JP4138476B2 - Liquid ejector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus that detects a remaining liquid amount or a liquid consumption amount in a liquid storage cartridge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, an ink jet recording apparatus prints on a recording sheet by ejecting ink from nozzles provided in a recording head. The ink cartridge is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus and supplies ink to the ink jet recording apparatus. If ink is supplied to the recording head with almost no ink remaining in the ink cartridge, the air in the ink cartridge is supplied to the recording head, causing the recording head to malfunction. Therefore, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is periodically detected.
[0003]
Conventionally, as a method of managing ink consumption of an ink cartridge, the count of ink droplets ejected by a recording head and the amount of ink sucked in the maintenance process of the recording head are integrated by software, and the ink consumption is calculated. There are known methods for managing ink, and methods for managing ink consumption by detecting when a predetermined amount of ink is actually consumed by attaching a piezoelectric element for detecting a liquid level directly to an ink cartridge. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-146029 (Section 5-6, FIG. 1)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the method of managing the ink consumption by calculating the number of ink droplets ejected and the amount of ink sucked by software is calculated depending on the usage environment, for example, the temperature and humidity in the use room, after the ink cartridge is opened. The pressure in the ink cartridge and the viscosity of the ink change due to the elapsed time and the usage frequency on the user side, resulting in a non-negligible error between the calculated ink consumption and the actual consumption. There was a problem that.
[0006]
On the other hand, the method of detecting whether or not there is ink at a predetermined location in the ink cartridge by a detecting means such as a piezoelectric element can detect the actual amount of ink consumption at one point, so that the remaining amount of ink is highly reliable. Can manage. However, when the detection means is used, it takes time to drive the detection means and look at the detection result, so that the print processing amount and the print processing speed of the ink jet recording apparatus are reduced.
[0007]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a liquid ejecting apparatus and a liquid storage cartridge capable of solving the above-described problems. This object is achieved by a combination of features described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further advantageous specific examples of the present invention.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the liquid ejecting apparatus ejects the liquid in the cartridge containing the liquid onto the target, and the liquid ejecting apparatus calculates the value related to the liquid consumption. And a detecting means for detecting whether or not the liquid level is present at the detection position in the cartridge, and a detection driving means for driving the detecting means. The detection driving means has a value calculated by the calculating means, When it is within the detection range where there is a possibility of detecting a change in the liquid level, the detection means is driven more frequently than when there is a value outside the detection range. As a result, the number of times the detection means is driven is reduced, so that the print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus can be improved.
[0009]
The detection driving means drives the detection means at the first detection timing and the second detection timing when the value related to consumption is within the detection range, and when the value related to consumption is outside the detection range. Preferably, the detection means is driven at least at the first detection timing, and the detection means is not driven at least at the second detection timing. Further, the detection drive means drives the detection means when the liquid ejecting apparatus is turned on and when the cartridge is replaced as the first detection timing, and sets a new target in the liquid ejecting apparatus as the second detection timing. The difference between the remaining liquid amount or liquid consumption calculated based on the value related to consumption at the previous detection and the remaining liquid amount or liquid consumption calculated based on the value related to consumption at the time of target installation is It is preferable to drive the detection means when the predetermined amount is exceeded. By limiting the timing for driving the detection means, the number of times the detection means is driven decreases, so that the print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus can be improved.
[0010]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the liquid ejecting apparatus ejects the liquid in the cartridge containing the liquid toward the target, and the liquid ejecting apparatus calculates the remaining amount of the liquid in the cartridge. And a detecting means for detecting whether or not the liquid level is at the detection position in the cartridge, and a detection driving means for driving the detecting means. The detection driving means may detect the presence of liquid. When the liquid remaining amount of the calculating means is at a value smaller than the lower abnormality reference value, which is a certain minimum value, and the detecting means detects the presence of liquid, it is determined as abnormal and the liquid ejecting apparatus is stopped. . Thereby, an abnormal operation or the like of the storage means can be detected.
[0011]
The detection driving means is between a detection upper limit reference value that is the maximum value at which the detection means can perform appropriate correction and a detection lower limit reference value that is the minimum value at which the detection means can perform appropriate correction. When the value includes the remaining amount of liquid of the calculation unit, the detection unit is driven, and the remaining amount of liquid is corrected based on the detection result of the detection unit. Thereby, the remaining amount of liquid can be reduced and the actual usage amount can be increased.
[0012]
When the liquid remaining amount of the calculating means is larger than the lower abnormality reference value and smaller than the detection lower limit reference value, the liquid ejecting apparatus is ejected without stopping regardless of the detection result of the detecting means. Is preferred. As a result, the number of times the detection means is driven is reduced, so that the print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus can be improved.
[0013]
If the detection means has a remaining liquid level at a value larger than the upper abnormality reference value, which is the maximum value that can detect the absence of liquid, and the detection means detects no liquid, it is abnormal. If it is determined that the liquid ejection device is stopped, and the remaining amount of liquid is smaller than the upper abnormality reference value and larger than the detection upper limit reference value, the liquid ejection device is turned off regardless of the detection result of the detection means. It is preferable to perform the injection without stopping. Thereby, an abnormal operation or the like of the storage means can be detected. Furthermore, since the number of times the detection means is driven is reduced, the printing processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus can be improved.
[0014]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the liquid ejecting apparatus ejects the liquid in the cartridge containing the liquid onto the target, and the liquid ejecting apparatus calculates the consumption amount of the liquid in the cartridge. And a detecting means for detecting whether or not the liquid level is at the detection position in the cartridge, and a detection driving means for driving the detecting means. The detection driving means may detect the presence of liquid. When the liquid consumption is at a value larger than a certain lower limit lower reference value and the detection means detects the presence of liquid, it is determined as abnormal and the liquid ejecting apparatus is stopped. Thereby, an abnormal operation or the like of the storage means can be detected.
