JP2020019165A - Liquid supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid supply device, in which it is detected that liquid in a storage chamber increases accompanying inflow of liquid through an inflow port into the storage chamber.SOLUTION: A complex machine 10 comprises: an ink tank 100 having an ink chamber 111 in which ink flowing through an inflow port 112 is stored and an outflow port 117 through which ink in the ink chamber 111 flows out; and a single liquid sensor 125 that can detect that liquid level in the ink chamber 111 reaches a first liquid level position and a second liquid level position. Amounts of ink in the ink chamber 111 whose liquid level reaches the second liquid level position are more than amounts of ink in the ink chamber 111 whose liquid level reaches the first liquid level position. The ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 can be brought into a first state where the liquid sensor 125 can detect that the liquid level reaches the first liquid level position and a second state where the liquid sensor 125 can detect that the liquid level reaches the second liquid level position. The liquid sensor 125 detects that the liquid level reaches the second liquid level position accompanying inflow of the ink through the inflow port 112 into the ink chamber 111.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid supply device that includes a liquid storage body in which a liquid is stored in a storage chamber and that allows the liquid to flow into the storage chamber through an inlet.

  As an example of a liquid supply device including a liquid storage body in which a liquid is stored in a storage chamber, a device including a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid in the storage chamber is known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). reference).

  In the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the remaining amount of the liquid in the storage chamber is detected during printing. In the device disclosed in Patent Literature 2, the liquid level moving through the elongated remaining amount detection window as the liquid in the storage chamber is consumed can be detected by the sensor moved by the stepping motor.

JP 2007-152732 A JP-A-2000-108373

  In the devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the remaining amount of the liquid in the storage chamber of the liquid storage device mounted on the device becomes small, the liquid storage device is replaced with a new liquid storage device.

  On the other hand, some liquid supply devices allow liquid to flow into a storage chamber via an inlet. In such a liquid supply device, when the remaining amount of the liquid in the storage chamber decreases, the liquid is refilled into the storage chamber via the inflow port. At this time, if the liquid is replenished excessively, the liquid overflows from the storage chamber.

  In order to prevent this, most of the liquid reservoirs having an inflow port have a light-transmitting wall having a light-transmitting property. Thereby, the remaining amount of the liquid in the storage chamber can be visually checked from the outside. However, if the liquid adheres to a portion of the light transmitting wall above the current liquid level, it becomes difficult to visually check the liquid level from outside. For this reason, it is conceivable that the sensor detects that the amount of liquid in the storage chamber has increased due to the replenishment of the liquid into the storage chamber without visual observation.

  However, the sensors in the devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 detect that the remaining amount of the liquid in the storage chamber has decreased. Therefore, it is impossible to detect that the remaining amount of the liquid in the storage chamber is large.

  In addition, it is conceivable to provide a dedicated sensor for detecting that the remaining amount of the liquid in the storage chamber is large. However, adding an extra sensor increases the cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid capable of detecting that the amount of liquid in a storage chamber has increased due to the inflow of liquid from an inlet to the storage chamber. To provide a supply device.

  (1) A liquid supply device according to the present invention has a storage chamber in which a liquid flowing in through an inlet is stored, a liquid storage body having an outlet in which the liquid in the storage chamber flows out, and a liquid in the storage chamber. Is provided with a first liquid level position and a single sensor capable of detecting whether or not the liquid level has reached a second liquid level position different from the first liquid level position. The amount of liquid in the storage chamber when the liquid level is at the second liquid level position is greater than the amount of liquid in the storage chamber when the liquid level is at the first liquid level position. The liquid reservoir and the sensor are in a first state in which the sensor can detect that the liquid level has reached the first liquid level position, and the sensor has a liquid level in the second liquid level position. Can be changed to a second state in which it is possible to detect that has arrived. The sensor detects that the liquid level of the liquid reaches the second liquid level position as the liquid flows from the inflow port into the storage chamber.

  According to this configuration, when the state of the liquid storage body and the sensor changes to the first state and the second state, the single sensor can detect at least two or more liquid surface positions (the first liquid surface position and the second liquid surface position). Surface position) can be detected. In detail, a single sensor can detect that the amount of liquid in the storage chamber has increased by detecting the second liquid level position, and can detect the liquid level in the storage chamber by detecting the first liquid level position. Is reduced.

  (2) The sensor can detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the first liquid level position, and can detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the second liquid level position. Between the liquid storage body and the second sensor position.

  According to this configuration, when the sensor moves with respect to the liquid reservoir, or when the liquid reservoir moves with respect to the sensor, at least two or more liquid surface positions (first and second liquid level positions) are detected. The first liquid level position and the second liquid level position can be detected.

  (3) The second sensor position is a position above the first sensor position. The sensor is movable between the first sensor position and the second sensor position.

  Usually, the sensor is smaller than the liquid reservoir, so that it is easy to move.

  (4) The position of the sensor with respect to the liquid storage body is fixed. The liquid storage body has a first posture in the first state, and has a second posture different from the first posture in the second state. The sensor is capable of detecting that the liquid surface of the liquid has reached the first liquid level position when the liquid storage body is in the first posture, and the sensor is capable of detecting when the liquid storage body is in the second posture. It is possible to detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the second liquid level position.

  According to this configuration, by changing the attitude of the liquid storage body, the single sensor can perform at least two or more liquid surface positions (the first liquid surface position and the first liquid surface position) without changing the position of the sensor with respect to the liquid storage body. 2 liquid level position) can be detected.

  (5) The liquid supply device according to the present invention includes a cover movable to an open position where the inflow port is exposed to the outside and a closed position where the inflow port is closed to the outside. The liquid reservoir and the sensor are in the first state when the cover is in the closed position and in the second state when the cover is in the open position.

  According to this configuration, the situation where the liquid can flow into the storage chamber from the inflow port and the situation where the liquid cannot flow into the storage chamber from the inflow port can be distinguished by the position of the cover.

  Further, according to this configuration, in a situation where the liquid cannot flow into the storage chamber from the inflow port, for example, in a situation where the liquid in the storage chamber is consumed by flowing out of the outflow port, the liquid storage body and the sensor are in the first state. State. Thus, the sensor can detect that the liquid level has reached the first liquid level position due to consumption of the liquid.

  Further, according to this configuration, the liquid storage body and the sensor are in the second state in a state where the liquid can flow into the storage chamber from the inflow port. Thus, the sensor can detect that the liquid level has reached the second liquid level position due to the liquid flowing from the inflow port.

  (6) The liquid supply device according to the present invention, in conjunction with the movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position, changes the state of the liquid storage body and the sensor to the second state, An interlocking mechanism is provided for changing the state of the liquid reservoir and the sensor to the first state in conjunction with movement from the open position to the closed position.

  According to this configuration, the state of the liquid storage body and the sensor can be changed by the interlocking mechanism in conjunction with the movement of the cover. Therefore, there is no need for a motor for moving the liquid storage body or the sensor, or a sensor for detecting the position of the cover.

  (7) The liquid supply device according to the present invention is a liquid storage device having a storage chamber in which liquid flowing in through an inflow port is stored, and an outflow port in which the liquid in the storage chamber flows out, and a liquid in the storage chamber. A single sensor capable of detecting whether or not the liquid level has reached a first liquid level position and a second liquid level position different from the first liquid level position; and a single sensor of the liquid reservoir or the sensor. The motor includes a motor that applies a driving force for movement to at least one of them, and a controller. The amount of liquid in the storage chamber when the liquid level is at the second liquid level position is greater than the amount of liquid in the storage chamber when the liquid level is at the first liquid level position. The controller, in response to a signal received from the outside, by controlling the motor to move at least one of the liquid reservoir or the sensor to a different position, at least the liquid reservoir and the sensor, the A first state in which the sensor can detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the first liquid level position, and a second state in which the sensor can detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the second liquid level position. Change state to state.

  According to this configuration, the controller changes the state of the liquid storage body and the sensor to the first state and the second state, so that the single sensor can detect at least two or more liquid surface positions (the first liquid surface position and the first liquid surface position). 2 liquid level position) can be detected. In detail, a single sensor can detect that the amount of liquid in the storage chamber has increased by detecting the second liquid level position, and can detect the liquid level in the storage chamber by detecting the first liquid level position. Is reduced.

  (8) The controller determines the position of the sensor with respect to the liquid storage body based on the rotation amount of the motor.

  According to this configuration, the controller can grasp the position of the sensor.

  (9) The liquid supply device according to the present invention includes an encoder that outputs a signal according to the rotation amount of the motor. The controller determines a rotation amount of the motor based on a signal received from the encoder.

  According to this configuration, the rotation amount of the motor can be accurately determined.

  (10) The sensor can detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the first liquid level position, and can detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the second liquid level position. Between the liquid storage body and the second sensor position.

  According to this configuration, when the sensor moves with respect to the liquid reservoir, or when the liquid reservoir moves with respect to the sensor, at least two or more liquid surface positions (first and second liquid level positions) are detected. The first liquid level position and the second liquid level position can be detected.

  (11) The second sensor position is a position above the first sensor position. The sensor is movable between the first sensor position and the second sensor position. The motor provides a driving force for movement to the sensor.

  Usually, the sensor is smaller than the liquid reservoir, so that it is easy to move.

  (12) The position of the sensor with respect to the liquid storage body is fixed. The liquid storage body has a first posture in the first state, and has a second posture different from the first posture in the second state. The sensor is capable of detecting that the liquid surface of the liquid has reached the first liquid level position when the liquid storage body is in the first posture, and the sensor is capable of detecting when the liquid storage body is in the second posture. It is possible to detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the second liquid level position.

  According to this configuration, by changing the attitude of the liquid storage body, the single sensor can perform at least two or more liquid surface positions (the first liquid surface position and the first liquid surface position) without changing the position of the sensor with respect to the liquid storage body. 2 liquid level position) can be detected.

  (13) For example, the controller changes the state of the liquid storage body and the sensor to the first state on condition that a first signal is received from the outside, and sets a second state different from the first signal from the outside. On condition that the signal is received, the state of the liquid reservoir and the sensor is changed to the second state.

  (14) The controller moves the sensor relative to the liquid storage body to the first sensor position on condition that a first signal is received from the outside. On condition that a second signal different from the first signal is received from the outside, the sensor is moved between the second sensor position and a predetermined position closer to the first sensor position than the second sensor position. The liquid is reciprocated relatively to the liquid reservoir.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to detect at which position between the second sensor position and the predetermined position the liquid level of the liquid is located.

  (15) The predetermined position is the first sensor position.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to detect at which position between the second sensor position and the first sensor position the liquid level is located.

  (16) The sensor outputs a third signal in response to detecting liquid in the storage chamber, and outputs a fourth signal in response to not detecting liquid in the storage chamber. The predetermined position is a position of the sensor when a signal output from the sensor is switched from one of the third signal and the fourth signal to the other in the reciprocating motion.

  According to this configuration, in a state where the liquid stored in the storage chamber is increasing due to the inflow of the liquid into the storage chamber, the reciprocating movement of the sensor relative to the liquid storage body or the reciprocating movement of the liquid storage body relative to the sensor. The liquid level position can be detected while reducing the distance.

  (17) The liquid supply device according to the present invention includes a cover movable to an open position exposing the inflow port to the outside, a closed position closing the inflow port to the outside, and the cover being in the closed position. And a cover sensor that outputs the first signal when the cover is open, and outputs the second signal when the cover is at the open position.

  According to this configuration, in a situation where the liquid cannot flow from the inlet to the storage chamber, for example, in a situation where the liquid in the storage chamber is consumed by flowing out of the outlet, the controller sets the liquid storage body and the sensor to the first state. State. Thus, the sensor can detect that the liquid level has reached the first liquid level position due to consumption of the liquid.

  Further, according to this configuration, in a state where the liquid can flow into the storage chamber from the inflow port, the controller sets the liquid storage body and the sensor to the second state. Thus, the sensor can detect that the liquid level has reached the second liquid level position due to the liquid flowing from the inflow port.

  (18) For example, the liquid supply device according to the present invention includes an operation unit that outputs the first signal according to a first operation and outputs the second signal according to a second operation different from the first operation. Prepare.

  (19) The liquid supply device according to the present invention includes a cover movable to an open position that exposes the inflow port to the outside, a closed position that closes the inflow port to the outside, the liquid reservoir, and the liquid storage device. The cover is moved from the closed position to the open position in conjunction with the state change of the sensor to the second state, and the cover is moved in conjunction with the state change of the liquid reservoir and the sensor to the first state. And an interlocking mechanism for moving from the open position to the closed position.

  According to this configuration, the cover can be moved by the interlocking mechanism in accordance with a change in the state of the liquid storage body and the sensor.

