JP2023145090A - Liquid ejection device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide means configured so that a turning member smoothly turns when liquid level in a second liquid chamber lowers.SOLUTION: A printer 10 comprises: a cartridge 200 having a liquid chamber 210; a tank 160 having a liquid chamber 171 communicating with the liquid chamber 210 in a fitting state where the cartridge 200 is fitted thereto; a turning member 190, positioned at the liquid chamber 171, which turns; and a liquid level sensor 155 that detects the turning member 190. A float 191 of the turning member 190 receives ink flowing through a through-hole 184 into the liquid chamber 171 and moves in a direction of an arrow 191.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device that discharges liquid.

Conventionally, a removable ink storage member, an ink storage chamber that stores ink supplied from the attached ink storage member, and a recording head that records an image by ejecting the ink stored in the ink storage chamber have been used. A liquid ejection device equipped with the above is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The internal space of the ink storage member and the ink storage chamber are open to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the ink storage member and the ink storage chamber are connected, the ink storage member and The ink moves so that the liquid levels in the ink storage chambers are at the same height. The rotating member provided in the ink storage chamber rotates according to the liquid level in the ink storage chamber. When a new ink storage member is connected while the ink storage chamber is empty, the rotating member is rotated by the jet of ink flowing from the ink storage member into the ink storage chamber, so the rotating member is rotated due to thickening of the ink. To ensure that a rotating member rotates even if the rotation of the rotating member is inhibited.

JP 2021-160323 Publication

In the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1, when the height of the liquid level in the ink storage chamber is equal to or higher than a predetermined position, the detected portion of the rotating member is located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor. . When ink is consumed in the recording head in this state, the ink flows from the ink storage member into the ink storage chamber. This jet of ink causes the rotating member to receive a force that maintains the detected part in a position between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor. This force may fix the posture of the rotating member, making it difficult for the rotating member to rotate even if the liquid level in the ink storage chamber becomes less than a predetermined position.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a means for smoothly rotating a rotating member when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber falls.

(1) The liquid discharge device according to the present invention includes a liquid container having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, and the liquid container can be attached, and in the attached state with the liquid container attached, a liquid flow path is provided. a tank having a second liquid chamber that communicates with the first liquid chamber through the tank; and a rotation axis that is located in the second liquid chamber and extends in a second direction that intersects with the first direction in which the liquid flow path extends. The device includes a rotating member that rotates around the rotating member, a sensor that detects the rotating member, and a head that discharges the liquid that has flowed out from the second liquid chamber. The rotating member has a float and a detected portion, and the buoyancy of the float with respect to the liquid stored in the second liquid chamber causes the liquid level in the second liquid chamber to be at a predetermined position or higher. When the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is lower than the predetermined position, the second state is different from the first state. The sensor outputs a detection signal based on detecting the detected portion in the first state. The float is located further away from the liquid flow path than the rotation axis in the first direction, and moves in a sinking direction upon receiving the liquid flowing into the second liquid chamber through the liquid flow path.

In the installed state, when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is above a predetermined position and the liquid is consumed in the head, the liquid flows from the first liquid chamber to the second liquid chamber through the liquid flow path. As the float receives the flow of liquid flowing into the second liquid chamber and moves in the sinking direction, the rotating member rotates from the first state to the second state, but the liquid level in the second liquid chamber If the position is above the predetermined position, the state returns to the first state again. As a result, the rotating member is preliminarily rotated, so that when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber falls below a predetermined position, the rotating member smoothly rotates from the first state to the second state.

(2) In the second liquid chamber, the opening of the liquid flow path and the float may face each other in the first direction.

The liquid flowing into the second liquid chamber tends to flow toward the float.

(3) The second direction may be along a horizontal direction.

(4) The rotation shaft may be located below the float.

(5) further comprising a damping part located in the second liquid chamber that damps the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the second liquid chamber through the liquid flow path, and the damping part is arranged in the first direction. , may be located between the opening of the liquid flow path in the second liquid chamber and the float, and may be located at a position that does not completely block the opening of the liquid flow path when viewed from the first direction.