[0015]
The detection driving means is between a detection upper limit reference value that is the maximum value at which the detection means can perform appropriate correction and a detection lower limit reference value that is the minimum value at which the detection means can perform appropriate correction. If the value corresponding to the value includes the liquid consumption amount of the calculation means, it is preferable to drive the detection means and correct the liquid consumption amount based on the detection result of the detection means. Thereby, the remaining amount of liquid can be reduced and the actual usage amount can be increased.
[0016]
Further, when the liquid consumption amount is smaller than the lower abnormality reference value and larger than the detection lower limit reference value, the liquid ejecting apparatus can be ejected without stopping regardless of the detection result of the detection means. preferable. As a result, the number of times the detection means is driven is reduced, so that the print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus can be improved.
[0017]
When the liquid consumption of the calculating means is at a value corresponding to a value smaller than the upper abnormality reference value, which is the maximum value with which the detecting means may detect no liquid, and when the detecting means detects no liquid Determines that it is abnormal, stops the liquid ejecting apparatus, and if the liquid consumption is larger than the upper abnormal reference value and smaller than the detection upper limit reference value, regardless of the detection result of the detection means It is preferable to perform the ejection without stopping the liquid ejecting apparatus. Thereby, an abnormal operation or the like of the storage means can be detected. Furthermore, since the number of times the detection means is driven is reduced, the printing processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus can be improved.
[0018]
The above summary of the invention does not enumerate all the necessary features of the present invention, and sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be the invention.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are included in the invention. It is not always essential to the solution.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus 10. An object of the ink cartridge of this embodiment is to improve the print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 by reducing the number of times of detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge. Further, even when the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage unit 170 becomes inaccurate due to an abnormal operation of the storage unit 170 that stores the remaining amount of ink, air is prevented from being sent to the recording head. Accordingly, it is an object to prevent a failure of the recording head. Here, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus. The recording head of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is an example of a liquid ejecting head of the liquid ejecting apparatus. The ejection port provided in the recording head is an example of an ejection port of the liquid ejection head. The recording paper 11 is an example of a target.
[0021]
However, the present invention is not limited to the ink jet recording apparatus. Another example of the liquid ejecting apparatus is a color filter manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a color filter for a liquid crystal display. In this case, the color material ejecting head of the color filter manufacturing apparatus is an example of a liquid ejecting head. Still another example of the liquid ejecting apparatus is an electrode forming apparatus that forms electrodes such as an organic EL display and an FED (surface emitting display). In this case, the electrode material (conductive paste) ejecting head of the electrode forming apparatus is an example of a liquid ejecting head. Still another example of the liquid ejecting apparatus is a biochip manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a biochip. In this case, the bioorganic matter ejecting head of the biochip manufacturing apparatus and the sample ejecting head as a precision pipette are examples of the liquid ejecting head. The liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes other liquid ejecting apparatuses having industrial use.
[0022]
The ink jet recording apparatus 10 includes a printing unit 40, a cleaning mechanism 161, and a platen 52. The printing unit 40 includes a carriage 42 on which the ink cartridge 100 is placed, a recording head 44 provided on the surface of the carriage 42 facing the recording paper 11, an engagement unit 46 provided on the carriage 42, and an engagement unit 46. The guide 48 engages and supports the carriage 42 so as to be slidable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the feeding direction. The recording head 44 has a plurality of ejection openings arranged along the feeding direction of the recording paper 11. The printing unit 40 further includes an ink cartridge 100 such as a timing belt 402, a carriage motor 404, a black ink cartridge 406, and a color ink cartridge 408.
[0023]
When the carriage motor 404 drives the timing belt 402, the carriage 42 is guided by the guide shaft 48 and reciprocates in the scanning direction substantially perpendicular to the feeding direction of the recording paper 11. A recording head 44 including a black ink ejection port and a color ink ejection port is mounted on the side of the carriage 42 facing the recording paper 11. A black ink cartridge 406 and a color ink cartridge 408 for supplying ink to the recording head 44 are detachably mounted on the carriage 42. The platen 52 feeds the recording paper 11 to the printing unit 40 and transmits power in the discharge direction to the printed recording paper 11.
[0024]
The cleaning mechanism 161 cleans the recording head 44. The cleaning mechanism 161 includes a wiper 80 that wipes the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 44 and an ink transport unit 70 that transports ink discharged from the recording head 44. The ink transport unit 70 includes a cap 72 that seals the ejection port of the recording head 44, a tube 75 that transports the ink ejected to the cap 72 by the ejection port, and a portion of the tube that is elastically deformed to remove the ink inside the tube A pump 76 for transporting and a waste liquid box 79 for accumulating the ink transported by the pump 76 are provided in this order in the ink transport direction. The ink transport unit 70 is arranged in a non-printing area (home position) outside the printing area (feeding path of the recording paper 11). The wiper 80 has elasticity and is disposed in the vicinity of the end of the cap 72 on the printing area side.
[0025]
In the above configuration, when the ink jet recording apparatus 10 does not perform printing, the carriage 42 moves from the printing area to the non-printing area. When the recording head 44 provided on the carriage 42 moves right above the cap 72, the cap 72 rises to the carriage 42 side and seals the surface of the recording head 44 that has the ejection port. Here, in this sealed state, the pump 76 sucks air in the internal space formed by the recording head 44 and the cap 72, so that ink is forcibly sucked and discharged from the discharge port of the recording head 44 and discharged. The outlet can be cleaned.
[0026]
Further, the cap 72 can suppress drying of the discharge port by sealing the surface of the recording head 44 having the discharge port. Further, the cap 72 receives the ejected ink at the time of flushing for ejecting ink droplets from the recording head 44. This flushing is performed by applying a drive signal unrelated to printing to the recording head 44 to prevent drying of nozzle portions that are not used for printing. When returning from the non-printing area to the printing area, the carriage 42 is first detached from the cap 72. Further, as the carriage 42 moves to the non-printing area side, the wiper 80 advances onto the moving path of the recording head 44 and wipes ink on the nozzle formation surface of the recording head 44.