  (20) The liquid supply device according to the present invention includes the notification unit. The sensor outputs a third signal in response to detecting liquid in the storage chamber, and outputs a fourth signal in response to not detecting liquid in the storage chamber. When the signal received from the cover sensor is changed from the second signal to the first signal, and then the signal output from the sensor is changed from one of the third signal or the fourth signal to the other. Before the signal received from the cover sensor is changed from the second signal to the first signal, the signal output from the sensor is shifted from one of the third signal or the fourth signal to the other. The notification unit is operated on condition that the position is below the position of the sensor at the time of switching.

  When the signal received from the cover sensor changes from the second signal to the first signal (the cover moves from the open position to the closed position), the controller determines that the inflow of the liquid from the inlet to the storage chamber is completed. be able to. Also, before the signal received from the cover sensor is changed from the second signal to the first signal (before the cover moves from the open position to the closed position), the inflow of the liquid from the inflow port to the storage chamber is completed. It can be determined that it has not been done. According to this configuration, the level of the liquid stored in the storage chamber when it is determined that the inflow of the liquid into the storage chamber is completed is changed to the level of the storage chamber before the inflow of the liquid into the storage chamber is completed. When the level of the stored liquid is lower than the liquid level, the controller determines that the liquid has not been flown into the storage chamber but has been withdrawn from the storage chamber, and activates the notification unit. Thereby, it is possible to notify the user or the like that the liquid has been extracted from the storage chamber.

  (21) The liquid supply device according to the present invention includes the notification unit. The sensor outputs a third signal in response to detecting a liquid in the storage chamber. The controller operates the notification unit on condition that the third signal is received from the sensor in the second state.

  According to this configuration, the user or the like can be notified that the liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage chamber has reached the second liquid level position.

  (22) The liquid supply device according to the present invention includes a memory. The sensor outputs a third signal in response to detecting liquid in the storage chamber, and outputs a fourth signal in response to not detecting liquid in the storage chamber. The controller calculates the amount of liquid stored in the storage chamber based on the position of the sensor when the signal output by the sensor is switched from one of the third signal or the fourth signal to the other, The liquid amount is stored in the memory.

  According to this configuration, since the liquid amount in the storage chamber is calculated based on the position of the sensor, an error between the calculated liquid amount and the liquid amount actually stored in the storage room can be reduced.

  (23) The sampling time of detection by the sensor in a state other than the first state is shorter than the sampling time of detection by the sensor in the first state.

  According to the above configuration, even when the amount of liquid in the storage chamber increases per unit time, it is possible to reliably detect that the amount of liquid in the storage chamber has increased and has reached a position such as the second liquid level position. Can be done.

  (24) A liquid supply device according to the present invention includes a plurality of the liquid storage bodies. One sensor is provided for each of the liquid reservoirs.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to detect the liquid level of the liquid in the storage chamber for each of the plurality of liquid storage bodies.

  (25) The liquid supply device according to the present invention includes a plurality of the liquid reservoirs arranged at different positions in the horizontal direction. The sensor can detect the liquid level of the liquid in the storage chamber of each of the plurality of liquid storage bodies by moving in the horizontal direction.

  According to this configuration, the liquid levels of the liquids in the storage chambers of the plurality of liquid storage bodies can be detected by a single sensor.

  (26) For example, the liquid storage body includes a light-transmitting wall that partitions at least a part of the storage chamber and has a light-transmitting property. The sensor includes a light emitting unit that emits light toward the light transmitting wall, and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit.

  (27) The light emitting section can emit a plurality of types of light having different wavelengths.

  According to this configuration, the color of the substance inside the liquid storage body can be detected by the light source of the light emitting unit emitting white light and attaching a color filter in front of the light receiving element of the light receiving unit. Further, the light emitting section can emit a plurality of types of light such as visible light and infrared light. In addition, a liquid other than the predetermined liquid can be detected, and a failure of the device can be prevented.

  (28) The light emitting section can emit visible light.

  According to this configuration, a liquid other than the predetermined liquid can be detected, and a failure of the device can be prevented.

  (29) A plurality of the liquid reservoirs are provided. One sensor is provided for each of the liquid reservoirs. Each of the sensors irradiates light of a different length to the corresponding liquid reservoir.

  According to this configuration, the light emitting unit of each sensor can emit light having a wavelength suitable for the color and type of the liquid stored in the corresponding liquid storage body.

  (30) The light-transmitting wall includes a blocking unit that blocks light emitted from the light emitting unit at a position between the first liquid level position and the second liquid level position.

  According to this configuration, the liquid level of the liquid in the storage chamber is on the first liquid level position side or the second liquid level position with respect to the shutoff unit based on the output signal of the sensor in the process of changing the state of the liquid reservoir and the sensor. It can be easily determined whether or not it is on the side.

  (31) The first liquid level position is located above the outlet.

  When the liquid level of the liquid in the storage chamber is lower than the upper end of the outlet, air flows out of the outlet. According to this configuration, since the first liquid surface position is located above the outlet, the sensor detects the first liquid surface position before the liquid surface in the storage chamber becomes lower than the upper end of the outlet. Is possible.

  (32) For example, the second liquid surface position is a liquid surface position in a state where the maximum amount of liquid allowed to be stored is stored in the storage chamber.

  (33) For example, the first liquid level position is a liquid level position in a state in which an amount of liquid that requires replenishment of the liquid in the storage chamber is stored in the storage chamber.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can detect that the liquid in a storage chamber increased with the inflow of the liquid from the inflow port to the storage chamber.

1A and 1B are external perspective views of the MFP 10, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which a cover 70 is at a closed position, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the cover 70 is at an open position. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer unit 11. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the carriage 23, the platen 42, the guide rails 43 and 44, and the ink tank 100. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ink tank 100. FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of the ink tank 100B, and FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the ink tank 100B. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printer unit 11. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the movement process of the liquid sensor 125. FIGS. 8A and 8B are right side views of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 according to the first modification. FIG. 8A illustrates a first state, and FIG. 8B illustrates a second state. FIGS. 9A and 9B are right side views of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 according to Modification Example 2. FIG. 9A shows the first state, and FIG. 9B shows the second state. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a VIII-VIII cross section of FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a IX-IX cross section of FIG. FIG. 12 is a right side view schematically illustrating the vicinity of the protrusion 167 of the ink tank 100 according to the fifth modification. FIG. 13 is a right side view schematically illustrating the periphery of the protruding portion 167 of the ink tank 100 according to the fifth modification. FIG. 14 is a right side view schematically showing the vicinity of the protruding portion 167 of the ink tank 100 including the blocking portion 190. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the level of the output signal with respect to the position of the liquid sensor 125 when the liquid sensor 125 is moved from the first sensor position P1 to the second sensor position P2. Is located at the position P6, and (B) shows the case where the liquid level is located at the position P8. FIG. 16 is a rear view of the ink tank 100. FIG. 16A shows a configuration in which a liquid sensor 125 is provided for each of the four ink tanks 100, and FIG. A configuration in which one liquid sensor 125 movable in the vertical direction 7 and the horizontal direction 9 is provided corresponding to the four ink tanks 100 is shown. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the ink tank 100 including the rotating member 150. FIG. 18 is a sectional view of an ink tank 100 according to a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention. Further, in the following description, the progress from the starting point of the arrow to the end point is expressed as the direction, and the traffic on the line connecting the starting point and the end point of the arrow is expressed as the direction. In other words, orientation is a component of direction. Further, the vertical direction 7 is defined based on a posture (use posture) in which the multifunction peripheral 10 and the ink tank 100 installed in the multifunction peripheral 10 are operably installed on a horizontal plane, and an opening 13 of the multifunction peripheral 10 is provided. The front-back direction 8 is defined with the surface on which the multifunction peripheral 10 is located, and the left-right direction 9 is defined when the MFP 10 is viewed from the front. The up-down direction 7, the front-back direction 8, and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal to each other. In the present embodiment, in the use posture, the up-down direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction.

[Embodiment 1]
Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[Overall Configuration of MFP 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction peripheral 10 (an example of a liquid supply device) has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The multifunction device 10 has a scanner unit 30 for reading an image recorded on a document at an upper portion, and a printer unit 11 for recording an image on a sheet 12 (see FIG. 2) by an ink jet recording method at a lower portion. . The printer unit 11 has a housing 14 in which an opening 13 is formed in a front wall 14A.

  The multifunction device 10 has an operation unit 16 above the printer unit 11. The operation unit 16 includes a display panel 28 (an example of a notification unit) capable of displaying an image, and input keys 17 for operation input. The display panel 28 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a touch panel. When the display panel 28 is a touch panel, the input keys 17 may be touchable buttons displayed on the display panel 28.

  As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 14, a feeding unit 15, a feeding tray 20, a discharge tray 21, a transport roller unit 54, a recording unit 24, a discharge roller unit 55, A platen 42, an ink tank 100, a liquid sensor 125 (see FIGS. 4 and 5B, an example of a sensor), and a controller 130 (see FIG. 6) are arranged. The multifunction peripheral 10 has various functions such as a facsimile function and a print function.

[Feeding tray 20, discharging tray 21]
As shown in FIG. 1, the feed tray 20 is inserted into and removed from the multifunction peripheral 10 along the front-rear direction 8 through the opening 13. The opening 13 is located on the front surface of the MFP 10 and at the center in the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the feed tray 20 can support a plurality of stacked sheets 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the discharge tray 21 is disposed above the feed tray 20. The discharge tray 21 supports the sheet 12 discharged from between the recording unit 24 and the platen 42 by the discharge roller unit 55.

[Feeding unit 15]
The feeding unit 15 feeds the paper 12 supported by the feeding tray 20 to the transport path 65. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the feeding unit 15 includes a feeding roller 25, a feeding arm 26, and a shaft 27.

  The feed roller 25 is rotatably supported at the tip of a feed arm 26. The feeding arm 26 is rotatably supported by a shaft 27 supported by a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11. The feeding arm 26 is urged to rotate toward the feeding tray 20 by its own weight or elastic force of a spring or the like. Thus, the feeding roller 25 can contact and separate from the feeding tray 20 or the sheet 12 supported by the feeding tray 20.

  The feed roller 25 is rotated by transmitting the driving force of the feed motor 172 (see FIG. 6). As a result, of the sheets 12 supported by the feed tray 20, the uppermost sheet 12 in contact with the feed roller 25 is fed to the transport path 65.

[Transport path 65]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport path 65 indicates a space formed by the outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 that face each other at a predetermined interval in the printer unit 11. The transport path 65 is a path extending rearward from the rear end of the feed tray 20. The transport path 65 is a path that extends upward at the rear of the printer unit 11, makes a U-turn forward, and reaches the discharge tray 21 via the space between the recording unit 24 and the platen 42. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transport path 65 between the transport roller unit 54 and the discharge roller unit 55 is provided substantially at the center of the MFP 10 in the left-right direction 9 and extends in the front-rear direction 8. Extending. The transport direction 29 of the paper 12 in the transport path 65 is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line arrow in FIG.

[Transport roller unit 54]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport roller unit 54 is disposed on the transport path 65. The transport roller unit 54 has a transport roller 60 and a pinch roller 61 facing each other. The transport roller 60 is driven by a transport motor 171 (see FIG. 6). The pinch roller 61 rotates with the rotation of the transport roller 60. The paper 12 is conveyed in the conveyance direction 29 while being sandwiched between the conveyance roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 which are driven and rotated by the conveyance motor 171.

[Discharge roller unit 55]
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the discharge roller unit 55 is disposed downstream of the transport roller unit 54 in the transport direction 29 in the transport path 65. The discharge roller section 55 has a discharge roller 62 and a spur 63 facing each other. The discharge roller 62 is driven by a transport motor 171 (see FIG. 6). The spur 63 rotates with the rotation of the discharge roller 62. The paper 12 is nipped by the discharge roller 62 and the spur 63 that are driven and rotated by the transport motor 171, and is transported in the transport direction 29.

[Recording unit 24]
As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 24 is disposed between the transport roller unit 54 and the discharge roller unit 55 on the transport path 65. The recording unit 24 is disposed to face the platen 42 in the up-down direction 7 with the transport path 65 interposed therebetween. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 23 and a recording head 39.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the carriage 23 is supported by guide rails 43 and 44 each extending in the left-right direction 9 at positions separated in the front-rear direction 8. The guide rails 43 and 44 are supported by a frame of the printer unit 11. The carriage 23 is connected to a known belt mechanism provided on a guide rail 44. The belt mechanism is driven by a carriage driving motor 173 (see FIG. 6). The carriage 23 connected to the belt mechanism reciprocates in the left-right direction 9 by applying a driving force from the carriage driving motor 173. The moving range of the carriage 23 extends rightward and leftward from the transport path 65, as shown by the dashed line in FIG.

