JP2021020393A - Liquid discharge device and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device capable of accurately detecting the residual amount of a liquid.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes a discharging portion, a storage portion 31, a carriage 34, a sensor 65, and a control portion. The storage portion has a storage chamber 51 and a prism 52, and the storage chamber has a first side surface 56 and a second side surface 57. The prism is positioned so as to be biased to either one of the first side surface or the second side surface, between the first side surface and the second side surface. The carriage is configured to reciprocate in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The sensor has a light-emitting element 66 and a light-receiving element 67. The control portion detects that the residual amount of a liquid is less than a first predetermined amount, when a first light-receiving amount received by the light-receiving element when the carriage moves in the first direction is a threshold value or more, and detects that the residual amount of the liquid is less than a second predetermined amount that is smaller than the first predetermined amount, when a second light-receiving amount received by the light-receiving element when the carriage moves in the second direction is a threshold value or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device and a control method thereof.

In Patent Document 1, as an example of a liquid discharge device, a discharge portion for discharging a liquid, a storage portion having a storage chamber for storing the liquid and a prism facing the storage chamber, a discharge portion, and a carriage for mounting the storage portion are provided. A recording device comprising the above is described. The recording device includes a light emitting element that emits light toward the prism and a light receiving element that receives the light reflected by the prism.

In the recording device described in Patent Document 1, the reflectance of light in the prism changes according to the position of the liquid level in the accommodation chamber. When the reflectance of light in the prism changes, the amount of light received by the light receiving element changes. That is, this recording device detects the remaining amount of liquid based on the amount of light received by the light receiving element.

International Publication No. 2007/007816

In the recording device described in Patent Document 1, the liquid level in the accommodation chamber may fluctuate due to the movement of the carriage. When the liquid surface fluctuates, the amount of light received by the light receiving element may change due to the change in the reflectance of light in the prism. In this case, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion may not be detected accurately.

A liquid discharge device that solves the above problems includes a discharge unit that discharges liquid, an accommodating portion that accommodates the liquid supplied to the discharge portion, the discharge portion, a carriage that mounts the accommodating portion, and the accommodating portion. The storage unit includes a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid to be stored, a control unit, and the storage unit has a storage chamber for storing the liquid and a prism facing the storage chamber. The chamber has a first side surface and a second side surface which is a surface located opposite to the first side surface, and the prism is located between the first side surface and the second side surface. The carriage is positioned so as to be biased to either one of the first side surface and the second side surface, and the carriage is configured to reciprocate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The sensor has a light emitting element that emits light toward the prism and a light receiving element that receives the light reflected by the prism, and the control unit controls when the carriage moves in the first direction. When the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element is equal to or more than the threshold value, it is detected that the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the first predetermined amount, and when the carriage moves in the second direction, the light receiving element When the second light receiving amount received by the liquid is equal to or more than the threshold value, it is detected that the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount.

A control method for solving the above problems includes a discharge unit that discharges a liquid, a storage unit that stores the liquid supplied to the discharge unit, a carriage that mounts the discharge unit and the storage unit, and the storage unit. The accommodating portion includes a storage chamber for accommodating the liquid and a prism facing the accommodating chamber, which comprises a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid to be stored. It has a side surface and a second side surface which is a surface located opposite to the first side surface, and the prism has the first side surface and the second side surface between the first side surface and the second side surface. Positioned so as to be biased to either side, the carriage is configured to reciprocate in the first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the sensor. A method for controlling a liquid discharge device, which comprises a light emitting element that emits light toward the prism and a light receiving element that receives light reflected by the prism, wherein the carriage moves in the first direction. When the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element is equal to or more than the threshold value, it is detected that the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the first predetermined amount, and when the carriage moves in the second direction, the light receiving element Includes detecting that the remaining amount of liquid is less than the second predetermined amount, which is smaller than the first predetermined amount, when the second light receiving amount received by the liquid is equal to or more than the threshold value.

The perspective view which shows one Embodiment of a liquid discharge device. The perspective view which shows the internal structure of the liquid discharge device. Sectional drawing of the liquid discharge device. Sectional drawing of carriage and accommodating part. Side view of the housing. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. The block diagram which shows the electrical structure of a liquid discharge device. Front view when the carriage moves in the first direction. Front view when the carriage moves in the second direction. The flowchart which shows an example of the detection process. Front view of the prism with air bubbles attached. A flowchart showing an example of confirmation processing. The front view which shows the modification example of the liquid discharge device.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the liquid discharge device will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid discharge device 11 includes a housing 12. The liquid discharge device 11 includes a first cover 13 and a second cover 14. The first cover 13 and the second cover 14 are configured to be openable and closable with respect to the housing 12. In FIG. 1, the first cover 13 and the second cover 14 are closed.

The first cover 13 of the present embodiment is provided so as to be connected to the front surface 12A of the housing 12 in the closed state. When the first cover 13 is opened, the inside of the housing 12 is exposed. The liquid discharge device 11 can discharge the printed medium 99 in the housing 12 by opening the first cover 13.

The second cover 14 of the present embodiment is provided on the upper part of the housing 12. When the second cover 14 is opened, the inside of the housing 12 is exposed. For example, the user can maintain the inside of the housing 12 by opening the second cover 14.

The liquid discharge device 11 includes a display unit 15. The display unit 15 is provided on the front surface 12A, for example. The display unit 15 displays information about the liquid discharge device 11. The display unit 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal screen. The display unit 15 may be a touch panel.

The liquid discharge device 11 includes a visual recognition unit 16. The visual recognition unit 16 is provided on the front surface 12A, for example. The visual recognition unit 16 is made of a transparent or translucent material such as glass or plastic. The visual recognition unit 16 may be an opening provided in the front surface 12A. The user can visually recognize the inside of the housing 12 through the visual recognition unit 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid discharge device 11 includes a cassette 17. The cassette 17 is configured to be removable from the housing 12. In FIG. 2, the cassette 17 is mounted on the housing 12. The cassette 17 is configured to accommodate the medium 99. The cassette 17 of the present embodiment is removable from the front of the housing 12.

The liquid discharge device 11 prints on the medium 99 supplied from the cassette 17. The liquid discharge device 11 may be configured so that the medium 99 can be supplied from the rear surface or the upper surface of the housing 12 separately from the cassette 17. In the present embodiment, the first cover 13 is attached to the cassette 17.

As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid discharge device 11 includes a discharge unit 21. The discharge unit 21 discharges the liquid to the medium 99. The discharge unit 21 prints on the medium 99 by discharging the liquid to the medium 99. The discharge unit 21 is, for example, a head.

