the predetermined position P, and the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal. .

  As described later, even if the flow rate Qi changes, an appropriate standby time Tw is set according to the changed flow rate Qi so that the liquid chamber 171 has a predetermined amount (the liquid level from the predetermined position P in the liquid chamber 171). The lower amount of ink) is stored. Then, even after the waiting time Tw has elapsed, the ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 until at least the liquid surface reaches the predetermined position P in the liquid chamber 171, so image recording is performed after the waiting time Tw has elapsed (S18 In the liquid chamber 171, there is little possibility that the liquid surface will immediately reach the vicinity of the upper end of the outflow port 174, even if the.

  Then, the controller 130 compares the identification information read from the memory of the IC substrate 247 with the identification information read from the memory of the IC substrate 247 of the cartridge 200 before replacement (S53). Identification information read from the memory of the IC substrate 247 of the cartridge 200 before replacement is stored in the EEPROM 134. For example, if the cartridge 200 is replaced with a new cartridge 200, the two identification information compared are different. For example, the serial number of the cartridge 200 is used as the identification information.

  When the controller 130 determines that the two pieces of identification information that are compared are not different, that is, they are the same (S53: No), it ends the Empty cancellation process. If the cartridge 200 before and after replacement is the same, the ink does not move from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, so there is no need to release the Empty.

  The controller 130 calculates the total amount Vt before the cartridge replacement (S55), when it is determined that the two pieces of identification information compared are different (S53: Yes). More specifically, the controller 130 determines the ink amount Vs before cartridge replacement (equal to the total amount Vt based on the count value SN before cartridge replacement stored in the EEPROM 134 and the predetermined ink amount Vsc stored in the ROM 132. ) Is stored in the EEPROM 134. Then, based on the calculated ink amount Vs and the ink amount Vc read from the memory of the IC substrate 247 of the cartridge 200 after replacement, the total amount Vt after cartridge replacement is calculated. That is, the ink amount Vc stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the new cartridge 200 is added to the ink amount Vs stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 immediately before the cartridge 200 is replaced. Therefore, the controller 130 calculates the sum of the ink amount Vc read from the IC substrate 247 of the replaced cartridge 200 and the ink amount Vs before cartridge replacement stored in the EEPROM 134 as the total amount Vt (Vt = Vs + Vc). Then, the controller 130 calculates the ink amount Vc and the ink amount Vs when the movement of the ink from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 is completed, based on the calculated total amount Vt and the function F read from the EEPROM 134. (S55).

  Further, the controller 130 resets the count values TN and SN stored in the EEPROM 134 (S55). As a result, the count values TN and SN respectively become initial values (here, zero).

  Then, the controller 130 displays the obtained total amount Vt of ink and one of the ink amount Vc or the ink amount Vs on the display 17 (S57). Further, the controller 130 stores the calculated ink amount Vc in the memory of the IC substrate 247 through the contact point 152 (S58).

  Then, the controller 130 substitutes "OFF" for the S_Empty flag and the C_Empty flag, respectively (S59). The controller 130 permits the discharge of the ink through the head 21 in response to the fact that all the four S_Empty flags are set to “OFF”. Further, the controller 130 erases the S_Empty notification screen and the C_Empty notification screen from the display 17 (S60), and ends the Empty release processing.

[Reference value S calculation processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the details of the reference value calculation process executed by the controller 130 will be described. The controller 130 independently executes the reference value calculation process on each of the four cartridges 200. Since the reference value calculation process for each cartridge 200 is common, only the reference value calculation process corresponding to one cartridge 200 will be described.

  The controller 130 executes the reference value calculation process when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 of the MFP 10 for the first time. For example, it is determined that the identification information read from the IC substrate 247 of the mounted cartridge 200 indicates that the identification information read out from the IC substrate 2 of the mounted cartridge 150 is packaged together with the MFP 10, for the first time whether the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 for the first time. Alternatively, the controller 130 determines on the condition that a flag indicating that the ink initial introduction operation has been performed is not stored in the EEPROM 134 or the like. The cartridge 200 mounted to the mounting case 150 for the first time is an example of the front cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the controller 130 acquires the high level signal from the mounting sensor 154 at the time when the cartridge 200 is mounted to the mounting case 150 for the first time, and further acquires the low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 thereafter. The stored time is stored in the EEPROM 134. Then, in response to the signal received from liquid level sensor 155 changing from the high level signal to the low level signal, controller 130 changes the signal received from liquid level sensor 155 from the time stored in EEPROM 134. Time T0 is calculated (S61).

  When a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 into the liquid chamber 171, and when time passes thereafter, the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 reaches the predetermined position P Then, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal.

  The controller 130 also reads out from the EEPROM 134 the ink amount V0 stored in the liquid chamber 171 when the liquid level of the liquid chamber 171 is at the predetermined position P (S62). The ink amount V0 is stored in advance in the EEORPM 134. Then, from the calculated time T0 and the ink amount V0, the controller 130 receives the low level signal from the liquid level sensor 155 after the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150 for the first time. The flow rate Q0 of the ink having flowed out from 210 into the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is calculated (S63: Q0 = V0 / T0). Then, the controller 130 stores the calculated flow rate Q0 in the EEPROM 134.

