JP6278073B2 - Liquid ejector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control unit. In particular, the present invention relates to a control unit used for a liquid ejecting apparatus.

  A tank for storing a liquid and a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of filling the tank with a liquid are already well known. Examples of such a liquid ejecting apparatus include an ink jet printer.

JP 2012-111167 A

  In such a liquid ejecting apparatus, when filling the liquid, there is a possibility that ink of another color is erroneously put. However, Patent Document 1 did not assume such a case.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to present a countermeasure when an ink of another color is mistakenly filled and to improve user convenience.

The main aspect of the present invention is used in a liquid ejecting apparatus including a plurality of tanks that store different liquids and a plurality of storage members that are detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus and store the amounts of liquid in the plurality of tanks. A control unit,
When the storage member is attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus, when the storage member is not attached at a predetermined location, the fact that it is erroneously attached, and a first option as to whether or not liquid has been injected into the tank after confirmation , Display
When a negative answer is input to the first option, the control unit displays a second option as to whether or not an incorrect liquid is contained in the tank.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external configuration example of a printer. FIG. 2 is an explanatory schematic diagram illustrating an internal structure of a printer according to the present embodiment. It is an explanatory schematic diagram showing a tank case 150 according to the present embodiment. 4 is an explanatory schematic diagram for explaining a sales form of the filling ink 200. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of a printer 100 according to the present embodiment. It is an explanatory schematic diagram for explaining an example of management of the remaining amount of ink. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mark displayed on the display panel 107. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mark displayed on the display panel 107. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mark displayed on the display panel 107. FIG. It is an explanatory schematic diagram for explaining processing when a used chip unit 180 is mounted. 10 is an explanatory schematic diagram for explaining processing when a read / write error occurs in the chip unit 180. FIG. FIG. 10 is a transition schematic diagram showing processing when the incompatible chip unit 180 is mounted on the chip unit mounting unit 154 as display transition on the display panel 107. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mark displayed on the display panel 107. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mark displayed on the display panel 107. FIG.

  At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A control unit used for a liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising: a plurality of tanks that store different liquids; and a plurality of storage members that are detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus and store the amounts of liquid in the tanks ,
When the storage member is attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus, when the storage member is not attached at a predetermined location, the fact that it is erroneously attached, and a first option as to whether or not liquid has been injected into the tank after confirmation , Display
A control unit that displays a second option as to whether or not an incorrect liquid is contained in the tank when a negative answer is input to the first option.

According to such a display control unit, it is possible to improve user convenience.
In addition, when an affirmative answer is input to the second option, a display prompting contact with the manufacturer of the liquid ejecting apparatus may be performed.
In such a case, user convenience can be further improved.

=== About Configuration Example of Printer 100 ===
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external configuration example of an inkjet printer 100 (hereinafter referred to as a printer 100) as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus. The printer 100 has a substantially box-like appearance. A front cover 103 is provided in the approximate center of the front surface, and a paper feed tray 101 for setting printing paper 1 as an example of a medium on the back surface side. Is provided. A plurality of operation buttons 105 are provided on the front side of the printer 100 next to the front cover 103, and a display panel 107 that displays various types of information is provided on the upper surface side of the printer 100 next to the operation buttons 105. Are provided respectively. The front cover 103 is pivotally supported on the lower end side, and when the upper end side is tilted forward, an elongated discharge port 102 through which the printing paper 1 is discharged appears. When the printing paper 1 is set in the paper feeding tray 101 and the operation button 105 is operated, the printing paper 1 is fed from the paper feeding tray 101. Then, inside the printer 100, after an ink as an example of liquid is ejected onto the surface of the printing paper 1 by an ejection head 112 (FIG. 2) as an example of a head, an image is formed, and then the printing paper is discharged from the paper discharge port 102. 1 is discharged.

  A box-shaped tank case 150 is provided on the side surface of the printer 100. As will be described in detail later, a plurality of tanks 151 (see FIG. 2) for containing ink are provided inside the tank case 150, and ink used for printing is supplied from the tank 151 to the ink tubes 117 (see FIG. 2). 2, that is, it is supplied to the ejection head 112 via a conduit). Note that the tank 151 is not detachable from the printer 100, unlike a general ink cartridge. Therefore, when filling ink, the ink is directly injected into the tank 151 (opening the lid 153 of the tank 151). That is, unlike the ink cartridge, the tank 151 can replenish ink. Note that it is possible to determine whether or not the ink consumption has been reduced and a state where ink needs to be filled has been reached by the display panel 107 (a display for prompting ink replenishment is made). Note that the lid 153 of the tank 151 only needs to be filled with ink, and may be on the upper side of the tank 151.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the printer 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a carriage 110 that reciprocates on the printing paper 1 is provided inside the printer 100, and an ejection head 112 that ejects ink is provided on the carriage 110. The printer 100 according to the present embodiment can print an image using four colors of ink of cyan (hereinafter referred to as C), yellow (hereinafter referred to as Y), magenta (hereinafter referred to as M), and black (hereinafter referred to as BK). The ejection head 112 is provided for each ink color.

  The carriage 110 is driven by the driving mechanism 114 (FIG. 5) and repeats reciprocating movement on the printing paper 1 while being guided by the guide rail 130. Further, the printer 100 is provided with a paper feeding mechanism 116 (FIG. 5), and the printing paper 1 is fed little by little as the carriage 110 reciprocates. Then, in accordance with the movement in which the carriage 110 reciprocates and the movement in which the printing paper 1 is fed, the ejection head 112 sends C color ink (hereinafter referred to as C ink) and Y color ink (hereinafter referred to as Y ink). ), M color ink (hereinafter referred to as M ink) or BK color ink (hereinafter referred to as BK ink) is ejected to print an image on the printing paper 1.

  The ink ejected from the ejection head 112 is stored in a tank 151 provided in the tank case 150. Since the printer 100 according to the present embodiment uses four colors of ink, C ink, Y ink, M ink, and BK ink, the tank 151 also has a C ink tank 151C, Y ink for each ink color. There are provided four tanks 151, a tank 151Y for M ink, a tank 151M for M ink, and a tank 151BK for BK ink. The ink in these tanks 151 is supplied to the ejection head 112 for each ink color via an ink tube 117 provided for each ink color.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory schematic view showing a tank case 150 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, a large confirmation window (opening) 152 is formed on the side surface of the tank case 150, and the C ink tank 151 </ b> C and the Y ink tanks 151 </ b> Y and M accommodated in the tank case 150 are formed. The ink tank 151M and the BK ink tank 151BK are visible. Each tank 151 is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material. For this reason, it is possible to visually confirm the position of the liquid level Lv of ink remaining in each tank 151 (that is, the remaining amount of ink).