(6) The liquid container has a first gas flow path that communicates the first liquid chamber with the outside, and the tank has a second gas flow path that communicates the second liquid chamber with the outside. It may have.

(7) The liquid discharge system according to the present invention includes a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored, a second liquid chamber communicating with the first liquid chamber through a liquid flow path, and the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber. a valve that switches a liquid flow path communicating with the liquid chamber into a communicating state or a non-communicating state; and a valve located in the second liquid chamber and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the liquid flow path extends. The device includes a rotating member that rotates around a rotating shaft, a sensor that detects the rotating member, and a head that discharges the liquid that has flowed out from the second liquid chamber. The rotating member has a float and a detected portion, and the buoyancy of the float with respect to the liquid stored in the second liquid chamber causes the liquid level in the second liquid chamber to be at a predetermined position or higher. The sensor is in a first state when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is below the predetermined position, and is in a second state different from the first state when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is lower than the predetermined position. A detection signal is output based on the detection of the part. The float is located further away from the liquid flow path than the rotation axis in the first direction, and flows into the second liquid chamber through the liquid flow path when the valve is in the communicating state. It receives the liquid and moves in the direction of sinking.

According to the present invention, when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber falls, the rotating member rotates smoothly.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the printer 10, in which (A) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the covering position, and (B) shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the exposed position. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mounting case 150. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the structure of the cartridge 200, with (A) showing a front perspective view and (B) showing a longitudinal sectional view. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge 200 installed in the installation case 150. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a cross section of the joint 180 and the tank 160 at a predetermined position P. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a cross section of a joint 180 and a tank 160 according to a modification. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid discharge system 250 according to a modified example.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. Further, a vertical direction 7 is defined based on a usage position in which the printer 10 is installed on a horizontal surface so that the printer 10 can be used, and a longitudinal direction 8 is defined with the surface in which the opening 13 of the printer 10 is formed as the front surface, and the printer 10 is viewed from the front. A left-right direction 9 is defined when viewed. In this embodiment, in the usage posture, the up-down direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-back direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal.

[Overview of printer 10]
The printer 10 according to this embodiment is an example of a liquid discharge device that records an image on a sheet using an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 has a housing 14 having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. Further, the printer 10 may be a so-called "multifunction device" having functions such as a facsimile function, a scan function, and a copy function.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inside the housing 14, there is a feeding tray 15, a feeding roller 23, a conveying roller 25, a head 21 having a plurality of nozzles 29, and a head 21 facing the head 21. a platen 26, a discharge roller 27, a discharge tray 16, a mounting case 150 into which the cartridge 200 is attached and removed, and a tube 32 that communicates the head 21 and the cartridge 200 (an example of a liquid container) mounted in the mounting case 150. is located.

The printer 10 drives the feed roller 23 and the conveyance roller 25 to convey the sheet supported on the feed tray 15 to the position of the platen 26. Next, the printer 10 causes the head 21 to eject ink supplied through the tube 32 from the cartridge 200 installed in the installation case 150 through the nozzle 29 . As a result, the ink lands on the sheet supported by the platen 26, and an image is recorded on the sheet. Then, the printer 10 drives the ejection roller 27 to eject the sheet on which the image is recorded onto the ejection tray 16.

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

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

[Installation case 150]
As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting case 150 includes a contact 152, a rod 153, a mounting sensor 154, a liquid level sensor 155, and a lock pin 156. The mounting case 150 can accommodate four cartridges 200 corresponding to each color: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. That is, the mounting case 150 includes four contacts 152, four rods 153, four mounting sensors 154, and four liquid level sensors 155, one for each of the four cartridges 200. Note that the number of cartridges 200 that can be accommodated in the mounting case 150 is not limited to four, and may be one or five or more.