  An ink tube 32 and a flexible flat cable 33 extend from the carriage 23.

  The ink tube 32 connects the ink tank 100 and the recording head 39. The ink tube 32 stores the ink (an example of a liquid) stored in the four ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M (collectively referred to as “ink tank 100”) in the recording head 39. To supply. The ink tank 100 is an example of a liquid storage body. More specifically, four ink tubes 32B, 32Y, 32C, and 32M through which ink of each color (black, magenta, cyan, and yellow) circulate (these may be collectively referred to as "ink tubes 32"). ) Extend from the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M, respectively, and are connected to the carriage 23 in a state where they are bundled.

  The flexible flat cable 33 electrically connects the recording head 39 with a control board on which the controller 130 (see FIG. 6) is mounted. The flexible flat cable 33 transmits a control signal output from the controller 130 to the recording head 39.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 23 has a recording head 39 mounted thereon. A plurality of nozzles 40 are arranged on the lower surface of the recording head 39. The tips of the plurality of nozzles 40 are exposed from the lower surface of the recording head 39. The recording head 39 discharges ink from the nozzles 40 as minute ink droplets. While the carriage 23 moves, the recording head 39 ejects ink droplets toward the paper 12 supported by the platen 42. Thereby, an image is recorded on the paper 12. This also consumes the ink stored in the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M.

[Platen 42]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the platen 42 is disposed between the transport roller unit 54 and the discharge roller unit 55 on the transport path 65. The platen 42 is opposed to the recording unit 24 in the up-down direction 7 with the transport path 65 interposed therebetween. The platen 42 supports the sheet 12 transported by the transport roller unit 54 from below.

[Cover 70]
As shown in FIG. 1B, an opening 22 is formed in a right portion of the front wall 14 </ b> A of the housing 14. As shown in FIG. 1A, a cover 70 is attached to the housing 14 so as to cover the opening 22. The cover 70 is rotatable between a closed position for closing the opening 22 (a position shown in FIG. 1A) and an open position for opening the opening 22 (a position shown in FIG. 1B). is there. In the present embodiment, the cover 70 is opened and closed by being gripped and rotated by a user or the like. That is, the cover 70 is manually opened and closed.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, when the cover 70 is in the closed position, the inlet 112 (see FIG. 4) of the ink tank 100 is closed from the outside. As shown in FIG. 1B, when the cover 70 is in the open position, the inflow port 112 of the ink tank 100 is exposed from the outside. In FIG. 1B, a cap 118 for closing the inflow port 112 is attached to the inflow port 112. As shown in FIG. 1A, an opening 97 is formed in the cover 70. A space is expanded in a portion located inside the housing 14 behind the opening 22. The ink tank 100 is disposed in this space.

[Cover sensor 126]
As shown in FIG. 6, the MFP 10 includes a cover sensor 126. The cover sensor 126 is arranged, for example, at the periphery of the opening 22 of the housing 14. The cover sensor 126 detects the position of the cover 70. In the present embodiment, the cover sensor 126 is a mechanical switch. The cover sensor 126 is turned on when it comes into contact with the cover 70 at the closed position, and outputs a high-level signal (an example of a first signal) to the controller 130. That is, at this time, the cover sensor 126 detects that the cover 70 is at the closed position. On the other hand, the cover sensor 126 is turned off when the cover 70 pivots away from the closed position and outputs a low-level signal (an example of a second signal) to the controller 130. That is, at this time, the cover sensor 126 detects that the cover 70 is at the open position.

  The cover sensor 126 may output a low-level signal in the ON state and output a high-level signal in the OFF state. Further, as the cover sensor 126, various known sensors (a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, and the like) other than the mechanical switch can be adopted.

[Ink tank 100]
The ink tank 100 shown in FIG. 4 is provided in the printer unit 11. The ink tank 100 supplies ink to the recording unit 24 included in the printer unit 11. The ink tank 100 includes four ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M.

  Each ink tank 100 stores ink of a different color. Specifically, black ink is stored in the ink tank 100B, yellow ink is stored in the ink tank 100Y, cyan ink is stored in the ink tank 100C, and magenta ink is stored in the ink tank 100M. However, the number of ink tanks 100 and the color of ink are not limited to the above examples.

  In the configuration of each of the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M, the length of the ink tank 100B in the left-right direction 9 is longer than the length of each of the other three ink tanks 100Y, 100C, and 100M. Except for, the configuration is almost the same. Therefore, hereinafter, the configuration of the ink tank 100B will be described, and the description of the configurations of the other ink tanks 100Y, 100C, and 100M will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the ink tank 100B includes a frame 141 and films 142, 143, and 139.

  The frame 141 includes a front wall 101, a rear wall 110, an upper wall 104, a lower wall 105, and an inner wall 107.

  The film 142 is attached to an opening formed on the right side of the frame 141. The film 143 is attached to an opening formed on the left side of the frame 141. The film 139 is attached to an opening formed in a projecting portion 167 described later. Thus, an ink chamber 111 (an example of a storage chamber) partitioned by the frame 141 and the films 142, 143, and 139 is formed. The ink is stored in the ink chamber 111.

  The presence / absence of the films 142, 143, and 139 and the attachment position are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. For example, in FIG. 5, the film 142 is attached to the rear part of the right end of the ink tank 100B, and the front part of the right end of the ink tank 100B is constituted by a right wall which is a part of the frame 141. However, contrary to FIG. 5, the film 142 is attached to the front of the right end of the ink tank 100B, and the rear of the right end of the ink tank 100B is constituted by a right wall which is a part of the frame 141. Is also good. Further, for example, the ink tank 100B may not include the film 143. In this case, the frame 141 has a left wall defining the left end of the ink chamber 111 instead of the film 143.

  The frame 141 is integrally formed of a resin having a translucency such that the ink in the ink chamber 111 can be visually recognized from the outside of the ink tank 100. Note that only a part of the frame 141 (for example, the front wall 101 exposed to the outside of the multifunction peripheral 10 and the protrusion 167 through which light from the liquid sensor 125 described later passes) is formed of a resin having a light transmitting property. May be.

  The frame 141 is formed of, for example, polypropylene. The frame 141 is integrally formed by, for example, injection molding of a resin material. The rigidity of the frame 141 is higher than the rigidity of the films 142 and 143. The frame 141 may be made of a material other than resin. The frame 141 may have a configuration in which a plurality of members are combined.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front wall 101 of the frame 141 is exposed to the outside of the MFP 10 through the opening 97 of the cover 70 and the opening 22 of the housing 14. The front wall 101 of the frame 141 is visible from the front of the multifunction peripheral 10, and the user can check the remaining amount of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the front wall 101 includes a standing wall 102 and an inclined wall 106. The standing wall 102 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the horizontal direction 9. The inclined wall 106 connects the upper end of the standing wall 102 and the front end of the upper wall 104. The inclined wall 106 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction 7 and the front-back direction 8.

  The ink tank 100B has an inlet 112 for injecting ink into the ink chamber 111. The inflow port 112 is formed in the inclined wall 106. The inflow port 112 penetrates the inclined wall 106 in the thickness direction, and connects the ink chamber 111 to the outside of the ink tank 100B. In a state where the inflow port 112 is exposed from the outside by opening the cover 70, a bottle (not shown) storing the ink is inserted into the ink chamber 111 through the inflow port 112. Thus, the ink stored in the bottle is injected into the ink chamber 111. On the other hand, when the cover 70 is in the closed position, the inflow port 112 is closed from the outside, so that the injection of ink from the inflow port 112 is restricted.

  A cap 118 (see FIG. 1B) is attached to the upper wall 104. The cap 118 is detachable from the inlet 112. By attaching the cap 118 to the inflow port 112, the inflow port 112 is closed, and the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is prevented from leaking out of the inflow port 112. By removing the cap 118 from the inflow port 112, ink can be injected from the inflow port 112 into the ink chamber 111.

  The ink tank 100B includes a first line 146 and a second line 147. The first line 146 and the second line 147 are formed on the standing wall 102.

  The first line 146 extends in the left-right direction 9. The position of the first line 146 in the up-down direction 7 is at the same level as the liquid level of the ink when the maximum amount of ink allowed to be stored is stored in the ink chamber 111. Here, when the maximum amount of storage is allowed, when the maximum amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber 111, the ink level is higher than that of the inflow port 112 and the atmosphere communication holes 113 and the semi-permeable membrane 114 described later. It is the downward amount. In the present embodiment, the first line 146 is located slightly below the inlet 112.

  The second line 147 extends in the left-right direction 9. The second line 147 is located lower than the first line 146. The position of the second line 147 in the up-down direction 7 is at the same height as the liquid level of the ink when the amount of ink smaller than the maximum amount is stored in the ink chamber 111. In the present embodiment, the position of the second line 147 in the up-down direction 7 is at the same level as the liquid level of the ink when the minimum amount of ink that needs to be refilled is stored in the ink chamber 111. . In the present embodiment, the second line 147 is located at a position slightly higher than an outlet 117 described later.

  The ink tank 100B includes an air communication hole 113. The atmosphere communication hole 113 is formed in the upper wall 104. The atmosphere communication hole 113 is a hole that communicates the atmosphere outside the ink tank 100B with the atmosphere communication passage 145 inside the ink tank 100B. The atmosphere communication passage 145 is a space defined by the upper wall 104, the inner wall 107, and the like. One end of the atmosphere communication passage 145 communicates with the atmosphere communication hole 113. The other end of the atmosphere communication passage 145 communicates with the ink chamber 111. That is, the ink chamber 111 is communicated with the atmosphere via the atmosphere communication passage 145 and the atmosphere communication hole 113. The semipermeable membrane 114 is attached to the atmosphere communication passage 145. The semi-permeable membrane 114 is a porous membrane having minute holes that block the passage of ink and allow the passage of gas.

  The ink tank 100B has an outlet 117 through which the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 flows out. The outlet 117 is an opening formed in the inner wall 107 at the right rear end of the ink chamber 111. The outlet 117 is below the second line 147.

  The ink chamber 111 communicates with the supply port 115 from the outlet 117 via the ink outlet path 116. The ink outflow passage 116 is a space defined by the rear wall 110, the inner wall 107, and the like. The supply port 115 is an opening formed at the tip of a hollow projection 157 that projects rearward from the rear wall 110. The ink tube 32 is connected to the tip of the protrusion 157 (see FIG. 3). The ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is supplied to the recording head 39 via the outlet 117, the ink outflow passage 116, the internal space of the protrusion 157, the supply port 115, and the ink tube 32.

  The frame 141 of the ink tank 100B includes a protrusion 167 that protrudes rearward from the rear wall 110. The protrusion 167 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protrusion 167 extends in the vertical direction 7 from the lower end to the upper end of the rear wall 110. In the protruding portion 167, at least the right wall 167A and the left wall 167B opposed to each other in the left-right direction 9 have translucency. The right wall 167A and the left wall 167B are examples of a light transmitting wall. The right wall 167A and the left wall 167B divide the internal space of the protrusion 167. An opening is formed at the rear end (tip) of the protrusion 167. A film 139 is attached to the opening. Thus, the internal space of the protruding portion 167 is closed by the film 139. The internal space of the protrusion 167 forms a part of the ink chamber 111. That is, ink can flow between the internal space of the protrusion 167 and the other part of the ink chamber 111. In the present embodiment, the ink tanks 100Y, 100C, and 100M do not have the protrusion 167, but the ink tanks 100Y, 100C, and 100M may have the protrusion 167.

[Liquid sensor 125]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5B, the printer unit 11 includes a liquid sensor 125. The printer unit 11 includes a single liquid sensor 125 corresponding to a single ink tank 100.

  In the present embodiment, the printer unit 11 includes a single liquid sensor 125 corresponding to the ink tank 100B, but does not include the liquid sensor 125 corresponding to the ink tanks 100Y, 100C, and 100M.

  Note that whether or not the liquid sensor 125 is provided for each of the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment. For example, the printer unit 11 may include the liquid sensor 125 corresponding to only the ink tank 100 (for example, the ink tank 100Y) other than the ink tank 100B. For example, the printer unit 11 may include a single liquid sensor 125 corresponding to each of all the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M (see FIG. 16A). A liquid sensor 125 may be provided corresponding to each of the ink tanks 100 (for example, the ink tanks 100Y and 100C).

  In the case of the configuration of FIG. 16A, the liquid level of the ink in the ink chamber 111 can be detected for each of the plurality of ink tanks 100.