  A chip unit mounting portion 154 for mounting a chip unit 180 as an example of a readable / writable storage member is provided on the upper side of each tank 151 of the tank case 150. That is, the chip unit 180 can be attached to and detached from the ink jet printer main body. Since the printer 100 according to the present embodiment uses four inks of C ink, Y ink, M ink, and BK ink, the chip unit 180 also has a C ink chip unit 180 for each ink color. Four chip units 180, a Y ink chip unit 180, an M ink chip unit 180, and a BK ink chip unit 180, are provided, and a chip unit mounting portion 154 is also provided for each ink color. Chip unit mounting portion 154C for Y ink, chip unit mounting portion 154Y for Y ink, chip unit mounting portion 154M for M ink, and chip unit mounting portion 154BK for BK ink are provided. Yes.

  When the chip unit 180 is mounted on the chip unit mounting unit 154, a chip unit read / write unit 156 provided in the chip unit mounting unit 154 (in this embodiment, the chip unit read / write unit 156 is also an ink). Are provided with a C ink chip unit read / write unit 156C, a Y ink chip unit read / write unit 156Y, an M ink chip unit read / write unit 156M, and a BK ink chip unit read / write unit 156BK. 5) and the chip unit 180, data communication between the chip unit 180 and ink color information, ink type information, ink capacity information, etc. is read from the chip unit 180 into the ink jet printer main body. 180 inkjet pudding Ink amount information of the tank 151 is adapted to be written from over the body.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory schematic diagram for explaining a sales form of the filling ink 200. As described above, when the ink in the tank 151 runs out, it is necessary to fill the tank 151 with the ink. However, the filling ink 200 is in the form in which the filling ink container 202 is put in the package 204, and the agent (In the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, the tank 151 is empty even when the printer 100 is purchased. It is necessary to purchase separately and put ink into the tank 151). The chip unit 180 is packaged with the filling ink container 202 and provided to the user as a set with the filling ink container 202. The chip unit 180 includes a chip piece to be stored and a holding unit that holds the chip piece. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the chip piece and the holding part may be integrated, or only the chip piece may be bundled with the filling ink container 202 when sold.

  In the ink filling operation, the user first attaches the included chip unit 180 to the chip unit mounting portion 154 (another (old) chip unit 180 is mounted on the chip unit mounting portion 154). If this is the case, the chip unit 180 included in the package is attached after unplugging it). Then, after the mounting of the chip unit 180 is completed, ink is injected from the filling ink container 202 into the tank 151. When ink is injected into the tank 151, all of the ink in the filling ink container 202 is put at once. These items are described in the instructions for the printer 100 and the filling ink 200.

  Although FIG. 4 shows only the filling ink 200 related to the C ink, the same applies to the filling inks 200 of other colors.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrical configuration example of the printer 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The printer 100 that has received print data from the computer 3, which is an external device, controls each unit (the drive mechanism 114, the paper feed mechanism 116, and the ejection head 112) using the controller 140. The controller 140 controls each unit based on the print data received from the computer 3 and prints an image on paper. The situation in the printer 100 is monitored by a detector group 158, and the detector group 158 outputs a detection result to the controller 140. The controller 140 controls each unit based on the detection result output from the detector group 158. The computer 3 may not be provided. A print medium storing print data may be attached to the printer 100 to obtain print data, or connected to a scanner to obtain scanned print data.

  In the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, as one of the detector groups 158, there are four ink end detectors 159 as examples of detectors that physically detect the absence of ink in the tank 151. Each tank 151 is provided. In this embodiment, the ink end detector 159 determines the presence or absence of ink in the ink tube 117 by pressure detection, electrical resistance detection, photo detection, or detection using a difference in reflection by a prism, thereby The absence of ink in 151 is physically detected. Note that “there is no ink in the tank 151” is not limited to the fact that there is no ink in the tank 151, but is a concept that includes a slight amount of ink remaining in the tank 151 ( Therefore, for example, an ink end detector 159 may be provided at the bottom of the tank 151 instead of the ink tube 117).

  The controller 140 is a control unit (control unit) for controlling the printer 100. The controller 140 includes an interface unit 141, a CPU 142, a memory 144, and a unit control unit 143. The interface unit 141 transmits and receives data between the computer 3 that is an external device and the printer 100. The CPU 142 is an arithmetic processing device for controlling the entire inkjet printer. The memory 144 is for securing an area for storing a program of the CPU 142, a work area, and the like, and includes storage elements such as a RAM as a volatile memory and an EEPROM as a nonvolatile memory. The CPU 142 controls each unit via the unit control unit 143 according to a program stored in the memory 144.

  The controller 140 controls the chip unit read / write unit 156 to read data from the chip unit 180 and write data to the chip unit 180. Further, the controller 140 presents information to the user by controlling the display panel 107, and receives instructions from the user via the operation buttons 105 and the display panel 107.

=== Regarding the management example of the remaining amount of ink ===
As described above, in the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, when the ink in the tank 151 runs out, it is necessary to fill the tank 151 with ink. The display panel 107 displays that it is necessary to fill with ink. In order to realize this, it is necessary to manage the remaining amount of ink in the tank 151. Hereinafter, an example of managing the remaining ink amount will be described with reference to FIG. The management of the remaining amount of ink is performed for each of the four color inks, but the method is the same, and therefore, the C ink will be mainly described below.

  The operations described below are mainly realized by the controller 140. In particular, this embodiment is realized by the CPU 142 processing the program stored in the memory 144. And this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for performing the various operation | movement demonstrated below.

<<< About preparations before printing >>>
The user who has purchased the printer 100 and the filling ink 200 first opens the package 204 of the filling ink 200, takes out the filling ink container 202 and the chip unit 180, and first attaches the chip unit 180 to the chip unit as described above. Attach to part 154. Then, the controller 140 controls the chip unit read / write unit 156 to perform the following operation.

  The controller 140 reads color information from the chip unit 180 and collates it with color information preset in the memory 144. The preset color information includes ink color information and ink type information. For example, when the chip unit 180 is mounted on the C ink chip unit mounting portion 154C, it is confirmed that the ink color information indicates C ink.

  Also, it is confirmed that the ink type information is suitable for the printer 100, for example, whether it is water-based ink or solvent-based ink.

