JP4779317B2 - Inkjet recording apparatus and ink cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge, and more particularly to an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge that can reliably determine the remaining amount of ink and output an ink empty signal in a state where the remaining amount is small. .

As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3075286 (Patent Document 1), an ink jet recording apparatus that determines the remaining amount of ink in an ink container (ink cartridge) is known. In this ink jet recording apparatus, two electrodes are provided in the ink cartridge, the electric resistance value between the two electrodes is detected, and the detected electric resistance value is constantly compared with a preset set value. When the detected electrical resistance value exceeds the set value, a warning signal (near empty) is output. At the same time that the near empty is output, the recording number counting circuit (number counter) outputs an instruction to start recording the number of recorded sheets, and the count value reaches the number of sheets that can be recorded corresponding to the remaining amount of ink when near empty is detected. At that time, a warning signal (ink empty) was output and the recording operation was stopped.
Japanese Patent No. 3075286 (FIG. 1 etc.).

  However, after outputting near empty based on the electrical resistance value detected between the electrodes described above, the number of sheets counted by the number counter is counted in the ink jet recording apparatus that counts the number of recorded sheets by the number counter and outputs the ink empty. Therefore, since the correspondence between the amount of ink set in accordance with the amount of ink actually consumed and the amount of ink actually consumed is not accurate, an ink empty signal must be output with a predetermined amount of ink remaining. It was not possible, and the use efficiency of the ink was poor and uneconomical.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an ink jet recording apparatus and an ink cartridge capable of reliably determining the remaining amount of ink and outputting an ink empty signal in a state where the remaining amount is small. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve this object, the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 includes a determination unit that determines the remaining amount of ink in the ink container, and is in contact with the ink in the ink container and spaced apart from each other. When the amount of ink in the ink container exceeds a predetermined amount, electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes through the pair of electrodes, a detection unit that detects a resistance value between the pair of electrodes, and the ink in the ink container. A first path that is a path, and a second path that is a path through which electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes when the amount of ink in the ink container is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and the pair of pairs via the ink and a second path resistance value between the electrodes is greater than the resistance value in the first path, the second path, rather long than the first path, between the pair of electrodes, said ink container Get up from the bottom When the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, the first path is formed beyond the upper end of the barrier, and when the ink is less than the predetermined amount, at least a part of the pair of electrodes is between the pair of electrodes. Is connected by a second path along the line .

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the first aspect, the pair of electrodes that are in contact with the ink in the ink container are positioned at a distance from each other, and the resistance value between the pair of electrodes is detected by the detecting means. . The path through which electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes is formed when the ink in the ink container exceeds a predetermined amount, and the first path is formed when the amount of ink in the ink container is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. the second path is formed resistance between the electrodes ing larger than the first path, the ink remaining amount is determined by the determination means in accordance with the resistance values detected respectively by its first path and the second path .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first aspect, when the ink in the ink container is equal to or smaller than a second predetermined amount that is less than the predetermined amount, the ink in the second path is removed. Further, the resistance value between the pair of electrodes is further increased .

An ink jet recording apparatus according to a third aspect is the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first or second aspect , wherein the barrier is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding one of the pair of electrodes and having an open upper end.

The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4 is the inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a part of the second path is a groove formed along a side surface of the barrier, and the groove. And one end of the groove opens to one side of the pair of electrodes of the barrier, and the other end of the groove opens to the other electrode side. ing.

An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, in the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the barrier has an opening at a position apart a line or et water Rights direction connecting the pair of electrodes distance connecting the pair of electrodes through the opening in the horizontal direction is configured longer than the length of the first path exceeds an upper end of the barrier.

An ink jet recording apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the ink jet recording apparatus according to the fifth aspect , wherein the barrier is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding at least one of the pair of electrodes and having an open upper end.

An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the claim in 2 An ink jet recording apparatus according to sequentially count the amount of the ink has been consumed, the second determines the remaining ink amount based on the consumed amount of its counting means and determination means, the resistance value detected by the detection means are of the second predetermined amount, and when the second determination means determines the remaining ink level that is equivalent to its second predetermined amount, the display And a control means for performing the operation.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the seventh aspect, the ink consumption acts in the same manner as the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second aspect, and the amount of ink consumed is sequentially counted by the counting means, and the ink counted by the counting means The remaining amount of ink is determined by the second determination unit according to the consumption amount. Resistance value detected by the detecting means is of a second predetermined amount, and when the determination by the second determination means determines that the second predetermined amount and the remaining ink amount in the same or the like, the display operation by the control means Done.

The ink cartridge according to claim 8 stores ink, and an electrode insertion portion into which the pair of electrodes are inserted so as to contact the ink in the ink cartridge, and the ink in the ink cartridge exceeds a predetermined amount. A first path that is a path through which electricity is conducted between a pair of electrodes that are inserted into the electrode insertion portion via the ink, and between the pair of electrodes when the amount of ink in the ink cartridge is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. A second path which is a path through which electricity is conducted, wherein a resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink is larger than a resistance value in the first path, and the second path 2 pathway, rather long than the first path, said pair of electrodes comprises a upstanding barrier from the bottom of the said ink cartridge, when the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, the It is beyond the first path is formed an upper end of the wall, when the ink is not more than a predetermined amount, between the pair of electrodes are connected by a second path at least partially along the barrier.

According to the ink cartridge of the eighth aspect , the pair of electrodes are inserted from the electrode insertion portion so as to come into contact with the ink in the ink container. A path through which electricity is conducted between a pair of electrodes inserted into the ink container is formed when the ink in the ink container exceeds a predetermined amount, and when the ink in the ink container is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. A second path is formed in which the resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink is larger than the resistance value in the first path.

10. The ink cartridge according to claim 9 , wherein the ink is stored, and when the ink in the ink cartridge exceeds a predetermined amount, a pair of electrodes arranged to contact the ink in the ink cartridge, and the ink When the amount of ink in the ink cartridge is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes. A second path that is a path that is configured to have a resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink larger than a resistance value in the first path, and the second path includes: rather long than the first path, between the pair of electrodes includes a upstanding barrier from the bottom of the said ink cartridge, when the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, the upper end of the barrier Ete the first path is formed, when the ink is not more than a predetermined amount, between the pair of electrodes are connected by a second path at least partially along the barrier.