  The liquid sensor 125 includes a light emitting unit 125A and a light receiving unit 125B. The light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B are arranged with the protrusion 167 therebetween in the left-right direction 9. In the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 125A is located to the right of the protrusion 167, and the light receiving unit 125B is located to the left of the protrusion 167. That is, the light emitting unit 125A faces the right wall 167A, and the light receiving unit 125B faces the left wall 167B. Note that, contrary to the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 125A may be located to the left of the protrusion 167, and the light receiving unit 125B may be located to the right of the protrusion 167.

  The light emitting unit 125A emits light toward the light receiving unit 125B. The light receiving unit 125B receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A.

  The light emitting section 125A can emit a plurality of types of light having different wavelengths. A known configuration is employed for the configuration in which the light emitting unit 125A can emit a plurality of types of light. For example, by changing the voltage applied to the light emitting unit 125A from the controller 130, the light emitting unit 125A can emit a plurality of types of light. Note that the plurality of types of light may include visible light. Further, the light emitting unit 125A may emit only one type of light having a specific length of wavelength. In this case, the one type of light may be visible light.

  When the light emitting unit 125A can emit a plurality of types of light having different wavelengths, the light source of the light emitting unit 125A emits white light, and a color filter is provided in front of the light receiving element of the light receiving unit 125B. The color of the substance inside 100 can be detected. In addition, the light emitting unit 125A can emit a plurality of types of light such as visible light and infrared light. Further, a liquid other than the predetermined liquid (ink) can be detected, and a failure of the apparatus can be prevented.

  When the printer unit 11 includes the liquid sensors 125 corresponding to each of two or more of the four ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M, the light emitting unit 125A of each liquid sensor 125 is provided. May have different wavelengths of light. For example, when the printer unit 11 includes a liquid sensor 125 corresponding to each of the ink tanks 100B and 100Y, the wavelength of light emitted by the light emitting unit 125A of the liquid sensor 125 provided corresponding to the ink tank 100B is The wavelength of light emitted by the light emitting unit 125A of the liquid sensor 125 provided corresponding to the ink tank 100Y may be different. In this case, it is preferable that the light emitting portion 125A of the liquid sensor 125 provided corresponding to the ink tank 100B emits light of a wavelength suitable for black ink, and the liquid sensor 125 provided corresponding to the ink tank 100Y. It is preferable that the 125 light emitting portions 125A emit light having a wavelength suitable for yellow ink.

  The liquid sensor 125 outputs a signal of a level corresponding to the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 125B to the controller 130 (see FIG. 6). In the present embodiment, the liquid sensor 125 sends a higher-level signal to the controller 130 as the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 125B increases, and a lower-level signal as the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 125B decreases. To the controller 130.

  The light emitted by the light emitting unit 125A passes through the right wall 167A of the protrusion 167 and enters the internal space of the protrusion 167. The light transmission state of the protrusion 167 changes depending on whether or not ink is stored in the internal space of the protrusion 167.

  For example, when ink is stored at the same height (position 7 in the vertical direction) as the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B in the internal space of the projecting unit 167, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A emits light. Either the ink stored in the internal space 167 does not reach the light receiving portion 125B because of the ink, or the light intensity is greatly attenuated by the ink and reaches the light receiving portion 125B. At this time, a low-level signal (an example of a third signal) is sent from the liquid sensor 125 to the controller 130. That is, the liquid sensor 125 outputs a low-level signal in response to detecting ink stored at a position at the same height as the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B in the internal space of the protrusion 167.

  On the other hand, when ink is not stored at a position at the same height as the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B in the internal space of the protrusion 167, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A is stored in the internal space of the protrusion 167. The light reaches the light receiving portion 125B without being blocked by the ink, or the light intensity is attenuated to reach the light receiving portion 125B. At this time, a high-level signal (an example of a fourth signal) is sent from the liquid sensor 125 to the controller 130. That is, the liquid sensor 125 outputs a high-level signal in response to not detecting ink stored at a position at the same height as the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B in the internal space of the protrusion 167.

  As described above, the liquid sensor 125 determines whether ink is present at a position at the same height as the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B in the internal space of the protrusion 167 based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 125B. Is detected.

  The liquid sensor 125 is supported by a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11 so as to be vertically movable. In addition, as the configuration in which the liquid sensor 125 is supported to be vertically movable, a known configuration such as a configuration using a belt is employed. Thereby, the liquid sensor 125 is movable to a first sensor position shown by a solid line in FIGS. 4 and 5 (B) and a second sensor position shown by a broken line in FIGS. 4 and 5 (B). . The state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 when the liquid sensor 125 is at the first sensor position is the first state. The state of the ink tank 100 and the state of the liquid sensor 125 when the liquid sensor 125 is at the second sensor position is the second state. That is, the state of the ink tank 100 and the state of the liquid sensor 125 can be changed to the first state and the second state.

  When the liquid sensor 125 is in the first sensor position (first state), the positions of the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B in the vertical direction 7 are substantially the same as the positions of the second lines 147 in the vertical direction 7 (in the present embodiment, , Slightly below the position of the second line 147 in the vertical direction 7). Accordingly, the liquid sensor 125 at the first sensor position can detect the presence or absence of ink at the first liquid level position, which is the liquid level at the same position as the second line 147 in the vertical direction 7. That is, the liquid sensor 125 can detect that the liquid level of the ink has reached the first liquid level position. The first liquid level position is above the outlet 117.

  The second sensor position is a position above the first sensor position. In a state where the liquid sensor 125 is in the second sensor position (second state), the positions of the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B in the vertical direction 7 are substantially the same as the positions of the first lines 146 in the vertical direction 7 (in the present embodiment, , Slightly below the position of the first line 146 in the vertical direction 7). Accordingly, the liquid sensor 125 at the second sensor position detects the presence / absence of ink at the second liquid surface position, which is the liquid surface at the same position as the first line 146 in the vertical direction 7 (that is, above the first liquid surface position). It is possible. That is, the liquid sensor 125 can detect that the liquid level of the ink has reached the second liquid level position. The amount of ink in the ink chamber 111 when the liquid level is at the second liquid level position is larger than the amount of ink in the ink chamber 111 when the liquid level is at the first liquid level position.

  Note that the second liquid level position may be different in height from the second line 147, and the first liquid level position may be different in height from the first line 146. Further, the positions of the first sensor position and the second sensor position are not limited to the positions described above.

  The liquid sensor 125 is connected to a known belt mechanism. The belt mechanism is driven by a sensor driving motor 174 (an example of a motor, see FIG. 6). The liquid sensor 125 connected to the belt mechanism moves in the up-down direction 7 by receiving a driving force from the sensor driving motor 174.

  The connection of the liquid sensor 125 is not limited to the belt mechanism, and may be connected to, for example, a gear. When the gear is driven by the sensor driving motor 174, the liquid sensor 125 may move.

[Rotary encoder 120]
As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor driving motor 174 is provided with a rotary encoder 120 (an example of an encoder) that detects the rotation amount of the sensor driving motor 174. The rotary encoder 129 includes an encoder disk (not shown) provided on a shaft of the sensor driving motor 174 and rotating with the shaft, and an optical sensor (not shown). The encoder disk is formed with a pattern in which light-transmitting portions and light-non-transmitting portions are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction at an equal pitch. When the encoder disk rotates, a pulse signal is generated each time the optical sensor detects a transmitting portion and a non-transmitting portion. The generated pulse signal is output to the controller 130 (see FIG. 6). That is, the rotary encoder 120 outputs a pulse signal having a larger number of pulses as the rotation amount of the sensor driving motor 174 increases. That is, the rotary encoder 120 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation amount of the sensor driving motor 174.

[Controller 130 and memory 140]
With reference to FIG. 6, the configuration of the controller 130 and the memory 140 will be described. The controller 130 controls the overall operation of the MFP 10. The controller 130 includes a CPU 71 and an ASIC 76. The memory 140 includes a ROM 72, a RAM 73, and an EEPROM 74. The CPU 71, the ASIC 76, the ROM 72, the RAM 73, and the EEPROM 74 are connected by an internal bus 75.

  The ROM 72 stores programs for the CPU 71 to control various operations. The RAM 73 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, and the like used when the CPU 71 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 74 is a non-volatile memory, and stores settings, flags, and the like that should be retained even after the power is turned off.

  The ASIC 76 is connected to a transport motor 171, a feed motor 172, a carriage drive motor 173, and a sensor drive motor 174. The ASIC 76 incorporates a drive circuit (not shown) for controlling each motor. When a drive signal for rotating each motor is input from the CPU 71 to a drive circuit corresponding to a predetermined motor, a drive current corresponding to the drive signal is output from the drive circuit to the corresponding motor. This causes the corresponding motor to rotate. That is, the controller 130 controls the motors 171, 172, 173, and 174.

  The ASIC 76 transmits a predetermined PWM signal to the liquid sensor 125. Light of a light amount based on the PWM signal received by the liquid sensor 125 is emitted from the light emitting unit 125A. The light receiving unit 125B receives the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A, and transmits a signal corresponding to the amount of the received light to the ASIC 76. The controller 130 determines whether or not ink is stored at a position at the same height as the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B in the internal space of the protrusion 167 according to the level of the signal received from the liquid sensor 125.

  Specifically, when the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 is a low-level signal (specifically, a signal of a level smaller than a threshold value stored in the ROM 72 or the like), the controller 130 It is determined that ink is stored at a position at the same height as the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B. On the other hand, when the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 is a high-level signal (specifically, a signal having a level larger than the threshold value), the controller 130 determines whether the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B in the internal space of the protrusion 167 It is determined that ink is not stored at the same height.

  The rotary encoder 120 is connected to the ASIC 76. The controller 130 determines the amount of rotation of the sensor driving motor 174 based on the pulse signal received from the rotary encoder 120. The controller 130 determines the position of the liquid sensor 125 after the movement based on the position of the liquid sensor 125 before the movement and the calculated rotation amount of the sensor driving motor 174. Accordingly, the controller 130 can grasp the position of the liquid sensor 125 regardless of the position where the liquid sensor 125 can move. The position of the liquid sensor 125 before the movement is stored in the RAM 73 or the like, and the controller 130 replaces the determined position of the liquid sensor 125 after the movement with the position of the liquid sensor 125 before the movement in the RAM 73 or the like. Remember.

  In the present embodiment, the moving range of the liquid sensor 125 has the lower limit of the first sensor position and the upper limit of the second sensor position by a stopper or the like (not shown). The coordinates of the first sensor position and the second sensor position are stored in the ROM 72 or the EEPROM 74 as a reference position.

  When the sensor driving motor 174 is a stepping motor, the controller 130 can determine the rotation amount of the sensor driving motor 174 even if the rotary encoder 120 is not provided. That is, the presence or absence of the rotary encoder 120 is arbitrary.

  The high level signal or the low level signal output from the cover sensor 126 is input to the ASIC 76. When the signal input from the cover sensor 126 is at a high level, the controller 130 determines that the cover 70 is at the closed position. When the signal input from the cover sensor 126 is at a low level, the controller 130 determines that the cover 70 is at the open position.

  The display panel 28 is connected to the ASIC 76. The controller 130 causes the display panel 28 to display various information.

  For example, the controller 130 outputs information on the determined remaining ink level from the ASIC 76 to the operation unit 16. The operation unit 16 displays a message based on the information, for example, a message indicating that the remaining amount of ink is low on the display panel 28.

  The recording head 39 is connected to the ASIC 76. The recording head 39 operates by being supplied with power by the controller 130 via a drive circuit (not shown). The controller 130 controls the power supply to the recording head 39, and selectively ejects ink droplets from the plurality of nozzles 40.

  Various signals are input to the ASIC 76 from the input keys 17. The controller 130 performs a process based on the type of the signal input from the input key 17. For example, when the signal input from the input key 17 is an instruction to print on the paper 12, the controller 130 first causes the feed roller 25 to feed the paper 12 by driving the feed motor 172. Thereafter, conveyance of the paper 12 by driving the conveyance motor 171 and ejection of ink droplets on the paper 12 by controlling the recording head 39 are executed.

[Moving Process of Liquid Sensor 125]
Hereinafter, the moving process of the liquid sensor 125 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the initial state, the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 are in the first state. That is, the liquid sensor 125 is at the first sensor position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIGS. 4 and 5B). The cover 70 is in the closed position (the position shown in FIG. 1A).

  The controller 130 determines whether or not the cover 70 has been opened (whether or not the cover 70 has moved from the closed position to the open position) based on the level of the signal received from the cover sensor 126 (S10).

  In step S10, when the signal received from the cover sensor 126 is at a high level, the controller 130 determines that the cover 70 is not opened (is a closed position) (S10: No).

  At this time, the controller 130 determines whether or not it is necessary to replenish the ink in the ink chamber 111 of the ink tank 100 by consuming the ink by the recording head 39. Specifically, the controller 130 refers to the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 (S110).