  If both the confirmation results are good, the controller 140 further reads other information from the chip unit 180. The other information includes the capacity information of the ink contained in the filling ink container 202 and the expiration date of the ink. After reading from the chip unit 180, the controller 140 updates the consumption amount stored in the memory 144, which will be described later, to 0, or updates the ink capacity information. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the filling ink container 202 contains 1000 grams of ink, and the capacity indicated by the ink capacity information (referred to as ink capacity) is 1000 grams.

  When 1000 grams of ink is poured from the filling ink container 202 to the tank 151 after completion of the mounting of the chip unit 180, the printer 100 is ready for printing.

<<< About the estimation method of ink usage >>>
In the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, the amount of ink used (consumption amount consumed by the printer 100) is not actually measured, but is estimated by the following known method.

  That is, the controller 140 analyzes the print data described above and counts the number of dots. Then, the amount of ink used is estimated by multiplying the amount of ink used per dot by the number of counts. Alternatively, the number of times of driving when ink is ejected may be multiplied by the ejection weight.

  Here, as a matter of course, there is a tolerance in the amount of ink used per dot. For example, the amount of ink used per dot changes slightly due to individual differences in the printer 100. Even in the same printer 100, the amount of ink used per dot varies slightly depending on the environment in which the printer 100 is placed (for example, the amount of ink used tends to increase in a high-temperature, low-humidity environment). Conversely, the amount of ink used tends to be lower in a low temperature and high humidity environment). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the multiplication is performed using the maximum ink usage amount (per dot) within the tolerance range. For example, if the tolerance a is 6%, the maximum ink usage within the tolerance range is Qmax grams, and the minimum ink usage is Qmin grams, then Qmax / Qmin-1 = 0.06 holds, and the actual ink usage The amount varies between Qmin and Qmax, but the amount of ink used is estimated using Qmax.

  It should be noted that the amount of ink used is similarly estimated for the use of ink other than the use of ink for forming an image (for example, maintenance such as flushing and cleaning). Even in such a case, the estimation is performed using the maximum ink use amount within the tolerance range. For this reason, the amount of ink used is the sum of the amount of ink used for forming an image and the amount of ink used for maintenance.

  In the following, for convenience, a virtual printer that consumes the most ink within the tolerance range (fast ink consumption speed) is called a Max printer, and the printer that consumes the least ink (low ink consumption speed). This is called a Min printer.

<<<< Operation when consumption counter reaches 100% >>>>
When printing is performed in the printer 100, ink is gradually consumed. Accordingly, the controller 140 adds the estimated ink usage amount described above (the estimated ink amount added and accumulated is called a consumption amount).

  In the present embodiment, every time the consumption amount changes, the consumption amount is stored and managed in the memory 144 described above. In addition, the controller 140 calculates consumption / ink capacity × 100 and manages the ink usage in percentage. In the present embodiment, this is called a consumption counter. The consumption counter is written in the chip unit 180 every time calculation is performed. The consumption counter of the chip unit 180 is 0% when the chip unit 180 is mounted, and increases as writing is performed using ink.

  If printing is repeated, the consumption will eventually reach the ink capacity (ie 1000 grams) (in other words, the consumption counter will reach 100 percent). In such a case, the controller 140 executes the following processing.

  In other words, the controller 140 displays on the display panel 107 a suggestion that the ink needs to be refilled into the tank 151. Specifically, the message “Chip unit replacement time, replace the chip unit” (for convenience, this is called the replacement time message. B1 column in FIG. 6 (that is, the second row B and the first column). In addition, a mark (see FIG. 8) in which an exclamation mark is written in a yellow triangle drawn on a white background is displayed. In FIG. 8, the above-described mark only for C means that refilling of C ink is necessary and refilling of other inks is not necessary. The normal display on the display panel 107 (that is, before the consumption counter reaches 100%) is displayed with the mark shown in FIG. 7 together with the message “printable” (A1 column in FIG. 6). The replacement time message and the mark in FIG. 8 are changed from here.

  Here, the change from FIG. 7 to FIG. 8 will be further described using the C ink mark as an example (the same applies to other colors). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the mark includes an upper-stage square portion and a lower-stage square portion. In the center of the lower square, a display indicating cyan, that is, “C” is written in a color other than cyan (white in this embodiment) on a background painted in cyan. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, there is a vertically long belt-shaped portion painted in cyan at the right end of the upper-side square portion, and “C” rotated 90 degrees in the belt-shaped portion. The background painted in cyan is written in a color other than cyan (white in this embodiment).

  In the change from FIG. 7 to FIG. 8, as is clear from FIG. 8, the lower-side square portion is not changed, but the upper-side square portion is changed. In other words, the upper square portion changes from a display showing a color (cyan) to a display showing no color (cyan) (that is, a part of the mark is changed to a display showing no color).

  Note that the display from the color (cyan) display to the display without the color (cyan) does not include only the background color, only “C” disappears, or both disappear (this implementation) The form may correspond to this). Further, as a modification of the upper-side square portion, the belt-like portion may be a hook-like portion, and the portion may be painted in cyan (and “C” may not be present). These may be a figure or description that makes an image that ink has run out, or a figure or description that makes an image that the chip unit 180 needs to be replaced.

  The controller 140 stops writing the consumption counter of the tank 151 to the chip unit 180 when the consumption counter reaches 100% (more specifically, when the consumption counter reaches 100%, the last chip After writing to the unit 180 and writing the chip invalid flag, the subsequent writing is stopped (columns B2, C2, and D2 in FIG. 6). That is, the state where the consumption counter stored in the chip unit 180 is updated is changed to the state where it is not updated.

  The controller 140 according to the present embodiment uses the ink amount to the memory 144 every time the consumption amount changes in order to share the ink amount between the memory 144 in the ink jet printer main body and the chip unit 180 outside the ink jet printer main body. In addition to writing information, writing a consumption counter to the chip unit 180 (however, the writing interval to the chip unit 180 is larger than the writing interval to the memory 144 (for example, the consumption is 2 grams). Every time it changes, the writing to the chip unit 180 is performed)) (column A2 in FIG. 6). That is, the consumption counter stored in the chip unit 180 is updated. However, when the consumption counter reaches 100%, the information written to the chip unit 180 also exceeds 100%, so that writing is no longer necessary and the writing is stopped (on the other hand, memory The writing to 144 is continued).

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the amount of ink used (consumed) is expressed as a percentage in the chip unit 180 as the amount of ink in the tank 151 (corresponding to the amount of liquid in the tank in the claims). Consumption counter information is to be written. On the other hand, not the consumption counter information but the consumption amount information is written in the memory 144 as the ink amount (corresponding to the liquid amount stored by the control unit in the claims). That is, in the present embodiment, a consumption counter has been exemplified as the ink amount related to the chip unit 180, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a consumption amount or may be consumed from the ink capacity. The estimated ink remaining amount obtained by subtracting the amount may be used, or the estimated ink remaining amount may be expressed as a percentage. In addition, although the consumption amount is given as the ink amount related to the memory 144, the consumption amount is not limited to this, and the estimated ink remaining amount may be used. It may be a thing.