  Subsequently, the controller 130 calculates the difference between the calculated flow rate Q0 and the design value Qs stored in advance in the EEPROM 134 (| Qs-Q0 |), and determines whether the calculated difference is within the threshold range X (S64: X ≧ | Qs−Q0 |). If the calculated difference is within the threshold range X (S64: Yes), the controller 130 stores the flow rate Q0 as the reference value S in the EEPROM 134 (S65). If the calculated difference is out of the threshold range X (S64: No), the controller 130 causes the EEPROM 134 to store the predetermined design value Qs as the reference value S (S66).

[Flow rate determination processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the details of the flow rate determination process executed by the controller 130 in S49 will be described. The controller 130 independently executes flow rate determination processing on each of the four cartridges 200. Since the flow rate determination process for each cartridge 200 is common, only the flow rate determination process corresponding to one cartridge 200 will be described.

  In the count process, the controller 130 executes the flow rate determination process (S49) in response to the signal received from the liquid level sensor 155 changing from the high level signal to the low level signal (S48: Yes).

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the flow rate determination process, the controller 130 acquires the high level signal from the mounting sensor 154 at the time when the cartridge 200 is replaced, that is, acquires the low level signal from the mounting sensor 154 thereafter. The read time is read from the EEPROM 134, and the time Ti until the signal received from the liquid level sensor 155 changes from the high level signal to the low level signal from the read time is calculated (S71).

  For example, when a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 into the liquid chamber 171, and if time passes thereafter, the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is at the predetermined position P. When it arrives, the liquid level sensor 155 will output a low level signal.

  Also, the controller 130 acquires the high level signal from the mounting sensor 154 when the cartridge 200 is replaced, that is, the ink in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the low level signal is acquired from the mounting sensor 154 thereafter. An outflow amount Vi, which is a difference between the amount Vs and the amount of ink (= V0) stored in the liquid chamber 171 when the liquid surface of the liquid chamber 171 is at the predetermined position P, is calculated (S72). The amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 when the liquid level of the liquid chamber 171 is at the predetermined position P is stored in advance in the EEPROM 134.

  Then, the controller 130 controls the liquid chamber 210 to the tank 160 from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 until the low level signal is received from the liquid level sensor 155 after the cartridge 200 is replaced from the calculated time Ti and the outflow amount Vi. The flow rate Qi of the ink having flowed out to 171 is calculated (S73: Qi = Vi / Ti). Then, the controller 130 stores the calculated flow rate Qi in the EEPROM 134 in association with the identification information of the cartridge 200.

  Subsequently, the controller 130 reads the count value TN from the EEPROM 134 when the signal received from the liquid level sensor 155 changes from the low level signal to the high level signal (S36: Yes), and the read count value TN is within the threshold range. It is determined whether it is (S74). The threshold range is calculated in advance and stored in the EEPROM 134. As the threshold range, for example, an estimated count value when ink amount Vc = 0 is calculated from the total amount Vt of ink immediately after the cartridge 200 is replaced, and a predetermined value is added to or subtracted from the calculated estimated count value. The controller 130 calculates and stores it in the EEPROM 134.

  If the controller 130 determines that the count value TN is within the threshold range (S74: Yes), that is, if it is determined that the reliability of the count value TN is high, the controller 130 determines the reference value stored in the EEPROM. S and the flow rate Qi are read out and compared (S75). In response to determining that the flow rate Qi is equal to or higher than the reference value S (S75: No), the controller 130 ends the flow rate determination process.

  Further, in response to determining that the flow rate Qi is less than the reference value S (S75: Yes), the controller 130 calculates the correction coefficient H (S76). The correction coefficient H is a value obtained by dividing the flow rate Qi by the reference value S (H = Qi / S). Since the flow rate Qi is less than the reference value S, the correction coefficient H is a positive number less than 1 (an example of the second threshold). Then, the controller 130 compares the calculated correction coefficient H with the threshold Hs (S77). The threshold Hs is predetermined and stored in the EEPROM 134. The controller 130 causes the display 17 to display an error display screen indicating that the semipermeable membrane 178 is deteriorated, in response to the determination that the calculated correction coefficient H is the threshold Hs or less (S77: No) (S78) . Further, the controller 130 updates the deterioration flag stored in the EEPROM 134 to “ON” in response to the determination that the calculated correction coefficient H is equal to or less than the threshold value Hs (S77: No) (S79). The correction coefficient H is an example of the flow rate ratio. The threshold Hs is an example of a third threshold.

  The controller 130 changes the standby time Tw in response to the determination that the calculated correction coefficient H is larger than the threshold Hs (S77: Yes) (S80). Specifically, a time obtained by adding a predetermined additional time to the currently set waiting time Tw is stored in the EEPROM 134 as a new waiting time Tw. That is, the waiting time Tw becomes long.

  When it is determined that the count value TN is out of the threshold range (S74: No), that is, when it is determined that the reliability of the count value TN is low, the controller 130 reads the reference value S from the EEPROM 134 and corrects it (S81). ). Specifically, the reference value S is read out from the controller EEPROM 134, a predetermined coefficient k is multiplied by the reference value S to calculate the correction reference value S ', and the calculated correction reference value S' is stored in the EEPROM 134.