The liquid discharge device 11 includes a transport path 22. The transport path 22 is a path through which the medium 99 is transported. The transport path 22 of the present embodiment extends from the cassette 17 to the discharge portion 21. The transport path 22 of the present embodiment extends so as to be folded back in the process from the cassette 17 to the discharge portion 21. Therefore, in the medium 99, the posture is reversed up and down when it is housed in the cassette 17 and when it faces the discharge unit 21.

The liquid discharge device 11 includes a transport unit 23. The transport unit 23 transports the medium 99 along the transport path 22.
The transport unit 23 of the present embodiment has a first transport roller 23A and a second transport roller 23B. The first transfer roller 23A and the second transfer roller 23B are located along the transfer path 22. The first transport roller 23A is a roller that transports the medium 99 while inverting it. In the transport path 22, the first transport roller 23A is located upstream of the second transport roller 23B.

The liquid discharge device 11 includes a discharge unit 24. The discharge unit 24 discharges the printed medium 99 to the outside of the housing 12. The discharge unit 24 of the present embodiment has a discharge roller 24A.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid discharge device 11 includes a housing unit 31. The accommodating unit 31 accommodates the liquid supplied to the discharge unit 21. Therefore, the discharge unit 21 discharges the liquid contained in the storage unit 31.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of accommodating units 31 are provided. The plurality of housing units 31 store, for example, different types of liquids. The detailed configuration of the accommodating portion 31 will be described later.
The liquid discharge device 11 includes a guide unit 32 and a moving mechanism 33. The liquid discharge device 11 includes a carriage 34.

The guide unit 32 guides the movement of the carriage 34. The guide portion 32 extends in one direction. The guide portion 32 is, for example, a frame that supports the carriage 34.
The moving mechanism 33 is a mechanism for moving the carriage 34. The moving mechanism 33 of the present embodiment has a pair of pulleys 33A, a belt 33B, and a motor 33C.

The pair of pulleys 33A are attached to the guide portion 32 at intervals. In the present embodiment, the pair of pulleys 33A are provided at the ends of the guide portions 32, respectively. The belt 33B is wound around a pair of pulleys 33A. A portion of the belt 33B is attached to the carriage 34. The motor 33C is connected to one of the pulleys 33A. By driving the motor 33C, the belt 33B orbits. In this way, the moving mechanism 33 moves the carriage 34.

The carriage 34 is configured to scan against the medium 99. Of the two directions in which the carriage 34 moves, one is the first direction D1 and the other is the second direction D2. Therefore, the carriage 34 is configured to reciprocate between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, which is the direction opposite to the first direction D1.

In the present embodiment, the direction from the home position to the anti-home position opposite to the home position is the second direction D2, and the direction from the anti-home position to the home position is the first direction D1. The carriage 34 shown in FIG. 2 is located at the home position.

The carriage 34 usually stands by at the home position. The home position is a position where the carriage 34 stands by when printing is not performed. The position of the carriage 34 when it is located at one end of the guide portion 32 is the home position, and the position of the carriage 34 when it is located at the other end of the guide portion 32 is the anti-home position.

The carriage 34 mounts a discharge unit 21 and an accommodating unit 31. The carriage 34 of the present embodiment mounts a plurality of accommodating portions 31. The plurality of accommodating portions 31 are arranged in the first direction D1 on the carriage 34. It can be said that the plurality of accommodating portions 31 are arranged in the second direction D2 on the carriage 34. In the present embodiment, the carriage 34 is equipped with five accommodating portions 31.

The carriage 34 has an exposed port 35 that exposes the accommodating portion 31. In the present embodiment, the exposure port 35 exposes a plurality of accommodating portions 31. The user can visually recognize the accommodating portion 31 from the outside of the housing 12 through the viewing portion 16 and the exposed port 35. Therefore, the visual recognition unit 16 is provided at a position corresponding to the carriage 34 located at the home position on the front surface 12A.

The carriage 34 has a cap 36. The cap 36 is configured to be openable and closable. The cap 36 shown in FIG. 3 is closed. When the cap 36 is opened, the liquid can be injected into the accommodating portion 31. In the present embodiment, the same number of caps 36 as the number of accommodating portions 31 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, the carriage 34 has a first opening 37 and a second opening 38. The first opening 37 and the second opening 38 open at the bottom of the carriage 34. The first opening 37 and the second opening 38 are provided in the same number as the number of the accommodating portions 31, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 5, the accommodating portion 31 has a front wall 41 and a bottom wall 42. The accommodating portion 31 has a rear wall 43, an upper wall 44, and a side wall 45.
The front wall 41 is a wall located in the accommodating portion 31 opposite to the rear wall 43. The front wall 41 is positioned so as to be exposed from the exposure port 35. The bottom wall 42 is a wall located in the accommodating portion 31 opposite to the upper wall 44. The side wall 45 is a wall connected to the front wall 41, the bottom wall 42, the rear wall 43, and the upper wall 44.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the film 46 is provided in the accommodating portion 31 at a position opposite to the side wall 45. The film 46 is welded to the end faces of the front wall 41, the bottom wall 42, the rear wall 43, and the upper wall 44. In the present embodiment, the side wall 45 and the film 46 are arranged in the second direction D2 in this order.

The accommodating portion 31 is made of, for example, a transparent or translucent material. The accommodating portion 31 is made of, for example, resin. The accommodating portion 31 is mounted on the carriage 34 with the front wall 41 exposed from the exposed port 35. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 through the visual unit 16, the exposed port 35, and the front wall 41.

The accommodating portion 31 has an accommodating chamber 51 and a prism 52. The accommodating portion 31 includes an injection portion 53, a protective member 54, and a connecting portion 55.
The storage chamber 51 stores the liquid. The accommodation chamber 51 is formed by a front wall 41, a bottom wall 42, a rear wall 43, an upper wall 44, a side wall 45, and a film 46. The accommodation chamber 51 is surrounded by a front wall 41, a bottom wall 42, a rear wall 43, an upper wall 44, a side wall 45, and a film 46. The containment chamber 51 has a first side surface 56 and a second side surface 57 which is a surface located opposite to the first side surface 56. In the present embodiment, the first side surface 56 and the second side surface 57 are arranged in the second direction D2 in this order in the accommodation chamber 51. Therefore, in the side wall 45, the surface facing the accommodation chamber 51 is the first side surface 56. In the film 46, the surface facing the accommodation chamber 51 is the second side surface 57.

The storage chamber 51 includes a recess 58. The recess 58 is a portion of the storage chamber 51 that is recessed one step from the periphery. The recess 58 is formed by the bottom wall 42.
As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the prism 52 faces the accommodation chamber 51. The prism 52 is provided on the bottom wall 42, for example. A part of the prism 52 of the present embodiment is provided so as to project from the bottom wall 42 into the accommodation chamber 51.

The prism 52 is located between the front wall 41 and the rear wall 43 in the accommodating portion 31. The prism 52 of the present embodiment is located between the front wall 41 and the rear wall 43 at a position closer to the front wall 41 than the position where the recess 58 is provided.