According to the ink cartridge of the ninth aspect , the pair of electrodes are arranged so as to contact the ink in the ink container. A path through which electricity is conducted between a pair of electrodes arranged in the ink container is formed when the ink in the ink container exceeds a predetermined amount, and when the ink in the ink container is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. A second path is formed in which the resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink is larger than the resistance value in the first path.

The ink cartridge according to claim 10 is the ink cartridge according to claim 8 or 9 , wherein the ink in the second path is less than a second predetermined amount that is less than the predetermined amount. The resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the electrode is further increased.

Ink cartridge according to claim 11, wherein, in the ink cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the barrier surrounds one of the pair of electrodes, and is and formed on the upper end tubular opening the .

The ink cartridge according to claim 12 is the ink cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein a part of the second path includes a groove formed along a side surface of the barrier and the groove. And a covering member covering an open surface along the wall surface, wherein one end of the groove opens to one side of the pair of electrodes of the barrier, and the other end of the groove opens to the other electrode side. .

Ink cartridge according to claim 13, wherein, in the ink cartridge according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the barrier has an opening at a position apart a line or et water Rights direction connecting the pair of electrodes, the distance through the opening connecting the pair of electrodes in the horizontal direction is configured longer than the length of the first path exceeds an upper end of the barrier.

An ink cartridge according to a fourteenth aspect is the ink cartridge according to the thirteenth aspect , wherein the barrier is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding at least one of the pair of electrodes and having an open upper end.

An ink cartridge according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention is the ink cartridge according to the eighth or ninth aspect , wherein the second path is constituted by a fiber member made of fibers that permeate ink.

An ink cartridge according to a sixteenth aspect is the ink cartridge according to the eighth or ninth aspect , wherein the second path is constituted by a hollow pipe.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the first aspect, the path through which electricity is brought into contact between the pair of electrodes that are in contact with the ink in the ink container and spaced from each other is provided by the ink in the ink container. A resistance value in the first path is a resistance value between the first path through which electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes when exceeding a fixed amount, and a resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink when the ink in the ink container is equal to or less than a predetermined amount And a second path that is larger than the second path. The resistance values of the first path and the second path are detected by the detection unit, and the ink remaining amount is determined based on the detected resistance value. The resistance value detected by the detecting means is when the electrodes are connected by the first path, when the electrodes are connected by the second path, and when both the first path and the second path are not connected. Therefore, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink in three stages can be reliably determined by the determination means. In addition, if the first path and the second path are configured so that the remaining amount of ink in three stages corresponds to a state where the ink is large, a state where the ink is near empty, and a state where the ink is empty, that state There is also an effect that it is possible to accurately determine the remaining ink amount and accurately detect near empty and ink empty.
Further, the second path is formed longer than the first path. Since the resistance value detected by the detecting means changes depending on the length of the path that conducts between the electrodes, the difference in the detected resistance value can be further increased. Therefore, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be more reliably determined.
In addition, a barrier rising from the bottom of the ink container is provided between the pair of electrodes. When the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, a first path is formed beyond the upper end of the barrier, and when the ink is less than the predetermined amount, the pair is formed. These electrodes are connected at least partially by a second path along the barrier. When the ink decreases and the liquid level becomes lower than the upper end of the barrier, the first path is reliably blocked and becomes the second path. Therefore, since different resistance values are reliably detected by the detection means, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be reliably determined.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the second aspect, in addition to the effect produced by the ink jet recording apparatus of the first aspect, when the ink in the ink container is less than the second predetermined amount less than the predetermined amount, Since the resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink is further increased , the state where the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, the state where the ink is less than the predetermined amount and exceeds the second predetermined amount, and the state where the ink is less than the second predetermined amount There is an effect that it is possible to more reliably determine the remaining three levels of ink. In addition, if the first path and the second path are configured so that the remaining amount of ink in three stages corresponds to a state where the ink is large, a state where the ink is near empty, and a state where the ink is empty, that state There is also an effect that the remaining ink amount can be more reliably determined, and near empty and ink empty can be detected more accurately.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the third aspect , in addition to the effect exhibited by the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first or second aspect , the barrier is configured in a cylindrical shape surrounding one of the pair of electrodes and opening the upper end. ing. Therefore, when the ink is reduced and the liquid level becomes lower than the upper end of the cylindrical barrier, the electrode is surrounded by the cylindrical barrier, so that the cylindrical interior and the external Is reliably shut off. Therefore, since different resistance values are reliably detected by the detection means, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be more reliably determined.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, in addition to the effects of the ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the groove portion of the second path, which is formed along the side surface of the barrier And a covering member that covers the open surface along the wall surface of the groove, one end of the groove is opened on one side of the pair of electrodes of the barrier, and the other end of the groove is on the other electrode side Since the openings are open, the ink flows through the grooves and has an effect that the conductive state can be reliably established between the electrodes. Further, since the second path can be formed by covering the groove formed along the side surface of the barrier with the covering member, the second path having a long distance can be easily formed and detected by the detection circuit. There is an effect that the difference in resistance value can be increased.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 5, in addition to the effects of the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, barrier, opening at a distance to the line segment or et water Rights direction connecting the pair of electrodes has a section, a distance connecting the pair of electrodes in the horizontal direction through the opening is configured longer than the length of the first path exceeds the upper end of the barrier. Therefore, since the lengths of the first path and the second path are different, the resistance values detected by the detection unit are also different, and there is an effect that the ink remaining amount can be reliably determined.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the sixth aspect , in addition to the effect exhibited by the ink jet recording apparatus of the fifth aspect , the barrier is configured in a cylindrical shape surrounding at least one of the pair of electrodes and opening the upper end. . Therefore, when the ink is reduced and the liquid level becomes lower than the upper end of the cylindrical barrier, the electrode is surrounded by the cylindrical barrier, so that the cylindrical interior and the external Is reliably shut off. Therefore, since different resistance values are reliably detected by the detection means, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be more reliably determined.

According to the ink jet recording apparatus of the seventh aspect , in addition to the effect achieved by the ink jet recording apparatus of the second aspect, the amount of ink consumed by the counting means is sequentially counted, and based on the counted ink consumption amount. The remaining amount of ink is determined by the second determination unit. Resistance value detected by the detecting means is of a second predetermined amount, and when the determination by the second determination means determines that the second predetermined amount and the remaining ink amount in the same or the like, the display operation by the control means Done. Therefore, even if an abnormal value is detected by the detection unit, the second determination unit can determine the remaining ink amount that is the second predetermined amount. Further, since the display operation is performed by the control means, there is an effect that the user can be surely notified of the remaining amount of ink when the second predetermined amount is reached.

