JP2021066070A - Liquid discharge device and control method of liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To precisely detect a remaining amount of a liquid stored in a storage part.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes a discharge part which discharges a liquid, a storage part 31 which stores the liquid supplied to the discharge part and has a prism 52, a carriage which mounts the discharge part and the storage part, a moving mechanism which reciprocates the carriage 34 in a direction along a first axis, a sensor 65 which detects a remaining amount of the liquid stored in the storage part through the prism, and a control part. The sensor is arranged in an area in which the carriage reciprocates, and is positioned in a position where the sensor can be opposite to the prism. The control part moves the carriage at a first speed when the liquid is discharged on a medium and an image is formed. When the image is not formed on the medium, the remaining amount of the liquid is detected in a state that the carriage is moved at a second speed lower than the first speed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

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

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 above recording device, the liquid level in the containment 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, there is a problem that the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion cannot be detected accurately.

The liquid discharge device includes a discharge unit that discharges a liquid, a storage unit that stores the liquid supplied to the discharge unit and has a prism, a carriage that mounts the discharge unit and the storage unit, and the carriage. A moving mechanism for reciprocating in a direction along one axis, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion via the prism, and a control unit are provided, and the sensor is the carriage. Is provided in the reciprocating region and is arranged at a position facing the prism, and the control unit moves the carriage at a first speed when the liquid is discharged to a medium to form an image. When the carriage is moved and the image is not formed on the medium, the remaining amount of the liquid is detected in a state where the carriage is moved at a second speed which is slower than the first speed.

The liquid discharge device has a cleaning mechanism that performs cleaning including an operation of discharging the liquid supplied into the discharge unit, and the control unit performs the carriage at the second speed before performing the cleaning. It is preferable to detect the remaining amount of the liquid in the moved state and execute the cleaning when the remaining amount of the liquid is a predetermined amount or more.

In the liquid discharge device, the second speed is preferably 1/10 or more and 4/10 or less of the first speed.

The control method of the liquid discharge device includes a discharge unit that discharges a liquid, a storage unit that stores the liquid supplied to the discharge unit and has a prism, a carriage that mounts the discharge unit and the storage unit, and the said. The sensor includes a moving mechanism for reciprocating the carriage in a direction along the first axis, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion via the prism, and a control unit. A control method for a liquid discharge device in which the carriage is provided in the reciprocating region and is arranged at a position facing the prism. The control unit discharges the liquid to a medium to display an image. When forming, the carriage is moved at the first speed, and when the image is not formed on the medium, the liquid is moved in a state where the carriage is moved at a second speed which is slower than the first speed. It is characterized in that the remaining amount of is detected.

The external perspective view which shows the structure of the liquid discharge device. The internal perspective view which shows the structure of the liquid discharge device. The cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the liquid discharge device. The cross-sectional view which shows the structure of a carriage and a housing part. The side view which shows the structure of the accommodating part. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. The block diagram which shows the electrical structure of a liquid discharge device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the detection process of the liquid remaining amount in the 1st speed. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the detection process of the liquid remaining amount in the 1st speed. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the detection process of the liquid remaining amount in the 2nd speed. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the detection process of the liquid remaining amount in the 2nd speed. The flowchart which shows an example of the control method of a liquid discharge device. The flowchart which shows an example of the control method of the liquid discharge device in the modification.

First, the configuration of the liquid discharge device 11 will be described. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid discharge device 11, FIG. 2 is an internal perspective view showing the configuration of the liquid discharge device 11, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the liquid discharge device 11. Is. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the carriage 34 and the accommodating portion 31, FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the accommodating portion 31, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. .. Further, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the liquid discharge device 11. The liquid ejection device 11 is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints (forms) images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium 99 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 on 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 includes a plurality of nozzles, and discharges the liquid as minute droplets from the nozzles. The discharge unit 21 forms an image on the medium 99 by discharging the liquid to the medium 99. The discharge unit 21 is, for example, an inkjet 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 storage 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 includes 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 reciprocate with respect to the medium 99 in a direction along a first axis intersecting the transport direction of the medium 99. Of the two directions in which the carriage 34 reciprocates, 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 located 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 at a position opposite to the side wall 45 in the accommodating portion 31. 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, a 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 connecting portion 55 makes it possible to supply the liquid in the accommodating chamber 51 to the discharging 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. The sensor 65 is provided in the region where the carriage 34 reciprocates, and is arranged at a position where it can face the prism 52. 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 hitting 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 touches 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 hitting 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 unit 21. The cleaning mechanism 71 performs cleaning including an operation of discharging the liquid supplied into the discharge unit 21. For example, by forcibly discharging the liquid from the discharge unit 21, the liquid clogging in the discharge unit 21 is eliminated. 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 an instruction configured to cause the CPU to execute a process. Memory, or computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed 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 depending on whether the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 or 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 in the second direction D2.