The prism 52 is located between the side wall 45 and the film 46 in the accommodating portion 31. Therefore, the prism 52 is located between the first side surface 56 and the second side surface 57. The prism 52 is located between the first side surface 56 and the second side surface 57 so as to be biased toward either the first side surface 56 or the second side surface 57. In the present embodiment, the prism 52 is located between the first side surface 56 and the second side surface 57 so as to be biased toward the first side surface 56. That is, the prism 52 is located between the first side surface 56 and the second side surface 57 at a position closer to the first side surface 56 than the central position thereof.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the prism 52 is a triangular prism. The prism 52 has a first surface 61, a second surface 62, and a third surface 63. The first surface 61 and the second surface 62 face the accommodation chamber 51. Therefore, when the liquid is sufficiently stored in the storage chamber 51, the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 come into contact with the liquid. The first surface 61 and the second surface 62 are inclined with respect to the bottom wall 42 and are connected to each other. In the present embodiment, the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 are arranged in the second direction D2 in this order on the prism 52.

The third surface 63 is a surface facing outward of the accommodating portion 31. In the present embodiment, the third surface 63 is provided so as to be exposed from the accommodating portion 31. The third surface 63 is parallel to the bottom wall 42.

The third surface 63 is exposed by the first opening 37 and the second opening 38. That is, in the carriage 34, the first opening 37 and the second opening 38 are located at positions corresponding to the prism 52. The first opening 37 is located directly below the first surface 61. The second opening 38 is located directly below the second surface 62.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the injection portion 53 is provided on the upper wall 44. The injection unit 53 is, for example, a pipe extending from the upper wall 44. The injection unit 53 is located directly above the prism 52. That is, when the accommodating portion 31 is viewed from above, the injection portion 53 overlaps with the prism 52. The injection unit 53 communicates with the storage chamber 51. Therefore, the storage unit 31 can inject the liquid into the storage chamber 51 through the injection unit 53.

The injection portion 53 is exposed when the cap 36 is opened. The injection portion 53 is covered by the cap 36 when the cap 36 is closed. By closing the cap 36, the possibility that the liquid in the storage chamber 51 evaporates through the injection unit 53 is suppressed.

The protective member 54 protects the prism 52. The protective member 54 is located in the accommodation chamber 51. The protective member 54 is located directly above the prism 52. The protective member 54 is located between the injection portion 53 and the prism 52. Therefore, the liquid injected from the injection unit 53 collides with the protective member 54. As a result, the possibility that the liquid injected from the injection unit 53 collides with the prism 52 can be reduced.

The connection portion 55 makes it possible to supply the liquid in the accommodation chamber 51 to the discharge portion 21. The connection portion 55 communicates with the accommodation chamber 51. The connecting portion 55 is provided on the bottom wall 42. The connecting portion 55 is, for example, a pipe extending from the bottom wall 42. The connecting portion 55 of the present embodiment is provided at a position closer to the rear wall 43 than the recess 58. The connecting portion 55 is connected to the discharging portion 21 by mounting the accommodating portion 31 on the carriage 34.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid discharge device 11 includes a sensor 65 for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the storage unit 31. In this embodiment, the sensor 65 is located below the carriage 34. The sensor 65 is located in an area between the home position and the anti-home position. Therefore, the carriage 34 passes directly above the sensor 65 when reciprocating in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 65 includes a light emitting element 66 that emits light toward the prism 52 and a light receiving element 67 that receives the light reflected by the prism 52. In the present embodiment, the light emitting element 66 and the light receiving element 67 are arranged in the second direction D2 in this order.

When detecting the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31, that is, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating chamber 51, the light emitting element 66 emits light toward the prism 52 passing directly above. The light emitted from the light emitting element 66 hits the third surface 63 through the first opening 37. The light that hits the third surface 63 is incident on the prism 52. The light incident on the prism 52 hits the first surface 61 by traveling in the prism 52. The light that hits the first surface 61 is refracted or reflected on the first surface 61.

When the liquid touches the portion of the first surface 61 that is exposed to light, for example, when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the storage chamber 51 is sufficient, the light that hits the first surface 61 is the first surface 61. Refract in. The reason is that the difference between the refractive index of the prism 52 and the refractive index of the liquid is small.

The light refracted on the first surface 61 travels from the inside of the prism 52 to the outside of the prism 52. That is, the light refracted on the first surface 61 travels in the accommodation chamber 51. As described above, when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the storage chamber 51 is sufficient, most of the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 passes through the prism 52.

When the liquid does not touch the portion of the first surface 61 that is exposed to light, for example, when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the storage chamber 51 is small, the light that hits the first surface 61 is reflected by the first surface 61. To do. The reason is that the difference between the refractive index of the prism 52 and the refractive index of air is large.

The light reflected on the first surface 61 travels in the prism 52. As described above, when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the storage chamber 51 is small, the light that hits the first surface 61 travels in the prism 52 by being reflected by the first surface 61. In summary, the traveling direction of the light that hits the first surface 61 differs depending on the amount of the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber 51.

The light reflected on the first surface 61 hits the second surface 62 by traveling in the prism 52. The light that hits the second surface 62 is refracted or reflected on the second surface 62, as in the case of the first surface 61.

When the liquid is in contact with the portion of the second surface 62 that is exposed to light, the light that hits the second surface 62 is refracted on the second surface 62. The light refracted on the second surface 62 travels in the accommodation chamber 51.

When the liquid does not touch the portion of the second surface 62 that is exposed to light, the light that hits the second surface 62 is reflected by the second surface 62. The light reflected on the second surface 62 travels in the prism 52. As described above, the traveling direction of the light that hits the second surface 62 differs depending on the amount of the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage chamber 51.

The light reflected on the second surface 62 travels from the inside of the prism 52 to the outside of the prism 52 through the third surface 63. The light reflected by the second surface 62 travels toward the light receiving element 67 through the second opening 38. The light reflected on the second surface 62 is received by the light receiving element 67.

As described above, when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the storage chamber 51 is sufficient, most of the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 passes through the prism 52, so that the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 is It becomes smaller. When the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the storage chamber 51 is small, most of the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 is reflected by the prism 52, so that the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 becomes large. In summary, the reflectance of light in the prism 52 changes according to the remaining amount of liquid contained in the storage chamber 51. As the reflectance of light in the prism 52 changes, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 changes.

The liquid discharge device 11 can detect the remaining amount of liquid based on the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67. For example, the liquid discharge device 11 can detect that the remaining amount of liquid is less than a predetermined amount when the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The liquid discharge device 11 can detect that the remaining amount of liquid is equal to or more than a predetermined amount when the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 is less than the threshold value.