  Then, the controller 130 reads and compares the correction reference value S 'and the flow rate Qi stored in the EEPROM (S82). The controller 130 ends the flow rate determination process in response to the determination that the flow rate Qi is greater than or equal to the correction reference value S '(S82: No).

  Further, in response to determining that the flow rate Qi is less than the correction reference value S '(S82: Yes), the controller 130 calculates a correction coefficient H' (S83). The correction coefficient H 'is a value obtained by dividing the flow rate Qi by the correction reference value S' (H '= Qi / S'). Then, the controller 130 compares the calculated correction coefficient H 'with the threshold value Hs (S84). The controller 130 causes the display 17 to display an error display screen indicating that the semipermeable membrane 178 is deteriorated, in response to the determination that the calculated correction coefficient H ′ is less than or equal to the threshold Hs (S84: No) (S85) ). Further, the controller 130 updates the deterioration flag stored in the EEPROM 134 to "ON" (S86) in response to the determination that the calculated correction coefficient H 'is equal to or less than the threshold Hs (S84: No).

  The controller 130 changes the standby time Tw in response to the determination that the calculated correction coefficient H 'is larger than the threshold Hs (S84: Yes) (S87). Specifically, a time obtained by adding a predetermined additional time to the currently set waiting time Tw is stored in the EEPROM 134 as a new waiting time Tw. That is, the waiting time Tw becomes long.

[Empty Release Processing at Deterioration]
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the details of the processing for canceling the degradation-time Empty performed by the controller 130 in S17 will be described. Note that the controller 130 executes the process of canceling the Empty at the time of deterioration independently for each of the four cartridges 200. Since the process of canceling the Empty at the time of deterioration is common to each cartridge 200, only the process of canceling the Empty at the time of deterioration corresponding to one cartridge 200 will be described.

  The controller 130 reads out the identification information from the IC substrate 247 of the cartridge 200 and stores it in the EEPROM 134 (S91). Then, the controller 130 determines whether the signal received from the liquid level sensor 155 has changed from the high level signal to the low level signal (S92).

  For example, when a new cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, the ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 into the liquid chamber 171, and if time passes thereafter, the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is at the predetermined position P. When it arrives, the liquid level sensor 155 will output a low level signal.

  When the signal received from the liquid level sensor 155 is not a low level signal (S92: No), the controller 130 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the replacement of the cartridge 200 (S93). In detail, the controller 130 acquires a high level signal from the mounting sensor 154, and further calculates a time elapsed from the time when the low level signal is acquired from the mounting sensor 154, and sets the calculated time in advance. And compare with a predetermined time stored in the EEPROM 134. The controller 130 continues to receive the signal from the liquid level sensor 155 (S92), when it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the replacement of the cartridge 200 (S93: No). When the controller 130 determines that the predetermined time has passed since the replacement of the cartridge 200 (S93: Yes), the controller 130 causes the display 17 to display a screen indicating that the cartridge should be replaced again (S94).

  In response to the determination that the signal received from the liquid level sensor 155 has changed from the high level signal to the low level signal (S92: Yes), the controller 130 calculates the total amount Vt before cartridge replacement (S93). More specifically, the controller 130 determines the ink amount Vs before cartridge replacement (equal to the total amount Vt based on the count value SN before cartridge replacement stored in the EEPROM 134 and the predetermined ink amount Vsc stored in the ROM 132. ) Is stored in the EEPROM 134. Then, based on the calculated ink amount Vs and the ink amount Vc read from the memory of the IC substrate 247 of the cartridge 200 after replacement, the total amount Vt after cartridge replacement is calculated. That is, the ink amount Vc stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the new cartridge 200 is added to the ink amount Vs stored in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 immediately before the cartridge 200 is replaced. Therefore, the controller 130 calculates the sum of the ink amount Vc read from the IC substrate 247 of the replaced cartridge 200 and the ink amount Vs before cartridge replacement stored in the EEPROM 134 as the total amount Vt (Vt = Vs + Vc). Then, the controller 130 calculates the ink amount Vc and the ink amount Vs when the movement of the ink from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171 is completed, based on the calculated total amount Vt and the function F read from the EEPROM 134. (S93).

  Further, the controller 130 resets the count values TN and SN stored in the EEPROM 134 (S93). As a result, the count values TN and SN respectively become initial values (here, zero).

  Then, the controller 130 displays the obtained total amount Vt of ink and one of the ink amount Vc or the ink amount Vs on the display 17 (S95). Further, the controller 130 stores the calculated ink amount Vc in the memory of the IC substrate 247 through the contact point 152 (S96).

  Then, the controller 130 substitutes "OFF" for the S_Empty flag and the C_Empty flag, respectively (S97). In addition, the controller 130 permits the discharge of the ink through the head 21 in response to the fact that all the four S_Empty flags are set to “OFF”. Further, the controller 130 erases the S_Empty notification screen and the C_Empty notification screen from the display 17 (S98), and ends the Empty release processing.