The mounting case 150 is box-shaped and has an internal space for accommodating the mounted cartridge 200. The internal space of the mounting case 150 includes a top wall that defines an upper end, a bottom wall that defines a lower end, a back wall that defines a rear end in the front-rear direction 8, and a pair of side walls that define both ends in the left-right direction 9. defined. On the other hand, an opening 85 is located at a position facing the rear wall of the mounting case 150. That is, the opening 85 exposes the internal space of the mounting case 150 to the outside of the printer 10 when the cover 87 is placed in the exposed position.

Then, the cartridge 200 is inserted into the mounting case 150 through the opening 85 of the housing 14 and removed from the mounting case 150. More specifically, the cartridge 200 passes through the opening 85 backward in the front-rear direction 8 and is installed in the installation case 150. The cartridge 200 removed from the mounting case 150 passes through the opening 85 forward in the front-rear direction 8 .

[Contact 152]
The contact 152 is located on the top wall of the mounting case 150. The contact point 152 projects downward from the top wall toward the internal space of the mounting case 150. The contact 152 is located at a position in contact with an electrode 248 of the cartridge 200, which will be described later, when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. The contact 152 is electrically conductive and can be elastically deformed along the vertical direction 7. Contact 152 is electrically connected to a controller (not shown).

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

[Attachment sensor 154]
The mounting sensor 154 is located on the top wall of the mounting case 150. The mounting sensor 154 is a sensor used by the controller to detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. The attachment sensor 154 includes a light emitting section and a light receiving section that are spaced apart in the left-right direction 9 . When the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150, a light shielding rib 245 (described later) of the cartridge 200 is located between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the mounting sensor 154. In other words, the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the mounting sensor 154 are located opposite to each other with the light shielding rib 245 of the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 interposed therebetween.

The mounting sensor 154 outputs a different signal (denoted as a "wearing signal" in the figure) depending on whether or not the light emitted from the light emitting part along the left-right direction 9 is received by the light receiving part. . The attachment sensor 154 outputs a low level signal to the controller, for example, in response to the fact that the intensity of the light received by the light receiving section is less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high level signal having a higher signal strength than the low level signal to the controller in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light receiving section being equal to or higher than the threshold intensity.

[Liquid level sensor 155]
The liquid level sensor 155 is a sensor used by the controller to detect whether a detected portion 194 of a rotating member 190 (described later) is located at a detection position. The liquid level sensor 155 includes a light emitting section and a light receiving section that are spaced apart in the left-right direction 9. In other words, the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the liquid level sensor 155 are located opposite to each other with the detected part 194 located at the detection position in between. The liquid level sensor 155 outputs a different signal (referred to as a "liquid level signal" in the figure) depending on whether or not the light output from the light emitting part is received by the light receiving part. The liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal to the controller, for example, in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light receiving section being less than the threshold intensity. On the other hand, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high level signal having a higher signal strength than the low level signal to the controller in response to the received light intensity of the light received by the light receiving section being equal to or higher than the threshold intensity.

[Lock pin 156]
The lock pin 156 is a rod-shaped member that extends along the left-right direction 9 at the upper end of the internal space of the mounting case 150 and near the opening 85 . Both ends of the lock pin 156 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a pair of side walls of the mounting case 150. The lock pin 156 extends in the left-right direction 9 across four spaces in which four cartridges 200 can be accommodated. The lock pin 156 is for holding the cartridge 200 mounted in the mounting case 150 in the mounting position shown in FIG. 5 . Cartridge 200 is engaged with lock pin 156 while mounted in mounting case 150 .

[Tank 160]
The printer 10 includes four tanks 160 corresponding to the four cartridges 200, respectively. The tank 160 is located further back than the back wall of the mounting case 150. As shown in FIG. 3, the tank 160 includes an upper wall 161, a front wall 162, a lower wall 163, a rear wall 164, and side walls 165, 166 (see FIG. 6). Note that the front wall 162 is composed of a plurality of walls, each of which is shifted in the front-rear direction 8. A liquid chamber 171 is formed inside the tank 160. The liquid chamber 171 is an example of a second liquid chamber.