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 10. The ink jet recording apparatus 10 further includes a detection driving unit 800, an ink remaining amount correcting unit 802, an ink remaining amount calculating unit 804, a dot counter 806, and a printing operation control unit 808. In the present embodiment, the ink cartridge 100 mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus 10 includes a detection unit 500 and a storage unit 170. The detection unit 500 detects whether there is ink at the reference position in the ink cartridge 100. The storage unit 170 also stores the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 100 based on the number of ink ejections and the number of cleanings. The storage unit 170 may store the ink usage amount of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 calculated based on the number of times ink droplets are ejected from the recording head.
[0028]
The dot counter 806 measures the number of ink droplets ejected from the recording head 44. The ink remaining amount calculation unit 804 calculates the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 100 by integrating the number of ejections indicated by the dot counter 806 and the ink amount sucked in the maintenance process of the recording head 44 by software. The remaining ink amount calculation unit 804 outputs the calculated remaining ink amount to the detection driving unit 800 and the storage unit 170. The storage unit 170 rewrites the ink remaining amount stored in advance in the ink cartridge 100 with the ink remaining amount calculated by the ink remaining amount calculation unit 804.
[0029]
The detection drive unit 800 determines whether or not to drive the detection unit 500 based on the ink remaining amount calculated by the ink remaining amount calculation unit 804. Further, the detection drive unit 800 drives the detection unit 500 of the ink cartridge 100 to detect whether or not the ink level is at the detection position in the ink cartridge 100. The detection drive unit 800 instructs the printing operation control unit 808 to stop the ink jet recording apparatus 10 when the calculation result of the ink remaining amount calculation unit 804 and the detection result of the detection unit 500 contradict each other, or The ink remaining amount correcting unit 802 is instructed to correct the count number of the dot counter 806 and the ink remaining amount stored in the storage unit 170. The ink remaining amount correction unit 802 corrects the value of the dot counter 806 based on the detection result obtained by the detection driving unit 800. The printing operation control unit 808 stops the ink jet recording apparatus 10 based on an instruction from the detection driving unit 800.
[0030]
As another form, the ink cartridge 100 may have a detection drive unit 800. For example, when the storage unit 170 is formed of an integrated circuit chip, a program that performs the function of the detection drive unit 800 may be stored in the integrated circuit. In this case, the ink cartridge 100 stores a predetermined reference value for determining the calculated ink remaining amount in the storage unit 170. Further, the ink cartridge 100 detects the presence or absence of ink using the detection drive unit 800 and the detection unit 500. Further, the ink cartridge 100 outputs a signal instructing correction of the remaining amount of ink or a signal instructing to stop the ink jet recording apparatus 10 based on the detection result of the detecting unit 500. In the case of this embodiment, since the internal configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can be simplified, the manufacturing cost of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can be reduced.
[0031]
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the ink cartridge 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed obliquely from above. 4 is a rear perspective view of the ink cartridge 100 of FIG. 3 as viewed obliquely from below.
[0032]
The ink cartridge 100 includes a substantially casing-shaped cartridge main body 120 having one side opened, and a film attached to cover one side opened in the cartridge main body 120 (substantially the entire side surface shown in FIG. 6). . The cartridge main body 120 and the film attached to the cartridge main body 120 form an ink storage chamber 110 as a substantially closed space for storing ink. The ink cartridge 100 further includes a lid 140 attached to the cartridge body 120 from the opening side of the cartridge body 120 so as to cover the film. The lid 140 is attached to the cartridge main body 120 by, for example, heat caulking.
[0033]
The ink cartridge 100 further holds the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 110, and further selectively uses the differential pressure between the ink storage chamber 110 and the ink supply unit that supplies ink to the ink jet recording apparatus 10. Is provided with ink supply control means 150 for supplying the ink to the ink jet recording apparatus 10. However, the means for holding the ink is not limited to this, and the ink may be held by sealing a porous material inside the ink storage chamber 110.
[0034]
The ink cartridge 100 is further provided with an ink supply unit 160 into which the ink supply needle of the carriage 42 to which the ink cartridge 100 is mounted is inserted and supplies the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 110 to the recording head 44 of the ink jet recording apparatus 10. Prepare for.
[0035]
The ink cartridge 100 further includes a storage unit 170 disposed below the front surface. The storage unit 170 stores, as the identification information of the ink cartridge 100, information such as the type of ink cartridge, information on the color of the ink held by the ink cartridge, and the existing amount of ink. An example of the storage unit 170 is a contact IC chip. A contact type IC chip includes a substrate, a connection electrode portion including a plurality of connection terminals exposed on the front side of the substrate, and a memory (storage element) including a semiconductor storage element such as an EEPROM provided on the back side of the substrate. Have. In the IC chip, information data in the memory is read or rewritten by connecting and electrically connecting the connection terminal and the connection electrode on the recording apparatus side. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 170 is a contact type and has a connection electrode portion 176 including a plurality of connection terminals 172 exposed to the outside. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, seven connection terminals 172 are arranged in a zigzag pattern in two rows. Further, the connection electrode portion 176 is provided on the front surface of the cartridge main body 120, and is routed by, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) so that the memory portion of the storage unit 170 is provided on the other side surface of the cartridge main body 120. Also good. Further, the storage unit 170 is not limited to the contact type, and may be a non-contact type using magnetic or wireless communication.
[0036]
The ink cartridge 100 further includes an engagement member 180 that engages with the carriage 200. The engaging member 180 is formed integrally with the cartridge body 120 at the upper part of the back surface of the cartridge body 120.