  When the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 is at a high level, the controller 130 determines that the light sensor 125A and the light receiver 125B of the liquid sensor 125 at the first sensor position have the same height (the same height as the second line 147). It is determined that there is no ink at the position (S110: Yes). That is, the controller 130 determines that the liquid level has reached a position equal to or lower than the height of the second line 147 due to the lowering of the liquid level due to the consumption of the ink by the recording head 39. At this time, the controller 130 notifies that the ink chamber 111 needs to be refilled with ink (S120). As a notification method, for example, a message to that effect is displayed on the display panel 28. However, the unit that performs the notification, that is, the notification unit is not limited to the display panel 28, and may be, for example, a speaker, an LED lamp, or a combination thereof. After step S120, the controller 130 executes the processing of step S10 again.

  When the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 is at a low level, the controller 130 determines that there is ink at a position at the same height as the second line 147. That is, the controller 130 determines that the liquid level has not reached the position of the height of the second line 147 due to the lowering of the liquid level due to the consumption of the ink by the recording head 39. At this time, the controller 130 determines that it is not necessary to refill the ink chamber 111 with ink (S110: No). Therefore, the controller 130 executes the process of step S10 again without executing the notification.

  The reference to the signal output from the liquid sensor 125 at the first sensor position in step S110 is executed at every predetermined sampling time (first sampling time). For example, the first sampling time may be set to a time from completion of printing on the paper 12 based on a certain print instruction to completion of printing on the paper 12 based on a print instruction following the certain print instruction. Further, for example, the first sampling time may be set to a time from completion of printing on a certain sheet 12 based on a certain print instruction to completion of printing on the next sheet 12 of the certain sheet 12. In the present embodiment, the reference is not performed when printing is not performed.

  In step S10, when the signal received from the cover sensor 126 is at a low level, the controller 130 determines that the cover 70 has been opened (moved from the closed position to the open position) (S10: Yes).

  At this time, the controller 130 drives the sensor driving motor 174 to move the liquid sensor 125 from the first sensor position to the second sensor position. That is, the controller 130 changes the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 from the first state to the second state (S20).

  The controller 130 refers to the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 at every predetermined sampling time (second sampling time) during the movement of the liquid sensor 125 from the first sensor position to the second sensor position. Note that the second sampling time is set to a time shorter than the first sampling time.

  During the movement of the liquid sensor 125 from the first sensor position to the second sensor position, the controller 130 controls the vertical direction 7 of the liquid sensor 125 when the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 changes from a low level to a high level. The positions (specifically, the positions of the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7) are stored in the RAM 73 or the like. The controller 130 determines that the position of the liquid sensor 125 in the up-down direction 7 is the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 in the up-down direction 7. The position of the liquid sensor 125 is determined based on the rotation amount of the sensor driving motor 174 from the first sensor position. Here, the rotation amount of the sensor driving motor 174 is determined based on the pulse signal received from the rotary encoder 120.

  Next, the controller 130 determines the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111 based on the determined position of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7 (S30). The determination of the ink amount is performed by a known means. For example, table data including each position of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7 and the ink amount corresponding to each position is stored in the ROM 72 or the EEPROM 74, and the controller 130 refers to the table data. Thus, the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111 may be determined based on the position of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7. Further, for example, the dimensions of each part of the ink chamber 111 are stored in the ROM 72 or the EEPROM 74, and the controller 130 stores the dimensions of the ink chamber 111 based on the position of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7 and the dimensions of each part of the ink chamber 111. The stored ink amount may be calculated. The controller 130 stores the determined ink amount in the RAM 73 or the like.

  Next, the controller 130 determines whether or not the maximum amount of ink allowed to be stored in the ink chamber 111 of the ink tank 100 is stored in the ink chamber 111 (whether or not the ink is full). Specifically, the controller 130 refers to the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 at the second sensor position every predetermined sampling time (third sampling time) (S40). Note that the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111 increases as new ink is injected from the inlet 112. Further, the third sampling time is set to a time shorter than the first sampling time.

  When the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 at the second sensor position is at a high level, the controller 130 determines that the position (the first line 146) is the same as the height of the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B of the liquid sensor 125 at the second sensor position. It is determined that there is no ink at the same height position (S40: No). That is, the controller 130 determines that the liquid level has not reached the position of the height of the first line 146 due to the rise of the liquid level due to the injection of the ink from the inflow port 112. At this time, the controller 130 executes the process of step S60 without executing the notification (S50) described below.

  On the other hand, when the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 at the second sensor position is at a low level, the controller 130 determines that there is ink at a position at the same height as the first line 146, that is, the ink is full (S40: Yes). That is, the controller 130 determines that the liquid level has reached a position equal to or higher than the height of the first line 146 due to the rise of the liquid level due to the injection of the ink from the inflow port 112. In this case, the controller 130 notifies that the maximum amount of ink allowed to be stored in the ink chamber 111 is stored, and that further ink injection should be stopped (S50). The notification method is the same as the notification in step S120 described above (the notification that the ink chamber 111 needs to be refilled with ink). After that, the controller 130 executes the process of Step S60.

  Next, the controller 130 determines whether or not the cover 70 has been closed (whether or not the cover 70 has moved from the open position to the closed position) based on the level of the signal received from the cover sensor 126 (S60).

  In step S60, when the signal received from the cover sensor 126 is at a low level, the controller 130 determines that the cover 70 is not closed (is in the open position) (S60: No). At this time, until the cover 70 is closed (S60: Yes), the processing of step S40 (the processing of steps S40 and S50 in some cases) is repeated.

  On the other hand, in step S60, when the signal received from the cover sensor 126 is at the high level, the controller 130 determines that the cover 70 has been closed (moved from the open position to the closed position) (S60: Yes).

  At this time, the controller 130 drives the sensor driving motor 174 to move the liquid sensor 125 from the second sensor position to the first sensor position. That is, the controller 130 changes the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 from the second state to the first state (S70).

  The controller 130 refers to the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 at every predetermined sampling time (fourth sampling time) during the movement of the liquid sensor 125 from the second sensor position to the first sensor position. Note that the fourth sampling time is set to a time shorter than the first sampling time. In the present embodiment, the fourth sampling time is set to the same time as the second sampling time.

  During the movement of the liquid sensor 125 from the second sensor position to the first sensor position, the controller 130 controls the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7 when the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 changes from a high level to a low level. The positions (specifically, the positions of the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7) are stored in the RAM 73 or the like.

  During the movement of the liquid sensor 125 from the second sensor position to the first sensor position, if the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 is at a low level, the controller 130 stores the second sensor position in the RAM 73 or the like, If the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 is at a high level, the controller 130 stores the first sensor position in the RAM 73 or the like.

  The controller 130 determines that the position of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7 stored in the RAM 73 or the like is the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 in the vertical direction 7. Note that the position of the liquid sensor 125 is determined based on the rotation amount of the sensor driving motor 174 from the second sensor position.

  Next, the controller 130 determines the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111 based on the determined position of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7 (S80). The determination of the ink amount is performed by the same means as in step S30. The controller 130 stores the determined ink amount in the RAM 73 or the like.

  Next, the controller 130 compares the ink amount determined in step S30 with the ink amount determined in step S80 (S90).

  When the ink amount determined in step S80 is larger than the ink amount determined in step S30 (S90: No), the controller 130 injects ink from the inflow port 112 into the ink chamber 111 while the cover 70 is in the open position. It is determined that the processing has been performed, and the series of processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the ink amount determined in step S80 is smaller than the ink amount determined in step S30 (S90: Yes), the controller 130 determines whether the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is in the state where the cover 70 is in the open position. It is determined that it has been extracted from the inlet 112. In this case, the controller 130 notifies that the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 has been extracted from the inflow port 112 while the cover 70 is in the open position (S100). The notification method is the same as the notification in step S120 described above (the notification that the ink chamber 111 needs to be refilled with ink).

  That is, after the signal received from the cover sensor 126 changes from the low level to the high level, that is, when the liquid sensor 125 moves in the step S70 after the step S60, the controller 130 sets the signal output from the liquid sensor 125 to the high level. The position of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7 at the time of switching from the level to the low level is determined before the signal received from the cover sensor 126 changes from the low level to the high level, that is, before the step S60, the liquid sensor 125 in the step S20. The above notification is executed on condition that the signal output from the liquid sensor 125 is below the position of the liquid sensor 125 when the signal is switched from the low level to the high level (S90: Yes) (S100). .

  After step S100, the controller 130 ends a series of processing.

[Operation and Effect of Embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 changes between the first state and the second state, so that the single liquid sensor 125 has at least two or more liquid level positions (first liquid level). Position and second liquid level position) can be detected. Specifically, the single liquid sensor 125 can detect that the amount of ink in the ink chamber 111 has increased by detecting the second liquid level position, and can detect the first liquid level position by detecting the first liquid level position. It is possible to detect that the amount of ink in the ink chamber 111 is low.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the liquid sensor 125 moves. Usually, since the liquid sensor 125 is smaller than the ink tank 100, it can be easily moved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, a state in which ink can flow into the ink chamber 111 from the inlet 112 and a state in which ink cannot flow into the ink chamber 111 from the inlet 112 are distinguished by the position of the cover 70. be able to.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, in a situation where ink cannot flow into the ink chamber 111 from the inflow port 112, for example, in a situation where ink in the ink chamber 111 is consumed by flowing out of the outflow port 117, the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 are in the first state. This allows the liquid sensor 125 to detect that the liquid level has reached the first liquid level position due to consumption of the ink.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 are in the second state when the ink can flow into the ink chamber 111 from the inflow port 112. This allows the liquid sensor 125 to detect that the liquid level has reached the second liquid level position due to the inflow of ink from the inflow port 112.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the controller 130 can grasp the position of the liquid sensor 125 based on the rotation amount of the sensor driving motor 174.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the rotation amount of the sensor driving motor 174 can be accurately determined by the rotary encoder 73.

  Further, when the signal received from the cover sensor 126 changes from the low level to the high level (the cover 70 moves from the open position to the closed position), the controller 130 detects that the ink has flowed from the inflow port 112 into the ink chamber 111. It can be determined that it has been completed. Further, before the signal received from the cover sensor 126 changes from the low level to the high level (before the cover moves from the open position to the closed position), the controller 130 controls the flow of the ink from the inlet 112 into the ink chamber 111. Is not completed. According to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the inflow of the ink into the ink chamber 111 has been completed, the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is before the inflow of the ink into the ink chamber 111 is completed. When the level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is lower than the ink level of the ink chamber 111 (S90: Yes), the controller 130 determines that the ink has not been flown into the ink chamber 111 but has been extracted from the ink chamber 111. Then, the notification by the liquid crystal panel is executed (S100). Thereby, it is possible to notify the user or the like that the ink has been extracted from the ink chamber 111.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to notify the user or the like that the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 has reached the second liquid level position (S50).

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the ink amount in the ink chamber 111 is calculated based on the position of the liquid sensor 125 (S30, S80), the calculated ink amount and the ink amount actually stored in the ink chamber 111 are stored. The error with the amount of ink used can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, each of the second sampling time, the third sampling time, and the fourth sampling time (the sampling time at the time of ink injection) is shorter than the first sampling time (the sampling time at the time of ink consumption). . Therefore, even when the amount of ink per unit time in the ink chamber 111 is large, such as during ink injection, the amount of ink in the ink chamber 111 increases and reaches a position such as the second liquid level position. It is possible to reliably detect that the operation has been performed.

  Further, when the liquid level of the ink in the ink chamber 111 is lower than the upper end of the outlet 117, air flows out from the outlet 117. According to the present embodiment, since the first liquid level position is located above the outlet 117, the liquid level of the ink in the ink chamber 111 becomes lower than the upper end of the outlet 117 before the liquid sensor It is possible to detect the first liquid level position by using the first liquid level 125.

[Modification 1]
In the above-described embodiment, the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 are changed to the first state and the second state by the liquid sensor 125 moving relative to the ink tank 100 as the liquid sensor 125 moves. did. However, when the ink tank 100 moves and the liquid sensor 125 moves relatively to the ink tank, the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 move to the first state shown in FIG. The state may change to the second state shown in FIG.

  In this case, for example, the liquid sensor 125 is fixed to a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11 or the like, and the ink tank 100 is vertically movably supported by the frame or the like. In addition, as a configuration in which the ink tank 100 is supported so as to be vertically movable, a known configuration such as a configuration using a belt is employed. Further, the ink tank 100 moves by being provided with a driving force from a motor or the like. Thus, the ink tank 100 can be moved between a first position shown in FIG. 8A and a second position shown in FIG. 8B. The ink tank 100 at the second position is located below the ink tank 100 at the first position. As a result, the position of the liquid sensor 125 with respect to the ink tank 100 in FIG. 8A is lower than the position of the liquid sensor 125 with respect to the ink tank 100 in FIG. 8B.