Among the walls constituting the tank 160, at least the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155 has translucency. Thereby, the light output by the liquid level sensor 155 can pass through the wall facing the liquid level sensor 155. At least a portion of the rear wall 164 may be a film welded to the end surfaces of the upper wall 161, the lower wall 163, and the side walls 165, 166. Further, the side walls 165 and 166 of the tank 160 may be common to the mounting case 150 or may be independent from the mounting case 150. Furthermore, tanks 160 adjacent to each other in the left-right direction 9 are partitioned by partition walls (not shown). The configurations of the four tanks 160 are generally common.

The liquid chamber 171 communicates with an ink flow path (not shown) through an outlet 174. The lower end of the outlet 174 is defined by a lower wall 163 that defines the lower end of the liquid chamber 171 . The outlet 174 is located below the joint 180 (more specifically, the lower end of the through hole 184) in the vertical direction 7. An ink flow path (not shown) communicating with the outlet 174 communicates with the tube 32 (see FIG. 2). Thereby, the liquid chamber 171 communicates with the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink flow path and the tube 32. That is, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is supplied to the head 21 from the outlet 174 through the ink channel and the tube 32.

The liquid chamber 171 is communicated with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication chamber 175. More specifically, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is communicated with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 176 penetrating the front wall 162. Further, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is communicated with the outside of the printer 10 through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown) connected to the atmosphere communication port 177. That is, the atmosphere communication chamber 175 is an example of a second gas flow path in which one end (through hole 176) communicates with the liquid chamber 171 and the other end (atmosphere communication port 177) communicates with the outside of the printer 10. Note that the atmosphere communication chamber 175 communicates with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication port 177 and a tube (not shown).

[Joint 180]
As shown in FIG. 3, the joint 180 includes a needle 181 and a guide 182. The needle 181 is a tube with a flow path formed inside. The needle 181 projects forward in the front-rear direction 8 from the front wall 162 that defines the liquid chamber 171 . An opening 183 is formed at the protruding tip of the needle 181. Further, the internal space of the needle 181 is communicated with the liquid chamber 171 through a through hole 184 (an example of an opening of a liquid flow path) penetrating the front wall 162. The needle 181 is an example of a liquid flow path in which one end (opening 183) communicates with the outside of the tank 160 and the other end (through hole 184) communicates with the liquid chamber 171. Therefore, the front-rear direction 8 is an example of the first direction in which the liquid flow path extends. The guide 182 is a cylindrical member arranged around the needle 181. The guide 182 projects forward from the front wall 162 and has an open end.

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

[Rotating member 190]
A rotating member 190 is located in the liquid chamber 171 . The rotating member 190 is rotatably supported in the directions of arrows 198 and 199 by a support member (not shown) disposed within the liquid chamber 171 . Rotating member 190 can rotate between a position shown in solid lines and a position shown in broken lines in FIG. Furthermore, rotation of the rotating member 190 in the direction of the arrow 198 from the position indicated by the solid line is restricted by a stopper (not shown) (for example, the inner wall of the liquid chamber 171). The rotating member 190 includes a float 191, a rotating shaft 192, an arm 193, and a detected portion 194.

The float 191 is made of a material whose specific gravity is lower than that of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171. The rotation shaft 192 protrudes in the left-right direction 9 below and in front of the float 191 . The left-right direction 9 is along the horizontal direction when the printer 10 is in use. Therefore, the left-right direction 9 is an example of the second direction. The rotation shaft 192 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the support member. Thereby, the rotating member 190 is supported by the support member so as to be rotatable about the rotating shaft 192. The float 191 is located further away from the through hole 184 than the rotation shaft 192 in the front-rear direction 8 . As shown in FIG. 6, the through hole 184 and the float 191 face each other in the front-rear direction 8.

Arm 193 extends substantially upward from float 191 . The detected portion 194 is located at the protruding tip of the arm 193. The detected portion 194 is a plate-shaped member extending in the up-down direction 7 and the front-back direction 8 . The detected portion 194 is made of a material or color that blocks light output from the light emitting portion of the liquid level sensor 155.