  By the way, normally, when printing is performed (in other words, when ink is ejected by the ejection head 112), the consumption counter reaches 100% (that is, the consumption amount reaches the ink capacity). However, even in such a state, the printing process is continued (columns A3 and B3 in FIG. 6). In other words, even if the consumption counter reaches 100%, the print processing that has been executed does not stop.

  Further, as described above, when a display indicating the necessity of refilling the ink into the tank 151 is displayed on the display panel 107, the user performs a refilling operation of the ink. That is, the user first removes the chip unit 180 from the chip unit mounting portion 154 and then mounts the new chip unit 180 included in the new filling ink container 202 on the chip unit mounting portion 154. After completion of the mounting, ink is injected from the filling ink container 202 into the tank 151. Similarly, the printing process is continued when the refilling operation is performed.

  The reason will be described. As described above, in the present embodiment, the ink usage amount is estimated using Qmax which is the maximum ink usage amount within the tolerance range. Since the probability of the maximum ink usage is small, in many cases, the consumption will exceed the actual cumulative ink usage. Therefore, even when the consumption amount reaches the ink capacity (when the consumption counter reaches 100%), the actual ink usage cumulative amount does not reach the ink capacity, and the ink still remains.

  As a specific numerical example, if the printer 100 is the above-described Max printer, when the consumption amount reaches the ink capacity (1000 grams), the actual ink use cumulative amount is also the ink capacity (1000 Gram) and the remaining ink amount becomes zero. On the other hand, if the printer 100 is the above-described Min printer, when the consumption amount reaches the ink capacity (1000 grams), the actual ink usage cumulative amount is 943 grams (= 1000 / (1 + 0.06). )), And the remaining ink amount is 57 grams. Therefore, ink remains at least between 0 ≦ remaining ink amount ≦ 57 grams.

  Further, in the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, unlike the ink cartridge type printer in which the chip unit is integrated with the ink cartridge, the chip unit 180 is not integrated with the tank 151. Even if the chip unit 180 is pulled out, the tank 151 remains on the main body side. That is, in the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, there is no situation where the tank 151 is removed from the ink jet printer main body when performing the refilling operation.

  As described above, when the consumption counter reaches 100% and when the refilling operation is performed, the tank 151 in which the ink remains remains on the main body side. The printing process is continued without being stopped.

  In the above description, it has been described that when the consumption counter reaches 100%, the printer 100 does not stop operating even if the chip unit 180 is removed (B4 column in FIG. 6). If the chip unit 180 is removed before reaching 100 percent, the printer 100 stops operating (if printing is being performed, the printing process is stopped; column A4 in FIG. 6). This is because if the ink is filled before the consumption counter reaches 100%, the ink may overflow from the tank 151. For this reason, the ink should not be refilled, and therefore, it is not the timing at which the chip unit 180 is pulled out. Note that the controller 140 according to the present embodiment stops the printing process and displays on the display panel 107 a prompt to remount the chip unit 180. Specifically, a mark (see FIG. 9) in which a “x” is written in a red circle drawn on a white background is displayed together with a message “No chip unit, please install a chip unit”.

<<< Operation when the consumption counter reaches 106 (100 + tolerance a) percent >>>
As described above, when the consumption counter reaches 100%, an indication indicating the necessity of refilling the ink to the tank 151 is displayed on the display panel 107, but the user does not immediately perform the ink refilling operation. There may be cases. If printing is repeated in such a state, the consumption counter eventually reaches 106 (100 + tolerance a) percent. In such a case, the controller 140 executes the following processing.

  That is, the controller 140 displays on the display panel 107 a notice that printing is to be stopped. More specifically, the message “Printing will be temporarily stopped if the chip unit is not replaced.” (For convenience, this is called a print stop notice message; column C1 in FIG. 6) and a yellow background drawn on a white background. The mark (see FIG. 8) with an exclamation mark in the triangle is changed from a lighting state to a blinking state. Even in such a state, the printing process is continued (column C3 in FIG. 6).

  Further, as a result of the display panel 107 displaying a notice of the stop of printing, when the user performs the ink refilling operation described above, the printing process is similarly continued (column C4 in FIG. 6). ).

  The timing at which the consumption counter reaches 106 (100 + tolerance a) percent means that even when the printer 100 is a Min printer, the actual accumulated ink usage reaches the ink capacity (1000 grams) and the remaining ink amount is 0. This is the timing. Therefore, when the consumption counter reaches 106 (100 + tolerance a) percent, it seems that it is necessary to stop printing instead of printing stop notice, but for the following reasons (the following situation may occur) Not so).

  The situation that can occur will be described. If the ink jet printer is a Min printer, when the consumption counter reaches 100%, the ink remains and the amount is 57 grams (that is, the actual cumulative ink usage is 943 grams). ). In such a case, if the user immediately performs the ink refilling operation based on the display indicating the necessity of refilling the ink to the tank 151, the actual ink amount is 1057 grams. Become.

  The controller 140 cannot recognize that the actual ink amount is 1057 grams, and calculates the consumption counter based on the ink capacity (that is, 1000 grams) indicated by the ink capacity information of the newly installed chip unit 180. To do. Therefore, when the actual ink use cumulative amount reaches 943 grams, the consumption counter reaches 100%, and the remaining ink amount at this time is 114 grams (= 1056-943 = 57 × 2). As described above, every time the user performs the ink refilling operation, 57 grams of remaining ink is accumulated in the tank 151.

  In such a situation, if the printing is stopped when the consumption counter reaches 106 (100 + tolerance a) percent, the following inconvenience may occur.

  For example, if the consumption counter reaches 100 percent after one refill operation, 114 grams (= (1000−943) × 1 + 1000−943) of ink is present in the tank 151. become. Even in such a case (that is, a considerable amount of ink remains), an indication indicating the necessity of refilling the ink to the tank 151 is made. In such a case, unlike before, the user may not perform the ink refilling operation at this timing (as described above, the user can also visually check from the confirmation window (opening) 152). )

  After a while without performing the ink refilling operation, the consumption counter reaches 106 (100 + tolerance a) percent, and printing is stopped. In this case, it can be expected that most users will perform the ink refilling operation after printing is stopped. Then, 57 g (= (1000−943) × 1 + 1000−1000) of ink exists in the tank 151 at this time, and when the ink is refilled, the actual ink amount is 1057 g (= (1000-943) × 1 + (1000−1000) +1000).