[Recording process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the details of the recording process executed by the controller 130 in S20 will be described. The controller 130 transports the sheet on the feed tray 15 to the feed roller 23 and the transport roller 25, causes the head 21 to discharge the ink, and causes the discharge roller 27 to discharge the sheet on which the image is recorded to the discharge tray 16. That is, the controller 130 permits the discharge of the ink through the head 21 when all four S_Empty flags are set to “OFF”. On the other hand, the controller 130 prohibits the discharge of the ink through the head 21 when at least one of the four S_Empty flags is set to “ON”.

  In discharging ink from the head 21, the controller 130 determines whether the C_Empty flag is "ON", as shown in FIG. 13 (S101). In response to the determination that the C_Empty flag is "OFF" (S101: No), the controller 130 stores the amount of ink discharged from the head 21 per unit time in the EEPROM 134 as the discharge amount Da (S102) . Then, the controller 130 discharges the ink from the head 21 to the sheet as the discharge amount Da and performs image recording (S103).

  In response to the determination that the C_Empty flag is "ON" (S101: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the deterioration flag is "ON" (S104). The controller 130 executes the processes of S102 and S103 in response to the determination that the deterioration flag is "OFF" (S104: No).

  In response to the determination that the deterioration flag is "ON" (S104: Yes), the controller 130 stores the amount of ink discharged from the head 21 per unit time in the EEPROM 134 as the discharge amount Db (S105) . The emission amount Db is a value smaller than the emission amount Da. Then, the controller 130 discharges the ink from the head 21 to the sheet as the discharge amount Db and performs image recording (S103).

  The amount of ink discharged from the head 21 per unit time can be changed, for example, by controlling the voltage for driving the head 21. In addition, the amount of ink discharged per unit time from the head 21 is controlled by the moving speed of image recording of the carriage on which the head 21 is mounted if the amount of ink discharged per sheet is the same. it can. If the moving speed is high, the amount of ink discharged per unit time from the head 21 increases, and if the moving speed is slow, the amount of ink discharged from the head 21 per unit time decreases. Also, for example, an image recording can be performed by dividing an area capable of recording an image on a sheet into a plurality of parts in one movement of the carriage in one direction and discharging the ink to the area while moving the carriage a plurality of times. As a result, the amount of ink discharged from the head 21 per unit time can be smaller than usual.

[Function effect]
According to the present embodiment, in the state where the S_Empty screen is displayed on the display 17, when the standby time Tw elapses after the cartridge 200 is replaced, the tank level is output before the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level gain signal. The controller 130 can determine that the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined position P. Further, since the standby time Tw is changed according to the flow rate Qi of ink from the cartridge 200 to the tank 160, an appropriate standby time Tw is set even if the flow rate Qi changes with time.

  Also, if the flow rate Qi becomes smaller, the image recording instruction received before the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal after the cartridge 200 has been replaced, the ink per unit time discharged from the head 21 By reducing the amount, it is possible to suppress the air from entering the head 21 from the liquid chamber 171.

  In addition, when the flow rate Qi further decreases and the correction coefficients H and H 'become smaller than the threshold Hs, the controller 130 can determine that the semipermeable membrane 178 is deteriorated. Furthermore, when the correction coefficients H and H ′ become smaller than the threshold Hs, the controller 130 controls the liquid level of the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 until the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal after the cartridge 200 is replaced. Is not determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined position P. Thereby, when the flow rate Qi is relatively small and the rise of the liquid level of the liquid chamber 171 is moderate after the cartridge 200 is replaced, the image recording is performed before the controller 130 receives the low level signal from the liquid level sensor 155. Is never done.

  Further, in the reference value S calculation process, even if the flow rate Q0 is out of the threshold range due to, for example, an inappropriate cartridge for the multifunction machine 10 being used first, it is stored in the EEPROM 134 in advance. With the design value Qs as the reference value S, the change in the flow rate Qi, that is, the correction coefficients H and H 'can be calculated.

  In addition, since the controller 130 corrects the reference value S in response to the count value TN when the high level signal is received from the liquid level sensor 155 being out of the threshold range, the liquid level sensor 155 detects the liquid chamber 171 When the accuracy of detecting the liquid level is poor, the reference value S can be corrected to determine the flow rate Qi.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the reference value S is calculated when the cartridge 200 is first attached to the multi-function device 10. Instead, every time the cartridge 200 is replaced or every predetermined number of replacements, the reference value S is calculated. The reference value S may be updated by the calculated flow rate Qi.

  In the above embodiment, when the ink amount Vs of the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 when the low level signal is acquired from the mounting sensor 154 and the liquid level of the liquid chamber 171 is the predetermined position P, the ink is stored in the liquid chamber 171 Although the outflow amount Vi which is the difference between the ink amount (= V0) to be calculated is calculated, the outflow amount Vi may be a fixed value. For example, in a state where the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is empty, until the liquid level of the ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171 from the new cartridge 200 (which stores the maximum ink amount Vc0) reaches the predetermined position P The ink discharge amount Vi is set as a fixed value and stored in the EEPROM 134. Thus, the controller 130 calculates the flow rate Qi using only the time Ti as a variable.