8 and 9 are schematic views showing an example of the liquid remaining amount detection process at the first speed. Specifically, the case where the remaining amount of the liquid is detected while the carriage 34 is moved at the first speed is shown. The first speed is the speed at which the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 in the printing process of forming an image on the medium 99.
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 region 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 region 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, in the accommodation chamber 51, the liquid level in the first region A1 is temporarily raised, and the liquid level in the second region A2 is temporarily lowered.

When the liquid level in the first region A1 is temporarily raised, the light emitted from the light emitting element 66 may be refracted on 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 detects the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating unit 31 in consideration of the fluctuation of the liquid level when the carriage 34 moves in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

For example, when detecting the remaining amount of the liquid other than the timing of the printing process for forming an image on the medium 99, it is not necessary to consider the decrease in the printing speed, so that the speed is higher than the first speed which is the moving speed of the carriage 34. Is detected at a slow second speed. As described above, the first speed is the speed at which the liquid is discharged to the medium 99 to form an image on the medium 99, and is the moving speed of the carriage 34 during the printing process. On the other hand, the second speed is slower than the moving speed of the carriage 34 during the printing process.

10 and 11 are schematic views showing an example of the liquid remaining amount detection process at the second speed. Specifically, the case where the remaining amount of the liquid is detected while the carriage 34 is moved at the second speed is shown. The second speed is, for example, a speed of 1/10 or more and 4/10 or less with respect to the first speed. Further, the second speed is preferably about 1/4 of the first speed. As a result, it is possible to detect the liquid in the accommodating portion 31 in a state where the ripple of the liquid surface is suppressed. When the second speed is less than 1/10 of the first speed, the amount of data acquired by the sensor 65 increases, so that the load of arithmetic processing on the control unit 72 increases. On the other hand, when the second speed exceeds 4/10 of the first speed, the fluctuation of the liquid surface becomes relatively large, and the detection accuracy deteriorates. In view of the above, the second speed is required to be in the range of 1/10 or more and 4/10 or less of the first speed.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, by moving the carriage 34 at the second speed as compared with the case where the carriage 34 is moved at the first speed, the fluctuation of the liquid level in the accommodating portion 31 is suppressed.
Then, the detection of the remaining amount of liquid is executed in a state where the fluctuation of the liquid level in the accommodating portion 31 is suppressed.
In the example of FIG. 10, since the amount of light received by the light receiving element 67 is less than the threshold value, it is detected that the remaining amount of the liquid is equal to or more than a predetermined amount. Further, in the example of FIG. 11, since the light receiving amount received by the light receiving element 67 is equal to or more than the threshold value, it is detected that the remaining amount of the liquid is less than the predetermined amount. In this way, when detected in the state of the second speed, the remaining amount of the liquid is detected in a state where the ripple of the liquid level of the liquid in the accommodating portion 31 is suppressed, so that the liquid accommodated in the accommodating portion 31 The remaining amount can be detected accurately. Further, the remaining amount of the liquid can be accurately detected regardless of the volume of the accommodating portion 31. Therefore, even when a plurality of accommodating portions 31 having different volumes are mounted, the remaining amount of the liquid can be detected under common conditions.

Here, before the cleaning mechanism 71 cleans the ejection unit 21, since it is not a printing process for forming an image on the medium 99, the remaining amount of the liquid is detected while the carriage 34 is moved at the second speed. Is preferable. That is, since the cleaning mechanism 71 forcibly discharges the liquid from the discharge unit 21, if the liquid runs out during the execution of cleaning, air enters the discharge unit 21, the nozzle is not filled with the liquid, and the nozzle does not come off. It will occur. Therefore, by detecting the remaining amount of liquid in the second speed before cleaning, the remaining amount of liquid in the accommodating portion 31 is surely detected, and when the remaining amount of liquid in the accommodating portion 31 is equal to or more than a predetermined value. Cleaning needs to be performed. Therefore, by moving the carriage 34 at the second speed, the liquid is prevented from running out during cleaning, and the discharge portion 21 can be reliably cleaned. The maximum amount of liquid discharged from the discharge unit 21 in the cleaning process is set as a predetermined amount.

Next, the control method of the liquid discharge device 11 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method of the liquid discharge device 11. In this embodiment, a configuration example including a case where the carriage 34 detects the remaining amount of liquid in the state of the first speed and a case where the remaining amount of liquid is detected in the state of the second speed will be described. Specifically, the remaining amount of liquid is detected in the state of the second speed before the cleaning is executed, but in other cases, the remaining amount of liquid is detected in the state of the first speed will be described.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, in step S11, a printing process is executed. Specifically, the control unit 72 drives various configurations such as the transport unit 23, the moving mechanism 33, and the discharge unit 21, discharges the liquid to the medium 99, and forms an image on the medium 99. Here, in the printing process of forming an image on the medium 99, the carriage 34 is moved at the first speed.