As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid discharge device 11 includes a cleaning mechanism 71. The cleaning mechanism 71 is configured to clean the discharge portion 21. The cleaning mechanism 71 clears the liquid clogging in the discharge unit 21, for example, by forcibly discharging the liquid from the discharge unit 21. The cleaning mechanism 71 includes, for example, a pump. The cleaning mechanism 71 may forcibly discharge the liquid from the discharge unit 21 by applying pressure, or may forcibly discharge the liquid from the discharge unit 21 by sucking.

The liquid discharge device 11 includes a control unit 72. The control unit 72 of the present embodiment controls various configurations of the liquid discharge device 11. The control unit 72 is α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware such as an integrated circuit for a specific application that executes at least a part of the various processes. It can be configured as a wear circuit or a circuit including γ: a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores a program code or a command configured to cause the CPU to execute a process. Memory, or computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium accessible by a general purpose or dedicated computer.

By controlling the sensor 65, the control unit 72 detects the remaining amount of liquid contained in the accommodating unit 31 while the carriage 34 is moving. At this time, the movement of the carriage 34 may cause the liquid level to fluctuate in the accommodating portion 31. When the liquid level fluctuates, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 changes. Further, the way the liquid level sways differs between when the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 and when the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2. Therefore, even if the remaining amount of liquid is the same, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 differs depending on whether the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 or the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the present embodiment, since the prism 52 is located closer to the first side surface 56 than the central position between the first side surface 56 and the second side surface 57, the prism 52 is closer to the first side surface 56. When the position of the liquid surface in the region becomes a change, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 changes. That is, the control unit 72 detects the remaining amount of the liquid with reference to the liquid level in the region closer to the first side surface 56 than the central position between the first side surface 56 and the second side surface 57. In the present embodiment, in the accommodation chamber 51, the area closer to the first side surface 56 than the central position between the first side surface 56 and the second side surface 57 is the first area A1, and the first side surface 56 and the first side surface 56 and the first side surface 56 are located closer to each other. The region closer to the second side surface 57 than the central position between the two side surfaces 57 is the second region A2.

As shown in FIG. 8, for example, when the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1, the liquid level may be temporarily lowered due to the fluctuation of the liquid level. More specifically, the inertia of the carriage 34 moving in the first direction D1 pushes the liquid in the containment chamber 51 against the second side surface 57. As a result, the liquid level in the first region A1 is temporarily lowered and the liquid level in the second region A2 is temporarily raised in the accommodation chamber 51.

When the liquid level in the first region A1 is temporarily lowered, the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 may be reflected on the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 as in the first optical path W1 shown in FIG. .. In this case, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 increases.

As shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2, the liquid level may temporarily rise due to the fluctuation of the liquid level. More specifically, the inertia of the carriage 34 moving in the second direction D2 pushes the liquid in the containment chamber 51 against the first side surface 56. As a result, the liquid level in the first region A1 is temporarily raised and the liquid level in the second region A2 is temporarily lowered in the accommodation chamber 51.

When the liquid level in the first region A1 is temporarily raised, the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 may be refracted in the first surface 61 as in the second optical path W2 shown in FIG. In this case, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 becomes small. The same applies to the case where the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 is reflected on the first surface 61 and refracted on the second surface 62 due to the temporary increase in the liquid level in the first region A1.

As described above, in the configuration in which the remaining amount of the liquid is detected while the carriage 34 is moving, the liquid level shakes when the remaining amount of the liquid is detected. Therefore, the control unit 72 takes into consideration the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 and the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2, and then the accommodating unit 72. The remaining amount of the liquid contained in 31 is detected.

The control unit 72 detects that the remaining amount of liquid is less than the first predetermined amount when the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 when the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 is equal to or more than the threshold value. .. When the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1, the liquid level in the first region A1 is temporarily lowered. Therefore, the control unit 72 detects as the remaining amount of the liquid, which is smaller than the amount of the liquid actually contained. At this time, when the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, it can be understood that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is low. Further, when the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value, it can be understood that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is sufficient.

When the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 when the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2 is equal to or more than the threshold value, the control unit 72 has a second predetermined amount in which the remaining amount of the liquid is smaller than the first predetermined amount. Detects that it is less than. When the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2, the liquid level in the first region A1 temporarily rises. Therefore, the control unit 72 detects a larger amount of the liquid as the remaining amount than the liquid actually contained. Therefore, if the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is the same, the second light receiving amount is equal to or less than the first light receiving amount. As a result, when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, it can be understood that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is further reduced. In this way, the control unit 72 takes into consideration the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 and the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2. Detect the remaining amount of liquid.

Next, the detection process executed by the control unit 72 to detect the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the storage unit 31 will be described. The control unit 72 executes the detection process, for example, after the printing is completed. Therefore, when the detection process is started, the carriage 34 is located at the anti-home position.

As shown in FIG. 10, in step S11, the control unit 72 moves the carriage 34 in the first direction D1. At this time, the carriage 34 moves from the anti-home position to the home position.

In step S12, the control unit 72 causes the light emitting element 66 to emit light. At this time, the light emitting element 66 emits light toward the prism 52 passing directly above.
In step S13, the control unit 72 determines whether or not the first light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value. That is, the control unit 72 at this time detects whether or not the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the storage unit 31 is less than the first predetermined amount. When the first light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 72 shifts the process to step S14. When the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value, the control unit 72 shifts the process to step S15.

In step S14, the control unit 72 limits the cleaning of the discharge unit 21. That is, the control unit 72 limits cleaning by the cleaning mechanism 71 when the first light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Limiting cleaning includes reducing the frequency of cleaning and reducing the consumption of liquid by cleaning. It also includes prohibiting the implementation of cleaning. When the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is less than the first predetermined amount. As described above, when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is small, the consumption of the liquid is suppressed by limiting the cleaning. As a result, the liquid can be discharged from the discharge unit 21 for a relatively long period of time.

If the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value in step S13, the control unit 72 skips step S14. That is, the control unit 72 does not limit the cleaning by the cleaning mechanism 71 when the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value. As described above, cleaning is not restricted when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is large. Therefore, the function of the discharge unit 21 can be maintained satisfactorily by cleaning.

In step S15, the control unit 72 moves the carriage 34 in the second direction D2. At this time, the carriage 34 moves from the home position to the anti-home position.
In step S16, the control unit 72 causes the light emitting element 66 to emit light. At this time, the light emitting element 66 emits light toward the prism 52 passing directly above.

In step S17, the control unit 72 determines whether or not the second light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value. That is, the control unit 72 at this time detects whether or not the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the storage unit 31 is less than the second predetermined amount. When the second light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 72 shifts the process to step S18. When the second light receiving amount is less than the threshold value, the control unit 72 ends the detection process.