According to the ink cartridge of claim 8, the path through which electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes inserted from the electrode insertion portion so as to come into contact with the ink in the ink cartridge is when the ink in the ink cartridge exceeds a predetermined amount And a resistance value between the pair of electrodes via the ink is larger than a resistance value in the first path when the ink in the ink cartridge is less than a predetermined amount. A second path is formed. The resistance value between the pair of electrodes is determined when the electrodes are connected by the first path, when the electrodes are connected by the second path, and when the first path and the second path are both non-conductive. Since they are different, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink in three stages can be reliably determined. In addition, if the first path and the second path are configured so that the remaining amount of ink in three stages corresponds to a state where the ink is large, a state where the ink is near empty, and a state where the ink is empty, that state There is also an effect that it is possible to accurately determine the remaining ink amount and accurately detect near empty and ink empty.
Further, the second path is formed longer than the first path. Since the resistance value between the pair of electrodes varies depending on the length of the path that conducts between the electrodes, the difference in resistance value between the pair of electrodes can be further increased. Therefore, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be more reliably determined.
In addition, a barrier rising from the bottom of the ink container is provided between the pair of electrodes. When the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, a first path is formed beyond the upper end of the barrier, and when the ink is less than the predetermined amount, the pair is formed. These electrodes are connected at least partially by a second path along the barrier. When the ink decreases and the liquid level becomes lower than the upper end of the barrier, the first path is reliably blocked and becomes the second path. Therefore, since the difference in resistance value between the pair of electrodes is ensured, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be reliably determined.

According to the ink cartridge of claim 9, a path through which electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes arranged to contact the ink in the ink cartridge is a pair of electrodes when the ink in the ink cartridge exceeds a predetermined amount. A first path through which electricity is conducted, and a second path in which the resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink is greater than the resistance value in the first path when the amount of ink in the ink cartridge is equal to or less than a predetermined amount Is formed. The resistance value between the pair of electrodes is determined when the electrodes are connected by the first path, when the electrodes are connected by the second path, and when the first path and the second path are both non-conductive. Since they are different, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink in three stages can be reliably determined. In addition, if the first path and the second path are configured so that the remaining amount of ink in three stages corresponds to a state where the ink is large, a state where the ink is near empty, and a state where the ink is empty, that state There is also an effect that it is possible to accurately determine the remaining ink amount and accurately detect near empty and ink empty.
Further, the second path is formed longer than the first path. Since the resistance value between the pair of electrodes varies depending on the length of the path that conducts between the electrodes, the difference in resistance value between the pair of electrodes can be further increased. Therefore, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be more reliably determined.
In addition, a barrier rising from the bottom of the ink container is provided between the pair of electrodes. When the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, a first path is formed beyond the upper end of the barrier, and when the ink is less than the predetermined amount, the pair is formed. These electrodes are connected at least partially by a second path along the barrier. When the ink decreases and the liquid level becomes lower than the upper end of the barrier, the first path is reliably blocked and becomes the second path. Therefore, since the difference in resistance value between the pair of electrodes is ensured, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be reliably determined.

According to the ink cartridge of the tenth aspect , in addition to the effect produced by the ink cartridge according to the eighth or ninth aspect, when the ink in the ink container is equal to or less than the second predetermined amount which is smaller than the predetermined amount, Since the resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink is further increased, the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, the ink is less than the predetermined amount and exceeds the second predetermined amount, and the ink is the second predetermined amount or less. There is an effect that the remaining amount of ink in the three stages can be determined more reliably. In addition, if the first path and the second path are configured so that the remaining amount of ink in three stages corresponds to a state where the ink is large, a state where the ink is near empty, and a state where the ink is empty, that state There is also an effect that the remaining ink amount can be more reliably determined, and near empty and ink empty can be detected more accurately.

According to the ink cartridge of the eleventh aspect , in addition to the effect exhibited by the ink cartridge according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects , the barrier is configured in a cylindrical shape surrounding one of the pair of electrodes and opening the upper end. Has been. Therefore, when the ink is reduced and the liquid level becomes lower than the upper end of the cylindrical barrier, the electrode is surrounded by the cylindrical barrier, so that the cylindrical interior and the external Can be easily blocked. Therefore, since the difference in resistance value between the pair of electrodes is more reliable, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be reliably determined.

According to the ink cartridge of claim 12 , in addition to the effect produced by the ink cartridge according to any of claims 8 to 11, a part of the second path includes a groove formed along the side surface of the barrier, And a covering member covering an open surface along the wall surface of the groove. One end of the groove opens to one side of the pair of electrodes of the barrier, and the other end of the groove opens to the other electrode side. Therefore, there is an effect that the ink flows through the groove and can be surely brought into conduction between the electrodes. In addition, since the second path can be formed by covering the groove formed along the side surface of the barrier with the covering member, there is an effect that the difference in resistance value between the pair of electrodes can be increased.

According to the ink cartridge according to claim 13, wherein, in addition to the effects of the ink cartridge according to claim 8 or 9, barrier, an opening at a position apart a line or et water Rights direction connecting the pair of electrodes a distance connecting the pair of electrodes in the horizontal direction through the opening is configured longer than the length of the first path exceeds the upper end of the barrier. Therefore, since the lengths of the first path and the second path are different, the resistance value between the pair of electrodes is also different, and there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be reliably determined.

According to the ink cartridge of the fourteenth aspect , in addition to the effect produced by the ink cartridge of the thirteenth aspect , the barrier is configured in a cylindrical shape surrounding at least one of the pair of electrodes and opening the upper end. Therefore, when the ink is reduced and the liquid level becomes lower than the upper end of the cylindrical barrier, the electrode is surrounded by the cylindrical barrier, so that the cylindrical interior and the external Can be easily blocked. Therefore, since the difference in resistance value between the pair of electrodes is more reliable, there is an effect that the remaining amount of ink can be reliably determined.

According to the ink cartridge of the fifteenth aspect , in addition to the effect produced by the ink cartridge of the eighth or ninth aspect , the second path is constituted by the fiber member made of fibers that permeate the ink. There is an effect that conduction between the electrodes by the path can be surely brought into a conduction state.