When the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 171 is above the predetermined position P, the rotating member 190, which has been rotated in the direction of the arrow 198 by buoyancy, is held by the stopper at the detection position shown by the solid line in FIG. example of the first state). In this state, when ink flows into the liquid chamber 171 from the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 through the through hole 184, the rotating member 190 rotates in the direction in which the float 191 sinks in response to the flow of inflow, that is, in the direction of the arrow 199. move. When the ink stops flowing, the rotating member 190 rotates in the direction of an arrow 198 due to the buoyant force of the float 191 to reach the detection position.

On the other hand, when the ink level is below the predetermined position P, the rotating member 190 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 199 following the drop in the ink level. As a result, the detected portion 194 moves to a position away from the detection position (an example of the second state). That is, the detected portion 194 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 171.

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

When the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is above a predetermined position P, the light output from the light emitting part of the liquid level sensor 155 is blocked by the detected part 194. As a result, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a low level signal to the controller since the light from the light emitting section does not reach the light receiving section. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is less than the predetermined position P, the liquid level sensor 155 outputs a high level signal to the controller because the light output from the light emitting part reaches the light receiving part. . That is, the controller can detect whether the ink level in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P based on the signal output from the liquid level sensor 155.

[Cartridge 200]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the cartridge 200 is a container that has a liquid chamber 210 (an example of a first liquid chamber) in which ink, which is an example of a liquid, can be stored. The liquid chamber 210 is defined by, for example, a wall made of resin. The cartridge 200 has a flat shape in which the dimensions along the up-down direction 7 and the front-back direction 8 are larger than the dimensions along the left-right direction 9. Note that the external shapes of the cartridges 200 in which inks of different colors are stored may be the same or different. At least a portion of the walls constituting the cartridge 200 have translucency. This allows the user to visually check the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 from outside the cartridge 200.

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

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

The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 of the liquid chamber 210 are separated in the vertical direction 7 by a partition wall 215 that partitions the internal space of the housing 201. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the lower liquid chamber 212 are communicated with each other through a through hole 216 formed in the partition wall 215. Further, the upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are separated in the vertical direction 7 by a partition wall 217 that partitions the internal space of the housing 201. The upper surface 215U of the partition wall 215 defines an upper liquid chamber 211. A lower surface 215L of the partition wall 215 defines a lower liquid chamber 212. The upper liquid chamber 211 and the atmospheric valve chamber 214 are communicated with each other through a through hole 218 formed in the partition wall 217. Furthermore, the ink valve chamber 213 is communicated with the lower end of the lower liquid chamber 212 through a through hole 219 .

The atmospheric valve chamber 214 is communicated with the outside of the cartridge 200 through an atmospheric communication port 221 formed in the rear wall 202 at the upper part of the cartridge 200 . That is, the atmospheric valve chamber 214 has one end (through hole 218) communicating with the liquid chamber 210 (more specifically, the upper liquid chamber 211), and the other end (atmospheric communication port 221) communicating with the outside of the cartridge 200. This is an example of a first gas flow path. Note that the atmospheric valve chamber 214 communicates with the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication port 221. Further, a valve 222 and a coil spring 223 are located in the atmospheric valve chamber 214. The valve 222 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. The valve 222 closes the atmosphere communication port 221 when located in the closed position. Further, when the valve 222 is located at the open position, the valve 222 opens the atmosphere communication port 221. The coil spring 223 biases the valve 222 in a direction to move it from the open position to the closed position, that is, backward.

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

The supply pipe 230 protrudes rearward from the rear wall 202 at the lower part of the housing 201. The supply pipe 230 has an open protruding end (i.e., rear end). That is, the ink valve chamber 213 allows the liquid chamber 210 communicated through the through hole 219 with the outside of the cartridge 200 to communicate with each other. A packing 231, a valve 232, and a coil spring 233 are located in the ink valve chamber 213.