In step S18, the control unit 72 starts counting the discharge amount. That is, the control unit 72 counts the discharge amount of the liquid discharged by the discharge unit 21 when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value. In this case, the control unit 72 can accurately detect the remaining amount of the liquid that is less than the second predetermined amount by subtracting the discharge amount from the second predetermined amount. As a result, the control unit 72 can notify the user of the remaining amount of the liquid that is less than the second predetermined amount.

In the present embodiment, when the second light receiving amount becomes equal to or more than the threshold value, the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is accumulated in the recess 58. Therefore, the volume of the recess 58 corresponds to the second predetermined amount.
In the present embodiment, the relationship between the first predetermined amount and the second predetermined amount is Y> (XY) when the first predetermined amount is X and the second predetermined amount is Y. That is, the amount from the second predetermined amount to 0 is larger than the amount from the first predetermined amount to the second predetermined amount. In this case, the period from when the remaining amount of the liquid becomes less than the second predetermined amount to when it becomes 0 becomes relatively long. As a result, when the second light receiving amount exceeds the threshold value, the liquid can be discharged from the discharge unit 21 for a relatively long period of time.

When the control unit 72 finishes the process of step S18, the control unit 72 ends the detection process. In the present embodiment, since there are a plurality of accommodating units 31, the control unit 72 executes the detection process for all the accommodating units 31. For example, the control unit 72 repeats the detection process as many times as the number of the accommodating units 31. As a result, the control unit 72 can detect the remaining amount of liquid for all the accommodating units 31.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the remaining amount of the liquid is the first predetermined amount or more and less than the first predetermined amount and the second predetermined amount or more and less than the second predetermined amount at one threshold value with respect to the received light amount. Can be detected in three stages: The control unit 72 can accurately detect the remaining amount of the liquid by executing the detection process.

As shown in FIG. 11, the bubble B1 may adhere to the prism 52 in the storage chamber 51. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the bubble B1 is attached to the first surface 61 and the second surface 62. In this case, when the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 hits the portion to which the bubble B1 is attached on the first surface 61 and the second surface 62, the first surface 61 and the second surface 61 and the second surface like the third optical path W3 shown in FIG. Reflects on the surface 62. Therefore, when the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 hits the portion of the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 to which the bubble B1 is attached, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 may increase.

In the present embodiment, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 decreases in the order of the first predetermined amount or more, the first predetermined amount or less, the second predetermined amount or more, and the second predetermined amount or less. Therefore, the first light receiving amount and the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 are usually "the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value and the second light receiving amount is less than the threshold value", and "the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value and , The second light receiving amount is less than the threshold value, and the transition is made in the order of "the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value and the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value". That is, if the first light receiving amount and the second light receiving amount do not change in this order, adhesion of the bubble B1 to the prism 52 is suspected.

As described above, if the bubble B1 adheres to the prism 52, the remaining amount of the liquid may be erroneously detected. Therefore, the control unit 72 of the present embodiment confirms whether or not the remaining amount of the liquid obtained in the detection process can be correctly detected.

The control unit 72 of the present embodiment stores the transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 and the transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67. That is, the control unit 72 stores the detection result obtained by the detection process.

The control unit 72 of the present embodiment stores normal transition data indicating a normal transition of the first light receiving amount and a normal transition of the second light receiving amount. The normal transition data means that the first light receiving amount and the second light receiving amount are "the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value and the second light receiving amount is less than the threshold value", and "the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value and the second light receiving amount is less than the threshold value". It is data indicating that the transition occurs in the order of "the received light amount is less than the threshold value" and "the first received light amount is equal to or more than the threshold value and the second received light amount is equal to or more than the threshold value".

The control unit 72 confirms whether or not the detection result is correct by using the detection result and the normal transition data.
Next, the confirmation process executed by the control unit 72 will be described. The confirmation process is a process for confirming whether or not the detection result obtained by the detection process is correct. In the present embodiment, the confirmation process is executed after the detection process.

As shown in FIG. 12, in step S21, the control unit 72 determines whether or not the transition of the detection result and the normal transition data match. That is, the control unit 72 compares the transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 and the transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 with the normal transition data. After that, the control unit 72 determines whether or not the transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 and the transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 match the normal transition data. In this way, the control unit 72 can determine whether or not the latest detection result is correct by comparing the transition of the detection result obtained by the detection process with the normal transition data.

In step S21, when the transition of the detection result and the normal transition data match, the control unit 72 ends the confirmation process. If the transition of the detection result and the normal transition data do not match in step S21, the control unit 72 shifts the process to step S22. That is, when the transition of the detection result and the normal transition data do not match, the control unit 72 executes a process different from the case of matching. As a result, when the detection result is incorrect, the control unit 72 can execute an appropriate process.

In the present embodiment, when the transition of the detection result and the normal transition data do not match, "the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value and the second light receiving amount is less than the threshold value" to "the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value. Moreover, it is a case where the second light receiving amount transitions to "above the threshold value". That is, it is a case where the remaining amount of the liquid changes from the first predetermined amount or more to the second predetermined amount or less. In this case, since the transition of the detection result does not pass through "the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value and the second light receiving amount is less than the threshold value", adhesion of the bubble B1 to the prism 52 is suspected.

In step S22, the control unit 72 discards the latest detection result. The reason is that when the transition of the detection result and the normal transition data do not match, it is highly possible that the latest detection result is the detection result in the state where the bubble B1 is attached to the prism 52. That is, the latest detection result is likely to be the result of erroneous detection.

In step S23, the control unit 72 releases the cleaning restriction. When the latest detection result is the result of erroneous detection, it is considered that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is sufficient, so that there is no problem even if the liquid is consumed by cleaning.

In step S24, the control unit 72 stops and resets the discharge amount count. When the latest detection result is the result of erroneous detection, it is considered that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is sufficient, so that there is no problem even if the discharge amount is not counted. The control unit 72 ends the confirmation process after finishing the process of step S24.

In the confirmation process to be executed next, the control unit 72 can grasp that the adhesion of the bubble B1 has been eliminated when the transition of the detection result matches the normal transition data. In the present embodiment, when the adhesion of the bubble B1 is eliminated, the detection result is that "the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value and the second light receiving amount is less than the threshold value" or "the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value and. The second light receiving amount is less than the threshold value. "

The bubble B1 adhering to the prism 52 can be effectively removed by moving the carriage 34 while the liquid level is applied to the prism 52. That is, when the carriage 34 moves while the liquid level is applied to the prism 52, the bubbles B1 adhering to the prism 52 are kidnapped by the waves of the liquid generated in the storage chamber 51. As a result, the bubble B1 is removed from the prism 52.