Next, in step S12, the first remaining amount detection is performed. The first remaining amount detection is set so that a flag is set periodically according to, for example, the number of printed media 99, the printing processing time, the amount of liquid discharged, and the like. The control unit 72 drives the moving mechanism 33 and the sensor 65 to detect the remaining amount of liquid in a state where the carriage 34 is moved at the first speed. Since the first remaining amount detection is executed to determine whether or not the printing process can be continued, some error is allowed in the detection accuracy of the remaining amount of the liquid in the accommodating portion 31. Therefore, the detection is executed in the state where the carriage 34 is moved at the first speed. There is no problem even if the carriage 34 is detected while being moved at the second speed.

Next, in step S13, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of the liquid is equal to or less than the first predetermined amount. If the amount is the first predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S14, and if the amount is not less than the first predetermined amount, that is, if the printing process can be continued, the process proceeds to step S11, and the printing process is continued.

Next, in step S14, it is determined whether or not to perform cleaning. The determination as to whether or not to perform cleaning is set so that a flag is set according to the number of printed media 99, the printing processing time, the amount of liquid discharged, and the like. When cleaning is executed, the process proceeds to step S15, and when cleaning is not executed, the process proceeds to step S11, and the printing process is continued.

In step S15, the second remaining amount is detected. The control unit 72 drives the moving mechanism 33 and the sensor 65 to detect the remaining amount of liquid in a state where the carriage 34 is moved at the second speed. In the second remaining amount detection, since the waviness of the liquid level of the liquid in the accommodating portion 31 is suppressed, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 can be detected accurately.

Next, in step S16, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of the liquid is equal to or less than the second predetermined amount. If it is less than or equal to the second predetermined amount, it ends, for example, the liquid discharge device 11 is stopped, and the accommodating portion 31 is replenished with liquid. On the other hand, if the amount is not less than the second predetermined amount, that is, if the cleaning process can be executed, the process proceeds to step S17. The second predetermined amount is the maximum amount of liquid discharged from the discharge unit 21 in the cleaning process.

Then, in step S17, cleaning is performed. Specifically, the control unit 72 drives the cleaning mechanism 71 to forcibly discharge the liquid from the discharge unit 21. Since the amount of liquid exceeding the second predetermined amount is stored in the accommodating portion 31, it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out during the execution of cleaning, and it is possible to reliably clean the discharging portion 21. After taking the above steps into consideration, cleaning is executed and the process ends.

Next, a modified example will be described.
In the above embodiment, the detection of the remaining amount of liquid before cleaning is automatically executed during a series of printing processes in the liquid ejection device 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to start the detection process at the convenience of the user. That is, for example, when the printing process is started after the liquid discharge device 11 has been waiting for a long time, it may be desired to perform cleaning before starting the printing process. In such a case, the detection is started at the convenience of the user.
Hereinafter, a specific description will be given. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method of the liquid discharge device 11 in the modified example.

As shown in FIG. 13, in step S21, the control unit 72 causes the display unit 15 to display the cleaning execution button. The cleaning execution button may be displayed on the display unit 15 at all times. The user can start the process by pressing the execute cleaning button.
In step S22, the remaining amount is detected. The control unit 72 drives the moving mechanism 33 and the sensor 65 to detect the remaining amount of liquid in a state where the carriage 34 is moved at the second speed. In the remaining amount detection, since the rippling of the liquid level of the liquid in the accommodating portion 31 is suppressed, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion 31 can be detected accurately.

Next, in step S23, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of the liquid is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. If the amount is less than a predetermined amount, the process is terminated, and for example, the liquid discharge device 11 is stopped and the accommodating portion 31 is replenished with liquid. On the other hand, if the amount is not less than the predetermined amount, that is, if the cleaning process can be executed, the process proceeds to step S24. The predetermined amount is the maximum amount of liquid discharged from the discharge unit 21 in the cleaning process.

Then, in step S24, cleaning is performed. Specifically, the control unit 72 drives the cleaning mechanism 71 to forcibly discharge the liquid from the discharge unit 21. Since an amount of liquid exceeding a predetermined amount is stored in the accommodating portion 31, it is possible to prevent the liquid from running out during the execution of cleaning, and it is possible to reliably clean the discharging portion 21. Cleaning is executed and the process ends.

The contents derived from the embodiment are described below.