  Next, when the consumption counter reaches 106 (100 + tolerance a) percent and the printing is stopped, the user performs the ink refilling operation again. There are 57 grams (= (1000−943) × 1 + (1000−1000) + 1000−1000) of ink. That is, the 57 gram (= (1000-943) × 1) of the first accumulated ink does not decrease no matter how many times the subsequent refilling operation is repeated, and the user refills the ink remaining. You will continue to work.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the consumption counter reaches 106 (100 + tolerance a) percent, it is not a print stop but a print stop notice. Therefore, when the user can confirm that the ink remains visually, etc., the execution time of the refilling work can be postponed a little by his own judgment while maintaining the execution of the printing process. It is possible to reduce the ink of 57 grams (= (1000−943) × 1) accumulated first.

  In the situation where refilling has not been performed once, when the consumption counter reaches 106 (100 + tolerance a) percent, no ink remains. Therefore, in such a state, it seems inconvenient with the print stop notice, but in this embodiment, the physical ink end detector 159 described above works in this case (the inconvenience does not occur). It ’s like that)

  That is, in the present embodiment, when the ink end detector 159 detects that there is no ink in the tank 151 and the controller 140 receives the detection result, regardless of the value of the consumption counter (consumption counter The print process is stopped regardless of the value of. Then, the display panel 107 displays that there is no ink and it is necessary to refill the ink. Specifically, the message “Remaining ink, below limit value. Replenish ink. When you have replenished ink, press OK.” Is displayed.

<<< Operation when consumption counter reaches 112 (100 + tolerance 2a) percent >>>
As described above, even when the consumption counter reaches 106 (100 + tolerance a) percent, the user can postpone the execution time of the refilling operation by his / her own judgment while maintaining the execution of the printing process. If printing is repeated in such a state, the consumption counter will eventually reach 112 (100 + tolerance 2a) percent. In such a case, the controller 140 executes the following processing.

  That is, the controller 140 stops the printing process (D3 column in FIG. 6) and displays on the display panel 107 that the replacement time of the chip unit 180 has been exceeded. Specifically, a red circle drawn on a white background with a message “Chip unit replacement time exceeded, replace chip unit” (referred to as a replacement time over message for convenience, column D1 in FIG. 6). A mark (see FIG. 9) in which X is written is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the timing at which printing is stopped is determined based on the volume of the tank 151.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the volume of the tank 151 is set to a volume corresponding to 1057 grams of ink. Therefore, a larger amount of ink does not exist in the tank 151. Therefore, no matter how slow the ink consumption speed is within the tolerance range (Min printer), the tank 151 is empty when the consumption counter reaches 112 (100 + tolerance 2a) percent. .

  As described above, in this embodiment, the timing (ink amount) at which the ink corresponding to the volume of the tank 151 is used up in any printer 100 from the Max printer to the Min printer is the timing at which printing is stopped (consumption counter). It is said. This is meaningless because a larger amount of ink than the consumption counter (for example, 150%) can be used as a consumption counter that is the timing to stop printing, because there cannot be more ink than the volume. It is. Based on this point of view, the amount of ink corresponding to a consumption counter that uses up the ink of the volume of the tank 151 in any printer 100 from the Max printer to the Min printer is set as the timing when printing stops. This is preferable. The above operation is a case where no ink is detected by the physical ink end detector. When the physical ink end detector detects the absence of ink, the ink end is determined based on the detection result, and the operation of the printer 100 is stopped.

<<< About modification >>>
In the above embodiment, the volume of the tank 151 is set to a volume corresponding to 1057 grams of ink. That is, the volume of the tank 151 is a volume at which the tank 151 becomes empty when the consumption counter reaches 112 (100 + tolerance 2a) percent when the printer 100 is a Min printer. However, it is not limited to this, For example, it is good also as a volume larger than this.

  In the above embodiment, the amount of ink contained in the filling ink container 202 is exactly the same as the capacity indicated by the ink capacity information stored in the chip unit 180 (both are 1000 grams). It is not limited to this. For example, the amount of ink contained in the filling ink container 202 may be slightly larger than the capacity.

=== Regarding an example of abnormality processing when the chip unit 180 is mounted ===
As described above, in the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, the chip unit 180 is mounted on the chip unit mounting portion 154 when the tank 151 is refilled with ink (as part of these operations). However, in such a case, some abnormality may occur. Hereinafter, a processing example (also referred to as abnormality processing) of the controller 140 when the abnormality occurs will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory schematic diagram for explaining processing when the used chip unit 180 is mounted. FIG. 11 is an explanatory schematic diagram for explaining processing when a read / write error occurs in the chip unit 180. FIG. 12 is a transition schematic diagram showing processing when the incompatible chip unit 180 is mounted on the chip unit mounting portion 154 as display transition on the display panel 107.

  The abnormality process is performed for each of the chip units 180 corresponding to the four color inks. Since the process is the same, the chip unit 180 corresponding to the C ink will be mainly described below.

  The operations described below are mainly realized by the controller 140. In particular, this embodiment is realized by the CPU 142 processing the program stored in the memory 144. And this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for performing the various operation | movement demonstrated below.

<<< Processing when Used Chip Unit 180 is Mounted >>>
As described above, when the consumption counter reaches 100%, a chip invalid flag is written in the chip unit 180, and the chip unit 180 becomes a used chip unit. Then, the used chip unit 180 that has become unusable is removed from the chip unit mounting portion 154 for replacement with a new chip unit 180 when the ink is refilled, but is not properly discarded after that. , May be accidentally remounted by the user. In such a case, the controller 140 executes the following processing.

  The controller 140 executes different processes before and after the consumption counter reaches 100%. Therefore, both will be described separately below.

<Process before consumption counter reaches 100%>
When the controller 140 reads the used chip unit 180 and recognizes the chip invalid flag before the consumption counter reaches 100%, the following processing is executed.

  That is, the controller 140 displays on the display panel 107 that a chip unit 180 whose replacement time has passed (that is, has been used) is mounted. Specifically, along with the message “Chip unit replacement time exceeded, please replace the chip unit” (for convenience, it is called the replacement time exceeded message, column A1 in FIG. 10) and the red color drawn on the white background. A mark (see FIG. 9) with x in the circle is displayed.

  As described above, when the printing process is executed before the consumption counter reaches 100%, when the chip unit 180 is removed, the controller 140 stops the printing process. Therefore, when the used chip unit 180 is mounted, the printing process has already been stopped (A2 column in FIG. 10).