An ink supply port 234 penetrating in the front-rear direction 8 is formed in the center of the packing 231 . The inner diameter of the ink supply port 234 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 181. The valve 232 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position and an open position. When the valve 232 is located at the closed position, it comes into contact with the packing 231 and closes the ink supply port 234 . Further, when the valve 232 is located at the open position, it is separated from the packing 231 and opens the ink supply port 234. The coil spring 233 biases the valve 232 in a direction that moves the valve 232 from the open position to the closed position, that is, backward. Further, the biasing force of the coil spring 233 is larger than that of the coil spring 186.

In the process of installing the cartridge 200 into the installation case 150, the supply pipe 230 enters the guide 182, and then the needle 181 enters the ink valve chamber 213 through the ink supply port 234. At this time, the needle 181 fluid-tightly contacts the inner peripheral surface defining the ink supply port 234 while elastically deforming the packing 231. When the cartridge 200 is further inserted into the mounting case 150, the needle 181 moves the valve 232 forward against the urging force of the coil spring 233. Further, the valve 232 moves the valve 185 protruding from the opening 183 of the needle 181 rearward against the biasing force of the coil spring 186.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the ink supply port 234 and the opening 183 are opened, and the ink valve chamber 213 of the supply pipe 230 and the internal space of the needle 181 are communicated with each other. That is, in the installed state in which the cartridge 200 is installed in the installation case 150, the ink valve chamber 213 and the internal space of the needle 181 constitute a flow path that communicates the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 with the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. .

Further, when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, a portion of the liquid chamber 210 and a portion of the liquid chamber 171 overlap each other when viewed from the horizontal direction. As a result, the ink stored in the liquid chamber 210 moves to the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 through the connected supply pipe 230 and the joint 180 due to the water head difference.

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

The lock surface 242 is a surface that comes into contact with the lock pin 156 when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. The inclined surface 243 is a surface that guides the lock pin 156 to a position where it comes into contact with the lock surface 242 during the process of installing the cartridge 200 into the mounting case 150. When the locking surface 242 and the locking pin 156 are in contact with each other, the cartridge 200 is held in the mounting position shown in FIG. 5 against the urging force of the coil springs 186, 223, and 233.

A flat member is formed to extend upward from the upper wall 204 in front of the locking surface 242. The upper surface of this flat member is an operating section 244 that is operated by the user when removing the cartridge 200 from the mounting case 150. When the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 and the cover 87 is in the exposed position, the operation section 244 can be operated by the user. When the operating portion 244 is pushed downward, the cartridge 200 rotates and the lock surface 242 moves below the lock pin 156. As a result, the cartridge 200 can be removed from the mounting case 150.

A light shielding rib 245 is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and behind the protrusion 241 . The light shielding rib 245 projects upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and extends along the front-rear direction 8. The light-shielding rib 245 is made of a material or color that blocks light output from the light-emitting portion of the mounting sensor 154. The light shielding rib 245 is located on the optical path from the light emitting section to the light receiving section of the mounting sensor 154 when the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. That is, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a low level signal to the controller in response to the fact that the cartridge 200 is mounted in the mounting case 150. On the other hand, the mounting sensor 154 outputs a high level signal to the controller in response to the fact that the cartridge 200 is not mounted in the mounting case 150. That is, the controller can detect whether or not the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150 based on the signal output from the attachment sensor 154.

An IC board 247 is located on the outer surface of the upper wall 204 and between the light shielding rib 245 and the protrusion 241 in the front-rear direction 8. An electrode 248 is formed on the IC substrate 247. Further, the IC board 247 includes a memory (not shown). The electrode 248 is electrically connected to the memory of the IC board 247. The electrode 248 is exposed on the upper surface of the IC substrate 247 so as to be electrically conductive with the contact 152 . That is, when the cartridge 200 is attached to the attachment case 150, the electrode 248 is electrically connected to the contact 152. The controller can read information from and write information to the memory of IC board 247 through contacts 152 and electrodes 248 .