The liquid discharge device includes a discharge unit that discharges a liquid, a storage unit that stores the liquid supplied to the discharge unit and has a prism, a carriage that mounts the discharge unit and the storage unit, and the carriage. A moving mechanism for reciprocating in a direction along one axis, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion via the prism, and a control unit are provided, and the sensor is the carriage. Is provided in the reciprocating region and is arranged at a position facing the prism, and the control unit moves the carriage at a first speed when the liquid is discharged to a medium to form an image. When the carriage is moved and the image is not formed on the medium, the remaining amount of the liquid is detected in a state where the carriage is moved at a second speed which is slower than the first speed.

According to this configuration, the remaining amount of liquid in the accommodating portion is detected when the moving speed of the carriage is slower. That is, the remaining amount of the liquid in the accommodating portion is detected in a state where the rippling of the liquid level of the liquid in the accommodating portion is suppressed. Therefore, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion can be accurately detected.

The liquid discharge device has a cleaning mechanism that performs cleaning including an operation of discharging the liquid supplied into the discharge unit, and the control unit performs the carriage at the second speed before performing the cleaning. It is preferable to detect the remaining amount of the liquid in the moved state and execute the cleaning when the remaining amount of the liquid is a predetermined amount or more.

According to this configuration, since the remaining amount of the liquid is detected in a state where the rippling of the liquid level of the liquid in the accommodating portion is suppressed, a predetermined amount of the remaining amount of the liquid can be detected accurately. Then, by cleaning the discharge portion when the remaining amount of the liquid is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the liquid is prevented from running out during the cleaning, and the cleaning can be performed reliably.

In the liquid discharge device, the second speed is preferably 1/10 or more and 4/10 or less of the first speed.

According to this configuration, the remaining amount of the liquid can be detected in a state where the rippling of the liquid level of the liquid in the accommodating portion is suppressed.

The control method of the liquid discharge device includes a discharge unit that discharges a liquid, a storage unit that stores the liquid supplied to the discharge unit and has a prism, a carriage that mounts the discharge unit and the storage unit, and the said. The sensor includes a moving mechanism for reciprocating the carriage in a direction along the first axis, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion via the prism, and a control unit. A control method for a liquid discharge device in which the carriage is provided in the reciprocating region and is arranged at a position facing the prism. The control unit discharges the liquid to a medium to display an image. When forming, the carriage is moved at the first speed, and when the image is not formed on the medium, the liquid is moved in a state where the carriage is moved at a second speed which is slower than the first speed. It is characterized in that the remaining amount of is detected.

According to this configuration, in maintenance operations such as cleaning operations other than printing operations, the remaining amount of liquid in the accommodating portion is detected when the moving speed of the carriage is slower. That is, the remaining amount of the liquid is detected in a state where the ripple of the liquid surface of the liquid in the accommodating portion is suppressed so that the throughput of the printing operation is not impaired. As a result, the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion can be accurately detected.

11 ... Liquid discharge device, 15 ... Display unit, 21 ... Discharge unit, 23 ... Transport unit, 24 ... Discharge unit, 31 ... Containment unit, 33 ... Movement mechanism, 34 ... Carriage, 65 ... Sensor, 71 ... Cleaning mechanism, 72 ... control unit, 99 ... medium.

Claims (4)

The discharge part that discharges the liquid and
A storage unit that stores the liquid supplied to the discharge unit and has a prism, and a storage unit that has a prism.
A carriage on which the discharge portion and the accommodating portion are mounted,
A moving mechanism that reciprocates the carriage in the direction along the first axis,
A sensor that detects the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion via the prism, and
With a control unit
The sensor is provided in the area where the carriage moves back and forth, and is arranged at a position where it can face the prism.
The control unit
When the liquid is discharged to the medium to form an image, the carriage is moved at the first speed.
A liquid discharge device that detects the remaining amount of the liquid in a state where the carriage is moved at a second speed, which is slower than the first speed, when an image is not formed on the medium. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1.
It has a cleaning mechanism that performs cleaning including the operation of discharging the liquid supplied into the discharge unit.
The control unit
Before performing the cleaning, the remaining amount of the liquid is detected while the carriage is moved at the second speed, and when the remaining amount of the liquid is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the cleaning is executed. apparatus. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 or 2.
The second speed is a speed of 1/10 or more and 4/10 or less with respect to the first speed. A discharge unit that discharges a liquid, a storage unit that stores the liquid supplied to the discharge unit and has a prism, a carriage that mounts the discharge unit and the storage unit, and the carriage along a first axis. A moving mechanism for reciprocating in a direction, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid contained in the accommodating portion via the prism, and a control unit are provided, and the sensor reciprocates the carriage. It is a control method of a liquid discharge device provided in a region and arranged at a position facing the prism.
The control unit
When the liquid is discharged to the medium to form an image, the carriage is moved at the first speed.
A method for controlling a liquid discharge device, in which, when an image is not formed on the medium, the remaining amount of the liquid is detected while the carriage is moved at a second speed, which is slower than the first speed.

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