[0037]
5 is a plan view of one side surface of the cartridge main body 120 shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a plan view of the other side surface of the cartridge main body 120 when FIG. 5 is viewed from the opposite side. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, FIG. 5 is referred to as the front side of the cartridge body 120 and FIG. 6 is referred to as the back side.
[0038]
The cartridge body 120 is integrally formed using, for example, polypropylene (PP). The cartridge body 120 includes an atmosphere-side passage 210 that communicates with the atmosphere, an atmosphere valve portion 250 that is disposed at an end of the atmosphere-side passage 210, and an ink-side passage that selectively communicates with the atmosphere-side passage 210 by the atmosphere valve portion 250. 230, an atmosphere-side storage chamber 270 connected to the ink-side passage 230, and a supply-side storage chamber 290 communicating with the atmosphere-side storage chamber 270. The supply-side storage chamber 290 is selectively communicated with the ink supply unit 160 via the communication units 302 and 304 by the ink supply control unit 150. The atmosphere-side storage chamber 270 and the supply-side storage chamber 290 form an ink storage chamber 110.
[0039]
The atmosphere-side storage chamber 270 is provided below a wall 272 that extends in a substantially horizontal direction at a substantially vertical center of the cartridge body 120. The supply-side storage chamber 290 is provided above the wall 272. The supply-side storage chamber 290 is connected to the atmosphere-side storage chamber 270 via the communication portion 274 and has a first storage chamber 292 that is long in the vertical direction. The supply-side storage chamber 290 further includes a second storage chamber 294 that is disposed above the atmosphere-side storage chamber 270. The second storage chamber 294 is connected to the first storage chamber 292 via a communication portion 276 disposed below the second storage chamber 294. The supply-side storage chamber 290 further includes a third storage chamber 296 that is disposed so as to be surrounded by the second storage chamber 294. The third storage chamber 296 is connected to the second storage chamber 294 via a communication portion 278 disposed below the third storage chamber 296 and is connected to the ink supply control means 150 via a passage 298. The detection means 500 formed of a piezoelectric element or the like is provided in the upper part of the second storage chamber 294 on the front side (right side in FIG. 6) of the ink cartridge 100. The detection unit 500 detects whether or not the ink liquid level exists at the detection position in the ink cartridge 100.
[0040]
The piezoelectric element which is an example of the detection unit 500 detects whether there is an ink liquid level at the detection position in the ink cartridge 100 by using, for example, a vibration phenomenon. 6 includes a diaphragm 502 formed on the side in contact with ink, and a piezoelectric element 504 formed so that a piezoelectric layer formed on the diaphragm 502 is sandwiched between upper and lower electrodes. Have. By applying a voltage to the upper and lower electrodes, the piezoelectric element 502 is excited and vibrates. Examples of a method for detecting the ink level in the ink cartridge 100 using the piezoelectric element 502 include the following methods.
[0041]
For example, the piezoelectric element 502 generates an elastic wave with respect to the inside of the ink cartridge 100 and receives a reflected wave reflected from the surface of the ink liquid or the opposite wall, so that the ink is detected at the detection position in the ink cartridge 100. There is a method for detecting whether or not there is a liquid level.
[0042]
As another method, there is a method of detecting a change in acoustic impedance from vibration characteristics of a vibrating object. In the case of this method, the back electromotive force generated by the residual vibration remaining in the piezoelectric element 502 after the piezoelectric element 502 is vibrated is measured by vibrating the piezoelectric element 502. Furthermore, a change in acoustic impedance is detected by detecting the resonance frequency or the amplitude of the back electromotive force waveform from the measured back electromotive force.
[0043]
Further, a means other than the piezoelectric element 502 may be used as the detection means 500. For example, by mounting two liquid level detection electrodes on an ink cartridge and measuring the conductivity between the two electrodes, it is possible to detect whether ink is present between the two electrodes. Also good.
[0044]
The supply unit 160 engages and slides with the ink supply needle of the carriage 42, the seal member 12 having the insertion port 26 into which the ink supply needle is inserted, and the supply valve 13 toward the seal member 12. And an urging portion 14 that urges the
[0045]
An operation of consuming the ink stored in the ink storage chamber 110 in the ink cartridge 100 having the above configuration will be described. First, when the ink cartridge 100 is mounted on the carriage 42 of the ink jet recording apparatus 10, a part of the carriage 42 comes into contact with the atmospheric valve unit 250, so that the atmospheric valve unit 250 is connected to the atmospheric side passage 210 and the ink side passage 230. Communicate with. Further, when the ink supply needle of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is inserted into the insertion port 26 of the seal member 12 of the ink supply unit 160, the supply valve 13 slides against the urging force of the urging unit 14, The ink supply unit side of the ink supply control means 150 is connected to the recording head 44.
[0046]
In this state, when the ink of the recording head 44 is consumed, the pressure on the ink supply unit side of the ink supply control unit 150 becomes lower than the ink storage chamber side of the ink supply control unit 150. When the pressure difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the ink supply control unit 150 operates to communicate the ink storage chamber 110 with the ink supply unit 160. As a result, the ink in the third storage chamber 296 connected to the ink supply control means 150 is supplied to the ink supply unit 160. At this time, since the atmosphere-side storage chamber 270 communicates with the atmosphere via the ink-side passage 230, the atmosphere corresponding to the amount of ink supplied from the third storage chamber 296 is drawn. Therefore, the liquid level of the atmosphere side storage chamber 270 is lowered.
[0047]
Further, when ink is supplied from the ink storage chamber 110, the ink stored in the atmosphere-side storage chamber 270 moves to the supply-side storage chamber 290 and is filled with air. When ink is further supplied from the ink storage chamber 110 from this state, air is introduced into the first storage chamber 292 through the communication portion 274 between the atmosphere-side storage chamber 270 and the first storage chamber 292 of the supply-side storage chamber 290. The liquid level in the first storage chamber 292 is lowered.