According to the ink cartridge of the sixteenth aspect , in addition to the effect produced by the ink cartridge according to the eighth or ninth aspect , the second path is formed by a hollow pipe, so that the electrodes between the electrodes along the second path are formed. There is an effect that the conduction can be surely brought into the conduction state. Further, since the length of the pipe can be arbitrarily changed, the length of the second path can be easily changed.

  Hereinafter, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the present invention.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 1 mainly includes a plurality of ink cartridges 2 each filled with four color inks of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, a mounting unit 3 that detachably mounts the ink cartridge 2, and an ink A buffer tank 5 that stores ink supplied from the cartridge 2 via the ink supply tube 17, a print head 4 that ejects ink stored in the buffer tank 5 toward the printing paper 6, and the buffer tank 5 and printing A carriage 7 that is mounted with the head 4 and reciprocates in a linear direction, a carriage shaft 18 that serves as a guide for the carriage 7 to reciprocate, a transport mechanism 9 that transports the printing paper 6, and a purge device 10 are provided. .

  The ink cartridge 2 has two insertion portions 91 and 92 for electrodes at the bottom, and includes plugs 61 and 62 that seal the inside of each insertion portion. One plug 61 is in contact with the ink 60 through the extraction port 63 at the bottom of the ink cartridge 2, and the other plug 62 extends upward from the periphery of the insertion portion 92 at the bottom of the ink cartridge 2, and the upper end is opened by the opening 66. The ink 60 is in contact with the cylindrical barrier member 64. The side surface of the barrier member 64 is covered with a tube 65 described later.

  The mounting portion 3 includes a hollow extraction needle 51 that extracts the ink 60 stored in the ink cartridge 2 and supplies the ink 60 to the print head 4, and the air is extracted from the extraction needle 51. The hollow air introduction needle 52 for introducing the ink into the ink cartridge 2 is disposed so as to protrude substantially in parallel. The lower end of the air introduction needle 52 is in contact with the ink in the ink storage chamber 14 provided in the mounting portion 3, and the upper portion of the ink storage chamber 14 is in communication with the communication passage 13 that is a passage communicating with the atmosphere. Yes.

  When the ink cartridge 2 is attached to the attachment portion 3, the extraction needle 51 penetrates the stopper 61 and enters the stopper 60, and comes into contact with the ink 60. The air introduction needle 52 penetrates the stopper 62 and enters and contacts the ink 60. The plugs 61 and 62 are made of an elastic material such as butyl rubber, can pierce the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52, and have an elastic action of restoring the sealed state even after the extraction.

  When ink is extracted from the extraction needle 51 as the ink is ejected by the print head 4 in the mounting state of the ink cartridge 2 in the mounting portion 3, the pressure in the ink cartridge 2 decreases, and the air corresponding to the pressure drop is reduced. However, the communication path 13. The ink is introduced through the ink storage chamber 14 and the air introduction needle 52. The upper end opening of the extraction needle 51 is open at a position lower than the outlet 72 of the groove passage (described later) of the barrier member 64 and near the bottom of the ink cartridge 2, so that the ink outside the cylindrical barrier member 64 is almost discharged. Can be used up. The ink in the cylindrical barrier member 64 remains after the atmosphere introduction needle 52 is immersed.

  The print head 4 is provided with a plurality of nozzles, and the ink stored in the buffer tank 5 is ejected from the nozzles. In the printing operation, ink is ejected while the carriage 7 reciprocates and recording is performed on the printing paper 6. Furthermore, at the time of the purge process, the ink moves to a purge process execution position set outside the printing range, and discharges ink containing foreign matters toward a waste ink tank (not shown) provided at the purge execution position.

  The purge device 10 is a device that performs a purging process for recovering a good ejection state by sucking ink or air with increased viscosity that closes the nozzles of the print head 4. In this case, a purge cap 11 that forms a sealed space with the ejection surface in contact with the ejection surface of the print head 4 and a suction pump (PG pump) 12 that sucks ink are mainly provided. The purge cap 11 is configured to be movable in a direction in which it is in contact with and separated from the ejection surface.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the electric circuit configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. The control device for controlling the ink jet printer 1 includes a main body side control board 30 and a carriage board 31 mounted on the carriage 7. The main body side control board 30 includes a microcomputer (CPU) having a one-chip configuration. ) 32, a ROM 33 storing various control programs executed by the CPU 32 and fixed value data, a RAM 34 which is a memory for temporarily storing various data, an EEPROM 35, an image memory 37, A gate array (G / A) 36 is mounted.

  The CPU 32, which is an arithmetic device, executes various processes in accordance with a control program 33a stored in advance in the ROM 33. Further, a print timing signal and a reset signal are generated, and each signal is transferred to G / A 36 described later. The CPU 32 includes an operation panel 38 for a user to give a printing instruction, a display panel 46 for displaying various information, a CR motor driving circuit 39 for driving a CR motor 16 for reciprocating the carriage 7, and a conveyance. An LF motor drive circuit 41 for operating a transport motor (LF motor) 40 provided in the mechanism 9 for transporting the printing paper 6, a PG pump drive circuit 47 for driving the PG pump 12, near empty and ink empty are determined. A detection circuit 50 for detecting a resistance value between the extraction needle 51 as the first electrode and the air introduction needle 52 as the second electrode, a paper sensor 42 for detecting the leading edge of the printing paper 6, and the origin position of the carriage 7 The origin sensor 43 to be connected is connected. The operation of each connected device is controlled by the CPU 32.

  The ROM 33 includes a control program 33a and a determination table memory 33b. The control program 33a is a program for executing a process for determining the near empty and the ink empty of the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink cartridge 2, and the determination table memory 33b determines the near empty and the ink empty of the ink cartridge 2. Data, that is, a condition for determining near empty and ink empty from a resistance value between an extraction needle 51 and an air introduction needle 52 detected by a detection circuit 50 to be described later.

  The RAM 34 is a rewritable volatile memory, and includes a print prohibition flag 34a and an ink empty flag 34b. The print prohibition flag 34a is a flag for prohibiting printing when it is determined that the ink is empty. When the print prohibition flag 34a is turned on, the CPU 32 prohibits the printing operation. The increment flag 34b is a flag for indicating whether or not the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 2 is ink empty, and is turned on / off based on a comparison with the ink empty determination data.

  The G / A 36, based on the print timing signal transferred from the CPU 32 and the image data stored in the image memory 37, print data (drive signal) for printing the image data on print paper, Outputs a transfer clock that synchronizes with print data, a latch signal, a parameter signal for generating a basic print waveform signal, and a discharge timing signal that is output at a fixed period, and a head driver is mounted on each of these signals. Transfer to the carriage substrate 31.