  Here, the position of the liquid sensor 125 with respect to the ink tank 100 in FIG. 8A is the same as the first sensor position of the above-described embodiment, and the position of the liquid sensor 125 with respect to the ink tank 100 in FIG. Is a position similar to the second sensor position in the above embodiment. Therefore, in the first modification, the liquid sensor 125 is relatively movable with respect to the ink tank 100 between the first sensor position and the second sensor position.

  According to the first modification, when the ink tank 100 moves with respect to the liquid sensor 125, the single liquid sensor 125 is moved to at least two or more liquid surface positions (the first liquid surface position and the second liquid surface position). ) Can be detected.

[Modification 2]
In the above-described embodiment and Modification 1, the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 change their state to the first state and the second state by moving one of them relative to the other. However, when the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 move without changing the relative positions of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125, the first state shown in FIG. The state may change to the second state shown in FIG.

  In this case, for example, the liquid sensor 125 is fixed to the ink tank 100, and the ink tank 100 is rotatably supported by a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11 or the like. In addition, as the configuration in which the ink tank 100 is rotatably supported by the frame or the like, a known configuration such as a configuration using a hinge is adopted. Further, the ink tank 100 moves by being provided with a driving force from a motor or the like. Accordingly, the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 move along the direction of the arrow 121 between the first rotation position shown in FIG. 9A and the second rotation position shown in FIG. 9B. It is pivotable.

  The attitude (first attitude) of the ink tank 100 when the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 are at the first rotation position is the attitude (operating attitude) shown in FIGS. The posture (second posture) of the ink tank 100 when the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 are in the second rotation position is a posture in which the rear portion is located higher than in the first posture. As described above, the ink tank 100 takes the first posture in the first state and the second posture in the second state.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when ink is injected from the inflow port 112 into the ink tank 100 in which no ink is stored in a state where the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 are in the first rotation position, When the liquid level of the ink reaches the liquid level position LS1, the signal output from the liquid sensor 125 changes from high level to low level, and the liquid level is detected.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 are in the second rotation position, ink is injected from the inflow port 112 into the ink tank 100 in which no ink is stored. In this case, when the liquid level of the ink reaches the liquid level position LS2, the signal output from the liquid sensor 125 changes from high level to low level, and the liquid level is detected. The liquid level position LS2 is higher than the liquid level position LS1.

  Here, the shape and the shape of the ink tank 100 are set such that the liquid level position LS1 is the same as the first liquid level position in the above embodiment, and the liquid level position LS2 is the same as the second liquid level position in the above embodiment. By determining the mounting position of the liquid sensor 125 to the ink tank 100, the liquid sensor 125 can detect that the ink level has reached the first liquid level when the ink tank 100 is in the first attitude. Thus, it is possible to detect that the ink level has reached the second liquid level position when the ink tank 100 is in the second posture.

  Note that the liquid sensor 125 does not have to be fixed to the ink tank 100. In this case, for example, the liquid sensor 125 is movably supported by a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11 or the like. The liquid sensor 125 moves with the rotation of the ink tank 100 without changing the relative position with respect to the ink tank 100.

  According to the second modification, by changing the attitude of the ink tank 100, the single liquid sensor 125 can change the position of the liquid sensor 125 with respect to the ink tank 100 without changing the position of the ink sensor 100 at least at two or more liquid surface positions (first position). The liquid level position and the second liquid level position can be detected. That is, according to the above-described embodiment, Modification Example 1, and Modification Example 2, if at least one of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 can be moved, the single liquid sensor 125 can be moved to at least two or more liquid surface positions. (The first liquid level position and the second liquid level position) can be detected.

[Modification 3]
In the above embodiment and Modifications 1 and 2, the controller 130 changes the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 to the first state and the second state based on the signal received from the cover sensor 126 (S10: Yes, S20, S60: Yes, S70). That is, the signal received from the cover sensor 126 corresponds to the signal received from the outside. However, the controller 130 may change the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 based on a signal other than the signal received from the cover sensor 126.

  For example, the controller 130 may change the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 based on a signal received from the input key 17 of the operation unit 16. That is, the signal received from the operation unit 16 may correspond to a signal received from outside.

  Details will be described below. Various signals corresponding to each of the operated input keys 17 are sent to the ASIC 76.

  One of the various signals is a signal S1 (an example of a first signal). The signal S1 is output to the controller 130 by operating a predetermined input key 17 of the plurality of input keys 17 (an example of a first operation). The signal S1 is a signal requesting the controller 130 to change the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 to the first state. The controller 130 that has received the signal S1 changes the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 to the first state by moving at least one of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125.

  Another one of the various signals is a signal S2 (an example of a second signal). The signal S2 is output to the controller 130 by an operation (an example of a second operation) of an input key 17 other than the predetermined input key 17 among the plurality of input keys 17. The signal S2 is a signal requesting the controller 130 to change the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 to the second state. The controller 130 that has received the signal S1 changes the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 to the second state by moving at least one of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125.

  In the third modification, in steps S10 and S60 of the flowchart in FIG. 7, processing different from the above-described embodiment is executed. That is, in step S10, the controller 130 refers to the signal received from the input key 17 of the operation unit 16. Then, when the signal is the signal S2, Step S20 is executed, and when the signal is other than the signal S2, Step S110 is executed. In step S60, the controller 130 refers to a signal received from the input key 17 of the operation unit 16. Then, when the signal is the signal S1, step S70 is executed, and when the signal is other than the signal S1, step S40 is executed.

  Further, for example, a sensor that outputs a different signal depending on whether the cap 118 is attached to the inflow port 112 may be provided. In this case, when the controller 130 receives a signal indicating that the cap 118 has been removed from the inlet 112 from the sensor, the controller 130 changes the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 to the second state. When a signal indicating that the sensor 112 has been mounted is received from the sensor, the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 may be changed to the first state.

[Modification 4]
In the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3, the cover 70 was manually opened and closed. However, the cover 70 may be automatically opened and closed.

  For example, in the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 3, the multifunction peripheral 10 may include a cover driving motor (not shown) that applies a driving force to the cover 70. In this case, the cover 70 moves to the open position and the closed position by receiving a driving force from the cover driving force motor. The driving of the cover driving force motor is executed by, for example, the same means as the movement of the liquid sensor 125 in the above embodiment. That is, the drive of the cover driving force motor is executed by the controller 130 when the controller 130 receives a predetermined signal from the input key 17 of the operation unit 16.

  Further, for example, the multifunction peripheral 10 may include the interlocking mechanism 180 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The interlocking mechanism 180 interlocks the movement of the liquid sensor 125 from the first sensor position to the second sensor position and the movement of the cover 70 from the closed position to the open position, and moves the liquid sensor 125 from the second sensor position to the first sensor position. The movement to the position and the movement of the cover 70 from the open position to the closed position are linked.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the interlocking mechanism 180 includes gears 181, 182, pulleys 183, 184, 185, 186, and belts 187, 188. The specific configuration of the interlocking mechanism 180 is not limited to the configuration described below, and various known configurations can be adopted.

  The pulley 183 is located behind and below the liquid sensor 125 at the first sensor position. The pulley 184 is located behind and above the liquid sensor 125 at the second sensor position. The belt 187 has an endless annular shape and is stretched over pulleys 183 and 184. The belt 187 is connected to the liquid sensor 125. The gear 181 is coaxial with the pulley 183 and rotates integrally with the pulley 183. The gear 181 is directly or indirectly connected to the sensor driving motor 174, and rotates by driving the sensor driving motor 174.

  The gear 182 meshes with the gear 181. Pulley 185 is coaxial with gear 182 and rotates integrally with gear 182. The pulley 186 is located below the cover 70. The pulley 186 is coaxial with a rotation axis (not shown) of the cover 70. When the pulley 186 rotates, the cover 70 rotates. The belt 188 has an endless annular shape and is stretched over pulleys 185 and 186.

  When the controller 130 drives the sensor driving motor 174 to move the liquid sensor 125 to the second sensor position in step S20 (see FIG. 7) in the state shown in FIG. Rotate clockwise in. Accordingly, the pulley 183 rotates clockwise in FIG. 8, and the belt 187 moves clockwise in FIG. As a result, the liquid sensor 125 moves upward from the first sensor position to the second sensor position. At this time, the pulley 184 is rotating clockwise in FIG. 8, similarly to the pulley 183.

  The clockwise rotation of the gear 181 in FIG. 8 causes the gear 182 to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. Accordingly, the pulley 185 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 8, and the belt 188 moves counterclockwise in FIG. As a result, since the pulley 186 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 8, the cover 70 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 8 from the closed position to the open position. As described above, the interlocking mechanism 180 moves the cover 70 from the closed position to the open position in conjunction with the movement of the liquid sensor 125 from the first sensor position to the second sensor position. As a result, a state transition is made from the state shown in FIG. 8 to the state shown in FIG.

  When the controller 130 drives the sensor driving motor 174 to move the liquid sensor 125 to the first sensor position in step S70 (see FIG. 7) in the state shown in FIG. Rotates counterclockwise at. Accordingly, the pulley 183 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 9, and the belt 187 moves counterclockwise in FIG. As a result, the liquid sensor 125 moves downward from the second sensor position to the first sensor position. At this time, the pulley 184 is rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 9 similarly to the pulley 183.

  The rotation of the gear 181 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9 causes the gear 182 to rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG. This causes the pulley 185 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 9 and thus the belt 188 moves clockwise in FIG. As a result, since the pulley 186 rotates clockwise in FIG. 9, the cover 70 rotates clockwise in FIG. 9 from the open position to the closed position. As described above, the interlocking mechanism 180 moves the cover 70 from the open position to the closed position in conjunction with the movement of the liquid sensor 125 from the second sensor position to the first sensor position. As a result, the state changes from the state shown in FIG. 9 to the state shown in FIG.

  The interlocking mechanism 180 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is for interlocking the movement of the liquid sensor 125 and the movement of the cover 70, but the interlocking mechanism 180 is for moving the ink tank 100 and moving the cover 70. May be linked. That is, the interlocking mechanism 180 can be applied to the first and second modifications. That is, the interlocking mechanism 180 interlocks the state change of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 with the movement of the cover 70.

  According to the fourth modification, the cover 70 can be moved by the interlocking mechanism 180 according to a change in the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125.

[Modification 5]
In the above embodiment and Modification 1, when the signal received from the cover sensor 126 is at a low level, the controller 130 determines that the cover 70 has been opened (S10: Yes), and moves the liquid sensor 125 from the first sensor position. The ink tank 100 is moved relatively to the second sensor position (S20).

  However, when the controller 130 determines that the cover 70 has been opened (S10: Yes), the controller 130 moves the liquid sensor 125 between the first sensor position (an example of a predetermined position) and the second sensor position to the ink tank 100. May be reciprocated relative to.

  When ink is injected from the inflow port 112 into the ink chamber 111 with the liquid sensor 125 reciprocating relative to the ink tank 100 between the first sensor position and the second sensor position, the controller 130 can determine that the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is gradually increased.

  The operation in the case where the ink tank 100 is fixed to the printer unit 11 and the liquid sensor 125 can be moved up and down (the configuration of the above embodiment) will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. . As shown in FIG. 12A, while the liquid sensor 125 is moving from the first sensor position P1 to the second sensor position P2, the controller 130 changes the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 from a low level to a high level. It is determined that the position P3 of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7 when the level has been changed is the ink level position at that time (first time).

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12B, while the liquid sensor 125 reaches the second sensor position and moves from the second sensor position P2 to the first sensor position P1, as shown in FIG. The position P4 in the up-down direction 7 of the liquid sensor 125 when the signal received from 125 changes from the high level to the low level is determined to be the liquid level of the ink at that time (second time). When the ink is injected into the ink chamber 111, the liquid level position P4 at the second time point is higher than the liquid level position P3 at the first time point.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12 (C), the controller 130 determines whether the liquid sensor 125 has reached the first sensor position P1 and has again moved from the first sensor position P1 to the second sensor position P2. The position P5 in the vertical direction 7 of the liquid sensor 125 when the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 changes from the low level to the high level is determined to be the ink level position at that time (third time). . When the ink is injected into the ink chamber 111, the liquid level position P5 at the third time point is higher than the liquid level position P4 at the second time point.

  Hereinafter, in the same manner as above, the controller 130 can determine the liquid level of the ink at the time when the level of the signal received from the reciprocating liquid sensor 125 changes.

  According to the above, it is possible to detect at which position between the second sensor position and the first sensor position the ink level is located.