Next, the operation and effect of the above embodiment will be described.
(1) The way the liquid level sways in the accommodation chamber 51 differs between when the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 and when the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2. For example, when moving in the first direction D1, the liquid level sways to be temporarily low, and when moving in the second direction D2, the liquid level sways to be temporarily high. In this case, if the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is the same, the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the first light receiving amount. From this, it can be understood that when the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is low. Further, when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, it can be understood that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is further reduced.

As described above, according to the above embodiment, the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 and the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2 are taken into consideration. Then, the remaining amount of liquid is detected. Therefore, the remaining amount of the liquid can be detected accurately.

(2) The liquid in the accommodation chamber 51 is pressed against the second side surface 57 by the inertia caused by the carriage 34 moving in the first direction D1. As a result, the liquid level in the first region A1 tends to be temporarily lowered in the accommodation chamber 51. At this time, when the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, it can be grasped that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is low.

Due to the inertia caused by the movement of the carriage 34 in the second direction D2, the liquid in the accommodation chamber 51 is pressed against the first side surface 56. As a result, the liquid level in the second region A2 tends to rise in the accommodation chamber 51. At this time, when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, it can be understood that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is further reduced.

As described above, according to the above embodiment, the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 and the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2 are taken into consideration. Then, the remaining amount of liquid is detected. Therefore, the remaining amount of the liquid can be detected accurately.

(3) The control unit 72 limits cleaning by the cleaning mechanism 71 when the first light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value. According to this, when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is small, the consumption of the liquid is suppressed by limiting the cleaning. Therefore, the liquid can be discharged from the discharge unit 21 for a relatively long period of time.

(4) The control unit 72 does not limit the cleaning by the cleaning mechanism 71 when the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value. According to this, cleaning is not restricted when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 is large. Therefore, the function of the discharge unit 21 can be maintained satisfactorily by cleaning.

(5) The control unit 72 has a transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67, a transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67, a normal transition of the first light receiving amount, and a second light receiving amount. Compare with the normal transition data showing the normal transition of. According to this, when the transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 and the transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 do not match the normal transition data, the remaining amount of the detected liquid remains. Can be understood as an error.

(6) The control unit 72 is different from the case where the transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 and the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 and the normal transition data do not match. Execute the process. According to this, when the remaining amount of the detected liquid is erroneous, an appropriate process can be executed.

(7) When the first predetermined amount is X and the second predetermined amount is Y, Y> (XY). In this case, the amount from the second predetermined amount to 0 is larger than the amount from the first predetermined amount to the second predetermined amount. Therefore, the period from when the remaining amount of the liquid becomes less than the second predetermined amount to when it becomes 0 becomes relatively long. As a result, when the second light receiving amount exceeds the threshold value, the liquid can be discharged from the discharge unit 21 for a relatively long period of time.

(8) The control unit 72 counts the discharge amount of the liquid discharged by the discharge unit 21 when the second light receiving amount is equal to or higher than the threshold value. According to this, the remaining amount of the liquid can be accurately grasped by subtracting the discharge amount from the second predetermined amount.

This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
-As shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of sensors 65 may be provided. In the modified example shown in FIG. 13, the same number of sensors 65 as the accommodating portions 31 are provided. That is, five sensors 65 are provided. As a result, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in each of the plurality of accommodating units 31 can be detected in parallel by the plurality of sensors 65.

According to this modification, the following effects can be obtained.
(9) The time required to detect the remaining amount of liquid in the plurality of accommodating portions 31 can be shortened.

-The control unit 72 may move the carriage 34 to a position where the distance between the prism 52 and the sensor 65 of the storage unit 31 to be detected is a predetermined distance before detecting the remaining amount of the liquid. That is, for example, the control unit 72 may move the carriage 34 to a position where the distance between the prism 52 and the sensor 65 of the storage unit 31 to be detected is a predetermined distance before executing step S11. For example, the control unit 72 may move the carriage 34 to a position where the distance between the prism 52 and the sensor 65 of the accommodating unit 31 to be detected is a predetermined distance before executing step S15.

When the remaining amount of liquid is detected for a plurality of accommodating portions 31, if the moving distance of the carriage 34 is different for each accommodating portion 31, the fluctuation of the liquid level may be different for each accommodating portion 31. With respect to this, according to this modification, the moving distance of the carriage 34 can be made uniform when the remaining amount of liquid is detected for the plurality of accommodating portions 31.

According to this modification, the following effects can be obtained.
(10) When the remaining amount of the liquid is detected for the plurality of accommodating portions 31, the way of shaking of the liquid surface can be made uniform.

The control unit 72 may make the speed at which the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2 lower than the speed at which the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1.
According to this modification, the following effects can be obtained.

(11) When the carriage 34 moves in the second direction D2, the fluctuation of the liquid level becomes small. As a result, the remaining amount of the liquid can be accurately detected based on the second light receiving amount.
The direction from the home position to the anti-home position may be the first direction D1, and the direction from the anti-home position to the home position may be the second direction D2.

-The cap 36 may be provided in the accommodating portion 31.
The carriage 34 may have one opening through which the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 and the light reflected by the prism 52 pass, instead of the first opening 37 and the second opening 38.

-When detecting the remaining amount of the liquid, the control unit 72 may detect the first light receiving amount after detecting the second light receiving amount.
When it is suspected that the bubble B1 adheres to the prism 52, the control unit 72 may reciprocate the carriage 34 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. As a result, the liquid flows in the storage chamber 51. As a result, the bubble B1 may be removed. In particular, when the liquid surface is at a position where it touches the prism 52, the bubble B1 is easily removed.

The protective member 54 may be made of a black material. In this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 is reflected by the protective member 54 after passing through the prism 52.
The prism 52 may be located between the first side surface 56 and the second side surface 57 so as to be biased toward the second side surface 57.

The light emitting element 66 and the light receiving element 67 may be arranged in the first direction D1 in this order in the sensor 65.
-When the first light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a different process may be executed, not limited to the process of limiting cleaning.

-The control unit 72 may execute a different process, not limited to the process of starting the counting of the discharge amount, when the second light receiving amount becomes equal to or more than the threshold value.
The liquid discharged by the ejection unit 21 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid material in which particles of functional materials are dispersed or mixed in the liquid. For example, the discharge unit 21 may discharge a liquid material containing a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an electroluminescence display, a surface light emitting display, or the like in a dispersed or dissolved form.

The technical idea and its action and effect grasped from the above-described embodiments and modifications are described below.
(A) The liquid discharge device is housed in the discharge unit for discharging the liquid, the accommodating unit for accommodating the liquid supplied to the discharge unit, the discharge unit and the carriage on which the accommodating unit is mounted, and the accommodating unit. The storage unit includes a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid, a control unit, and the storage unit includes a storage chamber for storing the liquid and a prism facing the storage chamber. The prism has a first side surface and a second side surface which is a surface located opposite to the first side surface, and the prism is located between the first side surface and the second side surface. The carriage is configured to reciprocate between the first direction and the second direction, which is the direction opposite to the first direction, so as to be offset to either one of the second side surfaces. The sensor includes a light emitting element that emits light toward the prism and a light receiving element that receives the light reflected by the prism, and the control unit comprises the control unit when the carriage moves in the first direction. When the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element is equal to or more than the threshold value, it is detected that the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the first predetermined amount, and the light receiving element receives when the carriage moves in the second direction. When the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, it is detected that the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount.