<Process after consumption counter reaches 100%>
When the user performs the above-described ink refilling operation based on the display on the display panel after the consumption counter reaches 100%, the user first removes the chip unit 180 from the chip unit mounting portion 154. Then, the new chip unit 180 included in the new filling ink container 202 is mounted on the chip unit mounting portion 154. However, there are cases where the user mistakenly attaches the used chip unit 180 instead of the new chip unit 180. In such a case, when the controller 140 reads the used chip unit 180 and recognizes the chip invalid flag, the following processing is executed.

  When the controller 140 recognizes not the used chip unit 180 but the new chip unit 180 (the regular chip unit 180) (when the chip invalid flag is not recognized), the controller 140 erases the display on the display panel. For example, with a message (B1 column in FIG. 6) that says “Chip unit replacement time, please replace the chip unit”, a mark (FIG. 8) with an exclamation point in a yellow triangle drawn on a white background. Are displayed (lit), they are erased, and a white background is displayed with a message (C1 column in FIG. 6) that says “Printing will stop temporarily unless the chip unit is replaced.” If the mark (see FIG. 8) with an exclamation mark in the drawn yellow triangle is displayed (flashing), it is erased.

  However, when the controller 140 recognizes the used chip unit 180 (chip invalid flag), a process of maintaining the display of these messages and marks (not deleting the display) is executed (B1 column in FIG. 10). . In other words, a mark (FIG. 8) with an exclamation mark in a yellow triangle drawn on a white background, together with a message (B1 column in FIG. 6) that says “Chip unit replacement time, please replace the chip unit”. Are displayed (lit), they are maintained, and a white background is displayed along with a message (C1 column in FIG. 6) that “Printing will be temporarily stopped unless the chip unit is replaced.” If the mark (see FIG. 8) in which an exclamation point is written in the drawn yellow triangle is displayed (flashing), these are maintained.

  Furthermore, the controller 140 does not stop the printing process when the printing process is being performed. That is, the printing process is similarly maintained (column B2 in FIG. 10).

  The reason for this is as follows. That is, it is too much loss to the user to stop printing just by mounting the used chip unit 180. In addition, the display that has already been displayed without changing the display to the message “Chip unit replacement time has passed, please replace the chip unit” or the mark in FIG. ) Because changing the display increases the likelihood that the user will be surprised (impacted) and stop printing (a user who realizes that the display that has already appeared will not change) It is expected that the used chip unit 180 will be replaced with a regular chip unit 180 without any change).

<<< Processing when a read / write error occurs in the chip unit 180 >>>
When the chip unit 180 is mounted on the chip unit mounting portion 154, a read / write error (that is, read / write failure) may occur. In such a case, the controller 140 executes the following processing.

  The controller 140 executes different processes before and after the consumption counter reaches 100%. Therefore, both will be described separately below.

<Process before consumption counter reaches 100%>
If the controller 140 recognizes a read / write error before the consumption counter reaches 100%, the following processing is executed.

  That is, the controller 140 displays on the display panel 107 that a read / write error has occurred. More specifically, the message “Chip unit error, cannot be recognized correctly. Please reset or replace the chip unit.” (For convenience, this is called the chip unit error message. Column A1 in FIG. 11) and checkered. A mark (see FIG. 13) in which x is written in a red circle drawn on the background of the pattern is displayed.

  The reason why the message “whether to reset the chip unit” is included in the wording of the message is that the read / write error is temporary (for example, dust is placed between the chip unit 180 and the chip unit mounting portion 154). This is because there is a case where it is fixed without a problem if it is set again. The reason why the checkerboard pattern is adopted as the background is to emphasize the read / write error by changing the background pattern from plain.

  As described above, when the printing process is executed before the consumption counter reaches 100%, when the chip unit 180 is removed, the controller 140 stops the printing process. Therefore, when the used chip unit 180 is mounted, the printing process is already stopped (A2 column in FIG. 11).

<Process after consumption counter reaches 100%>
When the user performs the above-described ink refilling operation based on the display on the display panel after the consumption counter reaches 100%, the user first removes the chip unit 180 from the chip unit mounting portion 154. Then, the new chip unit 180 included in the new filling ink container 202 is mounted on the chip unit mounting portion 154. In such a case, when the controller 140 recognizes a read / write error, the following processing is executed.

  When the new chip unit 180 is correctly recognized (when the read / write error is not recognized), the controller 140 erases the display on the display panel. For example, with a message (B1 column in FIG. 6) that says “Chip unit replacement time, please replace the chip unit”, a mark (FIG. 8) with an exclamation point in a yellow triangle drawn on a white background. Are displayed (lit), they are erased, and a white background is displayed with a message (C1 column in FIG. 6) that says “Printing will stop temporarily unless the chip unit is replaced.” If the mark (see FIG. 8) with an exclamation mark in the drawn yellow triangle is displayed (flashing), it is erased.

  However, when the controller 140 recognizes a read / write error, a display in which the display of these messages and marks is finely corrected is performed (B1 column in FIG. 11). In other words, a mark (FIG. 8) with an exclamation mark in a yellow triangle drawn on a white background, together with a message (B1 column in FIG. 6) that says “Chip unit replacement time, please replace the chip unit”. (Refer to the above), the check mark is displayed (lit), and the check mark is slightly corrected with the message “Chip unit replacement time, please reset or replace.” A mark (see FIG. 14) with an exclamation mark in a yellow triangle drawn on the background is displayed (lighted).

  In addition, the above-mentioned mark (exclamation mark written in a yellow triangle drawn on a white background) with a message (C1 column in FIG. 6) that “Printing will be temporarily stopped unless the chip unit is replaced.” (See Fig. 8) is displayed (flashing), the message is finely corrected and the mark is displayed with the message "If the chip unit is not reset or replaced, it will stop temporarily." A mark (see FIG. 14) with an exclamation mark in a yellow triangle drawn on the corrected checkered background is displayed (flashing).

  Furthermore, the controller 140 does not stop the printing process when the printing process is being performed. That is, the printing process is similarly maintained (column B2 in FIG. 11).

  The reason for this is as follows. That is, it is too much loss to the user to stop printing just because of a read / write error. In addition, the message “Chip unit error, cannot be recognized correctly. Please reset or replace the chip unit” or the mark shown in FIG. The reason for the correction is that if the display is changed significantly, there is a high possibility that the user will be surprised (received an impact) and stop printing. It is expected that a user who has noticed that it will not be erased resets or replaces the chip unit 180 without stopping printing).