  The G / A 36 stores image data transferred from an external device such as a computer via a Centro interface (I / F) 44 in the image memory 37. The G / A 36 generates a Centro data reception interrupt signal based on the Centro data transferred from the host computer or the like via the I / F 44, and transfers the signal to the CPU 32. Each signal communicated between the G / A 36 and the carriage substrate 31 is transferred via a harness cable that connects the two. The CPU 32, the ROM 33, the RAM 34, and the G / A 36 are connected via a bus line 45.

  The carriage substrate 31 is a substrate for driving the print head 4 by a mounted head driver (drive circuit). The print head 4 and the head driver are connected by a flexible wiring board in which a copper foil wiring pattern is formed on a polyimide film having a thickness of 50 to 150 μm. This head driver is controlled via the G / A 36 mounted on the main body side control board 30 and applies a driving pulse having a waveform suitable for the recording mode to each driving element. Thereby, a predetermined amount of ink is ejected.

  The detection circuit 50 uses the extraction needle 51 and the atmosphere introduction needle 52 as electrodes and applies a voltage to both of them, and detects a resistance value between the extraction needle 51 and the atmosphere introduction needle 52. The output based on the detected resistance value is transferred to the CPU 32, and a table in which the output based on the resistance value stored in the ROM 33 is associated with the ink remaining amount is read and compared.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 3, the barrier member 64 and the coating member (tube 65) which covers the side surface will be described in detail.

  The barrier member 64 is formed with a communication port 70 that communicates the inside and the outside above the barrier member 64, and the communication port 70 spirals from above to below along the side surface of the barrier member 64. It communicates with the carved groove passage 71.

  The side surface of the barrier member 64 is covered with an elastic tube 65, and the groove passage 71 is a hollow passage. Further, the lowermost end of the groove passage 71 is formed as an outlet 72 that opens to the outside of the barrier member 64 without being covered by the tube 65. The groove passage 71 has a cross-sectional area in which the ink can be held in the groove passage by capillary action while being covered with the tube 65.

  The height of the upper end of the barrier member 64 is set to a near empty NE level that leaves a predetermined amount of ink from the bottom to the height in the ink cartridge 2 and informs the user that the amount of remaining ink has been reduced. Is set at an ink empty E level very close to the bottom of the ink cartridge 2.

  The electrical continuity between the extraction needle 51 also serving as an electrode and the air introduction needle 52 includes a conduction path X connected beyond the upper end of the barrier member 64 shown in FIG. 1, a communication port 70, a groove passage 71, and an outlet 72. This is performed via ink through two paths, the conduction path Y connected through the communication path. Since the conduction path Y has a spiral groove, the conduction path Y is a path that is narrower and longer than the conduction path X.

  In the state where the ink 60 is stored higher than the barrier member 64 in the ink cartridge 2, both the conduction paths X and Y are in the conduction state, but the conduction path X has a larger cross section and a shorter distance. Most of the current flows through the conduction path X, and the resistance value detected between the electrodes is a low value. In the first embodiment, the resistance value between the electrodes that are in conduction through the conduction path X is about 50 kiloohms (hereinafter abbreviated as “kΩ”).

  On the other hand, when the ink 60 is consumed and the remaining amount of ink outside the barrier member 64 falls below the opening 66 (NE in FIG. 3), the conduction through the conduction path X is interrupted and the conduction through the conduction path Y is performed. However, since the conduction path Y has a small cross section and a long distance, the resistance value detected between the electrodes has a high value. In the first embodiment, the resistance value in a state of being conducted through the conduction path Y is approximately 500 kΩ. Further, when the ink 60 is consumed and a gap is formed between the ink liquid surface and the lower end surface of the tube 65 (E in FIG. 3), the ink that contacts the air introduction needle 52 in the barrier member 64 The connection with the ink in contact with the extraction needle 51 outside the barrier member 64 is cut off, the conduction through the conduction path Y is cut off, and the resistance value becomes a value close to infinity. As described above, the resistance value detected between the electrodes varies greatly depending on the electrically conducting path.

  Here, FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the ink remaining amount and the resistance value between the electrodes, the horizontal axis indicates the resistance value, the vertical axis indicates the ink remaining amount, and the unit is the horizontal axis. kΩ and the vertical axis is milliliter (hereinafter abbreviated as “ml”).

  When the determination process is executed by the control program 33a, the resistance value between the electrodes of the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 detected by the detection circuit 50 is compared with the data in the determination table memory 33b. If the resistance value is smaller than 50 kΩ, the ink level in the ink cartridge 2 is sufficiently above the upper end opening 66 of the barrier member 64 (range a in FIG. 4), so the process returns to the main processing of the program and printing is performed. It can be carried out. In this state, since the electrodes are electrically connected by the conduction path X, the resistance value shows an extremely low value.

  When the ink is consumed and the ink liquid level passes through a position (NE in FIG. 4) substantially corresponding to the upper end opening 66 of the barrier member 64, the conduction between the electrodes is switched from the path X to the path Y, and the resistance value is 50 kΩ. Switches from a smaller state to almost 500 kΩ. That is, when the CPU 32 determines that the resistance value is 50 kΩ or more and 500 kΩ or less, the CPU 32 displays a near empty on the display panel 46 and informs an external device such as a computer to notify the user that the ink remaining amount is low. Output that. Then, returning to the main processing of the program, printing can be performed.

  The state in which the resistance value is approximately 500 kΩ continues until the ink level outside the barrier member 64 reaches the outlet 72 of the groove passage 71 (range b in FIG. 4). At this time, although there is a difference in height between the liquid level of the ink inside and outside the cylindrical barrier member 64, the ink in the groove passage 71 is held by capillary action and the conduction path Y is maintained.

  When it is determined that the ink is further consumed and the resistance value exceeds 500 kΩ, the liquid level of the ink is below the outlet 72 of the groove passage 71 (E in FIG. 4), and the gap between the electrodes The continuity is interrupted. The CPU 32 turns on the ink empty flag 34b and displays on the display panel 46 that the ink has run out. The CPU 32 turns on the print prohibition flag 34a to prohibit printing and outputs it to an external device such as a computer. Return to the main process.