The memory of the IC board 247 stores the amount of ink, identification information for identifying each cartridge 200, and the like. Note that the initial ink amount is stored in the memory of the IC board 247 when the cartridge 200 is new. This initial ink amount indicates the amount of ink stored in the new cartridge 200. Hereinafter, the information stored in the memory of the IC board 247 may be collectively referred to as "cartridge information" or "CTG information." Furthermore, "new" refers to a so-called unused product, and indicates a state in which the ink inside the cartridge 200 has never leaked out from the cartridge 200 that has been manufactured and sold.

The memory storage area of the IC board 247 includes, for example, an area where information cannot be overwritten by the controller and an area where information can be overwritten by the controller. For example, the identification information is stored in an area that cannot be overwritten, and the amount of ink is stored in an area that can be overwritten.

[Operations and effects of this embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, when ink is consumed in the head 21 when the level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 is equal to or higher than the predetermined position P in the installed state, the liquid in the cartridge 200 passes through the joint 180. Ink flows from chamber 210 into liquid chamber 171 of tank 160 . The flow of ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171 hits the float 191 of the rotating member 190 and moves the float 191 in a downward direction. This causes the rotating member 190 in the first state to rotate in the direction of arrow 199. If the rotating shaft 192 of the rotating member 190 is loosely stuck due to dry ink or foreign matter, or if there is air bubbles between the float 191, the arm 193, or the detected part 194 and the side walls 165, 166 of the tank 160. Even if the rotating member 190 is in a state where it is difficult to rotate due to the occurrence of It becomes easy to rotate. Thereby, the timing when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 171 becomes less than the predetermined position P can be accurately detected.

[Modified example]
Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, a damping wall 187 may be provided in the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160. In the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 , a damping wall 187 is located behind the through hole 184 that communicates with the internal space of the joint 180 . The damping wall 187 extends from the side wall 165 toward the right in the left-right direction 9, and the extending end is located near the center of the through hole 184. That is, the damping wall 187 is located at a position where the through hole 184 is not completely closed when viewed from the front-rear direction 8. In the longitudinal direction 8, the damping wall 187 is located between the through hole 184 and the float 191 in the first state.

Ink flowing from the cartridge 200 through the joint 180 flows into the liquid chamber 171 through the through hole 184. The flow direction of the ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171 through the through hole 184 is generally backward in the front-rear direction 8 . The flow of ink flowing into the liquid chamber 171 from the through hole 184 hits the damping wall 187 and the flow velocity is attenuated. Note that the damping wall 187 is not limited to one that does not allow ink to pass through, and all or part of the damping wall 187 may be a mesh structure that allows ink to pass through, such as a mesh.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the cartridge 200 had the liquid chamber 210 and the tank 160 had the liquid chamber 171, but the cartridge 200 and the tank 160 do not necessarily have to be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the liquid discharge system 250 includes a first liquid chamber 251 in which ink is stored, and a second liquid chamber 252 that communicates with the first liquid chamber 251 through a liquid flow path 253. . A valve 254 is provided in the liquid flow path 253 . Valve 254 switches liquid flow path 253 into a communicating state or a non-communicating state. The rotating member 190 in the embodiment described above is located in the second liquid chamber 252. The axis 192 of the rotating member 190 is perpendicular to the direction in which the liquid flow path 253 extends. The liquid level sensor 155 can detect the detected portion 194 of the rotating member 190. The head 21 discharges ink that has flowed out from the second liquid chamber 252. In the second liquid chamber 252, the float 2191 is located at a position farther from the liquid flow path 253 than the axis 192 in the direction in which the liquid flow path 253 extends, and when the valve 254 is in the communicating state, the float 2191 passes through the liquid flow path 253. It receives the ink flowing into the second liquid chamber 252 and moves in the direction of sinking.