  The reciprocation of the liquid sensor 125 is not limited to between the first sensor position and the second sensor position. For example, when the liquid sensor 125 determines that the cover 70 is opened (S10: Yes), the liquid sensor 125 reciprocates between a predetermined position between the first sensor position and the second sensor position and the second sensor position. Is also good. In this case, only in the first movement, the liquid sensor 125 moves from the first sensor position to the second sensor position, and after reaching the second sensor position, between the second sensor position and the predetermined position. Reciprocate.

  According to the above, it is possible to detect at which position between the second sensor position and the predetermined position the ink level is located.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the liquid sensor 125 reciprocates within a certain range. That is, the predetermined position was constant. However, the predetermined position may not be constant. For example, the predetermined position may be the position of the liquid sensor 125 at the time when the level of the signal output from the liquid sensor 125 has changed in the most recent reciprocation of the liquid sensor 125.

  Hereinafter, this will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13A, while the liquid sensor 125 is moving from the first sensor position P1 to the second sensor position P2, the controller 130 changes the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 from a low level to a high level. It is determined that the position P3 of the liquid sensor 125 in the vertical direction 7 when the level has been changed is the ink liquid level position at that time.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13B, the liquid sensor 125 that has reached the second sensor position P2 does not move to the first sensor position P1 but folds back at the position P3. In addition, the controller 130 detects the liquid sensor when the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 changes from a low level to a high level while the liquid sensor 125 is moving upward to return from the position P3 to the second sensor position P2. It is determined that the position P4 in the vertical direction 7 of 125 is the ink level position at that time. In this example, since the ink is injected into the ink chamber 111, the position P4 is higher than the position P3.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13C, the liquid sensor 125 that has returned to the second sensor position P2 again does not move to the position P3 but returns at the position P4. In addition, the controller 130 detects the liquid sensor when the signal received from the liquid sensor 125 changes from a low level to a high level while the liquid sensor 125 is moving upward to return from the position P4 to the second sensor position P2. It is determined that the position P5 in the vertical direction 7 of 125 is the ink level position at that time. In this example, since the ink is injected into the ink chamber 111, the position P5 is higher than the position P4.

  Hereinafter, since the liquid sensor 125 reciprocates in the same manner as described above, the reciprocating range of the liquid sensor 125 becomes shorter.

  According to the above, in a state where the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is increasing due to the inflow of the ink into the ink chamber 111, the reciprocating motion of the liquid sensor 125 with respect to the ink tank 100, or the liquid sensor 125 of the ink tank 100 The liquid surface position can be detected while reducing the reciprocating movement distance with respect to.

[Modification 6]
In the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 5, the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 are moved by being provided with a driving force from a motor or the like when moving. However, the means for moving the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 is not limited to a motor.

  For example, instead of having the sensor driving motor 174, the multifunction device 10 has the interlocking mechanism 180 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) described in Modification Example 4 so as to interlock with the rotation of the cover 70. The liquid sensor 125 may move. Note that the specific configuration of the interlocking mechanism 180 is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and various known configurations can be adopted as in the fourth modification.

  In the sixth modification, when the user or the like of the multifunction peripheral 10 manually rotates the cover 70 from the closed position to the open position in the state illustrated in FIG. 10, the pulley 186 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 10. . Accordingly, the belt 188 moves counterclockwise in FIG. 10, and the pulley 185 and the gear 182 rotate counterclockwise in FIG. When the gear 182 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 10, the gear 181 and the pulley 183 rotate clockwise in FIG. Due to the clockwise rotation of the pulley 183 in FIG. 10, the belt 187 moves clockwise in FIG. As a result, the liquid sensor 125 moves upward from the first sensor position to the second sensor position. At this time, the pulley 184 is rotating clockwise in FIG.

  As described above, the interlocking mechanism 180 moves the liquid sensor 125 from the first sensor position to the second sensor position in conjunction with the movement of the cover 70 from the closed position to the open position. As a result, the state changes from the state shown in FIG. 10 to the state shown in FIG.

  In the sixth modification, when the user or the like of the MFP 10 manually rotates the cover 70 from the open position to the closed position in the state illustrated in FIG. 11, the pulley 186 rotates clockwise in FIG. I do. This causes the belt 188 to move clockwise in FIG. 11, so that the pulley 182 and the gear 185 rotate clockwise in FIG. When the gear 185 rotates clockwise in FIG. 11, the gear 183 and the pulley 183 rotate counterclockwise in FIG. The rotation of the pulley 183 counterclockwise in FIG. 11 causes the belt 187 to move counterclockwise in FIG. As a result, the liquid sensor 125 moves downward from the second sensor position to the first sensor position. At this time, the pulley 184 is rotating counterclockwise in FIG.

  As described above, the interlocking mechanism 180 moves the liquid sensor 125 from the second sensor position to the first sensor position in conjunction with the movement of the cover 70 from the open position to the closed position. As a result, the state changes from the state shown in FIG. 11 to the state shown in FIG.

  Note that, similarly to the fourth modification, the interlocking mechanism 180 may interlock the movement of the ink tank 100 and the movement of the cover 70.

  According to the sixth modification, the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 can be changed by the interlocking mechanism 180 in conjunction with the rotation of the cover 70. Therefore, a motor for moving the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 and a cover sensor 126 for detecting the position of the cover 70 are not required.

[Modification 7]
As shown in FIG. 14, the ink tank 100 emits light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A of the liquid sensor 125 to a position above the first sensor position P1 and below the second sensor position P2 in the protrusion 167. A blocking unit 190 for blocking may be provided. For example, the blocking portion 190 may be a black seal attached to the outer surface of the protrusion 167. Further, for example, the protruding portion 167 is made of a resin having translucency and a resin having no translucency, and the blocking portion 190 is made of a resin having no translucency among the protruding portions 167. It may be a configured part.

  In the sixth modification, since the multifunction peripheral 10 does not include a motor for moving the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125, the position of the liquid sensor 125 cannot be determined by the rotary encoder 120 or the like. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 based on the position of the liquid sensor 125 as in the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 5. However, the provision of the blocking unit 190 makes it possible to determine whether the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is above or below the blocking unit 190.

  More specifically, in the configuration including the blocking section 190 as shown in FIG. 14, the position of the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is above the first sensor position P1 and below the position P6 below the blocking section 190. In this case, when the liquid sensor 125 is moved from the first sensor position P1 to the second sensor position P2, as shown in FIG. 15A, the level of the signal output by the liquid sensor 125 becomes the position P6 and the position P6. It rises from low level to high level at two points of P7.

  On the other hand, in the configuration including the blocking unit 190 as shown in FIG. 14, the position of the liquid surface of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is a position P8 above the blocking unit 190 and below the second sensor position P2. In this case, when the liquid sensor 125 is moved from the first sensor position P1 to the second sensor position P2, as shown in FIG. 15B, the level of the signal output from the liquid sensor 125 is at one position P8. It rises from low level to high level.

  As described above, in the process in which the liquid sensor 125 moves from the first sensor position P1 to the second sensor position P2, the signal output from the liquid sensor 125 is stored in the ink chamber 111 according to the number of times that the signal level rises from a low level to a high level. It is possible to determine whether the level of the ink level is above or below the blocking unit 190. In addition, the configuration including the blocking unit 190 of the modified example 7 is applicable not only to the modified example 6 but also to the above embodiment and the modified examples 1 to 5.

  According to the seventh modification, based on the output signal of the liquid sensor 125 in the process of changing the state of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125, the liquid level of the ink in the ink chamber 111 is closer to the first liquid level position than the blocking unit 190. Or on the second liquid level position side can be easily determined.

[Modification 8]
The liquid sensor 125 may be configured to be movable in the left-right direction 9. For example, as shown in FIG. 16B, only one liquid sensor 125 is provided corresponding to the four ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M. The liquid sensor 125 is supported by a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11 so as to be movable in the left-right direction 9 in addition to the up-down direction 7. A known configuration is employed for the configuration in which the liquid sensor 125 is movably supported in the vertical direction 7 and the horizontal direction 9.

  The liquid sensor 125 moves in the left-right direction 9 to move the liquid sensor 125 to the rear position of the ink tank 100B (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 16B) and to the rear position of the ink tank 100Y (the broken line in FIG. 16B). 4) a position behind the ink tank 100C (a position shown by a broken line in FIG. 16B) and a position behind the ink tank 100M (a position shown by a broken line in FIG. 16B). To one position.

  In addition, the liquid sensor 125 moves in the up-down direction 7 to move to the upper portion (the position indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 16B) of the protrusion 167 of each of the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M. . The position of the liquid sensor 125 indicated by a solid line and a broken line in FIG. 16B is a first sensor position, and the position of the liquid sensor 125 indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 16B is a second sensor position. .

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 16B, the protrusion 167 of each of the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M has a portion corresponding to the first sensor position and a portion corresponding to the second sensor position. It is provided in two places. Further, the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B of the liquid sensor 125 sandwich the protruding portion 167 from above and below. Further, the liquid sensor 125 moves in the up-down direction 7 at a position where the protrusion 167 does not exist in the left-right direction 9. Thus, the liquid sensor 125 can move in the left-right direction 9 and the up-down direction 7 without being hindered by the protrusion 167.

  With the above configuration, one liquid sensor 125 can detect the presence or absence of ink at the first liquid surface position and the second liquid surface position of the four ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M. .

[Modification 9]
In the above embodiment and Modification 1, the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 move up and down, but the moving direction of the ink tank 100 and the liquid sensor 125 is not limited to up and down. In the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 8, the liquid sensor 125 detects the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 depending on whether or not the light emitted from the light emitting unit 125A is blocked by the ink in the ink chamber 111. Was. That is, the liquid sensor 125 directly detects the ink. However, the liquid sensor 125 may indirectly detect ink.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the ink tank 100 may include a rotating member 150 in the ink chamber 111. The rotating member 150 includes a float 151, a shaft 152, an arm 153, and a detected part 154. The float 151 is located below the rotating member 50. The float 151 is made of a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111. The shaft 52 extends in the left-right direction 9 and is rotatably supported by the frame 141 of the ink tank 100. The arm 153 extends upward from the shaft 52. The detected part 154 is provided at the tip of the arm 153, and is a plate-shaped member made of a light-shielding material.

  When the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is larger than a predetermined amount (in other words, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is at a second liquid level position higher than the predetermined position), the rotating member 150 The float 151 is at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 17 due to the buoyancy. When the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111 becomes smaller than a predetermined amount (in other words, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 becomes the first liquid level position lower than the predetermined position), the rotating member 150 Following the surface, it turns in the direction of arrow 155 to the position shown by the broken line in FIG.

  In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17, the liquid sensor 125 is supported by a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11 or the like so as to be movable in the movement direction of the detection target 154 (the direction along the arrow 155). That is, the liquid sensor 125 moves in a direction other than up and down. In FIG. 17, the position of the liquid sensor 125 indicated by the solid line is the second sensor position, and the position of the liquid sensor 125 indicated by the broken line is the first sensor position.

  When the detected part 154 exists between the light emitting part 125A and the light receiving part 125B, the light emitted from the light emitting part 125A is blocked by the detected part 154 and does not reach the light receiving part 125B. At this time, a low-level signal (an example of a third signal) is sent from the liquid sensor 125 to the controller 130. On the other hand, when there is no detected part 154 between the light emitting part 125A and the light receiving part 125B, the light emitted from the light emitting part 125A reaches the light receiving part 125B without being blocked by the detected part 154. At this time, a high-level signal (an example of a fourth signal) is sent from the liquid sensor 125 to the controller 130. As described above, the liquid sensor 125 indirectly detects the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 via the detection target 154.

[Other Modifications]
In the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 9, the second liquid level position is higher than the first liquid level position. However, on condition that the amount of ink in the ink chamber 111 when the liquid level is at the second liquid level position is larger than the amount of ink in the ink chamber 111 when the liquid level is at the first liquid level position. The second liquid level position may be lower than the first liquid level position.

  For example, the ink tank 100 may be configured as shown in FIG. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 18, the ink tank 100 includes a first ink chamber 211 and a second ink chamber 212 located below the first ink chamber 211. The first ink chamber 211 and the second ink chamber 212 communicate with each other via a flow path 213. The first ink chamber 211 communicates with the recording unit 24 via the ink tube 32. The second ink chamber 212 is open to the atmosphere through an air communication port 214. When the air in the first ink chamber 211 expands due to pressure change or temperature change, ink in the first ink chamber 211 is pushed out to the second ink chamber 212 (see FIG. 18A). In the state shown in FIG. 18A, when the ink in the ink tank 100 flows out of the ink tube 32 and is consumed by the recording unit 24, the ink in the second ink chamber 212 is consumed first, and then the first ink is consumed. The ink in the ink chamber 211 is consumed.