  As described above, the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge 2 can be determined by a change in the resistance value between the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52, and the change in the resistance value between the electrodes is long. It varies extremely due to the difference between the different conduction paths X and Y. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine the remaining amount of ink that will be near empty and ink empty.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The barrier member 164 of the second embodiment has substantially the same shape as the barrier member 64 of the above-described embodiment, and is formed to protrude upward from the bottom of the ink cartridge 2 so as to surround the atmosphere introduction needle 52. A fiber member 75 in which a large number of fibers that permeate the ink 60 by capillary action is bundled around the outer periphery of the barrier member 164 is spirally wound. The upper end of the fiber member 75 is connected to the inside of the barrier member 164 through the communication port 70 formed in the upper part of the barrier member 164, and the lower end is slightly above the ink empty E level. In FIG. 5, the fiber member 75 is held in the groove passage 171 formed in a spiral shape on the outer periphery of the barrier member 164, but the groove passage 171 may not be provided.

  The electrical continuity between the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 is performed by a conduction path X connected beyond the upper end of the barrier member 64 when a large amount of the ink 60 is stored, and the liquid level of the ink 60 is the barrier member. When it falls below the upper end (NE) of 164, it is carried out by the conduction path Y through the ink 60 held in the fiber member 75 by capillary action. The conduction path Y is formed sufficiently longer than the conduction path X. Further, when the ink 60 is consumed and a gap is formed between the liquid surface of the ink 60 and the lower end portion of the fiber member 75 (E), conduction between the electrodes is interrupted.

  Therefore, since two paths are formed with the resistance values being extremely different from each other between the electrodes, it is possible to accurately detect the ink remaining amount that is near empty and ink empty as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, since the conduction path Y is formed through the ink 60 held by the capillary action in the fiber member 75, there is no fear that the conduction path Y is blocked by ink clogging or bubbles.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. About the same part as said each Example, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The barrier member 164 of the third embodiment is substantially the same shape as the barrier member 164 of the second embodiment, and is formed to protrude upward from the bottom of the ink cartridge 2 so as to surround the atmosphere introduction needle 52. A hollow cylindrical pipe 76 is spirally wound around the outer periphery of the barrier member 164. The upper end of the pipe 76 opens into the barrier member 164 through a communication port 70 drilled in the upper portion of the barrier member 164, and the lower end opens to the ink empty E level. In FIG. 6, the pipe 76 is held in the groove passage 171 formed in a spiral shape on the outer periphery of the barrier member 164, but the groove passage 171 may not be provided. The pipe 76 has a cross-sectional area that can hold the ink 60 in the pipe by capillary action.

  The electrical continuity between the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 is performed by the conduction path X connected beyond the upper end of the barrier member 164 when a large amount of the ink 60 is stored, and the liquid level of the ink 60 is the barrier member. When it falls below the upper end (NE) of 164, it is performed by the conduction path Y passing through the ink 60 in the pipe 76. The conduction path Y is formed sufficiently longer than the conduction path X. Further, when the ink 60 is consumed and a gap is formed between the liquid surface of the ink 60 and the inner wall upper surface of the end of the pipe 76 (E), the conduction between the electrodes is interrupted.

  Therefore, since two paths are formed with the resistance values being extremely different from each other between the electrodes, it is possible to accurately detect the ink remaining amount that is near empty and ink empty as in the first embodiment.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the ink cartridge 2 of the fourth embodiment, the extraction needle 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape and covered with a first barrier member 81 whose upper end is opened by an opening 84, and the atmosphere introduction needle 52 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second barrier member 82 formed and opened at the upper end by the opening 85 is covered. A communication port 86 and a communication port 87 are formed at positions apart from each other at positions close to the bottom of the ink cartridge 2 on the side surfaces of the barrier members 81 and 82. That is, the communication ports 86 and 87 are located at positions substantially horizontally away from the line segment S connecting the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52, and pass through the communication ports 86 and 87 and at least of the barrier members 81 and 82. A distance (the length of a conduction path Y described later) connecting the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 along a part exceeds the upper ends of the barrier members 81 and 82 and connects the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52. It is formed sufficiently longer than the distance (the length of a conduction path X described later).

  Between the second barrier member 82 and the atmosphere introduction needle 52, a cylindrical shape that covers the atmosphere introduction needle 52 and is above the position where the communication port 87 is drilled and lower than the upper surface of the second barrier member 82. A cylindrical member 83 is formed.

  The first barrier member 81, the second barrier member 82 and the cylinder member 83 are provided so as to be connected to the bottom of the ink cartridge 2. The upper end opening of the extraction needle 51 is below the upper end opening of the cylindrical member 83.

  The electrical continuity between the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 is performed by the conduction path X that exceeds the upper ends of the barrier members 81 and 82 when a large amount of the ink 60 is stored, and the liquid level of the ink 60 is the barrier member. When it falls below the upper end (NE) of 81 and 82, it is performed by the conduction | electrical_connection path Y which passes along the outer surface of the barrier members 81 and 82, and the communicating ports 86 and 87. The conduction path Y is formed sufficiently longer than the conduction path X. Further, when the ink 60 is consumed and the liquid level of the ink 60 becomes lower than the cylindrical member 83 (E), the conduction between the electrodes is interrupted. Therefore, since two paths are formed with the resistance values being extremely different from each other between the electrodes, it is possible to accurately detect the ink remaining amount that is near empty and ink empty as in the first embodiment.

  Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. About the same part as said each Example, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the ink cartridge 2 of the fifth embodiment, a plurality of barrier members 181a to 181f are disposed above the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 2 at substantially equal intervals between the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 (upward direction in FIG. 8B). Projected toward. Every other barrier member 181a, 181c, 181e is connected to the side wall 2a on one side of the ink cartridge 2, and is spaced from the opposite side wall 2b by a distance 182a, 182c, 182e. The remaining every other barrier member 181b, 181d, 181f is connected to the latter side wall 2b, and is spaced from the former side wall 2a by intervals 182b, 182d, 182f. That is, a meandering passage is formed between the barrier members 181a to 181f.

  Spaces 182a to 182f (that is, openings) between the respective barrier members 181a to 181f and the side walls are located substantially horizontally away from the line segment S connecting the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52, and the distances 182a to 182f. The distance (the length of a conduction path Y described later) connecting the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 along at least a part of the barrier members 181a to 181f through 182f is extracted beyond the upper ends of the barrier members 181a to 181f. It is formed sufficiently longer than the distance connecting the needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 (the length of a conduction path X described later).