[0048]
Further, when ink is supplied from the ink storage chamber 110, the ink stored in the first storage chamber 292 moves to the second storage chamber 294 and is filled with air. After the air in the first storage chamber 292 is filled and reaches the communication portion 276, when ink is further supplied from the ink storage chamber 110, the air is introduced into the second storage chamber 294 through the communication portion 276.
[0049]
In this way, the ink in the second storage chamber 294 is also supplied to the ink supply unit 160 via the third storage chamber 296, and the second storage chamber 294 is filled with air. When the second storage chamber 294 is filled with ink and ink is present around the detection unit 500, when the detection unit 500 is driven, the detection unit 500 indicates that there is ink around the detection unit 500. To detect. On the other hand, when the ink in the second storage chamber 294 is consumed and the detection unit 500 is filled with air, when the detection unit 500 is driven, the detection unit 500 has no ink around the detection unit 500. Is detected. When the second storage chamber 294 is filled with air and reaches the communication portion 278 with the third storage chamber 296, the ink supply is stopped assuming that the ink in the ink cartridge 100 is consumed. By stopping the supply of ink with the ink remaining in the third storage chamber 296, it is possible to prevent air from entering the recording head 44 and to prevent the recording head 44 from being destroyed.
[0050]
FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the remaining ink amount by the dot counter 806 and the actual amount of ink used. When the cumulative ejection number of ink droplets ejected from the recording head 44 increases, the counter value of the dot counter 806 increases and the ink remaining amount calculated by the ink remaining amount calculating unit 804 decreases. When an error due to ink viscosity or the like does not occur, the actual amount of ink used increases inversely as the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 decreases, as indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG.
[0051]
  However, when the viscosity of the ink changes due to a change in the temperature of the ink, the remaining amount of ink calculated from the value of the dot counter 806 and the remaining amount of ink actually stored in the ink cartridge 100 deviate. Therefore, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 detects the presence or absence of ink at a location where the detection unit 500 in the ink cartridge 100 is disposed by driving the detection unit 500. The ink jet recording apparatus 10 corrects the dot counter 806 so that the remaining ink amount calculated from the value of the dot counter 806 matches the detection result of the detection unit 500..
[0052]
On the other hand, when the detection unit 500 is driven, since it takes time to drive the detection unit 500, the printing processing speed of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 decreases. Therefore, the detection driving unit 800 of the present embodiment limits the timing of driving the detection unit 500 based on the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806, so that the number of times the detection unit 500 is driven decreases. Thereby, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment can improve the printing processing speed.
[0053]
The detection driving means 800 performs different operations depending on which of the five areas divided by the four reference values shown at the right end of FIG. The detection driving unit 800 uses four reference values, that is, an upper abnormality reference value, a detection upper limit reference value, a detection lower limit reference value, and a lower abnormality reference value in order of increasing ink remaining amount. The upper abnormality reference value is a maximum value of the remaining amount of ink by the dot counter 806 that the detection unit 500 may detect the absence of ink. A region where the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 is larger than the upper abnormality reference value is defined as a first abnormality detection region.
[0054]
The detection upper limit reference value is the maximum value of the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 that can perform appropriate correction. An area where the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 is smaller than the upper abnormality reference value and larger than the detection upper limit reference value is set as a first dot counter use area. The detection lower limit reference value is a minimum value of the remaining ink amount by the dot counter 806 that can perform appropriate correction. A region where the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 is between the detection upper limit reference value and the detection lower limit reference value is set as a correction region. The correction area is a detection range in which the detection unit 500 may detect that the ink level in the ink cartridge 100 has become lower than the detection position.
[0055]
The lower abnormality reference value is a minimum value of the remaining amount of ink by a dot counter that the detection unit 500 may detect the presence of ink. A region where the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 is smaller than the detection lower limit reference value and larger than the lower abnormality reference value is set as a second dot counter use region. Further, a region where the remaining ink amount by the dot counter 806 is smaller than the lower abnormality reference value is set as a second abnormality detection region.
[0056]
When the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 is in the first abnormality detection region indicating a value larger than the upper abnormality reference value, the detection drive unit 800 drives the detection unit 500 at least at the first timing, and at least the second The detection means 500 is not driven at the timing. The first detection timing is when the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is turned on and when the ink cartridge 100 is replaced. The second detection timing is when a new recording sheet 11 is installed in the ink jet recording apparatus 10, for example, when a page break of the recording sheet 11, for example, at the time of the previous detection and at the time of page break. This is when the difference from the remaining ink amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. That is, in this case, the detection drive unit 800 does not drive the detection unit 500 at the time of page break. As a result, the number of times the detection unit 500 is driven can be reduced, so that the print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can be improved.
[0057]
When the detection unit 500 detects that no liquid is present even though the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 is in the first abnormality detection region indicating a value larger than the upper abnormality reference value, the detection driving unit 800 generates an abnormality. It is determined that the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is stopped. When the detection unit 500 detects the absence of liquid when the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 is in the first abnormality detection region, for example, in the step of filling ink into the ink cartridge 100 at the time of factory shipment, the ink filling amount is There may be a shortage. This prevents ink from being emptied in the absence of ink in the ink cartridge 100 to supply air to the storage head 44 instead of ink.
[0058]
  When the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 is within the range of the first dot counter area that is smaller than the upper abnormal reference value and larger than the detection upper limit reference value, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 uses the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806. And the detection result of the detection means 500 is not used. That is, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 uses the detection result of the detection unit 500.usingStop the inkjet recording device 10It will not let you.ThisTheThe print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can be improved.
[0059]
In addition, when the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 is in the correction region indicating the detection upper limit reference value to the detection lower limit reference value, the detection drive unit 800 detects the detection unit 500 at the first detection timing and the second detection timing. To detect whether there is ink at the detection position in the ink cartridge 100.