  Also, the controller 130 corrects the outflow amount Vi, which is a fixed value, based on, for example, the ink amount Vc read from the memory of the IC substrate 247 of the replaced cartridge 200 and the ink amount Vs of the liquid chamber 171. Good. If ink remains in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160, the height Hs of the liquid surface of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 and the height Hc of the liquid surface of the ink in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200. The difference, that is, the water head difference is different from the water head difference in the state where the outflow amount Vi as a fixed value is set. The water head difference when the replaced cartridge 200 is not new and stores the ink amount Vc smaller than the maximum ink amount Vc0 is different from the water head difference in the state where the outflow amount Vi as a fixed value is set. Therefore, the controller 130 determines a correction value set by a function or a table based on the ink amount Vc read from the memory of the IC substrate 247 and the calculated ink amount Vs, and sets the correction value as a fixed value. The accuracy of the calculated flow rate Qi can be enhanced by multiplying or adding to or subtracting from a certain outflow amount Vi.

  In the above embodiment, the flow rate determination process indicates that the identification information read out from the IC substrate 247 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 by the controller 130 is a new cartridge, or the ink from the IC substrate 247 It may be executed on condition that the maximum ink amount Vc0 is read out as the amount Vc. Thus, when the cartridge 200, which is already used and whose height of the liquid surface of the liquid chamber 210 is lower than the liquid level when the maximum ink amount Vc0 is stored, is mounted on the mounting case 150, the flow rate Qi Tends to fall below the reference value S. By not calculating the flow rate Qi in the used cartridge 200 as described above, an appropriate waiting time Tw is set, and the accuracy of the determination of the deterioration of the semipermeable membrane 178 is improved.

  In the above embodiment, the discharge of the ink through the head 21 is described as the image recording on the sheet, but the discharge of the ink through the head 21 is performed from the nozzles 29 of the head 21 by a pump (not shown) or the like. It may be so-called purge for forcibly discharging the ink, or so-called flushing for discharging the ink from the nozzle 29 of the head 21 to an ink receiver (not shown) such as a cap.

  In the above embodiment, the controller 130 prohibits the discharge of the ink through the head 21 if the S_Empty flag is “ON”, but the discharge of the ink through the head 21 does not necessarily have to be prohibited, and the controller If the S_Empty flag is "ON", 130 may only display the S_Empty notification screen on the display 17.

  The liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal if the liquid level of the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P, and outputs a high level signal if the liquid level is less than the predetermined position P. Instead of this, a high level signal may be output if the liquid level of the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P, and a low level signal may be output if the liquid level is less than the predetermined position P. Further, the liquid level sensor 155 continues to output either the high level signal or the low level signal if the liquid level is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P, and does not output a signal if the liquid level is less than the predetermined position P. It may be. Further, the liquid level sensor 155 continues to output either the high level signal or the low level signal if the liquid level is less than the predetermined position P, and does not output a signal if the liquid level is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P. It may be.

  Further, although the liquid level sensor 155 is configured to detect whether or not the detected portion 194 of the actuator 190 is located at the detection position, if the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 can be detected, The configuration is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a sensor that optically detects the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 using a reflectance that varies depending on whether or not the ink is in contact with the rear wall 164 of the liquid chamber 171, or The liquid level of the ink in the chamber 171 may be detected by an electrode.

  Further, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a low level signal if the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, and outputs a high level signal if the cartridge 200 is not mounted. If the cartridge 200 is attached, the high level signal may be output, and if the cartridge 200 is not attached, the low level signal may be output. The mounting sensor 154 continues to output either the high level signal or the low level signal if the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, and does not output a signal if the cartridge 200 is not mounted. May be The mounting sensor 154 continues to output either the high level signal or the low level signal if the cartridge 200 is not mounted in the mounting case 150, and does not output a signal if the cartridge 200 is mounted. May be

  The mounting sensor 154 optically detects the light shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150. However, the mounting sensor 154 determines whether the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150 or not. If it can detect, the structure will not be specifically limited. For example, it may be a switch that moves so as to change the ON and OFF states by coming into contact with the cartridge 200 mounted on the mounting case 150, or the contact 154 can be conducted to the IC substrate 247, ie, Whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted on the mounting case 150 by being able to read information stored in the memory of the IC substrate 247 or by applying a potential for confirming conduction with the IC substrate 247 May be determined by the controller 130. In addition, the IC substrate 247 is conducted in contact with the contact point 152. Instead, data is read and written without contact using radio waves such as near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID). An information medium may be employed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the atmosphere valve chamber 214 is shown as an example of the second flow path. In the atmosphere valve chamber 214, one end (through hole 218) communicates with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211), and the other end (atmospheric communication port 221) communicates with the outside of the cartridge 200. It is a road. Also, an air communication chamber 175 is shown as an example of the fifth flow path. The atmosphere communication chamber 175 is a flow path in which one end (through hole 176) communicates with the liquid chamber 171, and the other end (air communication port 177) communicates with the outside of the printer 10. The second channel and the fifth channel of the present invention are not limited to channels having such a certain length. For example, as a hole penetrating the housing of the cartridge 200 or the tank 160, the second flow channel or the fifth flow channel may be realized.