<<< Processing when Nonconforming Chip Unit 180 is Mounted on Chip Unit Mounting Section 154 >>>
As described above, when the chip unit 180 is mounted on the chip unit mounting portion 154, the controller 140 checks whether or not the chip unit 180 suitable for the chip unit mounting portion 154 is mounted properly.

  For example, when the chip unit 180 is mounted on the C ink chip unit mounting portion 154C, the ink color information is read from the chip unit 180, and the chip unit 180 is a C ink chip unit. Make sure that it is not an ink chip unit.

  In addition, when the chip unit 180 is mounted on the chip unit mounting portion 154 provided in the printer 100 that uses water-based ink, ink type information is read from the chip unit 180, and the chip unit 180 is used for water-based ink. Confirm that it is a chip unit and not a chip unit for other inks.

  In such a case, when it is confirmed that the nonconforming chip unit 180 is mounted on the chip unit mounting portion 154 (when it is confirmed that the chip unit is for the other color ink or for the other inks). In the case where the chip unit is confirmed), the controller 140 executes the following processing. That is, when the chip unit 180 is not mounted at a predetermined place (correct place), the following processing is executed.

  That is, the controller 140 displays on the display panel 107 that the attachment is incorrect. Specifically, a message “Chip unit error, cannot be recognized correctly” is displayed (F1 in FIG. 12).

  In addition to this message, the controller 140 displays a first option for confirming whether or not ink has been injected into the tank 151. Specifically, a message “Did you collate and inject the label of the ink container with this machine?” Is displayed (F1 in FIG. 12).

  Although not shown, a label is affixed to the filling ink container 202 according to the present embodiment, and the corresponding ink jet printer model number (corresponding to information indicating the type of ink) is attached to the label. And the color of the ink. On the other hand, in the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, four labels are attached to each of the four color tanks 151, and the ink color and the model number of the printer 100 are described on the label. The controller 140 then asks the user whether or not the ink has been injected by comparing the description on the label of the filling ink container 202 with the description on the label of the printer 100 main body.

  Here, when the user performs collation and injects the ink into the tank 151 as the next operation after the chip unit 180 is mounted (already performed), the user determines “Yes” (Yes) Is equivalent). Specifically, the user touches display panel 107 and selects “Yes” (however, in this embodiment, “Yes” is the default, so “Yes” is always selected. After that, “[OK] determination” is selected (F1 in FIG. 12). In the printer 100 according to the present embodiment, the same operation can be performed by pressing the operation button 105.

  When an affirmative answer is input to the first option, that is, when “yes” is selected, the controller 140 receives information indicating an affirmative answer. Then, the controller 140 that has received the information displays on the display panel 107 a prompt to replace the chip unit 180. Specifically, with a message “Chip unit error, cannot be recognized correctly. Replace the chip unit.”, A mark with a cross in a red circle drawn on a checkered background is displayed. (F2 in FIG. 12).

  This is because when the user conducts collation and injects ink into the tank 151 as the next operation after the chip unit 180 is mounted, regular ink is injected into the tank 151 (ink It is considered that there is no problem with the injection), and there is a problem (erroneous mounting) only in the mounting of the chip unit 180.

  On the other hand, in the case where the user has performed (but has already been performed) injection of ink into the tank 151 as the next operation for mounting the chip unit 180 without performing collation, The user selects “No” (corresponding to negative). In addition, even when the chip unit 180 is mounted and ink is not yet injected (hereinafter referred to as the second case), the user selects “No” (corresponding to “No”). Become.

  Specifically, the user touches the display panel 107, selects “No”, and then selects “[OK] decision” (F1 in FIG. 12).

  When a negative answer is input to the first option, that is, when “No” is selected, the controller 140 receives information indicating the negative answer. Then, the controller 140 that has received the information displays on the display panel 107 that there is an erroneous attachment and a need for verification. Specifically, a message “Chip unit error, please check the ink container and the label of this machine” is displayed (F3 in FIG. 12).

  In addition to this message, the controller 140 displays a second option as to whether or not wrong ink is contained in the tank 151. Specifically, a message “Is unspecified ink in the tank?” Is displayed (F3 in FIG. 12). It should be noted that as a second option regarding whether or not wrong ink is contained in the tank 151, a message “Have you put unspecified ink in the tank?” May be displayed. Is an expression that induces a rushed user to put unspecified ink into the tank 151, so the message F3 in FIG. 12 is more preferable.

  Here, in the case of the second case, that is, when the user has only installed the chip unit 180 and has not yet injected the ink, the user has determined “No” (corresponding to denial). ) Is selected. Specifically, the user touches the display panel 107 and selects “No” (however, in this embodiment, “No” is the default, so “No” is necessarily selected. After that, “[OK] determination” is selected (F3 in FIG. 12).

  When a negative response is input to the second option, that is, when “No” is selected, the controller 140 receives information indicating the negative response. Then, the controller 140 that has received the information displays on the display panel 107 a prompt to replace the chip unit 180. Specifically, with a message “Chip unit error, cannot be recognized correctly. Replace the chip unit.”, A mark with a cross in a red circle drawn on a checkered background is displayed. (F2 in FIG. 12).

  This is because the ink has not yet been injected into the tank 151, so it is considered that there is no problem with the ink injection, and there is a problem only in the mounting of the chip unit 180 (erroneous mounting). It is intended to let you.

  On the other hand, in the case of the first case, that is, when the user does not perform collation and performs the injection of the ink into the tank 151 as the next operation after mounting the chip unit 180 (already performed), Selects “Yes” (corresponding to affirmation). Specifically, the user touches the display panel 107, selects “Yes”, and then selects “[OK] decision” (F3 in FIG. 12).

  When an affirmative answer is input to the second option, that is, when “yes” is selected, the controller 140 receives information indicating an affirmative answer. Then, the controller 140 that has received the information displays on the display panel 107 a message prompting contact with the manufacturer of the printer 100. Specifically, a message “Service call, ink system error 2136 (note that the number on the left is the error number), please contact the above number to the service call center” is displayed (F4 in FIG. 12). In addition, it is good also as displaying the telephone number of a center, an e-mail address, and the homepage for repair application, and you may make it transmit error numbers etc. automatically to the said e-mail address and a homepage, and these are described in this application. Including the display prompting contact.

  This is because if the user does not perform collation and injects ink into the tank 151 as the next operation after mounting the chip unit 180, non-regular ink is injected into the tank 151 (ink There is a problem with the injection), and there is a possibility that the printer 100 may be damaged (the inks different from each other are mixed in the tank 151 and the printer 100 becomes substantially unusable). Such a display (for example, a display for calling a service engineer) is performed.