[0060]
Further, when the ink remaining amount is in the second dot counter use region that is smaller than the detection lower limit reference value and larger than the lower abnormality reference value, the detection drive unit 800 does not drive the detection unit 500. In this case, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 uses the remaining ink amount by the dot counter 806. Even if the detection drive unit 800 drives the detection unit 500, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 does not use the detection result of the detection unit 500. That is, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 performs a recording operation without stopping the ink jet recording apparatus 10 regardless of the detection result of the detection unit 500. As a result, the number of times the detection unit 500 is driven can be reduced, so that the print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can be improved.
[0061]
When the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 indicates a value smaller than the lower abnormality reference value, that is, when the ink remaining amount is in the second abnormality detection region, the detection driving unit 800 detects at least at the first timing. The means 500 is driven, and the detection means 500 is not driven at least at the second timing. That is, in this case, the detection drive unit 800 does not drive the detection unit 500 at the time of page break. Accordingly, the detection timing is less than when the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 is in the correction area. As a result, the number of times the detection unit 500 is driven can be reduced, so that the print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can be improved.
[0062]
If the detection unit 500 detects the presence of ink even though the remaining amount of ink is in the second abnormality detection region, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred and the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is stopped. For example, when the detection unit 500 detects the presence of ink even though the ink remaining amount is in the second abnormality detection region, for example, when the ink is attached around the detection unit 500 or the storage unit 170 This is the case when there is a failure. In this case, since the ink cartridge 100 is not in a normal state, the detection drive unit 800 stops the ink jet recording apparatus 10 and keeps the ink jet recording apparatus 10 in a safe state.
[0063]
As described above, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment limits the timing for driving the detection unit 500. That is, when the remaining amount of ink by the dot counter 806 indicates the detection range of the detection unit 500 that is the correction area, the detection unit 500 has a higher frequency than when the remaining amount of ink by the dot counter 806 indicates a range outside the detection range. Drive. Since the number of times that the detection unit 500 is driven is reduced, the print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is improved. Further, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can prevent the ink from being ejected or the like by detecting an abnormality and stopping.
[0064]
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the operation performed by the detection drive unit 800. First, the detection drive unit 800 acquires the ink remaining amount of the ink cartridge 100 from the storage unit 170 or the dot counter 806 (S100). When the power is turned on and when the ink cartridge 100 is replaced, the count value accumulated in the dot counter 806 is reset, so that the detection drive unit 800 acquires the remaining ink amount from the storage unit 170. On the other hand, when the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is used, the detection driving unit 800 acquires the remaining ink amount from the dot counter 806.
[0065]
Next, the detection drive unit 800 determines whether or not the ink remaining amount based on the dot count 806 indicates a value greater than the upper abnormality reference value (S110). When the ink remaining amount based on the dot count 806 indicates a value larger than the upper abnormality reference value (S110, YES), the detection drive unit 800 executes process 1 (S112). When the ink remaining amount by the dot count 806 is smaller than the upper abnormality reference value (S110, NO), the detection driving unit 800 determines that the ink remaining amount by the dot count 806 is between the detection upper limit reference value and the detection lower limit reference value. It is determined whether or not a value is indicated (S114).
[0066]
When the ink remaining amount based on the dot count 806 indicates a value between the detection upper limit reference value and the detection lower limit reference value (S114, YES), the detection drive unit 800 executes process 2 (S116). When the ink remaining amount by the dot count 806 does not indicate a value between the detection upper limit reference value and the detection lower limit reference value (S114, NO), the detection driving unit 800 indicates that the ink remaining amount by the dot count 806 is lower. It is determined whether or not the value is smaller than the abnormality reference value (S118).
[0067]
When the ink remaining amount based on the dot count 806 indicates a value smaller than the lower abnormality reference value (S118, YES), the detection driving unit 800 executes process 3 (S120). When the ink remaining amount based on the dot count 806 does not indicate a value smaller than the lower abnormality reference value (S118, NO), the detection drive unit 800 ends the process. Process 1 (S112), process 2 (S116), and process 3 (S120) each perform an operation of driving the detection means 500. When executing processes other than process 1 (S112), process 2 (S116), and process 3 (S120), the ink jet recording apparatus 10 does not drive the detection unit 500. That is, when the conditions of step S110, step S114, and step S118 are not satisfied, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 does not drive the detection unit 500. Accordingly, the number of times the detection unit 500 is driven is reduced, so that the print processing amount of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can be improved.
[0068]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed by the detection driving unit 800 in process 1 (S112). First, the detection drive unit 800 determines whether or not the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is powered on (S122). When the power is turned on (S122, YES) or when the ink cartridge 100 is replaced (S123, YES), the detection drive unit 800 drives the detection unit 500 (S124). Next, the detection drive unit 800 determines whether or not the detection unit 500 detects the absence of ink (S126). When the detection unit 500 detects the absence of ink (S126, YES), the detection drive unit 800 stops the ink jet recording apparatus 10 (S128). On the other hand, when the detection unit 500 does not detect the absence of ink (S126, NO), the detection drive unit 800 ends the process 1 (S112). When the power is not turned on (S122, NO), and when the ink cartridge is not replaced (S123, NO), the detection drive unit 800 ends the process 1 (S112).
[0069]
Accordingly, when the detection unit 500 detects the absence of ink in the first abnormality detection region where the presence of ink should be detected, the detection driving unit 800 determines that an abnormality has occurred and stops the ink jet recording apparatus 10. can do. Therefore, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can prevent ink from being emptied.
[0070]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation performed by the detection driving unit 800 in the process 2 (S116). First, the detection drive unit 800 determines whether or not the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is powered on (S130). When the power is on (S130, YES), the detection drive unit 800 drives the detection unit 500 to detect the presence or absence of ink (S136), and is stored in the storage unit 170 based on the detection result of the detection unit 500. The remaining ink amount and the count value of the dot counter 806 are corrected (S138). When the power is not turned on (S130, NO), the detection drive unit 800 determines whether it is time to replace the ink cartridge 100 (S132).