  Further, in the embodiment described above, the printer 10 provided with the cartridge 100 removable in the mounting case 150 mounted on the housing 14 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-177780, the printer may be provided with a tank set in a housing of the printer. The tank of the printer includes a first liquid chamber having an inlet and a second liquid chamber connected to the first liquid chamber, and the second liquid chamber and the head are connected. The first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber communicate with the atmosphere, and the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber are connected to the outside through the semipermeable membrane. Further, a liquid level sensor is provided in the second liquid chamber.

  When the amount of ink remaining in the tank is low and the ink is to be injected into the tank, the user operates the operation panel provided in the printer, and thereafter the first liquid chamber from the supply port of the bottle storing the ink via the injection port Inject ink into the The controller measures an elapsed time from when the liquid level of the second liquid chamber reaches the predetermined position P and the output of the liquid level sensor changes after operating the operation panel. The controller calculates the flow rate of the ink by the current injection based on the measured elapsed time and stores it in the memory, and the flow rate of the ink by the current injection and the ink before the current injection. The waiting time until the liquid level of the second liquid chamber reaches a predetermined position is changed by comparing the flow rate of the ink due to the injection. As described above, as in the above embodiment, an appropriate standby time is set even if the flow rate changes with time.

  In addition, the controller calculates the flow rate of the ink by the current injection based on the measured elapsed time and stores the calculated flow rate in the memory, and the flow rate of the ink by the current injection and the ink flow before the current injection. If the flow rate of the ink is smaller than the flow rate of the ink, the notification screen may be displayed on the display.

  Furthermore, the controller calculates the flow rate of the ink due to the current injection based on the measured elapsed time and stores it in the memory, and the flow rate of the ink due to the current injection and the time before the current injection If the ink flow rate is smaller than the ink flow rate, the head may be driven with the amount of ink ejected per unit time from the head through the nozzle being equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

  The time when the user operates the operation panel before injecting the ink is “in the case of the ink from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber by the liquid being injected through the This is an example of “after the inflow starts”. Further, the present invention is not limited to the point in time when the operation panel is operated, and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation panel was operated, the point may be set as the point in time when the inflow of ink starts. Furthermore, a sensor capable of detecting the inflow of ink from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber may be provided, and the time of the start of the inflow of ink may be set based on the output of the sensor.

  In the embodiment described above, the ink is described as an example of the liquid, but the liquid may be, for example, a pretreatment liquid discharged onto a sheet or the like prior to the ink at the time of image recording, or the head 21 is cleaned. It may be water to do it. The liquid may be a liquid of a conductive material to be a material of the wiring pattern in a liquid discharging apparatus for printing the wiring pattern of the wiring substrate. Further, although the example in which the head 21 is mounted on the carriage has been described in the above embodiment, the head of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, nozzles in the entire width of the sheet conveyed in the left-right direction 9 It may be a so-called line head in which 29 are arranged.

10 ... Printer (liquid discharge device)
17 ··· Display (announcer)
21 ... head 32 ... tube (fourth flow path)
130: Controller 132: ROM (memory)
133: RAM (memory)
134 ・ ・ ・ EEPROM (memory)
150 ... mounting case 154 ... mounting sensor 155 ... liquid level sensor 160 ... tank 171 ... liquid chamber (second liquid chamber)
175 ・ ・ ・ atmosphere communication chamber (fifth channel)
178, 226 ... semipermeable membrane 181 ... needle (third flow path)
200: Cartridge 210: Liquid chamber (first liquid chamber)
213: Ink valve chamber (first flow path)
214 ··· Atmospheric valve chamber (second flow path)

Claims (19)