The way the liquid level sways in the containment chamber differs between when the carriage moves in the first direction and when the carriage moves in the second direction. For example, when moving in the first direction, the liquid level sways to be temporarily low, and when moving in the second direction, the liquid level sways to be temporarily high. In this case, if the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion is the same, the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the first light receiving amount. From this, it can be understood that when the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion is low. Further, when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, it can be understood that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion is further reduced.

As described above, according to the above configuration, the liquid residue is left in consideration of the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage moves in the first direction and the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage moves in the second direction. The amount is detected. Therefore, the remaining amount of the liquid can be detected accurately.

(B) In the liquid discharge device, the first side surface and the second side surface are arranged in the second direction in this order, and the prism is located between the first side surface and the second side surface. The light emitting element and the light receiving element may be arranged in this order in the second direction so as to be biased toward the first side surface.

In the above configuration, the liquid in the containment chamber is pressed against the second side surface by the inertia caused by the carriage moving in the first direction. As a result, in the accommodation chamber, the liquid level in the region closer to the first side surface than the central position between the first side surface and the second side surface tends to be temporarily lowered. At this time, when the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, it can be understood that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion is low.

In the above configuration, the liquid in the containment chamber is pressed against the first side surface due to the inertia caused by the carriage moving in the second direction. As a result, in the accommodation chamber, the liquid level in the region closer to the first side surface tends to be higher than the central position between the first side surface and the second side surface. At this time, when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, it can be understood that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion is further reduced.

As described above, according to the above configuration, the liquid residue is left in consideration of the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage moves in the first direction and the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage moves in the second direction. The amount is detected. Therefore, the remaining amount of the liquid can be detected accurately.

(C) The liquid discharge device includes a cleaning mechanism configured to clean the discharge unit, and the control unit performs cleaning by the cleaning mechanism when the first light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value. You may limit it.

According to this configuration, when the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion is small, the consumption of the liquid is suppressed by limiting the cleaning. Therefore, the liquid can be discharged from the discharge unit for a relatively long period of time.

(D) In the liquid discharge device, the control unit does not have to limit cleaning by the cleaning mechanism when the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value.
According to this configuration, cleaning is not restricted when the remaining amount of liquid contained in the accommodating portion is large. Therefore, the function of the discharge portion can be maintained well by cleaning.

(E) In the liquid discharge device, the control unit has a transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element, a transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element, and a transition of the first light receiving amount. You may compare with the normal transition data which shows the normal transition and the normal transition of the 2nd light receiving amount.

According to this configuration, when the transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element and the transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element do not match the normal transition data, the remaining amount of the detected liquid is You can understand that it is an error.

(F) In the liquid discharge device, the control unit has a transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element, a transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element, and the normal transition data. If they do not match, a process different from the case of matching may be executed.

According to the above configuration, when the remaining amount of the detected liquid is incorrect, an appropriate process can be executed.
(G) In the liquid discharge device, when the first predetermined amount is X and the second predetermined amount is Y, Y> (XY) may be used.

According to this configuration, the amount from the second predetermined amount to 0 is larger than the amount from the first predetermined amount to the second predetermined amount. Therefore, the period from when the remaining amount of the liquid becomes less than the second predetermined amount to when it becomes 0 becomes relatively long. As a result, when the second light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the liquid can be discharged from the discharge unit for a relatively long period of time.

(H) In the liquid discharge device, the control unit may count the discharge amount of the liquid discharged by the discharge unit when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value.
According to this configuration, the remaining amount of the liquid can be accurately grasped by subtracting the discharge amount from the second predetermined amount.

(I) In the liquid discharge device, the control unit may make the speed at which the carriage moves in the second direction slower than the speed at which the carriage moves in the first direction.

According to this configuration, when the carriage moves in the second direction, the fluctuation of the liquid level becomes small. As a result, the remaining amount of the liquid can be accurately detected based on the second light receiving amount.
(J) In the liquid discharge device, a plurality of the accommodating portions are provided, the plurality of accommodating portions are arranged in the first direction on the carriage, and the control unit is before detecting the remaining amount of the liquid. The carriage may be moved to a position where the distance between the prism and the sensor of the accommodating portion to be detected is a predetermined distance.

According to this configuration, when the remaining amount of liquid is detected for a plurality of accommodating portions, the moving distance of the carriage can be made uniform. As a result, when the remaining amount of the liquid is detected for a plurality of accommodating portions, the fluctuation of the liquid surface can be made uniform.

(K) In the liquid discharge device, a plurality of the accommodating portions may be provided, the plurality of the accommodating portions may be arranged in the first direction on the carriage, and a plurality of the sensors may be provided.

According to this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid contained in each of the plurality of storage units can be detected in parallel by a plurality of sensors. As a result, the time required to detect the remaining amount of liquid in a plurality of accommodating portions can be shortened.

(L) The control method includes a discharge unit that discharges a liquid, a storage unit that stores the liquid supplied to the discharge unit, a carriage that mounts the discharge unit and the storage unit, and the storage unit. A sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid is provided, and the storage unit has a storage chamber for storing the liquid and a prism facing the storage chamber, and the storage chamber has a first side surface. The prism has a second side surface, which is a surface located opposite to the first side surface, and the prism is located between the first side surface and the second side surface of the first side surface and the second side surface. The carriage is positioned so as to be biased to either one, and the carriage is configured to reciprocate in the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the sensor is the sensor. A control method for a liquid discharge device having a light emitting element that emits light toward a prism and a light receiving element that receives light reflected by the prism, and the light receiving element when the carriage moves in the first direction. Detects that the remaining amount of liquid is less than the first predetermined amount when the first light receiving amount received by is equal to or more than the threshold value, and receives the light receiving element when the carriage moves in the second direction. It includes detecting that the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value.

According to this method, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge device described above can be obtained.
(M) The control method may include limiting the cleaning of the discharge portion when the first light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

According to this method, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge device described above can be obtained.
(N) The control method may include not limiting the cleaning of the discharge portion when the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value.

According to this method, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge device described above can be obtained.
(O) The control method includes a transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element, a transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element, a normal transition of the first light receiving amount, and a second. It may include comparing with normal transition data showing a normal transition of the amount of received light.

According to this method, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge device described above can be obtained.
(P) The control method is matched when the transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element and the transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element do not match the normal transition data. It may include performing a process different from the case of performing.