[0071]
When it is time to replace the ink cartridge 100 (S132, YES), the detection drive unit 800 executes the above-described steps S136 and S138. When it is not time to replace the ink cartridge 100 (S132, NO), the detection drive unit 800 is at the time of page break, and the ink remaining amount by the dot counter 806 at the previous detection and the ink remaining by the dot counter 806 at the time of page break. It is determined whether or not the difference from the amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount (S134). When the condition of the above step S134 is satisfied (S134, YES), the detection driving unit 800 executes the above steps S136 and S138.
[0072]
When the condition of step S134 is not satisfied (S134, NO), the detection drive unit 800 ends the process 2 (S116). As described with reference to FIG. 7, when the remaining ink amount is in the correction region indicating the detection upper limit reference value to the detection lower limit reference value (S114), the detection driving unit 800 performs the first detection timing and the second detection timing. In FIG. 5, the detecting means 500 is driven to detect the presence or absence of ink. The time when the power is turned on (S130) and the time when the ink cartridge 100 is replaced (S132) in FIG. 10 corresponds to the first detection timing. Also, the page break time (S134) in FIG. 10 corresponds to the second detection timing.
[0073]
As described above, the detection drive unit 800 drives the detection unit 500 at limited timings when the power is turned on (S130), when the ink cartridge 100 is replaced (S132), and when a page break occurs (S134). Accordingly, by reducing the number of times the detection unit 500 is driven, the number of steps that the ink jet recording apparatus 10 should perform can be reduced, and thus the amount of print processing of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can be improved.
[0074]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation performed by the detection driving unit 800 in process 3 (S120). First, the detection driving unit 800 determines whether or not the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is powered on (S140). When the power is on (S140, YES), the detection drive unit 800 drives the detection unit 500 (S144) and determines whether the detection unit 500 detects the presence of ink (S146). When the detection means 500 detects the presence of ink (S146, YES), the detection drive means 800 stops the ink jet recording apparatus 10 (S148) and ends the process 3 (S120). On the other hand, when the detection unit 500 does not detect the presence of ink (S146, NO), the detection drive unit 800 ends the process 3 (S120).
[0075]
On the other hand, when the power is not turned on (S140, NO), the detection drive unit 800 determines whether it is time to replace the ink cartridge 100 (S142). When it is time to replace the ink cartridge 100 (S142, YES), the detection driving unit 800 executes the above-described steps S144 and S146. If the presence of ink is detected in step S146 (S146, YES), the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is stopped (S148). When it is not time to replace the ink cartridge (S142, NO), the detection drive unit 800 ends the process 3 (S120).
[0076]
Therefore, when the ink remaining amount is smaller than the lower abnormality reference value, the detection unit 500 is driven at the first timing described with reference to FIG. 10 and the detection unit 500 is not driven at the second timing. That is, unlike the case of FIG. 10, the detecting means 500 is not driven at the time of page break. Therefore, the amount of printing processing of the ink jet recording apparatus 10 can be improved by reducing the number of times the detection unit 500 is driven. Furthermore, when the detection unit 500 detects the presence of ink in the second abnormality detection region where it should be detected that no ink is originally present, the detection drive unit 800 determines that an abnormality has occurred and stops the ink jet recording apparatus 10. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the recording head 44 from being damaged due to idle driving or the like.
[0077]
In the above-described embodiment, the mode in which the ink remaining amount is counted by the dot counter has been described. In this case, the ink remaining amount calculation unit 804, which is an example of a calculation unit, calculates a value corresponding to a value smaller than the upper abnormality reference value that is the maximum value with which the detection unit 500 may detect the absence of liquid. If there is liquid consumption and the detection means 500 detects no liquid, it is determined that there is an abnormality and the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is stopped.
[0078]
Further, when the liquid consumption is larger than the upper abnormality reference value and smaller than the detection upper limit reference value, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is ejected without stopping regardless of the detection result of the detection unit 500. . Furthermore, the detection driving unit 800 includes a detection upper limit reference value that is the maximum value that the detection unit 500 can perform appropriate correction and a detection lower limit reference that is the minimum value that the detection unit 500 can perform appropriate correction. When the liquid consumption calculated by the ink remaining amount calculation unit 804, which is an example of the calculation unit, is present in the value corresponding to the value between the values, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 drives the detection unit 500 to detect the detection unit. The liquid consumption is corrected based on the detection result of 500.
[0079]
Furthermore, when the liquid consumption is smaller than the lower abnormality reference value and larger than the detection lower limit reference value, the ink jet recording apparatus 10 does not depend on the detection result of the detection unit 500. Inject without stopping. Further, the detection driving unit 800 detects that the liquid is consumed at a value larger than the lower abnormal reference value, which is the minimum value with which the detection unit 500 may detect the presence of liquid, and the detection unit detects the presence of liquid. In that case, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and the ink jet recording apparatus 10 is stopped.
[0080]
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It is apparent from the description of the scope of claims that embodiments with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus 10. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an ink jet recording apparatus 10;
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the ink cartridge 100 as viewed obliquely from above.
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the ink cartridge 100 as viewed obliquely from below.
5 is a plan view of one side surface of the cartridge main body 120. FIG.
6 is a plan view of the other side surface of the cartridge body 120. FIG.
FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the remaining ink amount and the actual amount of ink used.
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an operation performed by the detection driving unit 800.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation performed in process 1 (S112).
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation performed in process 2 (S116).
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation performed in process 3 (S120).