  When a large amount of ink 60 is stored, the electrical continuity between the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 is performed by the conduction path X exceeding the upper ends of the barrier members 181a to 181f, and the liquid level of the ink 60 is the barrier member. When it falls below the upper end (NE) of 181a-181f, it is performed by the conduction | electrical_connection path Y which passes between the each barrier member 181a-181f and the clearance gap between each said barrier member 181a-181f and the side wall of the ink cartridge 2. FIG.

  Here, since the conduction path Y is formed in a meandering shape as described above, the conduction path Y is formed sufficiently longer than the conduction path X. Further, when the ink 60 is consumed and the liquid level of the ink 60 becomes lower than the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 2 (E), the conduction between the electrodes is interrupted. Therefore, since two paths are formed with the resistance values being extremely different from each other between the electrodes, it is possible to accurately detect the ink remaining amount that is near empty and ink empty as in the first embodiment.

  Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. About the same part as said each Example, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the ink cartridge 2 of the sixth embodiment, the first barrier member 281a is provided around the atmosphere introduction needle 52, the second barrier member 281b is further provided around the first barrier member 281a at a radial interval, and further. The third barrier member 281c is integrally formed from the bottom surface of the ink cartridge in a cylindrical shape with its upper end opened at a radial interval from the second barrier member 281b.

  The first and third barrier members 281a and 281c are formed with slit-shaped openings 282a and 282c at positions opposite to the extraction needle 51 with respect to the air introduction needle 52, respectively, and the second barrier member 281b. A slit-shaped opening 282 b is formed on the side closer to the extraction needle 51 with respect to the air introduction needle 52. The openings 282a and 282c of the first and third barrier members 281a and 281c are located substantially horizontally away from the line segment S connecting the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52, and pass through the openings 282a and 282c. The distance connecting the extraction needle 51 and the atmosphere introduction needle 52 along at least a part of the members 281a to 281c (the length of a conduction path Y to be described later) exceeds the upper ends of the barrier members 281a to 281c and the atmosphere. It is formed sufficiently longer than the distance connecting the introduction needle 52 (the length of a conduction path X described later). The opening 282b of the second barrier member 281b is located on the line segment S. If at least one of the openings of the plurality of barrier members is located substantially horizontally away from the line segment S, A long distance can be set.

  The electrical continuity between the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 is performed by the conduction path X exceeding the upper end of the barrier member 281 when a large amount of the ink 60 is stored. When it falls below the upper end (NE), it is performed by a conduction path Y that passes between the barrier members 281a to 281c and the gap formed on the straight line of the barrier members 281a to 281c.

  Here, since the conduction path Y is formed along the opposing surfaces of the respective barrier members 281a to 281c as described above, the conduction path Y is formed sufficiently longer than the conduction path X. Further, when the ink 60 is consumed and the liquid level of the ink 60 becomes lower than the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 2 (E), the conduction between the electrodes is interrupted. Therefore, since two paths are formed with the resistance values being extremely different from each other between the electrodes, it is possible to accurately detect the ink remaining amount that is near empty and ink empty as in the first embodiment.

  FIGS. 10 and 11 show the seventh embodiment. In the first embodiment, software processing is used in combination with the remaining amount detection after near empty. The same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, an EEPROM 35 which is a rewritable nonvolatile memory is further provided, and the EEPROM 35 has a remaining amount counter 35a and a near empty flag 35b. The remaining amount counter 35a sequentially counts the amount of ink ejected from the nozzles of the print head 4 and the amount of ink discharged by the purging process, and this count value (ink consumption) is a near empty level in the ink cartridge 2. The remaining amount of ink is determined by sequentially subtracting from the ink amount. The near empty flag 35b is a flag for storing that the remaining amount of ink is at the near empty level. The remaining amount counter 35a and the near empty flag 35b are reset to initial values when a new ink cartridge 2 is mounted.

  When the determination process of FIG. 11 is executed, the near empty flag 35b is first determined, and the initial value “0”, that is, the ink remaining amount is not below the near empty level in the previous determination process (S10: Yes). As in the case of the first embodiment, the resistance value between the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 is determined, and if it is less than 50 kΩ (S11: No), the ink level is the upper end opening of the barrier member 64. Since it is well above 66, the process returns to the main process of the program.

  If the resistance value is 50 kΩ or more (S11: Yes), near empty is displayed as in the case of the first embodiment (S12). At this time, the ink amount at the initial value, that is, the near empty level is further set in the remaining amount counter 35a (S13), and the subtraction of the ink consumption amount from the ink amount at the near empty level is started. Further, the near empty flag 35b is set to “1” (S14), and the process returns to the main process.

  If the near empty flag 35b is “1” at the start of the determination process of FIG. 11 (S10: No), the ink remaining amount is already below the near empty level. At this time, if the resistance value is still 50 kΩ or more and 500 kΩ or less (S15: No), the process returns to the main process and printing can be continued. When the resistance value exceeds 500 kΩ (S15: Yes), the value of the counter 35a is compared with a preset ink empty value, and the value of the remaining amount counter 35a is equal to or exceeds the preset ink empty value. If (S16: Yes), ink empty is displayed as in the case of the first embodiment (S17), and printing is prohibited (S18).

  Thus, the determination of the resistance value and the determination of the remaining amount counter are used together when the groove path 71 is blocked by bubbles or the like generated in the ink, and the resistance value of the conduction path Y is immediately determined after determining the near empty. In order to avoid this, it may become infinite and stop printing.

  That is, the ink empty value to be compared with the ink remaining amount value by the remaining amount counter 35a is set to a level where the resistance value exceeds 500 kΩ (E in FIG. 3) or to an ink amount slightly above E in FIG. (As described in the prior art, the accuracy of the counter is poor, so it is preferable to set it above E). As a result, even if the resistance value exceeds 500 kΩ (S15: Yes), if the value of the counter 35a does not reach the ink empty value (S16: No), the resistance value of the conduction path Y is present even though ink still exists. Is determined to be abnormal, the process returns to the main process to continue printing.

  If the resistance value of the conduction path Y normally exceeds 500 kΩ (S15: Yes), even if the ink remaining value by the counter 35a reaches the above value earlier than that, it is accurate at the level E in FIG. Ink empty can be displayed and printing can be prohibited. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, the detection circuit 50 can be installed not on the carriage substrate 31 but on the main body side control substrate 30.

  The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be inferred.

  For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 enter the ink cartridge 2 when the ink cartridge 2 is mounted. However, the ink cartridge 2 is provided with a pair of electrodes in advance. An ink cartridge may be used.