A first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first flow passage in which one end is in communication with the first liquid chamber and the other end is in communication with the outside, and one end is in communication with the first liquid chamber and the other end is in the outside A mounting case for mounting a cartridge having a second flow path in communication with the
A tank having a second fluid chamber,
A third flow path having one end communicated with the outside and the other end communicated with the second liquid chamber, wherein the first liquid chamber and the second liquid when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting case A flow path communicating the chambers together with the first flow path, and the third flow path;
A fourth flow path whose one end located below the third flow path communicates with the second liquid chamber;
A fifth flow path in which one end is in communication with the second liquid chamber and the other end is in communication with the outside;
With the above tank,
A head communicated with the other end of the fourth flow path;
Liquid level sensor,
Mounting sensor,
With memory
And a controller.
The above controller is
Detecting a change in a signal output from the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than a predetermined position;
After detecting a change in the signal of the liquid level sensor, a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid is received through the head, and the first count value is set to a first threshold value with a value corresponding to the amount of liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction. Update to get closer to
It is determined that the amount of liquid in the second liquid chamber is less than a predetermined amount in response to the first count value reaching the first threshold value,
Detecting a change in the signal output by the mounting sensor in response to the mounting of the cartridge in the mounting case;
After detecting a change in the signal of the mounting sensor, measurement of elapsed time is started,
In response to the elapsed time reaching the standby time, it is determined that the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than the predetermined position,
In response to the detection of the change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor, the flow rate at which the liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is calculated based on at least the elapsed time, and the memory is Remember
A liquid discharge device for changing the standby time by comparing the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case with the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case before the cartridge. The above controller is
The standby time is extended on condition that the flow rate ratio of the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case to the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case prior to the cartridge is smaller than a second threshold. ,
Under the condition that the flow rate ratio is smaller than the third threshold smaller than the second threshold, it is not determined that the liquid level in the second liquid chamber becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined position after the standby time elapses. It is determined that the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than the predetermined position, on the condition that a change in the signal output by the liquid level sensor is detected according to the position of the liquid level of the liquid being equal to or higher than the predetermined position. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1. It is further equipped with an alarm,
The above controller is
Activating the annunciator in response to the determination that the liquid in the second liquid chamber is less than a predetermined amount;
The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation of the alarm is canceled in response to the determination that the liquid level in the second liquid chamber becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined position. The above controller is
3. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the first count value is reset to an initial value in response to the determination that the liquid level in the second liquid chamber becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined position. The above controller is
When it is determined that the liquid in the second liquid chamber is less than the predetermined amount, the empty flag stored in the memory is set to a first value,
3. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the empty flag is set to a second value in response to the determination that the liquid level in the second liquid chamber becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined position. A first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first flow passage in which one end is in communication with the first liquid chamber and the other end is in communication with the outside, and one end is in communication with the first liquid chamber and the other end is in the outside A mounting case for mounting a cartridge having a second flow path in communication with the
A tank having a second fluid chamber,
A third flow path having one end communicated with the outside and the other end communicated with the second liquid chamber, wherein the first liquid chamber and the second liquid when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting case A flow path communicating the chambers together with the first flow path, and the third flow path;
A fourth flow path whose one end located below the third flow path communicates with the second liquid chamber;
A fifth flow path in which one end is in communication with the second liquid chamber and the other end is in communication with the outside;
With the above tank,
A head communicated with the other end of the fourth flow path;
Liquid level sensor,
Mounting sensor,
With memory
An alarm,
And a controller.
The above controller is
Detecting a change in a signal output from the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than a predetermined position;
After detecting a change in the signal of the liquid level sensor, a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid is received through the head, and the first count value is updated with a value corresponding to the amount of the liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction.
Detecting a change in the signal output by the mounting sensor in response to the mounting of the cartridge in the mounting case;
After detecting a change in the signal of the mounting sensor, measurement of elapsed time is started,
In response to the detection of a change in the signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being at least the predetermined position, the first time based on at least the elapsed time. The flow rate at which the liquid flowed from the liquid chamber into the second liquid chamber is calculated and stored in the memory in association with the cartridge, and the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is higher than that of the cartridge. A liquid discharge device for operating the alarm under the condition that the flow rate of the front cartridge mounted to the mounting case is smaller than that of the front cartridge. A first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a first flow passage in which one end is in communication with the first liquid chamber and the other end is in communication with the outside, and one end is in communication with the first liquid chamber and the other end is in the outside A mounting case for mounting a cartridge having a second flow path in communication with the
A tank having a second fluid chamber,
A third flow path having one end communicated with the outside and the other end communicated with the second liquid chamber, wherein the first liquid chamber and the second liquid when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting case A flow path communicating the chambers together with the first flow path, and the third flow path;
A fourth flow path whose one end located below the third flow path communicates with the second liquid chamber;
A fifth flow path in which one end is in communication with the second liquid chamber and the other end is in communication with the outside;
With the above tank,
A head communicated with the other end of the fourth flow path;
Liquid level sensor,
Mounting sensor,
With memory
And a controller.
The above controller is
Detecting a change in a signal output from the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than a predetermined position;
After detecting a change in the signal of the liquid level sensor, a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid is received through the head, and the first count value is updated with a value corresponding to the amount of the liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction.
Detecting a change in the signal output by the mounting sensor in response to the mounting of the cartridge in the mounting case;
After detecting a change in the signal of the mounting sensor, measurement of elapsed time is started,
In response to the detection of a change in the signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being at least the predetermined position, the first time based on at least the elapsed time. Calculating a flow rate at which the liquid flowed from the liquid chamber into the second liquid chamber, and storing the calculated flow rate in association with the cartridge in the memory;