In the above embodiment, the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 and the liquid chamber 171 of the tank 160 are both communicated with the outside, and the difference between the liquid level in the liquid chamber 210 and the liquid level in the liquid chamber 171 causes Although the ink flows from the liquid chamber 210 to the liquid chamber 171, the liquid chamber 210 of the cartridge 200 does not need to be communicated with the outside. In that case, the cartridge 200 and the tank 160 are arranged and connected in the vertical direction 7 with the cartridge 200 above, and the joint 180 is formed with two channels, a liquid channel and a gas channel. Ink flows into the liquid chamber 171 from the liquid chamber 210 through the liquid flow path of the joint 180, and gas flows into the liquid chamber 210 from the gas layer of the liquid chamber 171 through the gas flow path.

Further, in the above embodiment, ink is described as an example of a liquid, but the liquid may be, for example, a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto paper or the like prior to ink during image recording, or a liquid that cleans the head 21. It can also be water for drinking purposes.

10... Printer (liquid discharge device)
21...Head 155...Liquid level sensor 160...Tank 171...Liquid chamber (second liquid chamber)
177...Atmospheric communication port (second gas flow path)
184...Through hole (opening)
185... Damping wall (damping part)
190...Rotating member 191...Float 192...Rotating shaft 194...Detected part 200...Cartridge (liquid container)
210...liquid chamber (first liquid chamber)
214... Atmospheric valve chamber (first gas flow path)
250...Liquid discharge system 251...First liquid chamber 252...Second liquid chamber 253...Liquid channel 254...Valve

Claims (7)

a liquid container having a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored;
a tank to which the liquid container can be attached, and which has a second liquid chamber that communicates with the first liquid chamber through a liquid flow path in an attached state in which the liquid container is attached;
a rotating member located in the second liquid chamber and rotating around a rotating axis along a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the liquid flow path extends;
a sensor that detects the rotating member;
a head that discharges the liquid flowing out from the second liquid chamber,
The rotating member has a float and a detected portion, and the buoyancy of the float with respect to the liquid stored in the second liquid chamber causes the liquid level in the second liquid chamber to be at a predetermined position or higher. when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is lower than the predetermined position, the liquid level is in a second state different from the first state;
The sensor outputs a detection signal based on detecting the detected portion in the first state,
The float is located at a position farther from the liquid flow path than the rotation axis in the first direction, and the float receives the liquid flowing into the second liquid chamber through the liquid flow path and moves the liquid in a sinking direction. Ejection device. 2. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein in the second liquid chamber, the opening of the liquid flow path and the float face each other in the first direction. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second direction is along a horizontal direction. 4. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation shaft is located below the float. further comprising a damping section located in the second liquid chamber that damps the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the second liquid chamber through the liquid flow path,
The damping portion is located between the opening of the liquid flow path in the second liquid chamber and the float in the first direction, and is configured to completely close the opening of the liquid flow path when viewed from the first direction. A liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is in an unobstructed position. The liquid container has a first gas flow path that communicates the first liquid chamber with the outside,
6. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, wherein the tank has a second gas flow path that communicates the second liquid chamber with the outside. a first liquid chamber in which liquid is stored;
a second liquid chamber communicating with the first liquid chamber through a liquid flow path;
a valve that switches a liquid flow path that communicates the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber into a communicating state or a non-communicating state;
a rotating member located in the second liquid chamber and rotating around a rotating axis along a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the liquid flow path extends;
a sensor that detects the rotating member;
a head that discharges the liquid flowing out from the second liquid chamber,
The rotating member has a float and a detected portion, and the buoyancy of the float with respect to the liquid stored in the second liquid chamber causes the liquid level in the second liquid chamber to be at a predetermined position or higher. when the liquid level in the second liquid chamber is lower than the predetermined position, the liquid level is in a second state different from the first state;
The sensor outputs a detection signal based on detecting the detected portion in the first state,
The float is located further away from the liquid flow path than the rotation axis in the first direction, and flows into the second liquid chamber through the liquid flow path when the valve is in the communicating state. A liquid discharge system that receives liquid and moves it in a sinking direction.

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