  In the fourth embodiment, the extraction needle 51 is covered with the first barrier member 81, the atmosphere introduction needle 52 is covered with the second barrier member 82, and two conduction paths are formed between the electrodes. One of the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 may be covered with a cylindrical member to form two conduction paths.

  In the sixth embodiment, the barrier members 281a to 281c cover the atmosphere introduction needle 52 so as to form two conduction paths X and Y for conduction between the electrodes 51 and 52. It is also possible to cover only the extraction needle 51 or both the extraction needle 51 and the air introduction needle 52 with the respective barrier members 281a to 281c to form two conduction paths X and Y.

It is the figure which showed typically the inkjet recording device 1 of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of an electric circuit configuration of an inkjet printer. 2A is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a lower part of the ink cartridge in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a side view of the barrier member as viewed from the direction A in FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating an example of a relationship between a remaining ink amount and a resistance value. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A taken along line VIIb-VIIb. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of VIIIa-VIIIa of FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A of the sixth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view of IXa-IXa of FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. It is the block diagram which showed the electric circuit structure of 7th Example. It is the flowchart which showed the determination process performed in 7th Example.

Explanation of symbols

1 Inkjet printer (inkjet recording device)
2 Ink cartridge 32 CPU (part of determination means, part of second determination means)
35a Remaining amount counter (counting means)
50 Detection circuit (detection means)
51 Extraction needle (one of a pair of electrodes)
52 Air introduction needle (one of a pair of electrodes)
64, 81, 82, 164 Barrier member (part of the barrier)
181a to 181f, 281a to 281c Barrier member (part of the barrier)
65 Tube (Coating material)
66 Opening 71 Groove passage (part of groove)
72 Exit (part of groove)
75 Fiber member 76 Pipe

Claims (16)

In an inkjet recording apparatus provided with a determination unit that determines the remaining amount of ink in an ink container,
A pair of electrodes in contact with the ink in the ink container and spaced from each other;
Detecting means for detecting a resistance value between the pair of electrodes;
A first path which is a path through which electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes via the ink when the amount of ink in the ink container exceeds a predetermined amount;
A second path that is a path through which electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes when the amount of ink in the ink container is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and a resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink is A second path that is greater than the resistance value in one path,
The second path, rather long than the first path,
Between the pair of electrodes, provided with a barrier rising from the bottom in the ink container,
When the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, the first path is formed beyond the upper end of the barrier, and when the ink is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, at least a part between the pair of electrodes is a second along the barrier. An ink jet recording apparatus characterized by being connected by a path .   When the ink in the ink container is less than or equal to a second predetermined amount that is less than the predetermined amount, the resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink in the second path is further increased. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the barrier has a cylindrical shape surrounding one of the pair of electrodes and having an upper end opened. 4. A part of the second path is configured by a groove formed along a side surface of the barrier and a covering member that covers an open surface along the wall surface of the groove, and one end of the groove is formed on the barrier. 4. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the ink jet recording apparatus is opened on one side of the pair of electrodes, and the other end of the groove is opened on the other electrode side. The barrier has an opening at a position apart a line or et water Rights direction connecting the pair of electrodes, a distance connecting the pair of electrodes in the horizontal direction through the opening, the upper end of the barrier an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in longer than the length of the first path exceeds. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the barrier has a cylindrical shape surrounding at least one of the pair of electrodes and having an open upper end. Second determination means for sequentially counting the amount of consumed ink and determining the remaining amount of ink based on the counted consumption;
The resistance value detected by the detection means, wherein it is second ones of the predetermined amount, and when the second determination means determines the remaining ink level that is equivalent to its second predetermined amount, control to perform display operation The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: means. In an ink cartridge for storing ink,
An electrode insertion portion that is inserted so that the pair of electrodes is in contact with the ink in the ink cartridge;
A first path that is a path through which electricity is conducted between a pair of electrodes inserted into the electrode insertion portion via the ink when the amount of ink in the ink cartridge exceeds a predetermined amount;
A second path which is a path through which electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes when the ink in the ink cartridge is less than a predetermined amount, and a resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink is A second path that is greater than the resistance value in one path,
The second path, rather long than the first path,
Between the pair of electrodes, provided with a barrier rising from the bottom in the ink cartridge,
When the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, the first path is formed beyond the upper end of the barrier, and when the ink is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, at least a part between the pair of electrodes is a second along the barrier. An ink cartridge characterized by being connected by a path . In an ink cartridge for storing ink,
A pair of electrodes arranged to contact the ink in the ink cartridge;
A first path that is a path through which electricity is conducted between a pair of electrodes inserted into the electrode insertion portion via the ink when the amount of ink in the ink cartridge exceeds a predetermined amount;
A second path which is a path through which electricity is conducted between the pair of electrodes when the ink in the ink cartridge is less than a predetermined amount, and a resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink is A second path that is greater than the resistance value in one path,
The second path, rather long than the first path,
Between the pair of electrodes, provided with a barrier rising from the bottom in the ink cartridge,
When the ink exceeds a predetermined amount, the first path is formed beyond the upper end of the barrier, and when the ink is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, at least a part between the pair of electrodes is a second along the barrier. An ink cartridge characterized by being connected by a path . When the ink in the ink cartridge is equal to or smaller than a second predetermined amount smaller than the predetermined amount, the resistance value between the pair of electrodes through the ink in the second path is further increased. The ink cartridge according to claim 8 or 9 . 11. The ink cartridge according to claim 8 , wherein the barrier has a cylindrical shape surrounding one of the pair of electrodes and having an open upper end. A part of the second path is configured by a groove formed along a side surface of the barrier and a covering member that covers an open surface along the wall surface of the groove, and one end of the groove is formed on the barrier. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the ink cartridge is opened on one side of the pair of electrodes, and the other end of the groove is opened on the other electrode side. The barrier has an opening at a position apart a line or et water Rights direction connecting the pair of electrodes, a distance connecting the pair of electrodes in the horizontal direction through the opening, the upper end of the barrier The ink cartridge according to claim 8 , wherein the ink cartridge is longer than a length of the first path that exceeds the first path. The ink cartridge according to claim 13 , wherein the barrier has a cylindrical shape surrounding at least one of the pair of electrodes and having an open upper end. The second path, the ink cartridge according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it is constituted by a fiber member made of fiber penetrates the ink. The second path, the ink cartridge according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it is constituted by a hollow pipe.

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