  In such a case, a button for turning off the power is displayed on the display panel 107 in order to prohibit the use of the printer 100 until the problem is solved (for example, until the service engineer arrives) (FIG. 12). F4). The user touches the display panel 107, selects the button, and turns off the printer 100.

  By the way, although the user waits for the arrival of the service engineer after turning off the power, the user may fall into a situation where the printer 100 must be used with a preparedness for breakage due to urgent business. The printer 100 according to the present embodiment can cope with such a situation for the purpose of emphasizing user convenience.

  When the user turns on the power to use the printer 100, the controller 140 displays a message “ink mixing error, ink system error 2136” on the display panel 107. In addition to this message, Display a third choice as to whether repairs have been performed. Specifically, a message “Are you repaired by us or our designated service engineer?” Is displayed (F5 in FIG. 12).

  Here, when the user is in the above situation, the user can select “Yes” (corresponding to affirmation). Specifically, the user touches the display panel 107, selects “Yes”, and then selects “[OK] decision” (F5 in FIG. 12). Originally, it is assumed that “Yes” is selected when the printer 100 returns to a normal state after repair. In this way, “Yes” can be selected at the user's discretion even in an unrepaired state. It has become.

  When an affirmative answer is input to the third option, that is, when “Yes” is selected, the controller 140 puts the printer 100 in a standby state so that the user can use the printer 100. To do.

  In this embodiment, the controller 140 is configured to log when “Yes” is selected, so that the above operation was performed when the service engineer later came to repair. Can be understood.

  On the other hand, when the user waits for repair, the user selects “No” (corresponding to negative). Specifically, the user touches the display panel 107 and selects “No” (however, in this embodiment, “No” is the default, so “No” is necessarily selected. After that, “[OK] decision” is selected (F5 in FIG. 12).

  When a negative answer is input to the third option, that is, when “No” is selected, the controller 140 displays F4 in FIG. 12 on the display panel 107 again. .

=== Effectiveness of Control Unit According to this Embodiment ===
As described above, the control unit (the controller 140 corresponds to this) according to the present embodiment attaches the chip unit 180 to the printer 100 (specifically, the chip unit mounting unit 154 of the printer 100). When it is not mounted in a predetermined place, the fact that it is erroneously mounted and a first option for confirming whether or not ink has been injected into the tank 151 are displayed (F1 in FIG. 12). When a negative answer is input to the first option, a second option is displayed as to whether or not wrong ink is contained in the tank 151 (F2 in FIG. 12).

  Therefore, as described above, after properly separating the case where the regular ink is injected into the tank 151 and the case where it is not (that is, the first case and the second case), an appropriate countermeasure is presented to the user. can do. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when an affirmative answer is input to the second option, a display prompting contact with the manufacturer of the printer 100 is performed.

  Therefore, as described above, the first case and the second case can be appropriately separated, and a countermeasure suitable for the first case can be presented to the user. Therefore, user convenience is further improved.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid ejecting apparatus (liquid ejecting apparatus) is embodied as an ink jet printer, but a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects or ejects liquid other than ink may be employed. The present invention can be used for various liquid ejecting apparatuses including a liquid ejecting head that ejects an amount of liquid droplets. In addition, a droplet means the state of the liquid discharged from the said liquid ejecting apparatus, and shall also include what pulls a tail in granular shape, tear shape, and thread shape. The liquid here may be any material that can be ejected by the liquid ejecting apparatus. For example, it may be in the state when the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a liquid state with high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (metal melts ) And a liquid as one state of a substance, as well as a material in which particles of a functional material made of a solid such as a pigment or metal particles are dissolved, dispersed or mixed in a solvent. Further, representative examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiment. Here, the ink includes general water-based inks and oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. As a specific example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, for example, a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, a surface emitting display, a color filter, or the like in a dispersed or dissolved state. It may be a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting, a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a bio-organic material used for biochip manufacturing, a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting a liquid as a sample used as a precision pipette, a printing apparatus, a microdispenser, or the like. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto the substrate or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as an acid or an alkali to etch the substrate may be employed. The present invention can be applied to any one of these injection devices.

  In the above-described embodiment, the so-called refill type (type having the tank 151 that can be refilled with ink) printer 100 has been described as an example. However, the printer 100 can be applied to other types of printers 100 such as a so-called cartridge type. In some cases.

  In the above embodiment, various displays are performed on the display panel 107 provided in the printer 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a display device of a computer in which a printer driver is installed (Display) may be performed. In this case, the display control is performed in cooperation with the printer driver or the printer driver and the controller 140. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the controller 140 has been described as an example of the control unit. However, the controller 140 is not limited to this and may be a printer driver. The printer driver and controller 140 may be used.

  1 printing paper, 3 computer, 100 printer, 101 paper feed tray, 102 paper outlet, 103 front cover, 105 operation buttons, 107 display panel, 110 carriage, 112 ejection head, 114 drive mechanism, 116 paper feed mechanism, 117 ink Tube, 130 guide rail, 140 controller, 141 interface unit, 142 CPU, 143 unit control unit, 144 memory, 150 tank case, 151 tank, 151Y Y ink tank, 151M M ink tank, 151C C ink Tank, tank for 151BK BK ink, 152 confirmation window (opening), 153 lid, 154 chip unit mounting part, chip unit mounting part for 154Y Y ink, chip unit for 154MM ink Chip mounting unit, 154CC ink chip unit mounting unit, 154BK BK ink chip unit mounting unit, 156 chip unit read / write unit, 156Y Y ink chip unit read / write unit, 156MM ink chip unit read / write unit Chip unit read / write unit for 156CC ink, chip unit read / write unit for 156BK BK ink, 158 detector group, 159 ink end detector, 180 chip unit, 200 filling ink, 202 filling ink container, 204 package.

Claims (3)

A tank that can contain liquid and has a lid, and can be filled with the liquid by opening the lid ;
A control unit for managing the amount of liquid stored in the tank;
A chip unit mounting unit to which a chip unit for updating the amount of liquid managed by the control unit is mounted;
A display panel for displaying a message,
The controller is
If the chip unit mounted when filling the liquid to the tank is spent chip unit which is used to already displays a first message to the display panel,
Liquid that displays a second message different from the first message on the display panel when the color information corresponding to the chip unit mounting portion is different from the color information corresponding to the mounted chip unit. Injection device. The said control part displays the 3rd message different from the said 1st message and the said 2nd message on the said display panel, when the mounted | worn chip unit cannot be read normally . Liquid ejector. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit manages the amount of the liquid stored in the tank by estimating the amount of liquid used.