Provided that the flow rate of the cartridge mounted in the mounting case is smaller than the flow rate of the front cartridge mounted in the mounting case prior to the cartridge, the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is the predetermined The liquid level sensor detects the change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor according to being less than the position, and the liquid level sensor detects that the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than the predetermined position. In response to the discharge instruction to the head received until the change of the signal to be output is detected, the liquid discharge for driving the head with the liquid amount per unit time discharged from the head being equal to or less than a predetermined amount apparatus. The above controller is
The head is discharged from the head on condition that the flow rate ratio of the flow rate of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case to the flow rate of the cartridge mounted on the mounting case prior to the cartridge is smaller than a second threshold value Driving the head with the amount of liquid per unit time being equal to or less than a predetermined amount,
The liquid discharge device according to claim 7, wherein the discharge instruction is not received on condition that the flow rate ratio is smaller than a third threshold value smaller than the second threshold value. It is further equipped with an alarm,
The liquid discharge device according to claim 8, wherein the controller operates the alarm in response to not receiving the discharge instruction. The above controller is
The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the flow rate of the initial cartridge initially mounted on the mounting case is stored in the memory as the flow rate of the front cartridge.   The liquid discharge device according to claim 10, wherein the controller selects the reference value stored in the memory as the flow rate of the front cartridge, on the condition that the flow rate of the initial cartridge is out of the threshold range. The above controller is
Receiving the discharge instruction to discharge the liquid through the head, and updating the second count value with a value corresponding to the amount of the liquid instructed to be discharged by the discharge instruction;
The second count value is reset in response to detection of a change in a signal output by the mounting sensor in response to the mounting of the cartridge in the mounting case.
The flow rate of the front cartridge based on the second count value when the change of the signal output by the liquid level sensor is detected according to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than the predetermined position. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which corrects. The above controller is
The cartridge flow rate is corrected based on the first count value when a change in the signal output by the mounting sensor is detected in response to the mounting of the cartridge in the mounting case. The liquid discharge device according to any one of the above. It is further equipped with contacts,
The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the controller calculates the flow rate of the cartridge under the condition that the identification information indicating that the cartridge is new is read out through the contact electrically connected to the cartridge memory of the cartridge. Liquid discharge device described in.   The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the fifth flow path is blocked by a semipermeable membrane that restricts the passage of the liquid and allows the passage of the atmosphere.   The liquid discharge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller calculates the flow rate of the liquid flowing from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber based on the first count value and the elapsed time. apparatus. A first fluid chamber in communication with the outside and having an inlet;
A second liquid chamber in communication with the first liquid chamber and in communication with the outside;
A head communicated with the second fluid chamber;
Liquid level sensor,
With memory
And a controller.
The above controller is
Detecting a change in a signal output from the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than a predetermined position;
After detecting a change in the signal of the liquid level sensor, a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid is received through the head, and the first count value is set to a first threshold value with a value corresponding to the amount of liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction. Update to get closer to
It is determined that the amount of liquid in the second liquid chamber is less than a predetermined amount in response to the first count value reaching the first threshold value,
Start measurement of an elapsed time from the start of the inflow of ink from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber due to the liquid being injected through the injection port;
In response to the elapsed time reaching the standby time, it is determined that the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is equal to or higher than the predetermined position,
In response to the detection of the change in the signal output from the liquid level sensor, the flow rate at which the liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber is calculated based on at least the elapsed time, and the memory is Remember
The flow rate at which the liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber due to the injection of the liquid this time, and the injection of the liquid before the current injection of the liquid from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber The liquid discharge device which changes the above standby time by comparing with the flow rate at which the liquid flowed into. A first fluid chamber in communication with the outside and having an inlet;
A second liquid chamber in communication with the first liquid chamber and in communication with the outside;
A head communicated with the second fluid chamber;
Liquid level sensor,
With memory
An alarm,
And a controller.
The above controller is
Detecting a change in a signal output from the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than a predetermined position;
After detecting a change in the signal of the liquid level sensor, a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid is received through the head, and the first count value is updated with a value corresponding to the amount of the liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction.
Start measurement of an elapsed time from the start of the inflow of ink from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber due to the liquid being injected through the injection port;
In response to the detection of a change in the signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being at least the predetermined position, the first time based on at least the elapsed time. The flow rate at which the liquid flowed from the liquid chamber into the second liquid chamber is calculated and stored in the memory in association with the liquid injection opportunity, and the liquid injection from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber The alarm as long as the flow rate at which the liquid flowed in is smaller than the flow rate at which the liquid flowed from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber at the time of liquid injection prior to the current liquid injection. Liquid discharge device to operate. A first fluid chamber in communication with the outside and having an inlet;
A second liquid chamber in communication with the first liquid chamber and in communication with the outside;
A head communicated with the second fluid chamber;
Liquid level sensor,
Mounting sensor,
With memory
And a controller.
The above controller is
Detecting a change in a signal output from the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being less than a predetermined position;
After detecting a change in the signal of the liquid level sensor, a discharge instruction to discharge the liquid is received through the head, and the first count value is updated with a value corresponding to the amount of the liquid instructed to discharge by the discharge instruction.
Start measurement of an elapsed time from the start of the inflow of ink from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber due to the liquid being injected through the injection port;
In response to the detection of a change in the signal output by the liquid level sensor in response to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being at least the predetermined position, the first time based on at least the elapsed time. Calculating a flow rate at which the liquid flowed from the liquid chamber into the second liquid chamber, and storing the calculated flow rate in association with the liquid injection opportunity;
The flow rate at which the liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber due to the liquid injection at this time is the injection from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber when the liquid is injected before the liquid injection this time. On the condition that the position of the liquid surface in the second liquid chamber is less than the predetermined position on the condition that the flow rate is smaller than the flow rate at which the liquid flowed in. The discharge instruction to the head received until the change of the signal output from the liquid level sensor is detected according to the position of the liquid level in the second liquid chamber being equal to or higher than the predetermined position; A liquid discharge device for driving the head such that the amount of liquid per unit time discharged from the head is equal to or less than a predetermined amount.

Images