  In this case, the second liquid level position LS2 in the state shown in FIG. 18A (the state where ink is stored in both the first ink chamber 211 and the second ink chamber 212) is shown in FIG. 18B. When the liquid level is lower than the first liquid level position LS1 in a state where the ink is stored (only ink is stored in the first ink chamber 211), but when the liquid level is the second liquid level position LS2 (shown in FIG. 18A). (The state shown in FIG. 18B), the ink amount in the ink tank 100 is larger than the ink amount in the ink tank 100 when the liquid level is at the first liquid level position LS1 (the state shown in FIG. 18B).

  The apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the MFP 10 as shown in FIG. The device only needs to have a single liquid sensor including a liquid reservoir having an ink chamber for storing the ink flowing in through the inlet, an outlet for discharging the ink in the ink chamber, and a single liquid sensor. For example, an apparatus having a configuration in which the ink level in the tank can be kept constant by sequentially supplying the ink from the cartridge to the tank every time the ink stored in the tank is consumed (a so-called chicken feed method) The present invention may be applied to a device having a configuration in which ink is supplied from a cartridge to a tank). In this case, the tank corresponds to the liquid storage body, and the inlet of the ink supplied from the cartridge to the tank corresponds to the inflow port.

  In the case of the chicken feed system, when the liquid level of the ink in the tank reaches a predetermined height, the supply of the ink from the cartridge is automatically stopped. However, it is difficult for the user to know whether or not the supply of the ink has stopped. When the present invention is applied to an apparatus employing the chicken feed system, the sensor is configured to be movable to a predetermined height. Then, the sensor that has moved to the predetermined height detects that the liquid level of the ink in the tank has reached the predetermined height, so that the user can be notified that the supply of ink has stopped.

  In the above-described embodiment and Modifications 1 to 9, the multifunction peripheral 10 includes an ink as an example of a cover that is movable between an open position that exposes the inflow port 112 to the outside and a closed position that closes the inflow port 112 to the outside. A cover 70 (see FIG. 1) for exposing and closing the front surface of the tank 100 was provided. However, the cover movable between the open position and the closed position is not limited to the cover 70.

  For example, the scanner unit 30 may correspond to a cover. In this case, the scanner unit 30 has an open position where the upper part of the printer unit 11 is opened (a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1A) and a closed position where the upper part of the printer unit 11 is closed (FIG. 1A). (A position shown by a solid line). In this case, although not shown in FIG. 1, the scanner unit 30 in the closed position closes the inlet 112 by covering the inlet 112 from above, and the scanner unit 30 in the open position closes the inlet 112. Exposed.

  In the above embodiment and Modifications 1 to 9, the liquid sensor 125 is an optical sensor including the light emitting unit 125A and the light receiving unit 125B, but may be a sensor other than optical. For example, the liquid sensor 125 may be a mechanical sensor. In this case, for example, the detected portion 154 of the above-described rotating member 150 (see FIG. 16) protrudes outside the ink tank 100, and the state of the liquid sensor 125 changes depending on the presence or absence of contact with the detected portion 154. It may output a different signal depending on the type.

  In the above embodiments and Modifications 1 to 9, ink has been described as an example of a liquid, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, instead of the ink, a pretreatment liquid discharged onto the paper prior to the ink at the time of printing, or water sprayed in the vicinity of the nozzle 40 of the recording head 39 in order to prevent the nozzle 40 of the recording head 39 from drying, etc. , May be an example of a liquid.

10 Multifunction machine (liquid supply device)
16 operation unit 28 display panel (notification unit)
70 cover 100 ink tank (liquid storage body)
111 ・ ・ ・ Ink chamber (storage chamber)
112 ... inlet 117 ... outlet 120 ... rotary encoder (encoder)
125 liquid sensor 125A light emitting unit 125B light receiving unit 126 cover sensor 130 controller 140 memory 167A right wall (translucent wall)
167B: Left wall (translucent wall)
174: Sensor driving motor (motor)
180 ... interlocking mechanism 190 ... blocking unit

Claims (33)

A storage chamber in which the liquid flowing in through the inflow port is stored, and a liquid storage body having an outflow port through which the liquid in the storage chamber flows out,
A liquid level of the liquid in the storage chamber, a first liquid level position, and a single sensor capable of detecting whether or not the liquid level has reached a second liquid level position different from the first liquid level position. Yes,
The amount of liquid in the storage chamber when the liquid level is at the second liquid level position is greater than the amount of liquid in the storage chamber when the liquid level is at the first liquid level position,
The liquid reservoir and the sensor are in a first state in which the sensor can detect that the liquid level has reached the first liquid level position, and the sensor has a liquid level in the second liquid level position. Can be changed to a second state in which the arrival of
The liquid supply device, wherein the sensor detects that a liquid level of the liquid reaches the second liquid level position as the liquid flows into the storage chamber from the inlet.   The sensor has a first sensor position capable of detecting that the liquid surface of the liquid has reached the first liquid surface position, and a second sensor position capable of detecting that the liquid surface of the liquid has reached the second liquid surface position. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid supply device is movable relative to the liquid storage body between the liquid storage body and a sensor position. The second sensor position is a position above the first sensor position,
The liquid supply device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is movable between the first sensor position and the second sensor position. The position of the sensor with respect to the liquid reservoir is fixed,
The liquid reservoir takes a first posture in the first state, and takes a second posture different from the first posture in the second state;
The sensor is capable of detecting that the liquid surface of the liquid has reached the first liquid level position when the liquid storage body is in the first posture, and the sensor is capable of detecting when the liquid storage body is in the second posture. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein it is possible to detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the second liquid level position. An open position for exposing the inflow port to the outside, and a cover movable to a closed position for closing the inflow port to the outside,
5. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage body and the sensor are in the first state when the cover is in the closed position, and in the second state when the cover is in the open position. 6. .   The state of the liquid reservoir and the sensor is changed to the second state in conjunction with the movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position, and the movement of the cover from the open position to the closed position in conjunction with the movement of the cover. The liquid supply device according to claim 5, further comprising: an interlocking mechanism that changes the state of the liquid storage body and the sensor to the first state. A storage chamber in which the liquid flowing in through the inflow port is stored, and a liquid storage body having an outflow port through which the liquid in the storage chamber flows out,
A single sensor capable of detecting whether the liquid level of the liquid in the storage chamber has reached a first liquid level position and a second liquid level position different from the first liquid level position;
A motor that applies a driving force for movement to at least one of the liquid reservoir and the sensor,
And a controller,
The amount of liquid in the storage chamber when the liquid level is at the second liquid level position is greater than the amount of liquid in the storage chamber when the liquid level is at the first liquid level position,
The controller, in response to a signal received from the outside, by controlling the motor to move at least one of the liquid reservoir or the sensor to a different position, at least the liquid reservoir and the sensor, the A first state in which the sensor can detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the first liquid level position, and a second state in which the sensor can detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the second liquid level position. A liquid supply device that changes the state to a state.   The liquid supply device according to claim 7, wherein the controller determines a position of the sensor with respect to the liquid storage body based on a rotation amount of the motor. An encoder that outputs a signal according to the rotation amount of the motor,
The liquid supply device according to claim 8, wherein the controller determines a rotation amount of the motor based on a signal received from the encoder.   The sensor has a first sensor position capable of detecting that the liquid surface of the liquid has reached the first liquid surface position, and a second sensor position capable of detecting that the liquid surface of the liquid has reached the second liquid surface position. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the liquid supply device is relatively movable with respect to the liquid storage body between the liquid storage body and a sensor position. The second sensor position is a position above the first sensor position,
The sensor is movable between the first sensor position and the second sensor position,
The liquid supply device according to claim 10, wherein the motor applies a driving force for movement to the sensor. The position of the sensor with respect to the liquid reservoir is fixed,
The liquid reservoir takes a first posture in the first state, and takes a second posture different from the first posture in the second state;
The sensor is capable of detecting that the liquid surface of the liquid has reached the first liquid level position when the liquid storage body is in the first posture, and the sensor is capable of detecting when the liquid storage body is in the second posture. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein it is possible to detect that the liquid level of the liquid has reached the second liquid level position. The above controller is
On condition that the first signal is received from the outside, the state of the liquid storage body and the sensor is changed to the first state,
The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the liquid storage unit and the sensor are changed to the second state on condition that a second signal different from the first signal is received from outside. . The above controller is
On condition that a first signal has been received from the outside, the sensor is moved to the first sensor position relative to the liquid reservoir,
On condition that a second signal different from the first signal is received from the outside, the sensor is moved between the second sensor position and a predetermined position closer to the first sensor position than the second sensor position. The liquid supply device according to claim 10, wherein the liquid supply device reciprocates relatively to the liquid storage body.   The liquid supply device according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined position is the first sensor position. The sensor outputs a third signal in response to detecting liquid in the storage chamber, and outputs a fourth signal in response to not detecting liquid in the storage chamber,
15. The sensor according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined position is a position of the sensor when a signal output from the sensor switches from one of the third signal and the fourth signal to the other in the reciprocating motion. Liquid supply device. An open position for exposing the inflow port to the outside, and a cover movable to a closed position for closing the inflow port to the outside,
17. A cover sensor that outputs the first signal when the cover is at the closed position and outputs the second signal when the cover is at the open position. The liquid supply device according to claim 1.   The liquid supply according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising an operation unit that outputs the first signal in response to a first operation and outputs the second signal in response to a second operation different from the first operation. apparatus. An open position for exposing the inflow port to the outside, and a cover movable to a closed position for closing the inflow port to the outside,
The cover is moved from the closed position to the open position in conjunction with the state change of the liquid reservoir and the sensor to the second state, and the state change of the liquid reservoir and the sensor to the first state. 20. The liquid supply device according to claim 18, further comprising: an interlocking mechanism that moves the cover from the open position to the closed position in conjunction with the operation. Equipped with a notification unit,
The sensor outputs a third signal in response to detecting liquid in the storage chamber, and outputs a fourth signal in response to not detecting liquid in the storage chamber,
When the signal received from the cover sensor is changed from the second signal to the first signal, and then the signal output from the sensor is changed from one of the third signal or the fourth signal to the other. Before the signal received from the cover sensor is changed from the second signal to the first signal, the signal output from the sensor is shifted from one of the third signal or the fourth signal to the other. 18. The liquid supply device according to claim 17, wherein the notification unit is operated on condition that the position is below a position of the sensor when the switching is performed. Equipped with a notification unit,
The sensor outputs a third signal in response to detecting a liquid in the storage chamber,
21. The liquid supply device according to claim 7, wherein the controller activates the notification unit on condition that the controller receives the third signal from the sensor in the second state. With memory,
The sensor outputs a third signal in response to detecting liquid in the storage chamber, and outputs a fourth signal in response to not detecting liquid in the storage chamber,
The above controller is
The amount of liquid stored in the storage chamber is calculated based on the position of the sensor when the signal output by the sensor is switched from one of the third signal or the fourth signal to the other, and the amount of liquid is calculated. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 7 to 21, which stores the information in the memory.   23. The liquid supply device according to claim 7, wherein a sampling time of detection by the sensor in a state other than the first state is shorter than a sampling time of detection by the sensor in the first state. It has a plurality of the liquid reservoir,
24. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is provided one for each of the liquid storage bodies. It comprises a plurality of the liquid reservoirs arranged at different positions in the horizontal direction,
24. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is capable of detecting the liquid level of the liquid in the storage chamber of each of the plurality of liquid storage bodies by moving in a horizontal direction. The liquid storage body includes a light-transmitting wall that partitions at least a part of the storage chamber and has a light-transmitting property,
The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the sensor includes a light-emitting unit that irradiates light toward the light-transmitting wall, and a light-receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit. .   The liquid supply device according to claim 26, wherein the light emitting unit is capable of irradiating a plurality of types of light having different wavelengths.   28. The liquid supply device according to claim 26, wherein the light emitting unit is capable of emitting visible light. It has a plurality of the liquid reservoir,
The sensor is provided one for each of the liquid storage,
The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein each of the sensors irradiates light having a different wavelength to the corresponding liquid storage body.   30. The light-transmitting wall according to claim 26, further comprising a blocking unit configured to block light emitted from the light emitting unit at a position between the first liquid surface position and the second liquid surface position. The liquid supply device according to claim 1.   31. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first liquid level position is located above the outlet.   32. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the second liquid surface position is a liquid surface position in a state where a maximum amount of liquid allowed to be stored is stored in the storage chamber. 33. The liquid level position according to claim 1, wherein the first liquid level position is a liquid level position in a state where an amount of liquid that requires replenishment of the liquid in the storage chamber is stored in the storage chamber. Liquid supply device.

Images