According to this method, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge device described above can be obtained.
(Q) The control method may include counting the discharge amount of the liquid discharged by the discharge unit when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value.

According to this method, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge device described above can be obtained.
(R) The control method may include making the speed at which the carriage moves in the second direction slower than the speed at which the carriage moves in the first direction.

According to this method, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge device described above can be obtained.
(S) In the control method, a plurality of the accommodating portions are provided, the plurality of accommodating portions are arranged in the first direction in the carriage, and the control method detects the remaining amount of the liquid before detecting the remaining amount. The carriage may be moved to a position where the distance between the prism and the sensor of the target accommodating portion is a predetermined distance.

According to this method, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge device described above can be obtained.

11 ... liquid discharge device, 12 ... housing, 12A ... front surface, 13 ... first cover, 14 ... second cover, 15 ... display unit, 16 ... visual recognition unit, 17 ... cassette, 21 ... discharge unit, 22 ... transport path , 23 ... Conveying unit, 23A ... 1st transport roller, 23B ... 2nd transport roller, 24 ... Discharge section, 24A ... Discharge roller, 31 ... Accommodating section, 32 ... Guide section, 33 ... Moving mechanism, 33A ... Pulley, 33B ... belt, 33C ... motor, 34 ... carriage, 35 ... exposure port, 36 ... cap, 37 ... first opening, 38 ... second opening, 41 ... front wall, 42 ... bottom wall, 43 ... rear wall, 44 ... top Wall, 45 ... Side wall, 46 ... Film, 51 ... Containment chamber, 52 ... Prism, 53 ... Injection part, 54 ... Protective member, 55 ... Connection part, 56 ... First side surface, 57 ... Second side surface, 58 ... Recession, 61 ... 1st surface, 62 ... 2nd surface, 63 ... 3rd surface, 65 ... sensor, 66 ... light emitting element, 67 ... light receiving element, 71 ... cleaning mechanism, 72 ... control unit, 99 ... medium, A1 ... 1st Region, A2 ... second region, B1 ... bubble, D1 ... first direction, D2 ... second direction, W1 ... first optical path, W2 ... second optical path, W3 ... third optical path.

Claims (19)

The discharge part that discharges the liquid and
A storage unit that stores the liquid supplied to the discharge unit, and
A carriage on which the discharge portion and the accommodating portion are mounted,
A sensor for detecting the remaining amount of liquid contained in the accommodating portion,
With a control unit
The accommodating portion has an accommodating chamber for accommodating a liquid and a prism facing the accommodating chamber.
The containment chamber has a first side surface and a second side surface which is a surface located opposite to the first side surface.
The prism is located between the first side surface and the second side surface so as to be biased toward either the first side surface or the second side surface.
The carriage is configured to reciprocate in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction.
The sensor has a light emitting element that emits light toward the prism and a light receiving element that receives light reflected by the prism.
The control unit detects that the remaining amount of liquid is less than the first predetermined amount when the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element is equal to or more than the threshold value when the carriage moves in the first direction. ,
When the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element when the carriage moves in the second direction is equal to or more than the threshold value, the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount. A liquid discharge device characterized by detecting that. The first side surface and the second side surface are arranged in this order in the second direction.
The prism is located between the first side surface and the second side surface so as to be biased toward the first side surface.
The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged in the second direction in this order. A cleaning mechanism configured to clean the discharge portion is provided.
The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit limits cleaning by the cleaning mechanism when the first light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The liquid discharge device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit does not limit cleaning by the cleaning mechanism when the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value. The control unit has a transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element, a transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element, a normal transition of the first light receiving amount, and a second light receiving amount. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the normal transition data showing a normal transition is compared with the normal transition data. The control unit may match the transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element and the transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element when the normal transition data does not match. The liquid discharge device according to claim 5, wherein the liquid discharge device performs different processes. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the first predetermined amount is X and the second predetermined amount is Y, Y> (XY). Liquid discharge device. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit counts the discharge amount of the liquid discharged by the discharge unit when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value. The liquid discharge device described. The control unit according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the speed at which the carriage moves in the second direction is slower than the speed at which the carriage moves in the first direction. The liquid discharge device according to any one item. A plurality of the accommodating portions are provided.
The plurality of accommodating portions are arranged in the first direction on the carriage.
The claim is characterized in that the control unit moves the carriage to a position where the distance between the prism and the sensor of the accommodating unit to be detected is a predetermined distance before detecting the remaining amount of the liquid. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A plurality of the accommodating portions are provided.
The plurality of accommodating portions are arranged in the first direction on the carriage.
The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of the sensors are provided. The discharge part that discharges the liquid and
A storage unit that stores the liquid supplied to the discharge unit, and
A carriage on which the discharge portion and the accommodating portion are mounted,
A sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion is provided.
The accommodating portion has an accommodating chamber for accommodating a liquid and a prism facing the accommodating chamber.
The containment chamber has a first side surface and a second side surface which is a surface located opposite to the first side surface.
The prism is located between the first side surface and the second side surface so as to be biased toward either the first side surface or the second side surface.
The carriage is configured to reciprocate in the first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
The sensor is a control method for a liquid discharge device having a light emitting element that emits light toward the prism and a light receiving element that receives light reflected by the prism.
When the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element when the carriage moves in the first direction is equal to or more than the threshold value, it is detected that the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the first predetermined amount.
When the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element when the carriage moves in the second direction is equal to or more than the threshold value, the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the second predetermined amount smaller than the first predetermined amount. A control method characterized by detecting and including. The control method according to claim 12, further comprising limiting the cleaning of the ejection portion when the first light receiving amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value. 13. The control method according to claim 13, wherein cleaning of the discharge portion is not restricted when the first light receiving amount is less than the threshold value. The transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element, the transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element, the normal transition of the first light receiving amount, and the normal transition of the second light receiving amount are shown. The control method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the normal transition data is compared with the normal transition data. When the transition of the first light receiving amount received by the light receiving element and the transition of the second light receiving amount received by the light receiving element do not match the normal transition data, a process different from the case of matching is performed. The control method according to claim 15, wherein the control method includes the above. The invention according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein when the second light receiving amount is equal to or more than the threshold value, the discharge amount of the liquid discharged by the discharge unit is counted. Control method. Any of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the speed at which the carriage moves in the second direction is slower than the speed at which the carriage moves in the first direction. The control method according to one item. A plurality of the accommodating portions are provided.
The plurality of accommodating portions are arranged in the first direction on the carriage.
The control method is characterized by moving the carriage to a position where the distance between the prism and the sensor of the accommodating portion to be detected is a predetermined distance before detecting the remaining amount of the liquid. The control method according to any one of claims 12 to 18.