FIG. 12 shows the relationship between the remaining amount of ink and the actual amount of ink used.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Inkjet recording device, 11 Recording paper, 52 Platen, 40 Printing part, 42 Carriage, 44 Recording head, 70 Ink conveyance part, 72 Cap, 75 tube, 76 Pump, 79 Waste liquid box, 80 Wiper, 100 Ink cartridge, 110 Ink storage chamber, 120 cartridge body, 130 film, 140 lid, 150 ink supply control means, 160 ink supply section, 161 cleaning mechanism, 170 storage means, 172 connection terminal, 176 connection electrode section, 180 engagement member, 210 atmosphere Side passage, 230 ink side passage, 274, 276, 278 communication portion, 250 atmosphere valve portion, 270 atmosphere side accommodation chamber, 272 wall, 290 supply side accommodation chamber, 292 first accommodation chamber, 294 second accommodation chamber, 296 first 3 accommodation rooms, 298 Path, 302, 304 communication unit, 500 detection unit, 800 detection drive unit, 802 ink remaining amount correction unit, 804 ink remaining amount calculation unit, 806 dot counter, 808 printing operation control unit

Claims (10)

A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid in a cartridge that contains liquid to a target,
Calculating means for calculating the remaining amount or consumption of the liquid in the cartridge based on the amount of liquid ejected to the target ;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not there is liquid at a detection position in the cartridge;
Detection drive means for driving the detection means ;
Correction means for correcting the remaining amount or consumption based on the detection result of the detection means ,
The detection driving means includes
If the remaining amount or consumption calculated by the calculation means is within a detection range that is predetermined as a possibility that the detection means may detect that there is no liquid at the detection position, it is determined in advance. Driving the detection means at a second detection timing different from the first detection timing and the first detection timing,
When the remaining amount or consumption calculated by the calculation unit is outside the detection range, the detection unit is driven at least at the first detection timing, while at least at the second detection timing. A liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the detecting means is not driven . The detection driving means includes
As the first detection timing, the detection unit is driven when the liquid ejecting apparatus is turned on and when the cartridge is replaced,
As the second detection timing, when the new target is installed in the liquid ejecting apparatus, the remaining amount or consumption calculated by the calculation unit at the time of the previous detection and the target at the time of the target installation The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit is driven when a difference from the remaining amount or consumption calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid in a cartridge that contains liquid to a target,
Calculating means for calculating the remaining amount of liquid in the cartridge based on the amount of liquid ejected to the target ;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not there is liquid at a detection position in the cartridge;
Detection drive means for driving the detection means ;
And a correction means ,
The correction means corrects the remaining amount of liquid based on the detection result of the detection means,
The detection driving means includes
The remaining amount of liquid is smaller than a lower abnormality reference value that is a minimum value in a predetermined range as a possibility that the detection unit may detect the presence of liquid, and the detection unit has liquid. Is detected, it is determined to be abnormal and the liquid ejecting apparatus is stopped,
When the liquid remaining amount calculated by the calculating means is larger than an upper abnormality reference value that is the maximum value in the range, the detecting means is driven at least once. Injection device. The detection driving means includes
The remaining amount of liquid calculated by the calculating means is a detection upper limit reference value that is the maximum value in a predetermined range that can be corrected by the detecting means, and a detection lower limit that is the minimum value of the range. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein when the value is between a reference value and the reference value, the detection unit is driven to correct the remaining liquid amount based on a detection result of the detection unit. When the liquid remaining amount calculated by the calculating unit is larger than the lower abnormality reference value and smaller than the detection lower limit reference value, the liquid ejecting apparatus is adjusted regardless of the detection result of the detecting unit. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein ejection is performed without stopping. When the liquid remaining amount calculated by the calculating means is larger than the upper abnormality reference value and the detecting means detects the absence of liquid, the liquid ejecting apparatus is determined to be abnormal. Stop,
When the liquid remaining amount is smaller than the upper abnormality reference value and larger than the detection upper limit reference value, the liquid ejecting device is ejected without stopping regardless of the detection result of the detection means. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3 . A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid in a cartridge that contains liquid to a target,
Calculating means for calculating a consumption amount of the liquid in the cartridge based on a liquid ejection amount to the target ;
Detecting means for detecting whether there is a liquid level at a detection position in the cartridge;
Detection drive means for driving the detection means;
Correction means,
The correction means corrects the liquid consumption based on the detection result of the detection means,
The detection driving means includes
The liquid consumption is larger than a lower abnormality reference value that is a maximum value in a predetermined range as a possibility that the detection means may detect the presence of liquid, and the detection means has a liquid. Is detected, it is determined to be abnormal and the liquid ejecting apparatus is stopped,
A liquid ejecting apparatus that drives the detecting means at least once when the liquid consumption calculated by the calculating means is smaller than an upper abnormal reference value that is a minimum value of the range. . The detection driving means includes
The liquid consumption calculated by the calculation means is a detection upper limit reference value that is a maximum value in a predetermined range that can be corrected by the detection means, and a detection lower limit that is the minimum value of the range. 8. The liquid according to claim 7 , wherein when the value is equal to a value between a reference value and the reference value, the detection unit is driven and the liquid consumption is corrected based on a detection result of the detection unit. Injection device. When the liquid consumption calculated by the calculation means is smaller than the lower abnormality reference value and larger than the detection lower limit reference value, the liquid ejecting apparatus is not used regardless of the detection result of the detection means. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the ejection is performed without stopping. The liquid consumption calculated by the calculation means corresponds to a value smaller than an upper abnormality reference value that is the maximum value in a range that is predetermined as a possibility that the detection means may detect no liquid. And when the detection means detects the absence of liquid, it is determined to be abnormal and the liquid ejecting apparatus is stopped,
When the liquid consumption calculated by the calculation unit is larger than the upper abnormal reference value that is the maximum value of the range, the detection unit is driven at least once,
When the liquid consumption amount is larger than the upper abnormality reference value and smaller than the detection upper limit reference value, the liquid ejecting device is ejected without stopping regardless of the detection result of the detection means. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 7 .

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